Ken P's Today in History
April 5

Copyright © 2006-2008 Ken Polsson
internet e-mail: kpolsson@islandnet.com
URL: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/today/
(this URL will automatically re-direct to the file containing a single day's events)

What happened in history on this day: April 5?

Since 1995, I have been collecting information on a variety of topics, creating several timelines of history. Here you will find specific events from those databases for this day, on the topics of personal computers, video games, the Walt Disney Company, Chevrolet Corvettes, A&W Root Beer, Sweden, and Canadian coins.

On April 5 in ...

Personal computer history:

  • 1982 - The New York Times newspaper reports on page one that the IBM PC's BASIC contains a basic mathematical flaw. Entering 0.1 divided by 10 will result in a wrong answer. The culprit is a bug in Microsoft's floating-point math routine in the BASIC ROM chip.
  • 1983 - Honeywell introduces the MicroSystem 6/10 microcomputer. It is compatible with Honeywell's DPS 6 mainframe family. It uses LSI 6 and Intel 8086 processors, 128 kB RAM, dual 5.25-inch drives, display, keyboard, and I/O ports for US$4000-10,000.
  • 1999 - Advanced Micro Devices releases the 475 MHz K6-2 processor. Price is US$213 in 1000-unit quantities.
  • 2000 - America Online unveils Netscape Navigator 6.

Walt Disney Company history:

  • 1930 - The Mickey Mouse film The Barnyard Concert is completed.
  • 1940 - The Donald Duck film Donald's Dog Laundry is released to theaters. Pluto also appears.
  • 1956 - The Bathroom of Tomorrow attraction opens in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, sponsored by the Crane Company.
  • 1964 - The NBC TV network airs the Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color show, featuring Greyfriars Bobby, part two.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Actress) to Julie Andrews for her role in the film Mary Poppins.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Music, Song) to Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman for the song "Chim Chim Cher-ee" in the film Mary Poppins.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Music, Music Score - Substantially Original) for the film Mary Poppins.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Film Editing) to Cotton Warburton for the film Mary Poppins.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Special Visual Effects) to Peter Ellenshaw, Hamilton Luske, and Eustace Lycett for the film Mary Poppins.
  • 1965 - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards an Oscar (Scientific or Technical, Class I) to Ub Iwerks, Petro Vlahos, and Wadsworth Pohl for the conception and perfection of techniques for Color Traveling Matte Composite Cinematography.
  • 1986 - The Disney Channel begins airing the nine-part series Return to Treasure Island.
  • 1991 - Disney announces plans to produce a lottery TV show for the Lottery Innovations Corporation, an association of 22 state lottery officials.
  • 1991 - The NBC TV network begins airs the series The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage.
  • 1991 - Disney releases the Hollywood Pictures live-action feature film The Marrying Man to theatres. The film cost US$23 million to make.
  • 1993 - Disney releases the laserdisc Darkwing Duck Volume 1 for US$30. It includes Darkly Dawns the Duck, Birth of Negaduck!, Tiff of the Titans.
  • 1993 - Disney releases the laserdisc Darkwing Duck Volume 2 for US$30. It includes Just Us Justice Ducks, Comic Book Capers, Brush with Oblivion.
  • 1994 - Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg meet for lunch, and discuss whether Katzenberg could be president of Disney. Eisner is not convinced. Katzenberg gives Eisner an ultimatum: "Either I get Frank's job as president, or I'm going to leave the company.".
  • 1997 - Buena Vista Pictures Distribution gives a sneak preview of the Hollywood Pictures film Grosse Pointe Blank at theaters in New York City.

