Bhopal - the Worst Industrial Accident in History

The Bhopal disaster is one of the world's worst industrial tragedies, which occurred on December 2–3, 1984, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. 

It involved the release of a highly toxic gas, methyl isocyanate (MIC), from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. 

Around midnight, water entered a MIC storage tank, triggering an uncontrollable chemical reaction. The reaction produced heat, increasing the tank's pressure, which released approximately 40 tons of MIC gas.

The gas spread quickly over densely populated areas near the plant. The toxic cloud affected thousands, causing serious respiratory issues, eye irritation, chemical burns, and other health problems.

The official death toll within the first days is estimated to be anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000. Subsequent estimations indicate that more than 20,000 individuals might have succumbed to long-term health issues.

The Bhopal disaster remains a stark reminder of the severe human and environmental costs associated with industrial carelessness.

Even after many years, survivors continue fighting for justice, improved healthcare, and environmental cleanup.

The Death of Max (Hart to Hart).

It was 30 years ago today that Lionel Stander, famous for playing the role of Max, the butler and narrator, in the US TV show Hart to Hart, died.

The gravelly-voiced American actor, known for his roles in film, television, and radio, passed away on November 30, 1994, at the age of 86. He died of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, California.

Born in January 1908, Stander's career spanned decades, with notable highlights including his work in classic films like Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and A Star Is Born (1937). He gained modern fame as Max, the loyal chauffeur and confidant in the popular 1980s TV series Hart to Hart.

Stander's Hollywood career was disrupted during the McCarthy era due to his blacklisting for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Despite this, he staged a successful comeback later in life, earning critical and popular acclaim.

Happy Anniversary to the Shakespeares

Today marks the 442nd anniversary of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's wedding.

William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 27, 1582. This date is derived from the marriage license issued in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

At the time, Shakespeare was a young 18, and Anne was older, at 26. Their union is often discussed for its peculiarities, including the age gap and the rapid wedding arrangements, possibly because of Anne being pregnant with their first child, Susanna, born in May 1583.

The licence was issued by the consistory court of the diocese of Worcester which allowed the marriage with just one proclamation of the marriage banns instead of the customary three successive Sundays.

William died in April 1616 at the age of 52 and was survived by his wife, who survived the Bard for seven years. Except for a few mentions in legal documents, Anne's life remains largely unknown.

We send our warmest wishes for a happy anniversary to Mr and Mrs Shakespeare, wherever they may be!

Peter Underwood - Noted British Paranormal Investigator

The renowned British author and paranormal investigator, Peter Underwood, died on November 26, 2014, at the age of 91. 

From childhood, his interest in the paranormal evolved into a professional path. At the age of nine, he claimed to see his father's ghost after his father died that day, marking his first paranormal encounter.

He became particularly associated with investigating iconic cases like Borley Rectory, often labelled "the most haunted house in England." 

Despite his commitment to the field and study, Underwood maintained a critical perspective. He estimated that most supernatural claims had rational explanations, though he remained intrigued by the inexplicable minority.

Described by Dame Jean Conan Doyle as “The Sherlock Holmes of Psychical Research” Underwood's death marked the end of a career that bridged the sceptical and spiritual dimensions of ghost hunting. 

He left behind a legacy of meticulous investigation and paranormal storytelling.

The Man Behind Modern Football: Ebenezer Cobb Morley

Ebenezer Cobb Morley, who lived from 1831 to 1924, is often considered the "father of modern football" because of his crucial role in shaping the foundation of association football (soccer) as we know it. He died on this day 100 years ago.

A solicitor by profession, Morley was born in Kingston upon Hull, England, and had a deep love for different sports. His influence on football stems from his organisational skills and vision for standardising the game.

Commemorative plaque at Freemasons' Tavern, London

In 1863, Morley wrote a letter to the newspaper “Bell’s Life“ proposing a governing body for football. A meeting at London's Freemason's Tavern led to the creation of the Football Association, the inaugural governing body for football. He served as its first secretary and later as its president.

He devised the first comprehensive set of rules of football known as “the laws of the game.” With the instruction “No player should carry the ball,” these rules distinguished football away from Rugby, establishing it as a separate sport. His vision led football to be regarded as a structured sport, rather than a local pastime.

Morley succumbed to pneumonia at the age of 92 and was interred at Barnes Cemetery, a now-deserted graveyard in south-west London.

The global appeal of football can be traced as far back as Morley's contributions, which ultimately propelled the sport right to the top.

The Iva Valley Shooting

The Iva Valley shooting, a tragedy that occurred during the colonial era in Enugu, Nigeria, happened 75 years ago today on November 18, 1949. 

A statue re-enacting the massacre
stands in the centre of Enugu

This event was pivotal in Nigeria's labour history and fueled the movement for independence from British rule.

The British government's exploitative practices at the Enugu colliery, which included inadequate pay and unsafe working conditions, fueled the miners' protest and ultimately led to the incident. Their grievances led to a strike operated by the Nigerian Trades Union Congress.

British colonial police, acting under orders to quell the strike, fired on unarmed striking miners who had assembled at the Iva Valley mine. It is estimated that 21 miners lost their lives, with many more being injured.

The Iva Valley shooting remains a significant moment in Nigerian history, remembered as a stark example of colonial exploitation and resistance. It fuelled the drive for Nigerian independence, which was achieved in 1960.

The Execution of Criminal Jack Sheppard

They hanged Jack Sheppard, an infamous 18th-century English criminal and folk hero, 300 years ago on 16th November 1724, at Tyburn, London. 

His death followed a series of dramatic prison escapes that captured the public’s imagination and made him a notorious figure in Georgian England.

Sheppard was a skilled thief and burglar who became famous for his ability to escape from incarceration. He claimed that he’s been led astray by “bad company and lewd women.”

Over two years, he managed to escape from custody four times, including from the notorious Newgate Prison. These escapades made him a celebrity, with many seeing him as a symbol of defiance against the oppressive legal system of the time.

However, his luck ran out after his final capture. The Old Bailey tried him, sentenced him to death, and executed him before a massive crowd. People believe he faced his execution with courage, cementing his legendary status in popular culture.

He became a favourite figure in verse, popular plays, romances, and burlesques. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, his fame and popularity in Georgian England possibly rivalled Robin Hood’s.