Sunday, August 2, 2026

UEFA's Threats to Boycott Future FIFA Competitions Forces Gianni Infantino To Back Down With Proposal to Sell World Cup to Trump Family

 



You know, it's really become clear this summer that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is one of those guys whom it is true that the more you hear about him, the less you want to hear about him. The staggering levels of greed and blatant corruption and sense of entitlement that he has displayed regarding FIFA and the World Cup, and his uncomfortably close ties to American President Donald Trump, is truly disgusting. Remember, this is the man who invented the "FIFA Peace Trophy" and then gave it to a pathetic and desperate Trump after he had failed to secure the Nobel Peace Prize, much to everyone's shock. Then this past World Cup was heavily criticized for having been much too American, with "refreshment breaks" which felt suspiciously like opportunities for advertisements from sponsors, and a very American World Cup Final complete with appearances and ceremonies featuring Hollywood stars and an over-the-top halftime show in the style of the Super Bowl. A lot of people who are fans of the sport felt that it was all way too American, and they welcomed a return to normality when the sport goes back to it's usual form, moving away from the rather excessive American influence. 

Not so fast, however.

There was talk of Trump trying to get the World Cup back in the United States soon, even co-hosting with China, of all nations. Then, there was a recent announcement in which Infantino wanted to sell off 20% of FIFA to a US-based private investment group which was headed by a family member of Trump. 

This proved to be a bridge too far for many. The negative response came immediately. Every single European nation stood in unison opposed to the deal, and vowed to boycott all FIFA events until this proposal was taken off the table. Here is a snippet of how UEFA responded to this proposal of closer links to the Trump family for FIFA:

Uefa confirmed that ‘no Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition’ while Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell off stakes in the World Cup remain alive

"UEFA and its 55 member associations stand as one. We unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.  

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. It was been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."

"The moment external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial return becomes a permanent obligation. Investor expectations become a daily pressure. From that moment onwards, every decision on the international calendar, every decision on competition formats and every decision shaping the future of football is no longer driven by what best serves the game, but by what best serves shareholders.  

"This model has no place in world football."

Well, that was decisive, if nothing else. That left no room for ambiguity or a lack of clarity. And UEFA's quick and decisive response prompted swift criticism of the move towards US influenced privatization of FIFA as well. They did not unite to promise a boycott of all future FIFA events until this proposal is shelved, like European nations did. However, it was quite clear that they were less than thrilled with this whole thing, as well. CONCACEF released a statement which was highly critical of the move and the lack of proper procedural arrangements, as well as the attempted rush to try and get the deal through as quickly as possible, without sufficient time to actually review the proposal before it is already too late (a gimmick which has been perfected by Congressional Republicans in recent decades)::

In that statement, Concacaf said its members had "deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies.

So with all of that, the proposal now finally has been shelved.

Yet, it seems clear that it is now time to seriously review the tenure of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and to perhaps look to replace him. It seems to me that he has done quite a bit of damage to the sport. He feels like the Gary Bettman of international football, in that he is willing to sacrifice the loyalties of traditional fans in order to pursue immediate financial gain (mostly for himself). Not sure if the damage from his tenure is permanent, but he clearly poses a threat to the sport which, frankly, deserves to be removed. Much sooner rather than later. 

When someone proves to be that blatantly corrupt and tone deaf, he should not then  be allowed to remain in such a powerful and influential position.

What would be next? Perhaps it would come to be known as the Trump FIFA World Cup? 

Sounds absurd, but I'm only half joking. After all, this is the guy who tried to add his name to the Kennedy Center. A sitting president who made sure that an international airport was named after him, and wanted a major commuter station in New York City to be named after him, as well. This is the same guy who wanted his damn face to be up on Mount Rushmore. 

And it's because of bootlickers who bend their knee to Trump's every whim that this guy is allowed to keep doing this nonsense. And Infantino clearly is part of the problem in that regard. He proudly joined Trump's Board of Peace. Gave Trump that ridiculous Peace Prize. Allowed Trump to dictate how games were played at this recent World Cup tournament, including the "refreshment breaks" which were really pauses for commercials, and the Super Bowl influenced halftime show, not to mention Trump actually pushing for a red card to be reversed, and Infantino apparently indulging him. Let's not forget Trump hovering while Spain's national team was trying to celebrate.