World War II history:

  • 1942 - Adolf Hitler issues Directive 41, giving direction to the war against Russia when the weather improves. Armies in the central sector are to hold positions, while the northern armies captures Leningrad and the southern armies advance into the Caucausus.
  • 1942 - The Japanese Combined Fleet of Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo attacks Colombo, Ceylon, with 91 bomber and 36 fighter aircraft. They sink armed merchant cruiser Hector and destroyer Tenedoes in the harbor. They damage the submarine depot vessel Lucia and merchant ship Benledi. Nineteen Hawker Hurricanes, six Fairey Swordfish, one Fairey Albacore, and one Consolidated Catalina are destroyed. The Japanese force loses six Aichi D3A1 dive bombers, and one Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero fighter. Fifteen other aircraft are damaged.
  • 1942 - (1340 hours) Near Ceylon, 53 D3A1 planes from Japanese carriers Akagi, Soryu, and Hiryu attack British heavy cruisers Cornwall and Dorsetshire, sinking both in fifteen minutes.
  • 1943 - In Tunisia, the British 8th Army breaks the Axis defensive line at Wadi Akarit.
  • 1943 - In Germany, Dr. Hans von Dohnanyi is arrested for several anti-Nazi offences.
  • 1943 - The German Government announces that French former Premier Edouard Daladier and General Maurice-Gustave Gamelin have been taken to German prisons to prevent establishment of a counter-government.
  • 1944 - (evening) 144 British bombers attack the Gnome et Rhône aero-works at Toulouse, France, effecting the complete destruction of the factory.
  • 1945 - Japanese Admiral Toyoda, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet decides to launch operation TEN-GO, in which the Special Sea Attack Force would concentrate naval forces on Okinawa to draw off enemy warships, while kamakazi attacks are launched against troop carriers and transport ships.
  • 1945 - 4th Canadian Armoured Division captures Almelo in north-east Holland.
  • 1989 - The USSR issues a postage stamp marking World War II Victory Day.
  • 2005 - Russia issues six postage stamps marking the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II.

Swedish history:

  • 1632 - The Swedish and Imperial armies exchange cannon fire for six hours, killing 2000 of the Swedish force, and 3000 of the Imperial force. Tilly is fatally wounded. Maximilian and the army escape during the night to Ingolstadt.

Canadian coin history:

  • 1979 - A proclamation removes the limitation of 200,000 coins minted for the 1979 $100 gold coin issue.
  • 2000 - The Royal Canadian Mint launches the April Millenium 25c coin, entitled Health, designed by Arny Wassef. A Proof sterling silver version is priced at $14.95.
  • 2004 - The Royal Canadian Mint and Canada Post issue The $1 Elusive Loon Stamp and Coin Set, consisting of a aureate bronze $1 proof coin with maple leaf privy mark, and two $1 loon stamps (one cancelled, one mint). Mintage is limited to 25,111 coins. Price of the set is $25.11.
  • 2007 - The Royal Canadian Mint launches the third $30 coin in the series honoring war veterans. The 0.925 silver Proof coin depicts the Vimy Ridge War Memorial.

Sports history:

