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January 24th
0041 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula), Roman Emperor from 37, was murdered. Caligula, or Little Boots, succeeded Tiberius and became so unpopular he was assassinated by Cassius Chaerea at the Palatine Games. 0076 - Born this day, Hadrian, Roman emperor, who gave his name to Hadrian's Wall. 0661 - At Kufah in Iraq, Caliph Ali, son-in-law of the prophet Mohammed, was murdered in the mosque at Kufah in Iraq. 1076 - The Synod of Worms took place at which German bishops renounced their allegiance to Pope Gregory who in turn excommunicated Henry IV. 1616 - Willem Schouten became the first person to round Cape Horn. 1742 - Charles Albert, elector of Bavaria, was chosen as Holy Roman Emperor in succession to Charles VI. As Charles VII, he was elected to oppose the Habsburg, Francis, husband of Maria Theresa. 1848 - James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's sawmill, sparking off the Great Gold Rush. (another source says James Sutter?) 1862 - Born this day, Edith [Newbold] Wharton (Jones), US novelist and Pulitzer Prize winning author, her work was influenced by her friend Henry James, and was mostly set in New York society. It includes The House of Mirth 1905, the rural Ethan Frome 1911, The Custom of the Country 1913, and The Age of Innocence 1921. Died 11 August 1937. 1888 - The typewriter ribbon was patented by Jacob L. Wortman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1890 - The first train passed over the Forth Railway Bridge. 1899 - Humphrey O’Sullivan, an Irishman, patented the rubber heel on this day. 1900 - Boer war - The Battle of Spion Kop took place. 1900 - The world's oldest badminton club was founded in Newcastle. 1909 - Born this day, Ann Todd, actress, (The Human Factor, Scream of Fear, Madeleine, The Seventh Veil). Died 6 May 1993. 1915 - In World War I (WWI), a British fleet under Admiral Beatty defeated the Germans under Von Hipper at the battle of Dogger Bank and sank the armoured cruiser Blucher, killing 870. 1916 - Conscription to the Armed Forces was introduced in Britain. 1916 - Born this day, John [Jack] Beasley Brickhouse, Chicago Radio Hall of Famer. Died in 1998. 1916 - On this day the US Supreme Court ruled that income tax was unconstitutional. 1916 - Born this day, C. Gene Mako, tennis, (US Open runner-up [1938]). 1917 - Born this day, Ernest Borgnine, Academy Award-winning actor, (Marty [1955], The Poseidon Adventure, The Dirty Dozen, McHale’s Navy). 1918 - Born this day, Oral Roberts, evangelist, founder: Oral Roberts University. 1922 - Christian K. Nelson, of Onawa, Iowa, patented an ice cream confection known as an Eskimo Pie. 1925 - Born this day, Maria (Betty Marie) Tallchief, prima ballerina, (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, New York City Ballet; formed ballet troupe and school (1974) which became Chicago City Ballet [1980]; wife of choreographer George Balanchine). 1928 - Born this day, Desmond Morris, zoologist and writer. 1930 - Primo Carnera made his American boxing debut by knocking out Big Boy Patterson in one minute, ten seconds of the opening round before a small, intimate gathering of 20,000 people in New York City. He would later change his name to Rocky Balboa. 1930 - Ben Bernie (Benjamin Anzelwitz) began a weekly remote broadcast from the lovely Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. 1933 - Born this day, Zeke Carey, The Flamingos, 1959 US No.11 single I Only Have Eyes For You. Revived in 1975 to become a UK No.1 hit for Art Garfunkel. Died 24 December 1999. 1935 - Krueger Brewing Company placed the first canned beer on sale in Richmond, Virginia. 1935 - Born this day, Bamber Gasgoine, broadcaster. (University Challenge). 1935 - Born this day, Manuel Ycaza, jockey, (winner of Belmont Stakes [on Quadrangle: 1964]). 1936 - Born this day, Jack Scott (Scafone), singer, (My True Love, Goodbye Baby, What In the World’s Come Over You, Burning Bridges). 1936 - Benny Goodman and his orchestra recorded one of the all-time greats, Stompin’ at the Savoy, on Victor Records. The song became such a standard, that, literally, hundreds of artists have recorded it, including a vocal version by Barry Manilow; believe it or not. The ‘King of Swing’ recorded the song in a session at the Congress Hotel in Chicago. 1937 - Born this day, Bobby Scott, singer, pianist, (Chain Gang; songwriter: A Taste of Honey). 