September 2, 2016

350 years ago
1666

Disasters
The Great Fire of London broke out and burned for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral.

120 years ago
1896

Born on this date
Amanda Randolph. U.S. musician and actress. Miss Randolph was a jazz pianist, singer, and composer from the 1910s through the early '30s, but was best known for her work in radio and television, appearing in numerous programs. She became the first Negress to star in a regularly-scheduled program on American network television when the comedy series The Laytons aired on the Dumont network (August-October 1948), and was the first Negress to have her own show on daytime television when she hosted the weekday musical program Amanda (1948-1949). Miss Randolph played Sapphire's mother Ramona Smith in the radio (1951-1954) and television (1951-1953) comedy series Amos 'n' Andy, and starred as the title character in the radio comedy series Beulah (1953-1954). She died of a stroke on August 24, 1967, nine days before her 71st birthday.

100 years ago
1916

Born on this date
Ömer Lütfi Akad. Turkish film director. Mr. Akad directed more than 100 movies from 1948-1974. He died on November 19, 2011 at the age of 95.

80 years ago
1936

Died on this date
George Tkach. U.S. baseball player. Mr. Tkach, who played for Superior in the Northern League, died from the effects of being hit by a pitch on August 27.

75 years ago
1941

Died on this date
Lloyd Seay, 21. U.S. auto racing driver. Mr. Seay, a native of Georgia, was a pioneering stock car driver. He was shot to death by his cousin Woodrow Anderson in a dispute over a moonshine operation that they were involved in.

War
German forces claimed to have advanced to within 20 miles of Leningrad. U.K. Royal Air Force bombers carried out one of their heaviest attacks in several months on Berlin.

Diplomacy
The New York Herald Tribune reported that Japanese Prime Minister Prince Fumimaro Konoye had invited U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to confer with him aboard a Japanese warship in the Pacific on the subject of improving relations between the countries.

Economics and finance
McGill University Principal Cyril James established the Dominion Government's Advisory Committee on Reconstruction (James Committee), which ran until the fall of 1943.

70 years ago
1946

Hit parade
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 To Each His Own--Eddy Howard and his Orchestra with Eddy Howard and Trio (4th week at #1)
--Freddy Martin and his Orchestra with Stuart Wade
--Tony Martin
--The Modernaires with Paula Kelly
--The Ink Spots
2 Surrender--Perry Como
--Woody Herman and his Orchestra
3 Five Minutes More--Frank Sinatra
--The Three Suns
--Tex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra
4 Doin' What Comes Natur'lly--Dinah Shore and Spade Cooley and his Orchestra
--Freddy Martin and his Orchestra
--Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra
5 They Say it's Wonderful--Perry Como
--Frank Sinatra
6 The Gypsy--The Ink Spots
--Dinah Shore
--Sammy Kaye and his "Swing and Sway" Orchestra
7 The House of Blue Lights--Freddie Slack and his Orchestra
--The Andrews Sisters and Eddie Heywood and his Orchestra
8 Prisoner of Love--Perry Como
--The Ink Spots
9 I Don't Know Enough About You--The Mills Brothers
--Peggy Lee
10 Blue Skies--Count Basie and his Orchestra
--Benny Goodman and his Orchestra

Singles entering the chart were the version of Five Minutes More by Tex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra; This is Always, with versions by Harry James and his Orchestra; and Jo Stafford (#19); Choo Choo Ch' Boogie by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five (#21); I've Never Forgotten by Bob Crosby and his Orchestra (#29); Rika Jika Jack by Stan Kenton and his Orchestra (#32); and Why Does it Get So Late So Early?, with versions by Harry James and his Orchestra; and Dick Haymes and Helen Forrest (#33).

On the radio
The Casebook of Gregory Hood, starring Gale Gordon and Howard McNear, on MBS
Tonight`s episode: Murder on the Archery Range

Died on this date
George Barringer, 40. U.S. auto racing driver. George Robson, 37. U.K.-born U.S. auto racing driver. Mr. Barringer competed on the American Automobile Association championship circuit, and participated in six Indianapolis 500s from 1934-1946. Mr. Robson was born in England before moving to Ontario and eventually settling in Indiana. He participated in three Indianapolis 500s, winning in 1946. The two men were killed when their cars collided near the end of the Atlanta 100.



War
The United Kingdom filed an $11.2-billion reparations claim against Italy at the Paris Peace Conference, reportedly hoping the move would force a study of Italy's ability to pay.

The Philippine government began a drive against Hukbalahap guerrillas in central Luzon who had failed to surrender their arms by September 1.

