February 7, 2018

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Sherri Pierce!

1,700 years ago
318

Died on this date
Min, 17 or 18. Emperor of China, 313-316. Min, born Sima Ye, was the last emperor of the Jin Dynasty and the last of the Western Jin emperors. He was supported as Emperor by Jin forces after the capture of his uncle Emperor Huai and the death of his father Prince Yan. Emperor Min surrendered to forces of Han Zhao General Liu Yao, the Prince of Zhongshan, in 316, and was executed by Han Zhao Emperor Liu Cong.

325 years ago
1693

Born on this date
Anna. Empress of Russia, 1730-1740. Anna Ivanovna, the daughter of Czar Ivan V and half-niece of Peter the Great, was chosen by the Russian Supreme Privy Council to succeed her half-nephew Czar Peter II, who had died childless. She governed as an autocrat, but continued Peter the Great's policies of Westernization. Empress Anna died on October 28, 1740 at the age of 47 from the prolonged effects of a large kidney stone, and declared her infant grandnephew Ivan VI as her successor.

140 years ago
1878

Died on this date
Pius IX, 85. Roman Catholic Pope, 1846-1878. Pius IX, born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti, sat on the papal throne for 31 years and 9 months, longer than any other elected pope (so far). He was also the sovereign ruler of the Papal States; he was regarded as a secular ruler of the Papal States, although the Roman Catholic Church and its members were given more rights than others. Pope Pius IX liberalized conditions in the Papal States to some extent, such as opening the Jewish Ghetto, but his later actions, including the reinstitution of the Jewish Ghetto, were more reactionary. Pope Pius IX published a record 38 encyclicals and defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 1854, but is probably best known for convening the First Vatican Council in 1869. Vatican I came to a premature end in 1870 after Italian troops captured Rome and the Papal States, but not before the doctrine of papal infallibility was promulgated. The government of the Kingdom of Italy, which had incorporated the Papal States, passed the Law of Guarantees, which would have made the Holy See dependent on legislation subject to modification by the Italian parliament. Pope Pius IX protested by refusing to set foot outside the Vatican for the remainder of his life. He was succeeded as Pope by Leo XIII.

125 years ago
1893

Born on this date
Joseph Algernon Pearce. Canadian astrophysicist. Dr. Pearce, a native of Brantford, Ontario, was known for studies on the structure of Milky Way and O-type stars, and was Assistant Director (1935-1940) and Director (1940-1951) of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich, British Columbia. He was President of the Royal Society of Canada from 1949-1950. Dr. Pearce died in Victoria on September 8, 1988 at the age of 95.

120 years ago
1898

Journalism
French writer Émile Zola was brought to trial for libel for publishing J'accuse, his view of the Dreyfus affair.

100 years ago
1918

Died on this date
Alexander Taneyev, 68. Russian composer. Mr. Taneyev was a high-ranking government official who was also a pianist who wrote two operas, four symphonies, pieces for piano, and orchestral and chamber works. He died three weeks after his 68th birthday.

Art
Canada became the first nation in the world to officially commission war artists.

Economics and finance
The Canadian cabinet of Prime Minister Robert Borden set up the War Purchasing Board, with authority to make all purchases for the government.

80 years ago
1938

Died on this date
Harvey Firestone, 69. U.S. industrialist. Mr. Firestone founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1900. He was part of a social circle called the "Millionaires' Club," which included Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Mr. Firestone died of a heart attack.

75 years ago
1943

War
U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill returned to London after his tour of North Africa and Turkey. Russian forces recaptured Azov on the Don River and Olginsk, clearing the entire southern bank of the Don and bringing Rostov within artillery distance. Japanese forces completed their evacuation from Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands during Operation Ke, ending Japanese attempts to retake the island from Allied forces in the Guadalcanal Campaign.

Diplomacy
Peru announced its adherence to the United Nations charter, becoming the 32nd nation to do so.

Economics and finance
The U.S. Office of Price Administration ordered the suspension of shoe sales until February 9, at which time they would be rationed to three pairs per person for the remainder of 1943.

