February 7, 2008

250 years ago
1758

Canadiana
The governor of Nova Scotia proclaimed a resolution organizing the first popularly elected legislature in Canada (more accurately, in the area that would eventually become part of Canada).

90 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.

50 years ago
1958

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

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

40 years ago
1968

Died on this date
Nick Adams, 36. U.S. actor. Mr. Adams starred in the television series The Rebelon 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 (1961). 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.

30 years ago
1978

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.

20 years ago
1988

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

10 years ago
1998

Olympics
Emperor Akihito of Japan officially opened the Winter Olympics in Nagano.