December 26, 2011

530 years ago
1481

War
Hollander forces defeated troops of Utrecht in the Battle of Westbroek.

260 years ago
1751

Born on this date
George Gordon. U.K. military officer and politician. Lord Gordon, a member of a noble family in Scotland, represented Ludgershall in the House of Commons, and was known for his criticism of all political factions. He founded the Protestant Association in 1778 and led it in opposition to limited rights for Roman Catholics. On June 2, 1780, Lord Gordon led a crowd of 50,000 in London opposed to Catholic emancipation; their actions, initially peaceful, descended into anti-Catholic violence, and became known as the "Gordon riots." Lord Gordon was charged with high treason, but was acquitted in 1781 for lack of treasonable intent. He was excommunicated from the Church of England in 1786, and converted to Orthodox Judaism in 1787, the year he was convicted of defaming Marie Antoinette, French Ambassador to Great Britain Jean-Balthazar d'Adhémar, and the administration of justice in England. Lord Gordon died from typhoid fever in Newgate Prison on November 1, 1793 at the age of 41.

220 years ago
1791

Born on this date
Charles Babbage. U.K. mathematician and engineer. Mr. Babbage was a polymath who has been called the "father of the computer" for devising the Difference Engine, the first mechanical computer, in the 1820s, and the Analytical Engine in 1837. He died of cystitis and kidney failure on October 18, 1871 at the age of 79.

Politics and government
The Constitutional Act 1791, passed by the British Parliament on June 19, went into effect, dividing the Province of Québec along the Ottawa River into Upper Canada and Lower Canada, each with a Lieutenant-Governor and a Legislature. Lower Canada kept the French civil law (Code civil). The so-called Canada Act gave the colonies their first powers to pass duties for revenue, a form of responsible government, but the governors and council retain the right to control revenue from the sale of Crown Lands, letting them bypass the Assembly. Guy Carleton, Lord Dorchester, was sworn in as Governor of Lower Canada. Members of the Legislative Council were: Chief Justices William Smith and Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry; Hugh Finlay; François-Marie Picoté de Belestre; Thomas Dunn; Paul-Roch de Saint-Ours; Edward Harrison; François Baby; John Collins; Joseph-Dominique-Emmanuel Le Moyne de Longueuil; Adam Mabane; Charles-Louis Tarieu de Lanaudière; George Pownall; René-Amable Boucher de Boucherville; and John Fraser. The Executive Council consisted of: William Smith; Paul-Roch de Saint-Ours; Hugh Finlay; François Baby; Thomas Dunn; Joseph de Longueuil; Adam Mabane; Pierre Panet; and Adam Lymburner.

200 years ago
1811

Died on this date
Abraham B. Venable, 53. U.S. politician. Mr. Venable, a Democratic-Republican, represented Virginia's 6th (1791-1793) and 7th (1793-1799) Districts in the U.S. House of Representatives, and represented Prince Edward County in the Virginia House of Delegates (1800-1803). He represented Virginia in the U.S. Senate (1803-1804), filling a vacancy, and resigned to serve as president of the Bank of Virginia. Mr. Venable was one of the victims of the Richmond Theatre fire.

George William Smith, 49. U.S. politician. Mr. Smith, a Democratic-Republican, represented Essex County and then Richmond (1802-1808) in the Virginia House of Delegates, and was Lieutenant Governor and served two brief terms as acting Governor before being elected in his own right. He had been in office for less than nine months when he died in the Richmond Theatre fire.

Disasters
A fire at the Richmond Theatre in Richmond, Virginia killed 72 of the 598 people in attendance. In addition to Messrs. Venable and Smith, the victims included many members of Richmond's high society. The fire was the worst urban disaster in American history to that date.

150 years ago
1861

Diplomacy
Confederate diplomatic envoys James Murray Mason and John Slidell were freed by the United States government, thus heading off a possible war between the United States and the United Kingdom.

140 years ago
1871

Opera
Thespis, the first collaboration between lyricist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, received its premiere performance at the Gaiety Theatre in London.

120 years ago
1891

Born on this date
Henry Miller. U.S. writer and artist. Mr. Miller wrote travel memoirs and literary criticism, and painted watercolours, but was primarily known for his novels Tropic of Cancer (1934) and Tropic of Capricorn (1939), which weren't published in the United States for many years on grounds of obscenity. He died from circulatory problems on June 7, 1980 at the age of 88.

110 years ago
1901

Radio
Two weeks after receiving the first transatlantic radio signal at Signal Hill in St. John's Newfoundland, Guglielmo Marconi arrived in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Anglo-American Telegraph Company, owner of the undersea cable and holder of a monopoly of telegraphy in the province, notified him that it would take legal action unless he immediately ceased his wireless experiments and removed his equipment from Newfoundland. Mr. Marconi conferred with Nova Scotia Premier George Murray, William Smith of the Canadian Post Office, Mayor Mckenzie of North Sydney, and the Honourable J.N. Armstrong, a prominent local politician and member of the Nova Scotia cabinet. They urged him to set up shop in Cape Breton, and sent him on to Ottawa two days later.