Now, Infantino wants to sell a significant chunk of FIFA to the Trump family through some shady backdoor deal?

Absolutely not. 

Absurd.

So Infantino was forced to back down. The deal will not go through.

That said, can we really trust him not to try and get more Trump influence on the sport or the World Cup tournament somewhere down the road? What's to say he will not try - and possibly succeed next time - in getting something similar passed in equally questionable manner?

Frankly, it's time for Infantino to go.

In fact, it already feels long overdue. This guy clearly puts personal profits over love of game and has repeatedly shown a decided lack of interest in protecting the integrity of the game he is supposed to be in charge of.

Infantino needs to go. Now.





All statements and quotes used above were taken from the articles linked below:


Uefa agrees to boycott Fifa competitions if World Cup sell-off plans proceed Uefa agrees stance at emergency meeting on Thursday Boycott would begin with Under-20 Women’s World Cup Nick Ames and Matt Hughes Thu 30 Jul 2026 11.35 EDT

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/30/uefa-agrees-to-boycott-fifa-competitions-if-world-cup-sell-off-plans-proceed

Uefa agrees to boycott Fifa competitions if World Cup sell-off plans proceed | Uefa | The Guardian




UEFA announces boycott of World Cup and Concacaf rejects Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in event   Chris CwikContributing writer Thu, July 30, 2026 at 3:29 PM 

https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/breaking-news/article/uefa-announces-boycott-of-world-cup-and-concacaf-rejects-gianni-infantinos-proposal-to-sell-stakes-in-event-163828980.html

UEFA announces boycott of World Cup and Concacaf rejects Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in event - Yahoo Sports

August 2nd: This Day in History

  



Once again, it should be reiterated, that this does not pretend to be a very extensive history of what happened on this day (nor is it the most original - the links can be found down below). If you know something that I am missing, by all means, shoot me an email or leave a comment, and let me know!




Here's a more detailed look at events that transpired on this date throughout history:



A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the Battle of Chaeronea on this day in 338 BCE, securing Macedonian hegemony in Greece and the Aegean. On this day in 216 BCE, the Battle of Cannae during the Second Punic War was fought, with the Carthaginian army led by Hannibal defeating a numerically superior Roman army under Command Consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. On this day in 1057, Frederik van Lotharingen was elected as the first Belgium Pope Stephen IX [X]. On this day in 1492, Jews were expelled from Spain by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. On this day in 1542, French troops left. Flanders. The Treaty of Passau was signed on this day in 1552, when Emperor Charles V accepting the Lutheran religion. The Battle of Rijmenam was fought on this day in 1578. In 1581 on this day, Leiden University named Snellius as a math professor. Henry Hudson entered the bay later named after him, the Hudson Bay, on this day in 1610. On this day in 1665 was the  French expedition against Barbarians in Tunis/Algiers. The Duke of Marlborough defeated the French & Bavarians at Blenheim on this day in 1704. Austria joined the Triple Alliance on this day in 1718. On this day in 1776, members of the Continental Congress (56 of them) began formally adding their signatures to the Declaration of Independence. The British under Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the French at the Battle of Nile on this day in 1798. Napoleon was given the title of "Counsel for Life" on this day in 1802. Also on this day in 1861, the United States Congress passed the first income tax. The revenues were intended for the war effort against the South. However, the tax was never enacted. Lewis Carroll published "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" on this day in 1865. The Tower Subway in London was opened in 1870, becoming the first underground public transportation system to do so. 


The anniversary of the "Dead Man's Hand" is today, as "Wild" Bill Hickok was killed with a pair of black aces and black eights in his hand.


Lincoln pennies began to be minted on this day in 1909. France and Germany declared war on one another in 1914, as World War I really got going. Hindenburg died on this day, which Hitler quickly took advantage of to assume more powers for himself and the Nazis, making himself Commander-in-Chief. 

An armed revolt broke out in Treblinka. The Potsdam Conference between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill ended. This was the anniversary of the Pentago reporting that North Vietnam had attacked two American vessels, which led to stepped up American involvement in Vietnam, in what would become the longest war that the United States had ever gotten involved in (since surpassed by American involvement in Afghanistan). Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded Kuwait on this day in 1990.




