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On this day in 2023

On this day in 2022

• DEATHS
• Elayne Jones, American classical timpanist and civil rights activist, who died at 94.

On this day in 2021

• DEATHS
• Dimitrios Stefanakos, Greek soccer defender (7 caps; Olympiacos FC), who died at 85.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• The Novice is released. An obsessive novice rower climbs the ranks of her cutthroat university's team, pushing herself to physical and mental extremes in her quest to become the best.
• MOVIES: PG13
• Cyrano is released. A man ahead of his time, Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) dazzles whether with ferocious wordplay at a verbal joust or with brilliant swordplay in a duel. But, convinced that his appearance renders him unworthy of the love of a devoted friend, the luminous Roxanne (Haley Bennett), Cyrano has yet to declare his feelings for her — and Roxanne has fallen in love, at first sight, with Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.).
• Spider-Man: No Way Home is released. For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Super Hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
• MOVIES: R
• Swan Song is released. In the near future, Cameron Turner (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father diagnosed with a terminal illness, is presented with an alternative solution by his doctor (Glenn Close) to shield his family from grief. As Cam grapples with whether or not to alter his family’s fate, he learns more about life and love than he ever imagined.
• Mother/Android is released. Set in the near future, Mother/Android follows Georgia (Chloë Grace Moretz) and her boyfriend Sam (Algee Smith) through their treacherous journey of escape as their country is caught in an unexpected war with artificial intelligence. Days away from the arrival of their first child, they must face No Man’s Land, a stronghold of the android uprising, in hopes of reaching safety before giving birth.
• Nightmare Alley is released. When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet.
• The Lost Daughter is released. Alone on a seaside vacation, Leda (Olivia Colman) becomes consumed with a young mother and daughter as she watches them on the beach. Unnerved by their compelling relationship, (and their raucous and menacing extended family), Leda is overwhelmed by her own memories of the terror, confusion and intensity of early motherhood. An impulsive act shocks Leda into the strange and ominous world of her own mind, where she is forced to face the unconventional choices she made as a young mother and their consequences.
• The Tender Bar is released. J.R. (Tye Sheridan) is a fatherless boy growing up in the glow of a bar where the bartender, his Uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck), is the sharpest and most colorful of an assortment of quirky and demonstrative father figures. As the boy’s determined mother (Lily Rabe) struggles to provide her son with opportunities denied to her — and leave the dilapidated home of her outrageous if begrudgingly supportive father (Christopher Lloyd) — J.R. begins to gamely, if not always gracefully, pursue his romantic and professional dreams — with one foot persistently placed in Uncle Charlie’s bar.
• TV SERIES
• The Witcher: Season 2 is released. Geralt of Rivia takes Princess Cirilla to his childhood home of Kaer Morhen in the second season of the fantasy series based on the Polish book series by Andrzej Sapkowski.
• With Love: Season 1 is released. Siblings Lily (Emeraude Toubia) and Jorge Diaz (Mark Indelicato) search for love in the romantic comedy created and written by Calderón Kellet.
• ALBUMS
• Live Life Fast was released by Roddy Ricch. The latest full-length release for the Compton rapper features guest appearances from 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign, Jamie Foxx, Future, Gunna, Alex Isley, Kodak Black, Lil Baby, Takeoff, and Ty Dolla $ign,
• GAMING: SWITCH
• Aspire: Ina's Tale for Switch is released. A journey of self-discovery set across the grand landscapes of a living tower.Ina was trapped, placed in perpetual slumber inside the Tower – where she dreamed. Suddenly and unknowingly, she is woken. Ina must now explore the Tower’s inner chambers in search of a way out and a reason for her imprisonment.Along the way, she’ll traverse marvelous scenery, meet enigmatic characters, solve intuitive puzzles, and conquer platforming sequences as she comes closer to her goal - but farther from innocence.For this isn't a story about how Ina was saved. This is the story about how she discovered she could be so much more.Explore a Living TowerGet lost in a mystical side-scrolling adventure through beautiful sprawling levels, each with their own distinct feel. Every region presents its own peculiarities to unravel.Engaging StoryIna's dreams shape reality while the Tower feeds. Hopes and imagination satiate its hunger. How are the two connected?Meet the Tower DwellersLearn about the other denizens of the Tower as you search for the truth. Uncover their pasts, their memories, and set them free.