80 years ago
1931

Died on this date
Melvil Dewey, 80. U.S. librarian. Mr. Dewey founded The Library Journal in 1876; he was one of the founders of the American Library Association, and was its secretary (1876-1891) and president (1891-1893). He was chief librarian of Columbia University Libraries (1883-1888); director of the New York State Library (1888-1906); and secretary and executive officer of the University of the State of New York (1888-1900). Mr. Dewey established the standard dimensions for catalogue cards, but was best known for creating the Dewey Decimal System of classification system, first published in 1876. He had a reputation for sexually harassing women, which finally forced his resignation as N.Y. State Library director and from active participation in the ALA. Mr. Dewey founded the Lake Placid Club as a resort in 1895, with a policy that barred Jews, Negroes, and other minorities from membership. He died from a stroke, 16 days after his 80th birthday.

70 years ago
1941

Diplomacy
Winston Churchill became the first British Prime Minister to address a joint session of the United States Congress.



Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King arrived in Washington to participate in the U.S.-U.K. military and naval conference.

War
The U.S.S.R. announced that Naro Fominsk, about 50 miles southeast of Moscow, had been recaptured together with other towns. U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur declared Manila to be an open city, and ordered all troops and anti-aircraft guns to be withdrawn. The British War Office announced that Lieutenant General Sir Henry Pownall had arrived in Singapore to assume command of British forces in the Far East, replacing Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham. The British embassy in Chungking announced that a U.K.-U.S.-Chinese Military Council had been created there.

Americana
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Science
Dr. Paul J. Kolachov reported that the Russian dandelion plant known as kok-sagyz could produce crude rubber and may be grown virtually in any soil.

Labour
Striking welders withdrew their picket lines at defense plants and shipyards in the San Francisco area.

60 years ago
1951

Diplomacy
The U.S. State Department announced that it would pay Hungary $120,000 in fines to secure the release of four U.S. fliers who had been captured on November 19.

Oil
Czech spokesmen in Tehran announced that Czechoslovakia would buy 500,000 tons of refined oil from Iran and "large" additional quantities of crude oil for refining in Czech plants.

Economics and finance
Retail prices in the U.S.A. hit a record 234.5% of the 1935-1939 average, 15% above the pre-Korean War level.

50 years ago
1961

Hit parade
#1 single in Norway (VG-lista): When the Girl in Your Arms is the Girl in Your Heart--Cliff Richard and the Norrie Paramor Orchestra (6th week at #1)

On television tonight
Alfred Hitchcock Presents, on NBC
Tonight's episode: A Jury of Her Peers, starring Ann Harding, Philip Bourneuf, and Frances Reid

40 years ago
1971

War
U.S. Air Force and Navy planes began several days of heavy bombing raids on military installations in North Vietnam.

Crime
An Air Canada jet en route from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Toronto was hijacked to Cuba.

Boxing
Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (34-1) knocked out Jürgen Blin (27-10-6) at 2:12 of the 7th round of their bout in an unusually small ring at Hallenstadion Arena in Zurich. On the undercard, Mac Foster (28-1) knocked out Italian heavyweight champion Bepi Ros (30-8) in the 8th round.



Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
Baltimore 20 @ Cleveland 3

Don Nottingham rushed 23 times for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Jim O'Brien kicked 2 converts and 2 field goals as the defending Super Bowl champion Colts defeated the Browns at Municipal Stadium.



NFC Divisional Playoff
Washington 20 @ San Francisco 24

John Brodie completed touchdown passes of 78 yards to Gene Washington and 2 yards to Bob Windsor as the 49ers defeated the Redskins in the first NFL playoff game to be played at Candlestick Park.



30 years ago
1981

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (Hit Parade Italia): Cicale--Heather Parisi (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross

#1 single in Ireland: One of Us--ABBA

#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express):

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): Don't You Want Me--The Human League (3rd week at #1)

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross (2nd week at #1)
2 Annie--Miggy
3 One of Us--ABBA
4 Wünderbar--Tenpole Tudor
5 Under Pressure--Queen & David Bowie
6 I Go to Sleep--Pretenders
7 They Don't Play Our Lovesong Anymore--Anita Meyer
8 Let's Start II Dance Again--Bohannon
9 Spirits in the Material World--The Police
10 It's Raining--Shakin' Stevens

Singles entering the chart were Je Loog Tegen Mij by Drukwerk (#24); I Won't Let You Down by Ph.D. (#29); Bensonhurst Blues by Oscar Benton (#31); Lobo's Gospel Show by Lobo (#34); Op Een Onbewoond Eiland by Kinderen Voor Kinderen (#35); Perhaps Love by Placido Domingo & John Denver (#36); and Cambodia by Kim Wilde (#38).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John (6th week at #1)
2 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
3 Let's Groove--Earth, Wind & Fire
4 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
5 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
6 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
7 Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross
8 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks with Don Henley
9 Don't Stop Believin'--Journey
10 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham

