SaturdaySat, April 18th Edition Go Back

On this day in 2023

On this day in 2022

• EVENTS
• US Federal judge rules as "unlawful" Biden administration’s mandate that masks be worn on public transportation.
• Russia begins a major new offensive in Donbas, during their invasion of Ukraine.
• BIRTHS
• Bella Esmerelda Ronaldo, Family Member, born in Manchester, England.
• DEATHS
• Harrison Birtwistle, British contemporary classical composer (The Minotaur; The Mask of Orpheus), who died at 87.
• TV SERIES
• Better Call Saul: Season 6 is released. The sixth and final season of the Breaking Bad spin-off will air the fist seven episodes beginning on April 18 and the final six episodes beginning on July 11.
• POLITICS
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declares a national state of disaster, after floods and mudslides in Durban area result in over 400 deaths and destroy over 4,000 homes.

On this day in 2021

• EVENTS
• The Simpsons parodied Morrissey with the character Quillougby, a British misanthrope who sings 'Everyone Is Horrid Except Me (And Possibly You)' with Lisa. When the singer was qustioned about the sketch he stated: "I'm quite used to it, I've had enough horror thrown at me that would kill off a herd of bison.".
• DEATHS
• Elizabeth Furse, Politician.
• Iain Watson Gallaway QSO MBE, New Zealand sports broadcaster (Radio Sport; Halberg Award) and author (" Not a Cloud in the Sky"), who died at 98.
• TV SERIES
• Mare of Easttown: Season 1 is released. Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet), a small-town Pennsylvania detective, investigates a murder even as her personal life is falling apart in this limited series created by Brad Ingelsby.
• POLITICS
• 12-team European Super League is announced to widespread condemnation amongst governments, non-involved clubs, press and fans; amidst the furore all 6 EPL clubs withdraw within 3 days.

On this day in 2020

• EVENTS
• Paul McCartney, Elton John, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and several other stars performed from their homes on the One World: Together At Home concert during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event organized by Global Citizen of New York City and curated by singer Lady Gaga was in support of the World Health Organization..
• " Together At Home" virtual benefit concert for the World Health Organization's COVID-19 pandemic Solidarity Response Fund curated by Lady Gaga; 6-hour pre-show streams on-line, followed by 2-hour global telecast; performers include: Andra Day, Common, The Killers, Charlie Puth, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Annie Lennox, and Zucchero.
• French flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle reports over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 pandemic, prompting an investigation.
• Canada's worst modern mass shooting as a gunman kills 18 people, including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, across Nova Scotia.
• DEATHS
• Bob Lazier, Race Car Driver.
• Takuo Aoyagi, Japanese engineer who invented the pulse oximeter, who died at 84.

On this day in 2019

• EVENTS
• Irish Journalist Lyra McKee shot to death covering riots in Derry, Northern Ireland with dissident republican group the New IRA claiming responsibility.
• DEATHS
• Lorraine Warren, American paranormal investigator (Amityville haunting), who died in her sleep at 92.
• Lyra McKee, Northern Irish journalist, shot by the New IRA in a terrorist attack at 29.
• Mark Medoff, American playwright, director, actor and professor (Children of a Lesser God), who died at 79.
• GAMING: PC
• Katana ZERO for PC is released. Slice through time to take back what's rightfully yours in a neo-noir, instant-death action platformer.
• Forager for PC is released. The highly popular and quirky idle game that you want to actively keep playing. Explore, craft, gather & manage resources, find secrets and build your base out of nothing. Buy land to explore and expand!
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• God's Trigger for PlayStation 4 is released. Slay enemies with speed and precision in an over-the-top show of blood and explosions. Play solo or with others, make split-second decisions, dodge bullets, and use weapons and abilities to inflict violence in the most graphic way possible. When an Angel and a Demon team up to kill their way into Heaven and stop the apocalypse, bullets will fly and blood will be shed.
• GAMING: SWITCH
• Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection for Switch is released. This collection includes 8 arcade masterpieces of the 80s, from Nemesis to Haunted Castle. Experience these KONAMI classics in all their retro glory, now enhanced with modern features.
• Our World Is Ended. for Switch is released. A world between reality and fictionExplore a faithful recreation of Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts as elements from the game worlds will slowly manifest themselves and threaten to destroy the entire district itself..Splendid Artwork and Outstanding VisualsEnjoy stunning visuals and gorgeous CGs drawn in a distinctive and vibrant art style. The detailed environments bring Asakusa to life with a unique atmosphere.The interactive Selection Of Soul systemWhen the main character, Reiji gets flustered, the S.O.S (Selection Of Soul) system will be triggered. His emotions will flow onto the screen before vanishing. Quickly react to these options and see how your choices will affect the dialogues.
• The Padre for Switch is released. Unravel the mystery of a missing cardinal by solving the riddle of a demonic power you did not expect to come upon. Face your inner demons and fight the power of evil while it seduces your soul. Play as the wittiest, pop-culture referencing priest in video game history and face an ultimate game over, if you make the angels cry you a river.