70 years ago
1948

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard) (Best Seller): Ballerina--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (9th week at #1)

U.S. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Ballerina--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (7th week at #1)
--Bing Crosby with the Rhythmaires
--Buddy Clark
2 Serenade of the Bells--Sammy Kaye and his "Swing and Sway" Orchestra
--Jo Stafford
--Kay Kyser and his Orchestra
3 Golden Earrings--Peggy Lee
4 How Soon (Will I Be Seeing You)--Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra
--Bing Crosby and Carmen Cavallaro
--Jack Owens
--Dinah Shore
5 Too Fat Polka (I Don’t Want Her) (You Can Have Her) (She’s Too Fat for Me)--Arthur Godfrey
6 I'll Dance at Your Wedding--Ray Noble and his Orchestra with Buddy Clark
--Peggy Lee
7 Civilization (Bongo, Bongo, Bongo)--Danny Kaye and the Andrews Sisters
--Louis Prima and his Orchestra
--Jack Smith and the Clark Sisters
--Ray McKinley and his Orchestra
--Woody Herman and his Orchestra
8 Near You--Francis Craig and his Orchestra
--Larry Green and his Orchestra
--The Andrews Sisters
--Alvino Rey and his Orchestra
--Elliot Lawrence and his Orchestra
9 Pass That Peace Pipe--Margaret Whiting
--Beryl Davis
10 I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover--Art Mooney and his Orchestra
--The Three Suns

Singles entering the chart were Manana (Is Soon Enough for Me) (#27)/All Dressed Up with a Broken Heart (#38) by Peggy Lee; Passing Fancy by Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra (#34); What'll I Do, with versions by Frank Sinatra; and the King Cole Trio (#37); and I'm My Own Grandmaw by Jo Stafford (#40).

War
Nationalist Chinese forces reported continuing Communist attacks in the Mukden area and other parts of southern Manchuria.

Terrorism
U.S. authorities in southern Korea reported an outbreak of Communist-led sabotage and strikes against transit lines and communications, resulting in 27 deaths, 150 arrests, and 50 damaged locomotives. A "General Strike Committee of South Korea" demanded immediate evacuation of U.S. troops and creation of a "People's Republic" in Korea.

World events
The Indian government seized the administration of Alwar State near New Delhi, a stronghold of Hindu nationalists.

Diplomacy
France and Spain agreed to reopen their frontier, officially closed for two years.

Defense
General Dwight D. Eisenhower officially turned over the office of Chief of Staff of the United States Army to General Omar Bradley in a Pentagon ceremony, and received his third Distinguished Service Medal oakleaf cluster from President Harry Truman.

The United Nations Palestine Commission urged the United Kingdom to allow militia training among Palestinian Jews and Arabs, so that both groups would have defense forces when the British madate expired.

Politics and government
Poland's Peasant Party abandoned its role as a legal opposition and joined the Communist-dominated government coalition.

The Southern Governors Conference urged Southern Democrats in the United States to study President Harry Truman's civil rights proposals during a 40-day "cooling-off" period. The conference rejected a proposal of Mississippi Governor Fielding Wright that Southerners leave the Democratic Party.

The Governors of Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Michigan ended a conference in Des Moines by voring to form a Midwestern Governors Conference of 12 states.

Scandal
Edwin Pauley resigned as special assistant to U.S. Army Secretary Kenneth Royal, following disclosures of Mr. Pauley's commodity exchange speculations.

Track and field
Gil Dodds set an indoor record for the mile, running the distance in 4 minutes 8.1 seconds in Boston.

60 years ago
1958

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Jailhouse Rock--Elvis Presley (3rd week at #1)

On television tonight
Harbor Command, starring Wendell Corey
Tonight's episode: Contraband Diamonds

Space
The United States Defense Department established the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) as the first American space body.

Law
The U.K. House of Commons approved a "children's charter" legally establishing the rights of children involved in divorce or separation cases.

Economics and finance
The Indian government accepted a British loan of $45 million to ease Indian foreign exchange shortages.

Health
Columbia University scientists reported that nuclear detonations during the past year had increased by 33% the concentration of radioactive strontium 90 in human bodies.

50 years ago
1968

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (Record Retailer): Everlasting Love--Love Affair (2nd week at #1)

Australia's top 10 (Go-Set)
1 Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)--Johnny Farnham (2nd week at #1)
2 Hello Goodbye/I Am the Walrus--The Beatles
3 Daydream Believer--The Monkees
4 Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)--John Fred and his Playboy Band
5 The Rain, The Park and Other Things--The Cowsills
6 World/Sir Geoffrey Saved the World--The Bee Gees
7 Tin Soldier/I Feel Much Better--Small Faces
8 She's a Rainbow--The Rolling Stones
9 The Last Waltz--Engelbert Humperdinck
10 She (EP)--The Monkees

Singles entering the chart were Bottle of Wine by the Fireballs (#27); Am I that Easy to Forget by Engelbert Humperdinck (#32); Dear Eloise by the Hollies (#34); The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde by Georgie Fame (#35); and Woman, Woman by the Union Gap (#36).