Singles entering the chart were Abacab by Genesis (#71); Southern Pacific by Neil Young & Crazy Horse (#80); Through the Years by Kenny Rogers (#82); Crazy (Keep on Falling) by John Hall Band (#83); Tonight Tonight by Bill Champlin (#85); and Can't Hold Back (Your Loving) by Kano (#91).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John (6th week at #1)
2 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
3 Let's Groove--Earth, Wind and Fire
4 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
5 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
6 Oh No--Commodores
7 Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross
8 Don't Stop Believin'--Journey
9 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
10 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham

Singles entering the chart were Through the Years by Kenny Rogers (#60); Abacab by Genesis (#76); Crazy (Keep on Falling) by John Hall Band (#83); Let the Feeling Flow by Peabo Bryson (#84); Pac-Man Fever by Buckner & Garcia (#87); You Can by Madleen Kane (#88); Seasons of Gold by Gidea Park featuring Adrian Baker (#89); and Tonight Tonight by Bill Champlin (#90).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Record World)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John (6th week at #1)
2 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
3 Let's Groove--Earth, Wind & Fire
4 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
5 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
6 Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross
7 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
8 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham
9 Don't Stop Believin'--Journey
10 Hooked on Classics--The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Singles entering the chart were Through the Years by Kenny Rogers (#50); Pac-Man Fever by Buckner & Garcia (#79); Could it Be Love by Jennifer Warnes (#82); You're My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration by Teddy Pendergrass (#86); Those Good Old Dreams by the Carpenters (#89); and If You Think You're Lonely Now by Bobby Womack (#94).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John (2nd week at #1)
2 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
3 Oh No--Commodores
4 Under Pressure--Queen & David Bowie
5 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
6 My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)--Chilliwack
7 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham
8 The Friends of Mr. Cairo--Jon and Vangelis
9 Don't Stop Believin'--Journey
10 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash

Singles entering the chart were Flying High Again by Ozzy Osbourne (#42); The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known) by Juice Newton (#44); You Could Have Been with Me by Sheena Easton (#46); She's Got a Way by Billy Joel (#47); There's No One Quite Like Grandma by Leliah and Jeordie (#48); Take it Easy on Me by Little River Band (#49); and Letting Go by Straight Lines (#50).

Died on this date
Suat Hayri Ürgüplü, 78. Prime Minister of Turkey, 1965. Mr. Ürgüplü was a judge of the Istanbul Commercial Court (1939-1942). A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Kayseri in the Chamber of Deputies (1939-1946, 1950-1952), serving as Minister of Customs and Public Monopolies (1947-1948). Mr. Ürgüplü was Turkey's Ambassador to West Germany (1952-1955); U.K. (1955-1959); U.S.A. (1959-1960); and Spain (1960-1961). As a member of the Justice Party, he was elected to the Senate in 1961, serving as Prime Minister of a non-partisan caretaker cabinet from February-October 1965 after the collapse of the government of Prime Minister İsmet İnönü. Mr. Ürgüplü remained in the Senate until his death from heart disease.

25 years ago
1986

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Walk Like an Egyptian--Bangles (2nd week at #1)

On television tonight
Shaka Zulu, on SABC Tonight's episode: Episode 10

This was the last episode of the series (see video).

Died on this date
Elsa Lanchester, 84. U.K. actress. Miss Lanchester was known for character roles in such movies as Bride of Frankenstein (1935); The Big Clock (1948); and Easy Come, Easy Go (1967). She was married to actor Charles Laughton from 1929 until his death in 1962, and they appeared together in 12 films, including Witness for the Prosecution (1957).

20 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Bohemian Rhapsody/These Are the Days of Our Lives--Queen (2nd week at #1)

World events
The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union met and formally dissolved the Soviet Union, ending the Cold War.

Business
The U.S. airline Northwest Airlines bought 20 Dash 8 Series 100 aircraft for $190 million from Toronto-based de Haviland, a division of Boeing Canada.

10 years ago
2001

Died on this date
Nigel Hawthorne, 72. U.K. actor. Sir Nigel had a distinguished career on stage, screen, and television spanning 50 years, winning numerous awards. He won a Tony Award for his starring performance in Shadowlands (1990), and won six Laurence Olivier Awards, four for his starring performances in the television comedy series Yes Minister (1980-1984) and Yes, Prime Minister (1986-1988). Sir Nigel won a Laurence Olivier Award for his starring performance in the play The Madness of George III (1991), and a BAFTA and two other British awards for starring in its film adaptation, The Madness of King George (1994), receiving an Academy Award nomination for the film. Sir Nigel died of a heart attack after suffering from pancreatic cancer.