On this day in 2018

• EVENTS
• “Black Panther” is the first film shown at a commercial cinema in 35 years in Saudi Arabia as cinemas are reopened.
• DEATHS
• Bruno Sammartino, Italian American strongman & professional wrestler, who died at 82.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• This Is Our Land is released. An engaged but apolitical nurse gets involved in a far-right political party. Based on numerous recent events in France, it becomes about how Front National operates and how it is perceived by the French.
• GAMING: SWITCH
• Cast of the Seven Godsends for Switch is released. Cast of the Seven Godsends Redux harks back to the days when classic 2D, run n gun, action-shooter games ruled the arcades. Four levels of difficulty, six worlds to conquer, twelve mid and end-of-level bosses, seven god-like armour sets, five basic weapons and thirty-five magic combat spells!The evil emperor Zaraaima has kidnapped the infant heir to the land of Dareca. King Kandar must call upon the aid of the seven gods of Dareca as he traverses the six worlds of his kingdom in a bid to save his son. He must face the emperors hordes as he battles through dark woods, slimy swamps, sinister mills, infernal volcanos, snowy mountains, golden cities and demonic castles. Each world is guarded by level bosses each sworn to bring about the kings swift demise. To help him in his quest King Kandar can invoke god-given armour, wield different weapons and cast fanatical spells. Can the King save his son and his kingdom or will Dareca fall into the evil emperors grasp?
• POLITICS
• Protests begin in Managua, Nicaragua, over proposed changes to social security, protesters beaten by suspected pro-government gangs.

On this day in 2017

• EVENTS
• Numerous opioid painkillers were found at US singer Prince's home shortly after his death last year, unsealed court documents show. Some of the pills discovered at Prince's Paisley Park estate in Minnesota had prescriptions in the name of his friend and bodyguard. But the documents do not offer evidence about the source of the fentanyl that killed the singer on 21 April 2016..
• DEATHS
• Gordon Langford [Colman], British composer and arranger of brass, choral, and orchestral music (Facets of Glass; Rhapsody for Trombone), who died at 86.
• GAMING: PC
• Flinthook for PC is released. Live the life of space captain Flinthook! Armed with your mighty hookshot, your uncanny slow-motion powers and your trusty blasma pistol, plunder and fight your way through an infinite variety of randomly-assembled spaceships for treasure, loot and fame!
• Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy - Episode 1: Tangled Up in Blue for PC is released. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series delivers a wholly new story of the universe’s unlikeliest heroes, the rag-tag band of outlaws who go by the names Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot. In the wake of an epic battle, the Guardians discover an artifact of unspeakable power.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• Full Throttle Remastered for PlayStation 4 is released. Released by LucasArts in 1995, Full Throttle is a classic graphic adventure game from Tim Schafer, telling the story of Ben Throttle butt-kicking leader of biker gang the Polecats, who gets caught up in a tale of Motorcycles, Mayhem and Murder. Now over 20 years later, Full Throttle is back in a remastered edition featuring all new hand-drawn and 3D high-resolution artwork, with remastered audio and music.Players can switch back and forth between classic and remastered modes, and mix and match audio, graphics and user interface to their heart’s desire. The've also included a concept art browser, and recorded a commentary track with the game’s original creators. [Playstation.com]
• Late Shift for PlayStation 4 is released. Late Shift is a high stakes FMV crime thriller. Forced into a brutal London heist, you must choose your own adventure in this interactive cinematic experience with adaptable storylines that lead to one of seven conclusions. Your decisions are you.
• The Silver Case for PlayStation 4 is released. The detectives of the 24 Wards Heinous Crimes Unit have their eyes on one man: Kamui Uehara, legendary serial killer and assassin of a number of government officials 20 years prior in the now-famous "Silver Case."However, nobody knows who—or what—Kamui really is. Has he really returned? Who is this infamous serial killer? As the player, you will take control of the protagonist—a member of the Special Forces Unit known as “Republic”—from a first-person perspective. Inspired by classic adventure and visual novel-style games, The Silver Case offers a fresh and unique gameplay experience as it leads the player through an in-depth story containing various puzzles, and uncovering the truth piece by piece. [NIS]
• Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap for PlayStation 4 is released. Boasting hand-drawn animations and a re-orchestrated soundtrack, the cult classic returns with a unique blend of exploration, action, and adventure.
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• Voodoo Vince Remastered for Xbox One is released. Join Vince, a plucky Voodoo doll, on his adventures through the streets of New Orleans, cemeteries, swamps and beyond in this classic character platformer. Newly restored and reissued in high definition, this Xbox console exclusive will make a great addition to any gamer’s library.
• The Disney Afternoon Collection for Xbox One is released. Starring a cast of Disney characters, The Disney Afternoon Collection takes you back to a golden era of gaming and afternoons filled with adventure. All six classic games feature new and improved visuals and include filtering options that replicate a retro look and feel.
• Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom for Xbox One is released. An Action RPG that takes you on a journey across a universe on the verge of collapse. Face off against dangerous enemies in hyper-dynamic fights, mixing magic with traditional fighting game mechanics. Gain experience to evolve your characters, learning exciting new skills and spells, and become the hero who will unify the civilizations of Mahera. [Xbox.com]
• POLITICS
• British Prime Minister Teresa May announces she will seek a "snap" election.
• SPORTS
• Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score 100 goals in the Champions League with a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-2 win over Bayern Munich.