Diplomacy
Praising the Argentine Congress's ratification by of the Act of Chapultepec and the United Nations Charter, Argentine President Juan Peron told diplomats that misuderstandings between Argentina and other Western Hemisphere nations were now at an end.

Defense
The Panamanian National Assembly passed a resolution calling for the United States to relinquish immediately the 131 defense bases in Panama granted during World War II.

Politics and government
The Interim Government of India was formed, headed by Jawaharlal Nehru as Vice President, with the powers of a Prime Minister. The Executive Council was composed of both Hindus and Muslims.

Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan General Douglas MacArthur warned that the customary regimentation of the Japanese people may make them "easy prey" for Communism. Middle-level U.S. State Department officials in Washington criticized Gen. MacArthur's statement as "unwarranted."

Literature
The U.S.S.R. newspaper Pravda announced that the Soviet Communist Party had ordered Ukrainian authors to stop trying to spread Ukrainian nationalism.

Agriculture
A world food survey showed a continued gap of eight million tons between world food needs and supplies.

Economics and finance
The U.S. Office of Price Administration authorized price increases of 10% on wool fabrics.

Auto racing
George Connor won the Atlanta 100 on a dirt track at Lakewood Speedway, with Steve Truchan finishing second and Emil Andres third in the 11-car field. The race was marred by the fatal crash that killed George Robson and George Barringer.

Alvin Johnston won the Thompson Trophy Race in Cleveland, averaging 373.908 miles per hour over the 300-mile distance in a Bell Airacobra.

Football
CRU
IRFU-ORFU
Pre-season
Toronto Argonauts 17 Toronto Balmy Beach 7
Ottawa Rough Riders 27 Ottawa Trojans 10

60 years ago
1956

Diplomacy
Egyptian President Gamal Nasser rejected international control of the Suez Canal as "a form of collective colonization," but promised "to sign any agreement" guaranteeing free passage through the canal.

The People's Republic of China rejected the U.S. demand for compensation for a recently-downed U.S. Navy Patrol plane.

Defense
The U.S.S.R. detonated the third nuclear explosion in its current test series at its Siberian proving grounds.

Politics and government
U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower offered Democratic presidential nominee Adlai Stevenson an opportunity to receive periodic Central Intelligence Agency briefings on international developments so that U.S. foreign relations would not be injured by election campaign controversy.

Protest
600 combat-equipped U.S. National Guardsmen moved into Clinton, Tennessee to prevent further violence by demonstrators protesting racial integration of the city's high schools.

Religion
The Evangelical and Reformed Church convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania approved plans for the creation of the United Church of Christ in the United States.

Disasters
A railroad bridge collapsed near Mahbubnagar, India, killing at least 114 passengers aboard the train that was crossing the bridge at the time.

50 years ago
1966

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand: Daydream--The Lovin' Spoonful (3rd week at #1)

Edmonton's Top 10 (CJCA)
1 Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby--The Beatles (2nd week at #1)
2 Born a Woman--Sandy Posey
3 Sunshine Superman--Donovan
4 Somewhere, My Love--Ray Conniff and the Singers
5 Lil' Red Riding Hood--Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
6 I Couldn't Live Without Your Love--Petula Clark
7 Hey Joe!--The Enemys
8 Bus Stop--The Hollies
9 The Dangling Conversation--Simon and Garfunkel
10 Black is Black--Los Bravos
Pick hit of the week: My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died--Roger Miller
New this week: Here We Are Again--The Beau Brummels
Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo--Alan Price Set
Muddy, Muddy River--The Shacklefords
We Can't Go On This Way--Teddy and the Pandas
I Chose to Sing the Blues--Ray Charles

Labour
The Canadian Parliament passed legislation to end a week-long national railway strike.

Football
CFL
British Columbia (1-5) 6 @ Edmonton (4-3) 13

Randy Kerbow scored twice on 1-yard quarterback sneaks and directed an effective rushing attack as the Eskimos defeated the Lions before 19,930 fans at Clarke Stadium. B.C. quarterback Joe Kapp scored on a 1-yard rush of his own late in the game to break up the Edmonton bid for a shutout. It was the last game for Edmonton middle linebacker Jim Stinnette, who suffered a career-ending torn achilles tendon. It was also the last game for B.C. defensive back Mack Burton, who had spen four seasons as a split end before moving to defense for 1966.

40 years ago
1976

Terrorism
The European Commission on Human Rights reported that some British officials had tortured suspected terrorists in Northern Ireland in 1971.

Hockey
Canada Cup
Canada 11 Finland 2

30 years ago
1986

Crime
Cathy Eveyln Smith, a backup singer born in Burlington, Ontario, was sentenced in Los Angeles to three years in jail for involuntary manslaughter in the March 5, 1982 death of comedian John Belushi, killed by a drug overdose.