On this day in 2020

• EVENTS
• China's Chang'e-5 mission successfully returns from collecting rock samples from the Moon, landing in Siziwang Banner, Mongolia.
• Cyclone Yasa makes landfall as a category 5 storm over Bula province, Fiji, killing two people.
• More than 300 school boys rescued after they were kidnapped from their school in Katsina state, northern Nigeria.
• King Carl XVI Gustaf says Swedish authorities have failed in their response to COVID-19 pandemic, criticizing the country's controversial anti-lockdown strategy.
• DEATHS
• Jeremy Bulloch, Movie Actor.
• Pelle Svensson, Swedish Greco-Roman wrestler (World C'ship gold 100kg 1970,71; Olympic silver 97kg 1964), who died from cancer at 77.
• Stanley Cowell American jazz pianist (Heath Brothers), record label co-founder (Strata-East), and educator, who died from hypovolemic shock at 79.
• Frank Burnett, Race Car Driver.
• TV SERIES
• The Stand is released. A deadly superflu leaves the few survivors with dreams of either of a friendly older woman named Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg) or a more darker figure: Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgård) in this new adaptation of Stephen King's novel (that includes a new coda).
• GAMING: PC
• Airborne Kingdom for PC is released. Airborne Kingdom — the sky city builder. Grow your unique town among the clouds, and fly it across a wide-open landscape. Explore the skies to restore serenity to the world below.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• Nioh 2: The First Samurai for PlayStation 4 is released. The thrilling conclusion to the Nioh 2 story and the third and final DLC expansionThe First Samurai. Brace yourselves to take on some of the most challenging missions and formidable foes in the entire series, along with an added difficulty level that will give even the most seasoned veterans a run for their money. A flash of light from Sohayamaru whisks the protagonist back to the past as a Visitor for the third and final time. They are brought back to the place their mother spoke of when they were very young, the land of the fabled youth that defeated an oni. Otakemaru's past, the secret of Sohayamaru, and the truth behind the first samurai. All of these mysteries will be revealed, and the protagonist's long journey will finally come to a climactic end.
• POLITICS
• French President Emanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19 pandemic, sending other European leaders into isolation.

