Pinochet's Rise to Power in Chile.

Augusto Pinochet became President of Chile on this day (17th December) in 1974.

However, he became the de facto leader of Chile on September 11, 1973, after leading a military coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende's democratically elected government. 

Pinochet's rise to power began with his taking the chairmanship of the Military Junta, culminating in his presidency in 1974.

From its beginning until 1990, the Pinochet regime was defined by its authoritarian government, its disregard for human rights, and its neoliberal economic reforms. 

His rule continued until 1990, even after a 1988 referendum voted against him.

Memorial to victims of Pinochet's regime

Pinochet's rule remains a source of intense controversy. Although his economic reforms led to growth, they also exacerbated inequality, and his human rights abuses continue to haunt Chile to this day.

Only Fools' Grandad Died 40 Years Ago.

Today is 40 years since Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce died.

On December 15, 1984, Lennard Pearce, the actor known for his role as Grandad in Only Fools and Horses, passed away at age 69. A heart attack caused his death.

Pearce was born in October 1915, the youngest of five children. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and during his long theatrical career, he appeared in many plays at the National Theatre, working alongside legends such as Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins. 

His portrayal of Grandad, beginning in 1981, alongside David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, made him a favourite character on TV.

Pearce was filming the fourth series of Only Fools and Horses when he was admitted to a hospital on December 15 following chest pains, only to pass away 2 days later after being allowed to go home.

Production stopped temporarily because of his unexpected death, which devastated the cast and crew. The show wrote out Pearce's character, Grandad, and replaced him with Uncle Albert, played by Buster Merryfield.

Lennard Pearce's time on the show was short (only 3 series), yet his portrayal of Grandad made him a beloved figure in British television history.

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes - the Painter for France

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of influential French Symbolist artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, known as "the Painter for France".

Celebrated for his monumental murals and association with Symbolism, Puvis de Chavannes is known for his muted palette, ethereal compositions, and focus on allegorical, idealised themes. His work is often viewed as paving the way for modernist movements such as Symbolism and early abstraction.

The Poor Fisherman (1881)

His notable works comprise "The Sacred Grove" (1884), “Death and the Maidens (1872),” “The Dream (1883),” “The Poor Fisherman (1881),” plus murals adorning the Panthéon in Paris and the Boston Public Library.

Modernist painters, especially Symbolists such as Gustav Klimt and early abstract artists like Wassily Kandinsky, were heavily influenced by Puvis de Chavannes.

The fusion of classical and modern elements in his work inspired subsequent artists to delve into abstraction and spirituality.

Che Guevara Addresses the UN - 11th December 1964

December 11, 1964, marked Che Guevara's address to the UN General Assembly, representing Cuba—a speech that took place 60 years ago today.

He passionately and defiantly criticised U.S. imperialism, colonialism, and the economic exploitation of developing nations in his speech, and went on to highlight Cuba’s stance on social justice and solidarity with liberation movements worldwide.

Guevara spoke out against U.S. policies of intervention in Latin America and the ensuing economic and political isolation of Cuba. He championed the end of colonialism and imperialism by voicing his support for liberation movements across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Dismissing allegations of pro-Soviet ties, Guevara asserted Cuba's right to self-determination and its dedication to socialism.

Highlighting racism, inequality, and exploitation within their own borders, he charged Western nations, especially the U.S., with human rights hypocrisy.

To end the exploitation of developing nations by industrialised powers, Guevara called for global economic system reforms.

Guevara’s iconic Cold War speech embodies his revolutionary beliefs and Cuba’s defiance of U.S. dominance amidst significant geopolitical conflict.

The Battle of Ayacucho

The Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9, 1824, was pivotal in South America's struggle for independence from Spain.

The high plains near present-day Ayacucho, Peru, was the site of a battle pivotal to South America's independence from Spain. The battle happened amidst the Latin American independence wars, a string of revolts and battles starting in the early 1800s. 

By the early 1820s, most of South America had declared independence, but Peru remained a stronghold of Spanish royalist forces.

The Patriot forces, led by Antonio José de Sucre (pictured left) were allied with Simón Bolívar's broader campaign for independence. Sucre commanded a combined force of troops from various South American nations, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina.

The Royalist forces, loyal to the Spanish Crown, were commanded by Viceroy José de la Serna (pictured right)

Despite being outnumbered by 9,000 to 6,000 soldiers, the Patriot forces achieved a decisive victory using their mobility and strategic positioning. The terrain allowed Sucre to divide the Royalist troops, resulting in many captures.