On this day in 2016

• EVENTS
• 120th Boston Marathon: Ethiopian double; Lemi Berhanu Hayle wins men's section in 2:12:45; Atsede Baysa takes women's event in 2:29:19.
• Laureus World Sports Awards, Palais am Funkturm, Berlin, Germany: Sportsman: Novak Ðokovic; Sportswoman: Sernea Williams; Team: New Zealand Men's National Rugby Union team.
• DEATHS
• [Julia Liane] Aleah Stanbridge, South African metal musician (Trees of Eternity), who died of cancer at 39.
• Brian Asawa, Japanese-American countertenor, who died of liver failure at 49.
• GAMING: PC
• Battlezone 98 Redux for PC is released. Revolutionary, revitalised and remastered, Battlezone 98 Redux’s blend of thrilling first person action and tense RTS gameplay is as essential now as it ever was.
• Stephen's Sausage Roll for PC is released. The focus of Stephen's Sausage Roll involves nudging sausages around to fully cook them.

On this day in 2015

• EVENTS
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Lou Reed, Ringo Starr, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Green Day, Bill Withers, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the 5 Royales.
• Green Day was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a part of the 2015 class, in their first year of eligibility..
• DEATHS
• Joseph Lechleider, American electrical engineer (invented DSL/high speed internet technology), who died at 82.
• TV SERIES
• Orphan Black: Season 3 is released. The first episode of the third season will air simultaneously on BBC America, AMC, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv.

On this day in 2014

• EVENTS
• 12 Nepalese climbers are killed by an avalanche on Mt Everest.
• DEATHS
• Giorgio Pianta, Race Car Driver.
• Brian Priestman, British conductor and teacher, who died at 87.
• MOVIES: G
• Bears is released. Disneynature's new true life adventure showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life's most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting-but risky-as the cubs' playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food-ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run-while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf. [Disneynature]
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• A Promise is released. Germany,1912. A graduate of humble origins takes up a clerical post in a steel factory. Impressed by his work the elderly owner takes him on as his private secretary. His health declining, the owner is confined to his home, where the young man moves to continue his work. There he meets the owner’s wife, a much younger woman, beautiful and reserved. As time passes the young man falls passionately in love but does not dare reveal his feelings. A romantic intrigue develops in this stifling bourgeois home, all looks and silences, without a single word or gesture of love. When the owner announces he is sending his secretary to oversee his mines in Mexico, the wife’s stricken reaction reveals to the young man that she too has fallen secretly in love - a love she cannot express in the presence of her sick husband. She makes him a promise - when he returns in two years time, she will be his. Separated by an ocean, they exchange passionate letters while awaiting the day that will reunite them. Then, on the verge of his return to Germany, World War 1 erupts. All maritime travel between South America and Europe is suspended. His beloved pines, awaiting his return. Eight years later, with millions dead and Europe in ruins, the exile returns, to his homeland and to the woman he hopes has been waiting for him. But has their love survived the brutal passage of time? [IFC Films]
• Manakamana is released. High above a jungle in Nepal, pilgrims make an ancient journey by cable car to worship Manakamana.??
• Proxy is released. While walking home from her latest OB appointment, a very pregnant Esther Woodhouse is brutally attacked and disfigured by a hooded assailant. This horrible event seems to be a blessing in disguise when Esther finds consolation in a support group. Her life of sadness and solitude is opened up to friendship, understanding, and even acceptance. However, friendship and understanding can be very dangerous things when accepted by the wrong people. [IFC Midnight]
• The Final Member is released. Paris has the Louvre, London has the Tate Modern, and New York the Metropolitan Museum. But Husavik, Iceland-a diminutive village on the fringe of the Arctic Circle-boasts the world's only museum devoted exclusively to painstakingly preserved male genitalia. Founded and curated by Sigurður "Siggi"Hjartarson, the Icelandic Phallological Museum houses four decades worth of mammalian members, from a petite field mouse to the colossal sperm whale, and every "thing"in between. Lamentably, Siggi's collection lacks the holy grail of phallic phantasmagoria: a human specimen. Siggi's world changes dramatically when he receives generous offers from an elderly Icelandic Casanova and an eccentric American. However, as the competition for eternal penile preservation heats up between the two men, Siggi soon discovers that this process is more complicated than it initially appeared.
• That Demon Within is released. A dutiful cop (Daniel Wu), guilt-ridden over saving the life of a gang leader (Nick Cheung), becomes obsessed with bringing down the crime syndicate of the man he saved.
• MOVIES: PG13
• Tasting Menu is released. It’s been more than a year since Marc and Rachel booked a table at the best restaurant in the world. When it turns out that the booking is on the last night before the restaurant closes forever, their booking becomes even more important. The thing is, Marc and Rachel are no longer together. They have been separated for a year and have not seen each other during that time. Not willing to miss this unique culinary event, however, they both decide to meet at the restaurant, and it becomes a night neither would have expected.
• Make Your Move is released. The music is pumping, the dance floor is moving and Donny (Derek Hough) stops when he sees Aya (BoA) performing with her hip-hop Cobu crew on stage at Static, the hottest underground club in New York. They come from two different worlds, but they speak the same language - dance.
• Authors Anonymous is released. A dysfunctional writers’ group melts down when their newest member (Kaley Cuoco) finds overnight success.
• MOVIES: R
• A Haunted House 2 is released. Having exorcised the demons of his ex, Malcolm is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. After moving into their dream home, however, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events.
• Fading Gigolo is released. Fioravante decides to become a professional Don Juan as a way of making money to help his cash-strapped friend, Murray. With Murray acting as his "manager", the duo quickly finds themselves caught up in the crosscurrents of love and money.
• 13 Sins is released. A bright but meek salesman, drowning in debt as he's about to get married, receives a mysterious phone call informing him that he's on a hidden camera game show where he must execute 13 tasks to receive a multi-million dollar cash prize.
• Small Time is released. Freddy Klein (Devon Bostick) decides to skip college in favor of joining his father (Christopher Meloni) on the lot of his used-car business.
• GAMING: PC
• The Last Federation for PC is released. From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.