On this day in 2019

• EVENTS
• England's Fallon Sherrock becomes first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship, beating compatriot Ted Evetts,3-2 at the Alexandra Palace in London.
• China's 1st domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, enters naval service.
• Australia has its hottest day ever with average temperature of 40.9 across the country.
• Young girl's 5,700 year old DNA extracted from birch tar used as chewing gum, from Lolland Island, southern Denmark.
• DEATHS
• Richard Demark, Race Car Driver.
• Karin Balzer, German athlete (Olympic gold 80m hurdles 1964; bronze 100m hurdles 1972), who died at 81.
• GAMING: PC
• The Sims 4: Discover University for PC is released. Welcome to Britechester! Begin a new chapter for your Sim when they enroll in the historical University of Britechester or modern Foxbury Institute. Live in a dorm room or off-campus, explore Britechester on a bicycle, spend time in the student commons, and have a study session at the library. Cheer on the student body at a school spirit event and wear school colors to show your Sim's pride.Sims enroll in the University that piques their interest, finding classes in biology, computer science, art history, and even villainy. Attend a lecture or work on term papers and presentations -- the more your Sim learns, the better they will be in careers like teaching, law, and engineering. Going to classes or blowing them off will affect your Sim's grades, so time management is a must.How your Sim embraces college life is up to them. They can study all night to complete homework or chill out and sleep in. And, with activities like juice pong, juggling a soccer ball, and hanging out with roommates, taking a break has never been so fun! Plus, your Sim can join school organizations like robotics, debate, art, or even a mysterious secret society. As the school year progresses, Sims become their best selves and discover who they are meant to be.Make your Sim's space cozy with dorm room décor that reflects their personality with objects like posters and a mini-fridge. Then, develop their personal style in any way you choose -- whether wearing late-for-class sweatpants or their best-self slacks, there's always a way to show school spirit or impress a classmate.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• Wattam for PlayStation 4 is released. The idea for this game came from when Keita was playing with his two-year old son, and wondered about what if all toys lived, and connected by themselves? It would be such a fun world to explore and play with! The word “Wattam” itself is actually composed of the Tamil and Japanese words for “making a circle” or “making a loop”. The initial prototype for this game was made by Keita and his friend Vikram, who are from these two cultures respectively, and this new word acknowledges one of the game’s core inspirations: making connections between different types of things.
• Untitled Goose Game for PlayStation 4 is released. It's a lovely day in the village, and you are a horrible goose.Untitled Goose Game is a slapstick-stealth-sandbox, where you are a goose let loose on an unsuspecting village. Make your way around town, from peoples' back gardens to the high street shops to the village green, setting up pranks, stealing hats, honking a lot, and generally ruining everyone’s day.
• POLITICS
• Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death in absentia for high treason.
• SPORTS
• Hayden Fry, American College Football Hall of Fame coach (SMU 1962-72, North Texas State University 1973-78, University of Iowa 1979-98), who died from cancer at 90.

On this day in 2018

• EVENTS
• Malaysia files criminal charges against US bank Goldman Sachs for it role in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.
• New reports to US Senate say Russian propaganda efforts on social media much more extensive than thought, including targeting African Americans.
• Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "justice".
• CBS announces former Chief Executive Les Moonves will not receive his $120 million exit payout.
• Catriona Gray of the Philippines crowned 67th Miss Universe.
• Astronomers identify furtherest object in the solar system as 2018 VG18 (nicknamed Farout),120 x further from the sun than earth.
• US military confirms it has killed 62 fighters from Islamist group al-Shabab in air strikes in Somalia.
• US poacher sentenced to watch the film "Bambi" repeatedly during year in prison, for killing hundreds of deer in Missouri.
• DEATHS
• Anca Pop, Pop Singer.
• Galt MacDermot, Canadian musician and composer (Hair), who died at 89.
• Penny Marshall, American actress (The Odd Couple; Laverne & Shirley), and director (Big; Awakenings; A League of Their Own), and producer (Cinderella Man), who died of diabetes complications at 75.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• They Shall Not Grow Old is released. Using state of the art technology to restore original archival footage which is more than a 100-years old, Jackson brings to life the people who can best tell this story: the men who were there. Driven by a personal interest in the First World War, Jackson set out to bring to life the day-to-day experience of its soldiers. After months immersed in the BBC and Imperial War Museums’ archives, narratives and strategies on how to tell this story began to emerge for Jackson. Using the voices of the men involved, the film explores the reality of war on the front line; their attitudes to the conflict; how they ate; slept and formed friendships, as well what their lives were like away from the trenches during their periods of downtime.
• GAMING: PC
• Bladed Fury for PC is released. An action game set in the Ancient China, bringing players addictive experiences with its unique Chinese traditional art-style and sound design.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• Nippon Marathon for PlayStation 4 is released. Stretch your muscles and embark upon the ultimate marathon of Japan in a crazy party racer. Hurdle barrels, outrun Shiba Inu and dive out of the paths of bicycles – all while throwing fruit at your opponents and dashing across planks precariously balanced over waterfalls across Japan.
• SPORTS
• Raven Wilkinson, American ballerina, first African American woman to dance with major ballet company, who died at 83.