1939 - Born this day, Doug Kershaw, musician, (Cajun fiddle, songwriter, singer: Louisiana Man, Diggy Liggy Lo). 1939 - Born this day, Ray Stevens (Harold Ray Ragsdale), singer, entertainer, 1970 US No.1 & UK No.6 single Everything Is Beautiful, Mr. Businessman; number one novelty recording artist: Ahab, the Arab, Gitarzan, 1974 US and UK No.1 single The Streak, Bridget the Midget. 1941 - The adventure film, High Sierra, starring Humphrey Bogart, opened in New York. 1941 - Born this day, Neil Diamond, singer, songwriter, (Sunday & Me [Jay & The Americans], I’m a Believer, A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You [The Monkees], soundtrack: Jonathan Livingston Seagull; singer: Cherry, Cherry, 1970 US No.1 and UK No.3 single Cracklin' Rose, Song Sung Blue, Beautiful Noise, If You Know What I Mean, Yesterday’s Songs, Longfellow Serenade, Forever in Blue Jeans, I Am, I Said, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers [w/Barbra Streisand]; actor/singer: The Jazz Singer: America, Love on the Rocks, Hello, Again), composer of I'm A Believer, a 1967 UK No.1 for The Monkees. Plus over 30 US and 10 UK top 40 singles. 1941 - Born this day, Aaron Neville, singer, songwriter, The Neville Brothers, 1989 UK No.2 single with Linda Ronstadt Don't Know Much. 1942 - Abie’s Irish Rose was first heard on NBC radio this day as part of Knickerbocker Playhouse. The program was a takeoff on the smash play from Broadway that ran for nearly 2,000 performances. Sydney Smith played the part of Abie. Rosemary Murphy was played by Betty Winkler. 1943 - In World War II (WWII), a meeting between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt at Casablanca ended with demands for unconditional surrender and plans made for a cross-channel landing in 1944. 1943 - Born this day, Sharon Tate, actress, in Dallas, Texas. Her brief film career (The Wrecking Crew, Valley of the Dolls) was cut short when she's sadistically murdered in 1969 by the Manson Family. She was buried wearing a miniskirt. 1944 - Born this day, Julie Gregg, actress, (From Hell to Borneo, The Seekers). 1946 - Born this day, Tammi Terrell [Thomasina Montgomery], soul singer, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sang I Cried and I Can't Believe You Love Me. She sang with James Brown and Marvin Gaye, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Your Precious Love. - Died 16 March 1970 from a brain tumour resulting from a contusion. 1946 - The Atomic Energy Commission was established by a United Nations general assembly resolution on this day. The resolution was initiated originally by the United States, Canada and Britain. 1947 - Born this day, Warren Zevon, singer, songwriter, played piano with the Everly Brothers, 1978 US No.21 single Werewolves of London, She Quit Me Man, Hasten Down the Wind, Poor, Poor Pitiful Me, Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner, The Envoy. Recorded over 15 solo albums. Died 7 September 2003. 1949 - Born this day, (Adam) John Belushi, actor, comedian, (Second City improvisational troupe, original cast: Saturday Night Live; Films: 1941, , Joliet 'Jake' Blues, The Blues Brothers; Singer: 1990 UK No.12 single Everybody Needs Somebody To Love). Died 5 March 1982. 1950 - Born this day, Michael Ontkean, actor, (Legacy of Lies, Twin Peaks, Postcards from the Edge, Slap Shot, Peacekillers). 1951 - Born this day, Yakov Smirnoff, comedian, (What a Country; actor: Night Court, Up Your Alley, Heartburn, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension). 1953 - Born this day, Bruce Jones, actor. 1954 - Born this day, Elaine Giftos, actress, (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, The Student Nurses, Gas-s-s-s, The Wrestler, Paternity, Angel, Mars and Beyond). 1954 - The screen version of Herman Wouk's novel, The Caine Mutiny, starring Humphrey Bogart and Fred MacMurray, premiered in New York. Bogart was nominated as Best Actor by the Academy for his portrayal of Captain Queeg. 1955 - The rules committee of major league baseball announced a plan to strictly enforce the rule that required a pitcher to release the ball within 20 seconds after taking his position on the mound. 1957 - Born this day, Adrian Edmundson, comedian and actor (The Young Ones). 1957 - Elvis Presley recorded Teddy Bear. 1958 - Elvis Presley had his second UK No.1 single with Jailhouse Rock. It bacame the first ever single to enter the chart at No.1. 