Died on this date
Nick Adams, 36. U.S. actor. Mr. Adams, born Nicholas Adamshock, starred in the television series The Rebel on ABC from 1959-1961, and Saints and Sinners on NBC in 1962-1963. He was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for his role in Twilight of Honor in 1963; his other movie credits included Mister Roberts (1955); Picnic (1955); Teacher's Pet (1958); and The Interns (1962). Mr. Adams had a small role in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), and was one of several members of that cast to die an early death, which in his case was from an apparent drug overdose. He was found dead in his bedroom with his back against the wall and his eyes wide open. Some have speculated that he was murdered, but it was reported that bottles of prescription drugs were found in his bathroom.

War
Langvei, a South Vietnamese base for special operations into Laos and North Vietnam, fell to Communist forces.

Diplomacy
U.K. Prime Minister Harold Wilson arrived in Washington to begin a two-day state visit; he and U.S. President Lyndon Johnson discussed Vietnam peace negotiations.

United Nations Secretary-General U Thant began a week-long tour of Asian and European capitals.

Crime
U.S. President Johnson delivered a message to Congress outlining a series of proposals to deal with crime in the United States, and said that $557 million in federal expenditures would be needed in this area in fiscal 1969. His proposals ranged from passage of the Safe Streets & Crime Control Act proposed on February 6, 1967 to effective gun control laws and a Right to Privacy Act. President Johnson made it clear that states and cities had the major responsibility for the control and prevention of crime.

Economics and finance
The $100-million Andean Development Corporation Accord was signed in Bogota by representatives of Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

40 years ago
1978

On television tonight
Family, on ABC
Tonight's episode: And Baby Makes Three

Died on this date
Daniel Richard, 17. Canadian hockey player. A member of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Mr. Richard collapsed at a practice and died of a "very rare" congenital heart condition.

Television
Carol Burnett and her husband Joe Hamilton announced that the current season of The Carol Burnett Show would be the last, after 11 years.

War
Syrian-dominated Arab peacekeeping forces began three days of clashes in Beirut against Lebanese army regulars and Christian militiamen.

Hockey
CHL
Salt Lake City 5 @ Kansas City 3

30 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Never Gonna Give You Up--Rick Astley

#1 single in Switzerland: Heaven is a Place on Earth--Belinda Carlisle (2nd week at #1)

Football
NFL
Pro Bowl @ Aloha Stadium, Honololu
AFC 15 NFC 6

Buffalo Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly rushed 1 yard late in the 2nd quarter for the game's only touchdown to help the American Football Conference defeat the National Football Conference before 50,113 fans. Dean Biasucci of the Indianapolis Colts converted and added 2 field goals in the 3rd quarter, and the AFC defense added a safety touch in the 4th quarter. Morten Andersen of the New Orleans Saints kicked 2 field goals for the NFC in the 2nd quarter. The teams combined for 10 turnovers--5 lost fumbles and 5 interceptions. Buffalo defensive end Bruce Smith recorded 5 tackles and 2 sacks, and was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

25 years ago
1993

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand: I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Austria (Ö3): I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): This Time/Life Without You--Christy Moore (3rd week at #1)

Died on this date
Alexandra, 72. Queen consort of Yugoslavia, 1944-1945. Alexandra, the posthumous daughter of King Alexander of Greece, became Queen consort of Yugoslavia when she married King Peter II while in exile in Britain, but the monarchy ended on November 29, 1945 when Yugoslavian President Marshal Josip Broz Tito proclaimed the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, making her the country's last queen. King Peter turned to drink afterwards and died in 1970, while Queen Alexandra reacted with depression and suicide attempts. She died of cancer.

Politics and government
The Progressive Citizens' Party won 12 of 25 seats in the Landtag in the Liechtensteinian general election. The Patriotic Union won 11 seats, and the Free List won the remaining 2 seats, their first ever.

Football
NFL
Pro Bowl @ Aloha Stadium, Honololu
AFC 23 NFC 20 (OT)

Nick Lowery of the Kansas City Chiefs kicked a 33-yard field goal at 4:09 of overtime to give the American Football Conference its win over the National Football Conference before 50,007 fans in a game that was dominated by the NFC everywhere but the scoreboard.

20 years ago
1998

Hockey
NHL
Florida 2 @ Toronto 3