On this day in 2017

• EVENTS
• " Star Wars: The Last Jedi" takes more than $450m worldwide in its opening weekend,2nd largest opening in North America ($220m).
• Set of ink-brush paintings by Qi Baishi sells at auction for 931.5m yuan ($US140m) in Bejing, a record for Chinese paintings.
• French sailor François Gabart sets round-the-world record for fastest solo navigation of the globe in 42 days 16 hours.
• Terrorist suicide attack on a Methodist church in Quetta, Pakistan kills nine.
• DEATHS
• Robert G Wilmers, American banker ( M& T Bank), billionaire and philanthropist, who died at 83.
• Kevin Mahogany, American jazz vocalist (" Double Rainbow" ; "Pride And Joy"), who died of diabetes complications at 59 [2].
• TV SERIES
• A Christmas Story Live! is released. The Tony-nominated musical (itself based on the 1983 movie) is the latest live musical for Fox and features a new song written just for this production. Adult Raphie (Matthew Broderick) recalls the Christmas when his nine-year old (Andy Walken) self wanted a Red Ryder BB, despite warnings from his mother (Maya Rudolph), his teacher (Jane Krakowski) and even Santa (David Alan Grier) who said he'd shoot his eye out.
• POLITICS
• Sebastián Piñera wins Chile's presidential election run-off, returning to office after 4 years.
• SPORTS
• Brazilian footballer and former AC Milan and Real Madrid player Kaka retires.

On this day in 2016

• DEATHS
• Henry Heimlich, American surgeon and inventor of the Heimlich maneuver, who died at 96.

On this day in 2015

• EVENTS
• Martin Shkreli, CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals is arrested on fraud charges in New York by the FBI.
• A London judge said he was concerned at how much Liam Gallagher and his ex-wife Nicole Appleton were spending in a legal dispute over how their assets should be split after it was revealed that the pair had spent over £800,000 on legal fees. Judge O'Dwyer decided their money and property should be divided equally, with each receiving £5.4m..
• TV SERIES
• Luther: Season 4 is released. Luther is on a leave of absence after many tragedies when Detective Chief Inspector Theo Bloom (Darren Boyd) and Detective Sergeant Emma Lane (Rose Leslie) seek him out as a cannibalistic serial killer draws Luther further back into the field.
• GAMING: 3DS
• The Delusions of Von Sottendorff and His Squared Mind for 3DS is released. El Barón Von Sottendorff es un aristócrata muy de su tiempo. Noble, con una gran presencia, reside en una impresionante mansión de principios del siglo XX. Y aunque puede entrar y salir de ella cuando quiera, lo que no sabe es que realmente está atrapado dentro de su propia mente.Bajo esta premisa nace Los delirios de Von Sottendorff y su mente cuadriculada, el nuevo trabajo de Delirium Studios, que llegará el próximo invierno en exclusiva para Nintendo 3DS.
• GAMING: PC
• Turok Remastered for PC is released. The remaster of Turok: Dinosaur Hunter which was released in 1997.
• Republique: Episode 4 - God's Acre for PC is released. You receive a desperate call from Hope, a mysterious woman trapped inside an oppressive totalitarian state. By hacking into the nation's elaborate surveillance network and taking control, you guide Hope through a web of danger and deception across five thrilling episodes.
• POLITICS
• Libyan warring political factions sign a UN-brokered deal to form a unified government.
• SPORTS
• José Mourinho is sacked as manager of British Premier football club Chelsea.