1958 - Born this day, (Julian Miles Holland) Jools Holland, in Deptford, London, UK, musician, keyboard, Squeeze, Goodbye Girl, 1979 UK No.2 single Up The Junction, Cool for Cats, solo LP, Jools Holland & The Millionaires, also Jools Holland Big Band, TV presenter on The Tube, Juke Box Dury and Later. 1959 - Born this day, Nastassja Kinski, actress, (Terminal Velocity, The Hotel New Hampshire, Paris Texas, Exposed, Tess, For Your Love Only). 1960 - A major insurrection began in Algiers against French policy in the country. 1961 - Conscription was introduced in Britain. 1961 - A US B-52 bomber with two 24-megaton nuclear bombs crashed near Goldsboro, North Carolina. 1961 - Died this day, Elsa, lioness star of the film Born Free. 1962 - The Beatles signed their management contract with Brian Epstein. 1962 - Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player to be elected to baseball's Hall of Fame. 1963 - Died this day, Otto Harbach, US songwriter, aged 90. Co-wrote, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, US and UK No.1 for The Platters in 1958. 1964 - CBS-TV acquired the rights to televise the National Football League’s 1964-1965 regular season. The move cost CBS $14.1 million a year. 1964 - Willie Shoemaker topped Eddie Arcaro’s career earnings record by riding four winners at Santa Anita race track in California. Shoemaker’s total earnings reached $30,040,005. 1965 - Died this day, Sir Winston Churchill, statesman. British prime minister during World War II (WWII). He was aged 90. 1966 - Mrs. Indira Gandhi, daughter of Nehru, was sworn in as Indian prime minister following the death of Sri Shastri. 1968 - Born this day, Mary Lou Retton, gymnast, Olympic Hall of Fame medalist [1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze: Los Angeles: 1984]; first American woman to win an individual medal in gymnastics. 1968 - Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde. 1969 - General Franco declared martial law in Spain following disturbances which led to nearly 300 arrests. It lasted until 25 March. 1970 - Black Sabath kicked off a 24 date UK tour at Birmingham Town Hall with support band Wild Turkey. 1970 - Led Zeppelin appeared at Leeds Town Hall, England. 1970 - Robert Moog introduced his 'Mini-Moog' synthesizer, suitable for concert stages, and costing $2,000. The American Federation of Musicians considered banning the Mini-Moog, fearing that its ability to simulate acoustic instruments could put musicians out of work. 1970 - Born this day, Matthew Lillard, actor. 1970 - James Sheppard of Shep and the Limelites and the Heartbeats, was found murdered in his car on a New York expressway. Had a hit 1961 US No.2 single Daddy’s Home. 1972 - Japanese soldier Shoichi Yokoi was discovered on Guam, having spent 28 years hiding in the jungle thinking World War II (WWII) was still going on. 1972 - The treasures of Tutankhamen arrived in London for an exhibition. 1973 - ‘Little’ Donny Osmond, of the famed Osmond Brothers Family, received a gold record for his album, Too Young. 1975 - Born this day, Paul Marazzi, vocals, A1, 2000 UK No.1 single Same Old Brand New You. 1976 - Margaret Thatcher was dubbed The Iron Lady in the Soviet newspaper Red Star, after a speech about the Communist threat. 1976 - Bob Dylan started a five week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Desire. 1976 - Diana Ross went to No.1 on the US singles chart with Theme From Mahogany, the singers third US No.1, it made No.5 in the UK. 1977 - Appearing at the Roxy, London, England, were the Buzzcocks supported by Chelsea. Also appearing at the venue over the last week were, The Damned, The Boys, The Adverts, Slaughter And The Dogs and Squeeze. 1978 - Workers at EMI's record-pressing plant refused to press copies of The Buzzcocks forthcoming release What Do I Get because of the title on the B-side Oh Shit. 1978 - Soviet satellite, Cosmos 954, used for ocean surveillance, disintegrated over the remote North-West territories of Canada, near Yellow Knife. 1979 - The Clash released their first single in the US, I Fought The Law, which was written by Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly and the Crickets fame. 1980 - Appearing at The Blizt Club, London, were Spandau Ballet. 1981 - Adam And The Ants started a 10 week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut album Kings Of The Wild Frontier. 