The Capitulation of Ayacucho, signed after the battle by the Spanish army, ended their efforts to regain control of their South American colonies.

The Ayacucho victory marked the end of Spanish rule in South America and secured the independence of Peru.

The Murder of Dimebag Darrell

The 8th of December is probably most remembered for being the anniversary of John Lennon’s death, but on that same date, 20 years ago, heavy metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell was also shot and killed.

Dimebag Darrell Abbott, the legendary guitarist for Pantera and Damageplan, was tragically killed on December 8, 2004, during a live performance. He was shot and killed by a deranged fan, Nathan Gale, at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio.

25-year-old Gale rushed the stage during Damageplan’s performance, opening fire. Dimebag Darrell was instantly killed.

Three others lost their lives in the attack. Nathan Bray - a fan, Erin Halk - a club employee and Jeff Thompson - a member of the band’s security team were also tragically killed. Several others were injured.

The attack ended when Officer James D. Niggemeyer arrived on the scene and shot Gale, preventing further casualties.

The now-defunct Alrosa Villa nightclub

Gale’s motive is unclear. He may have harboured a belief that Panters’s breakup was the fault of Darrell, or possibly he was struggling with mental health issues.

Dimebag Darrell was one of heavy metal's most influential and skilled guitarists. His death at age 38 shocked the music world.

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.

The Capture of Winston Churchill.

On 15 November 1899, 125 years ago in the Second Boer War, British politician Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers while working as a war correspondent for the Morning Post newspaper.

Illustration depicting the
ambushed train and the battle

He was accompanying an armoured train which was ambushed and derailed by the Boers near the town of Chieveley. After joining in to try and fend off the Boes, he was captured along with several other men and interned in a prisoner-of-war camp in Pretoria. 

Churchill pictured in 1895

Just a month into his internment he successfully made a daring escape slipping out through a latrine and scaling the camp’s walls in the still of night.  

He then embarked on a perilous journey, stowing away on a train and seeking refuge in a British sympathiser's house in Mozambique.

His escape made headlines in Britain, turning him into a national hero. This paved the way for his entry into politics, setting the stage for a career as the legendary statesman he became.

Death of Karen Silkwood - 13th November 1974

Karen Silkwood was an American chemical technician and union activist known for reporting concerns about corporate practices relating to health and safety in an Oklahoma nuclear facility. 

She was employed at the Kerr-McGee Cimarron Fuel Fabrication site in Crescent, Oklahoma making plutonium pellets.

After testifying to the Atomic Energy Commission about her safety concerns at the plant, she was found to have plutonium contamination in her body and home.

Her story was chronicled in the 1983 Academy Award-nominated movie “Silkwood” starring Meryl Streep. 

She was killed 50 years ago on 13th November 1974 in a car crash in circumstances that have never been satisfactorily explained. 

She had attended a 5.30 pm union meeting at the Hub cafe in Crescent, leaving at 7.10 pm. She got into her Honda Civic car to drive the 30 miles toward Oklahoma City for another meeting, but less than 30 minutes later, her body was discovered in the wreckage of her vehicle approximately 7 miles from the cafe.

Her family sued Kerr-McGee for the plutonium contamination she suffered from with the company settling out of court for US$1.38 million, whilst not admitting liability.

Warren Clarke

Today (12th November) is 10 years since British film and television actor Warren Clarke died. 

Best known for his roles as Andy Dalziel in the TV series “Dalziel and Pascoe” and Dim in the film “A Clockwork Orange”, he also appeared in numerous other films and TV series in a long and distinguished career.

Born in April 1947, Clarke grew up in and around the Oldham, Lancashire area. He was born Alan James Clarke but changed his name to Warren because his girlfriend at the time had a crush on actor Warren Beatty.

His standout movie role was Dim, one of the thugs who indulged in “ultraviolence” with their ringleader played by Malcolm McDowell. 

Numerous offers were made from Hollywood after the release of A Clockwork Orange, all of which Clarke turned down saying “It was stuff I didn’t want to be involved with.”

In an early role

The role of grumpy, police detective Dalziel clocked up 46 episodes. He loved playing a character who, as he said, “farts, scratches, behaves badly with women and did not bow to the liberal views of society.”

He was a keen golfer and was a Manchester City FC supporter from the age of seven.

Despite a successful career of over 50 years, Clarke died at the age of 67 on 12th November 2014 after a short illness.