  • 1868 - Birth of J F "Flooi" Du Toit cricketer (one Test South Africa 1892).
  • 1882 - Birth of Don Blackie cricketer (Australian off-spinner in 1928-29 yes, age 46).
  • 1884 - John Wisden publisher/cricketer (prominent Sussex player), dies.
  • 1893 - Birth of Clas Thunberg Finland, speed skater (Olympics-gold-1924, 28).
  • 1902 - Soccer match riot between Scotland and England kills 25.
  • 1909 - Birth of Gerald Bond cricketer (one Test South Africa vs England 1938, 0 and 0-16).
  • 1915 - Jess Willard defeats Jack Johnson in 26 for heavyweight boxing title.
  • 1921 - Birth of Les Jackson cricket bowler (England twice, 1949 and 1961).
  • 1922 - Birth of Tom Finney British soccer star.
  • 1925 - New York Yankees whip Brooklyn Dodgers in exhibition 16-9 but Babe Ruth collapses in North Carolina due to an ulcer.
  • 1927 - Johnny Weissmuller set records in the 100 and 200 metre freestyle.
  • 1928 - Roy Kilner cricketer (9 Tests for England 1924-26), dies at 38.
  • 1930 - England out for 849 vs West Indies Kingston, Sandham out for 325.
  • 1934 - Birth of Tina Maria Stone runner (one year distance record of 15,472 miles).
  • 1938 - Birth of Colin Bland cricketer (South African bat Maybe the best cover field).
  • 1939 - William Cooper cricketer (two Tests for Australia 1882-84), dies.
  • 1942 - Birth of Arthur Barrett cricketer (West Indies leggie early 70's).
  • 1952 - Henry Wittenberg wins his 8th AAU wrestling title.
  • 1953 - Babe Didrikson-Zaharias wins LPGA Babe Didrikson-Zaharias Golf Open.
  • 1953 - Birth of John Buchanan cricketer (Queensland batsman 78-79, Shield coach 1995).
  • 1958 - Birth of Johan Kriek South Africa, tennis player (US Indoor 1982).
  • 1959 - 23rd Golf Masters Championship: Art Wall Jr wins, shooting a 284.
  • 1959 - Art Wall wins golf's Masters.
  • 1964 - Birth of Martha Faulconer Indianapolis Indiana, golfer (1993 ShopRite LPGA-5th).
  • 1964 - Birth of Robert "Bob" Kaehler Burlingame California, rower (Olympics-5th-1992, 1996).
  • 1964 - Mary Lena Faulk wins LPGA Saint Petersburg Women's Golf Open.
  • 1966 - Birth of Brent Hughes New Westminster Canada, NHL left wing (Buffalo Sabres).
  • 1966 - Birth of Larry Norman Toronto Ontario Canada, canoeist (Olympics-1992, 1996).
  • 1966 - Birth of Scott Dill NFL tackle/guard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings).
  • 1967 - Philadelphia '76er Wilt Chamberlain sets NBA record of 41 rebounds.
  • 1968 - Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego opens.
  • 1970 - Birth of Erlan Sagymbayev hockey forward (Team Kazakhstan Olympics-1998).
  • 1970 - Birth of Tim Jacobs NFL running back (Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins).
  • 1971 - Birth of Bob Kuberski NFL defensive tackle (Green Bay Packers-Superbowl 31).
  • 1971 - Birth of Finidi George soccer player (Ajax).
  • 1971 - Birth of Stuart Peele Australian rower (Olympics-1996).
  • 1972 - Baseball season is delayed due to a strike.
  • 1972 - Birth of Shigemasa Ito WLAF offensive linebacker (Rhein Fire).
  • 1972 - New York Mets trade Ken Singleton to Montreal Expos for Rusty Staub.
  • 1973 - Birth of Ed Hobbs WLAF running back (London Monarchs).
  • 1973 - Birth of Emile Palmer WLAF DT (London Monarchs).
  • 1973 - Birth of Estefania Knuth Barcelona Spain, LPGA golfer (1992 French International).
  • 1973 - Birth of Spencer Folau NFL/WLAF offensive tackle (Baltimore Ravens, Rhein Fire).
  • 1973 - Birth of Tony Banks quarterback (Saint Louis Rams).
  • 1973 - Birth of Yutaka Kawaguchi hockey defenseman (Team Japan 1998).
  • 1973 - NFL adopts jersey numbering system (ie quarterbacks, 1-19).
  • 1974 - Birth of Mike DuHaney New Haven Connecticut, soccer defender (Olympics-gold-1996).
  • 1974 - Birth of Rick Terry NFL defensive tackle (New York Jets).
  • 1974 - Last day of Test cricket for Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai.
  • 1975 - Birth of Nikki Dryden Calgary Alberta, 800 metre swimmer (Olympics-6th-1992, 1996).
  • 1976 - Birth of Ike Hilliard NFL wide receiver (New York Giants).
  • 1976 - Birth of Ryan Drese San Francisco California, baseball pitcher (Olympics-bronze-1996).
  • 1977 - Birth of JoAnn Sevin Dubois Pennsylvania, air pistol (Olympics-1996).
  • 1979 - Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver wins his 1,000th game as a skipper.
  • 1981 - 10th Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Championship won by Nancy Lopez.
  • 1981 - Philadelphia Flyers amass a record 2,621 penalty minutes.
  • 1982 - Saint Louis Cardinals' Jim Kaat pitches in record 24th consecutive season.
  • 1983 - New York Mets' Tom Seaver's sets record 14th National League Opening Day assignment.
  • 1984 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar breaks Wilt Chamberlain's all-time career scoring record of 31,419 points (31,421).
  • 1985 - Tyrell Johnson, cricketer (West Indies left-arm quickie, one Test 1939), dies.
  • 1986 - Colin McCool, cricketer (14 Tests for Australia, 36 wickets), dies.
  • 1986 - Record for a throw-and-return boomerang toss is set (121 metres).
  • 1987 - 16th Nabisco Dinah Shore Golf Championship won by Betsy King.
  • 1987 - Wayne Gretzky wins 7th straight NHL scoring title.
  • 1989 - Orel Hershiser ends his 59 consecutive scoreless pitched inning streak.
  • 1990 - John Stockton reaches 1000-assist mark for NBA record three years in a row.
  • 1990 - New York Rangers beat New York Islanders 2-1 in first game of preliminaries.
  • 1991 - Joe Dumaars (Detroit Pistons) ends NBA free throw streak of 62 games.
  • 1992 - 11th NCAA Women's Basketball Champion: Stanford beats Western Kentucky 78-62.
  • 1992 - 4th Seniors Golf Tradition: Lee Trevino.
  • 1992 - Dana Lofland wins Las Vegas LPGA Golf International.
  • 1992 - Game two of Mayor Challenge - New York Yankees sweep New York Mets 6-5 at Shea Stadium.
  • 1992 - Wrestlemania VIII, 62,167 at Hoosier Dome; Randy "Macho Man" Savage beats Ric Flair for title, Hulk Hogan disqualifies Sid Justice.
  • 1993 - 55th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: North Carolina beats Michigan 77-71.
  • 1993 - Colorado Rockies first baseball game - lose to New York Mets 3-0.
  • 1993 - Crowd of 73,293 watches New York Yankees beat Cleveland Indians 9-1.
  • 1993 - At Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, the Florida Marlins play their major league first game ever, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-3.
  • 1994 - Miami Heat beat New York Knicks ending 15 game NBA winning streak.
  • 2000 - Death of Lee Petty, American race car driver (born 1914).
  • 2007 - Death of Darryl Stingley, American football player (born 1951).