Business
Canadian Pacific divested itself of its 52.5% holding in Cominco. Teck Corporation, the buyer, sold 14.25 million shares to the public for $13.50 each.

25 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Say Yes--Chage and Aska (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): You Could Be Mine--Guns N' Roses (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Germany (Media Control): Bacardi Feeling (Summer Dreamin')--Kate Yanai (3rd week at #1)

Died on this date
Alfonso García Robles, 80. Mexican diplomat and politician. Mr. García Robles held various diplomatic posts, and served as Mexico's Foreign Minister from 1975-1976. He and Alva Myrdal shared the 1982 Nobel Peace Prize "[for] their magnificent work in the disarmament negotiations of the United Nations, where they have both played crucial roles and won international recognition."

Tennis
Jimmy Connors celebrated his 39th birthday with a five-set victory over Aaron Krickstein in the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open men's singles in a match that took 4 hours and 42 minutes.

Football
CFL
Toronto (6-3) 24 @ Hamilton (1-8) 48

Mike Kerrigan completed 29 of 40 passes for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Tiger-Cats to their upset win over the Argonauts before 18,461 fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium. It was the only CFL game for Toronto running back Paul Palmer, who recorded 2 carries for 6 yards and 1 kickoff return for 60.



Edmonton (5-4) 36 @ Calgary (7-2) 48

The Stampeders were leading the Eskimos 41-15 at McMahon Stadium before Edmonton quarterback Tracy Ham rallied the Eskimos to three straight touchdowns. Just when it looked as though the Eskimos would complete the comeback, Mr. Ham fumbled, and the Stampeders recovered and produced a late touchdown to clinch the victory before 32,511 fans.



20 years ago
1996

Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Spinning the Wheel--George Michael (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Norway (VG-lista): Wannabe--Spice Girls (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Germany (Media Control): Killing Me Softly--The Fugees (9th week at #1)

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Change the World--Eric Clapton (5th week at #1)
2 Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)--John Mellencamp
3 Free to Decide--The Cranberries
4 You Learn--Alanis Morissette
5 Jerk--Kim Stockwood
6 Tucker's Town--Hootie & the Blowfish
7 Who Will Save Your Soul--Jewel
8 Until it Sleeps--Metallica
9 The Good in Everyone--Sloan
10 6th Avenue Heartache--The Wallflowers

Singles entering the chart were If it Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow (#78); New Beginning by Tracy Chapman (#80); Test for Echo by Hush (#87); As Long as it Matters by Gin Blossoms (#93); Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette (#94); Liquid by Jars of Clay (#97); and Wrapped Around Your Finger by Dan Hill (#98).

Music
This blogger was in attendance with enjoyable female company as the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Under the Sky series concluded at Hawrelak Park.

Football
CFL
Toronto (9-1) 38 @ Hamilton (4-6) 7

The Adrion Smith's 71-yard interception return for a touchdown contributed to a 25-point 3rd quarter for the Argonauts as they routed the Tiger-Cats before 27,527 fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium. It was the only CFL game for Hamilton kicker Marc Crombeen, who kicked off twice for a total of 125 yards.



Edmonton (6-4) 13 @ Calgary (9-1) 31

The Stampeders trailed 13-7 in the 3rd quarter, but rallied for 24 straight points to beat the Eskimos before 35,314 fans at McMahon Stadium. Edmonton quarterback Danny McManus had a terrible game and failed to produce a touchdown. Defensive back Kavis Reed returned an inerception for the only Edmonton touchdown in the 2nd quarter, and the Edmonton defense kept the team ahead until Calgary quarterback Jeff Garcia finally achieved success, rushing for one touchdown and passing for another.



10 years ago
2006

Died on this date
Bob Mathias, 75. U.S. decathlete and politician. Mr. Mathias won the gold medal in decathlon in the Summer Olympic Games in both 1948 and 1952, and also played fullback for the Stanford University football team in the early 1950s. Mr. Mathias represented California's 18th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives as a Republican from 1967-1975. He died of cancer.

War
In Operation Medusa, Canadian forces joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization troops and Afghan forces as they took part in a massive ground offensive in Panjwai District, a Taliban stronghold in the Afghan province of Kandahar. It was the largest single action by Canadian forces since World War II.

Football
CIS
Montréal 21 @ Laval 25



Manitoba (1-0) 34 @ Regina (0-1) 24
Alberta (0-1) 6 @ Saskatchewan (1-0) 27
Calgary (0-1) 16 @ British Columbia (1-0) 22