On this day in 2014

• EVENTS
• Sony Pictures cancels the release of "The Interview", starring Seth Rogen, Lizzy Caplan, and James Franco, after a cyber attack on the studio.
• 103-year-old Gus Andreone records the 8th ace of his career on the 113-yard,14th hole of the Lakes Course, Palm Aire, Sarasota, FL; oldest golfer to record a hole-in-one.
• BIRTHS
• Kiriku, Comedian, born in Nigeria.
• DEATHS
• Fritz Rudolf Fries, German writer and informant, who died at 79.
• Francis-Paul Demillac [Enyss Djemil], French violinist, composer, and pedagogue, who died at 97.
• MOVIES: NOT RATED
• Goodbye to All That is released. When his wife unexpectedly informs him that she wants a divorce, well-meaning but oblivious husband Otto Wall (Paul Schneider) finds himself thrust back into bachelorhood. Cue a hilarious sequence of romantic encounters—from reconnecting with a former crush to online dating—as Otto searches for the real thing amidst a string of one night stands. [IFC Films]
• If You Don't, I Will is released. Pomme (Emmanuelle Devos) and Pierre (Mathieu Amalric) have been together a long time. Passion and spontaneity have given way to predictability and cold shoulders. But there's a lingering optimism, a hope they can return to the couple they used to be, attending chic art openings and sharing a laugh like young lovers. On a hike together one afternoon, Pomme declares her independence by deciding to stay in the woods rather than return to an underwhelming life with Pierre. Pierre tries to get back to normal, despite his worry over her whereabouts and the indelible sense that he's missing his better half. Meanwhile, Pomme begins an extended meditation in the forest on where her own life should go next, with or without Pierre. In the end, both are left to contemplate the strength and meaning of each other's commitment. [Film Movement]
• MOVIES: PG13
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is released. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• Kalimba for Xbox One is released. Kalimba plays in solid 60 fps full HD. It feels both retro and new at the same time and its puzzle design and twitch gameplay present challenge for the experienced gamer.

On this day in 2013

• EVENTS
• Angela Merkel is elected Chancellor of Germany for a third term.
• Cat Stevens,  Hall & Oates,  Kiss,  Linda Ronstadt and Nirvana are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• GAMING: PC
• The Walking Dead: Season Two - A Telltale Games Series for PC is released. The sequel to 2012's Game of the Year continues the story of Clementine, a young girl orphaned by the undead apocalypse. Left to fend for herself, she has been forced to learn how to survive in an unforgiving world. Experience what its like to play as Clementine, meet new survivors, explore new locations and make gruesome decisions in this five-part game series of choice and consequence. The downloadable version of this game supports English, French, Portuguese, German, Spanish.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 3
• Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition for PlayStation 3 is released. Imagine it, and you can build it. Create your very own game world and explore, build and conquer. When night falls the monsters appear, so ensure you’ve made yourself a shelter before they arrive. Make it through the night and the world is only limited by your imagination you choose what you want to make or what to do. Play on your own, cooperatively with friends in 2 player and 4 player split screen modes, or online with up to 8 players. Split screen option requires HD TV with HD connection.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION 4
• flOw for PlayStation 4 is released. flOw is a game about piloting an aquatic organism through a surreal biosphere where players consume other organisms, evolve, and dive into the abyss. With an embedded design of DDA (dynamic difficulty adjustment), players with differing skill levels can intuitively customize their game experience and enjoy the game at their own pace.
• The Pinball Arcade for PlayStation 4 is released. This downloadable pinball game features licensed tables from Williams Gottlieb, Bally, and Stern.
• GAMING: PLAYSTATION VITA
• Bit.Trip Presents...Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien for PlayStation Vita is released. Runner 2 - Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is a rhythm-music, auto-running platformer that is inspired by the Bit.Trip series originally released on Nintendo platforms.
• Terraria for PlayStation Vita is released. Terraria is a side-scrolling, action-adventure sandbox game with an emphasis on crafting and exploration set in vast and vibrant worlds.
• GAMING: XBOX ONE
• Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - Freedom Cry for Xbox One is released. Born a slave, Adewale found freedom aboard the Jackdaw where he became Edward Kenway’s second-in-command. 15 years later, Adewale has become an Assassin who finds himself shipwrecked in Saint-Domingue without weapons or crew. He meets locals in an effort to assemble a crew & steal a ship. The more he helps, the more he is drawn into the Maroon slave community. Forced to face his past, he sets out to free the slaves & bring death to their captors. Over 3 hours of new single-player game play!
• SPORTS
• Leland Smith, American composer, bassoonist and computer coder who led music publishing into the digital age (SCORE), who died at 88.