Space exploration history:

  • 1967 - ATS II launched but fails to reach orbit.
  • 1973 - Pioneer 11 launched to Jupiter.
  • 1975 - Soyuz 18A launch aborted short of orbit; cosmonauts return safely.
  • 1979 - Pioneer 11 launched towards Jupiter.
  • 1991 - Space Shuttle STS 37 (Atlantis 8) launched.
  • 1997 - Galileo, third Ganymede Flyby (Orbit 7).

Extreme weather history:

  • 1815 - Eruption of Tambora volcano (Sumbawa Java).
  • 1936 - Tupelo Mississippi virtually annihilated by a tornado, 216 die.
  • 1971 - Mount Etna erupts in Sicily Italy.

Other history:

  • 1974 - The 110 storey tall World Trade Center opens in New York City, tallest building in the world.

You can pick a particular day to view that day's events in history.

Bookmark this URL:   http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/today/   and revisit each day. (this URL will automatically re-direct to the file containing the current day's events)

Or, visit my Timelines of History page.

Other web pages of interest:

  • Chronology of World History
  • What's Notable About this Year?
  • Ken P's Coin/Stamp/Bill Novelties
  • Copyright © 2006-2008 Ken Polsson (email: kpolsson@islandnet.com).
    URL=http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/today/
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