1981 - Steve Tyler of Aerosmith was hospitalised after being involved in a crash on his motorbike. 1982 - Diana Ross sang the American national anthem at Super Bowl XVI. 1983 - In Italy, 32 Red Brigade members were jailed for acts of terrorism, including the murder of former prime minister Aldo Moro. 1985 - Penny Harrington became the first woman police chief of a major US city. She assumed the duties as head of the Portland, Oregon force of 940 officers and staff. 1987 - US citizen Jesse Turner, computer science professor at Beirut University College, was taken hostage in Lebanon. He was released in October 1991. 1987 - Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with At This Moment, it was not a hit in the UK. 1991 - Japan pledged $9 billion more to the Gulf War effort, which brought angry rejoinders from Iraq. 1995 - A US airman and his 10-year-old son given up for dead in snow-covered mountains in Turkey were found alive after living on snow for nine days. 1995 - Died this day, David Cole, of C&C Music Factory, died of meningitis aged 32. 1995 - The O.J. Simpson murder trial began. 1996 - Chechen rebels released 42 hostages seized in a raid in southern Russia after a two-week ordeal in which dozens of separatist fighters and many Russian soldiers were killed. 1996 - The Warsaw military prosecutor launched a formal probe into allegations Prime Minister Jozef Oleksy had spied for Moscow. 1998 - The soundtrack album from Titanic hit Number 1 on Billboard's charts and kept its top position for 15 weeks. 1998 - Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with All Around The World. 1999 - The Offspring went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with Pretty Fly, For A White Guy. 1999 - Nobody was more surprised than baseball legend Hall Famer Joe DiMaggio when he saw a television report that he had died. 'He was livid,' his lawyer and neighbour Morris Engelberg said. "Then I made him laugh. I said, 'Joe, we must be in heaven together.'" The two were watching a tape of Gunfight at the OK Corral - DiMaggio's favourite Western - at the baseball great's home in Hollywood, Florida. They happened to stop the tape just when the report appeared as a 'crawl' across the screen during Dateline NBC. NBC ran another crawl about 20 minutes later, saying its previous report was inaccurate. The network later said a technician in the New York control room inadvertently sent the item. NBC delivered an apology to DiMaggio to Engelberg's office the next day, spokesman Cory Shields said. The 84-year-old DiMaggio was recovering from pneumonia and lung cancer surgery on 12 October, and already was upset by a story in the New York Daily News that described him as bedridden and in grave condition. 2000 - Jensen Button, a former Karting Champion, who failed his driving test the first time, became the youngest ever Formula One driver aged just 20 years old. 2002 - Freddy Fender received one of his daughter's kidney's in a transplant operation. 2002 - Starting January 24 of this year, the Cuban government ordered a ban on sales of monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, and other computer equipment. Government customers and individuals who obtain authorization from the Ministry of Internal Commerce are the only ones allowed to purchase such merchandise. 2002 - Security was being reviewed at the British High Commission in Islamabad after a bomb planted in a minibus exploded in a staff car park. 2003 - Twenty-one men suspected of being linked to terrorist groups were arrested in Spain and Italy. 2004 - A 13-year-old boy became the latest victim of the Vietnam bird flu outbreak as nations across Asia stepped-up chicken culls in a bid to combat the disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the boy was the seventh reported death of the disease, and the sixth in Vietnam. In Thailand, where one man had died, the PM denied trying to cover up the outbreak in the face of criticism that not enough was done to prevent it. |
Trivia
Trivia - petty details or considerations, matters or things that are very unimportant, inconsequential, or nonessential; trifles; trivialities.
Trivial - of very little importance or value; insignificant: "Don't bother me with trivial matters." Trivially - unimportant, nugatory, slight, immaterial, inconsequential, frivolous, trifling.