On this day in 2013

• EVENTS
• Public Enemy became the fourth hip-hop act inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (the others that preceded Public Enemy were Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys). Other 2013 inductees are Rush, Heart, Albert King, Donna Summer, and Randy Newman..
• " Iron Man 3", directed by Shane Black, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, premieres in London.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Heart; Albert King; Randy Newman; Public Enemy; Rush; Donna Summer; Quincy Jones; and Lou Adler.
• 27 people are killed and 65 are injured in a cafe bombing in Baghdad, Iraq.
• 28th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Heart; Albert King; Randy Newman; Public Enemy; Rush; Donna Summer; Quincy Jones; and Lou Adler.
• Two earth-like planets are discovered orbiting the star Kepler-62.
• DEATHS
• Storm Thorgerson, British graphic designer & music video director (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, The Cranberries), who died of cancer at 69.
• Cordell "Boogie" Mosson, American musician (Parliament-Funkadelic collective), who died of liver failure at 60.
• GAMING: 3DS
• Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo for 3DS is released. Time for some squirreling action! Prepare for some super squirreling action! Now with 50% new exclusive level content, ninja completion bonuses, super high speed turbo mode and a whole bunch of zany new squirrel outfits! Run, jump, swing and smash Mr Nibbles through 90 frantic levels of pixel perfect platforming. Mr Nibbles goes nuts for acorns and he’s on a mission to reclaim his stash from the pesky critters who stole them so he can feed his growing family. Delivering some of the best platform gameplay yet and featuring wonderful crisp graphics, Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo is a must have for platform game fans. Grapple and swing Mr Nibbles through 30 exclusive Challenge stages to test your squirreling skills. Adventure through 60 main game stages spread across four seasons with epic boss levels and completion goals, enough to keep you playing until winter! Collect power-ups to supercharge Mr. Nibbles through his adventure, including Tough Nut to smash through enemies and walls!
• GAMING: PC
• Papo & Yo for PC is released. Papo & Yo takes players on an emotional journey that explores the relationship between a boy and his sometimes-scary best friend. As players progress, Monster reacts differently to their actions based on his current desires. If Monster is in a good mood, he plays with Quico and help with tasks; if Monster is hungry, he seeks out food; if that food happens to be a poisonous frog, he transforms into a terrifying killing machine bent on nothing but destruction. Players will need to learn to use Monster's emotions, both good and bad, to their advantage if they want to complete their search for a cure and save their pal.