Here's a more detailed look at events that transpired on this date throughout history:


A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the Battle of Chaeronea on this day in 338 BCE, securing Macedonian hegemony in Greece and the Aegean. 

On this day in 216 BCE, the Battle of Cannae during the Second Punic War was fought, with the Carthaginian army led by Hannibal defeating a numerically superior Roman army under Command Consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. 

In 257 on this day, St Stephen I ended his reign as Catholic Pope. 

On this day in 1057, Frederik van Lotharingen was elected as the first Belgium Pope Stephen IX [X]. 

On this day in 1492, Jews were expelled from Spain by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. 

On this day in 1542, French troops left. Flanders. 

The Treaty of Passau was signed on this day in 1552, when Emperor Charles V accepting the Lutheran religion. 

The Battle of Rijmenam was fought on this day in 1578.  

• In 1581 on this day, Leiden University named Snellius as a math professor. Henry Hudson entered the bay later named after him, the Hudson Bay, on this day in 1610. 

On this day in 1665 was the  French expedition against Barbarians in Tunis/Algiers. 

The Duke of Marlborough defeated the French & Bavarians at Blenheim on this day in 1704. 

Austria joined the Triple Alliance on this day in 1718. 



Royal France

France offered Emperor Karel VI mediation in the war against the Ottoman Empire on this day in 1738. 







American Declaration of Independence

On this day in 1776, members of the Continental Congress (56 of them) began formally adding their signatures to the Declaration of Independence. 





In 1782 on this day, George Washington created the Honorary Badge of Distinction. 

In 1786 on this day, Utrechtse Vroedschap fled. Horace the Saussure reached the top of Mont Blanc on this day in 1787. 

The first US Census was conducted on this day in 1790. 

On this day in 1791, Samuel Briggs and his son Samuel Briggs, Jr. received a joint patent for their nail-making machine. They were the first father-son pair to receive a patent. 

The British under Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the French at the Battle of Nile on this day in 1798. 








French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte



Napoleon was given the title of "Counsel for Life" on this day in 1802. 





The first parachute jump in the United States took place on this day in 1819. 

On this day in 1824 in New York City, Fifth Avenue was opened. 

Charles X of France abdicated the throne in favour of his grandson the Duc de Bordeaux on this day in 1830. 

On this day in 1831, the Ten Day Campaign started, when the Dutch army occupied Belgium. 

In 1832 on this day, the Battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin, was fought. Approximately 1,300 Illinois militia defeated Sauk & Fox Native Americans, which effectively ended the Black Hawk War in the United States. 

The first mailboxes were installed in Boston and NYC streets on this day in 1858. Also on this day in 1858, the government of India transferred from East India Company to the British Crown. 





There was a skirmish at Dug Springs, Michigan, on this day in 1861. 



A statue in Flemington, New Jersey, honoring veterans of the American Civil War.


Also on this day in 1861, the United States Congress passed the first income tax. The revenues were intended for the war effort against the South. However, the tax was never enacted. 



Lewis Carroll published "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" on this day in 1865. Also on this day in 1865, the Trans Atlantic Cable that was then  in the process of being laid by SS Great Eastern snapped & was lost. 


Tower Subway, the world's first underground tube railway, opened in London on this day in 1870. 

This day in 1873, the first trial run of SF cable car, at Clay Street between Kearny & Jones. On this day in 1875, the first roller skating rink opened in London. The SF Public Library opened on this day in 1877 with 5,000 volumes. Dutch Queen Emma  was appointed as Regent on this day in 1884. On this day in 1887, Rowell Hodge patented barbed wire. Charles A Wheeler patented a prototype of the escalator on this day in 1892. Death Duties were first introduced in Britain on this day in 1894. Also on this day in 1894, the Dutch Society for Women Suffrage received a royal charter. 

In 1903 on this day, there was an unsuccessful uprising of Macedonians against the Ottoman Empire. It was on this day in 1909 that the first Lincoln head pennies minted, for any coin enthusiasts or collectors out there. The Army Air Corps formed on this day in 1909 as the Army took the first delivery from the Wright Brothers. 




Flag of Haiti

Haiti's dictator Simon fled on the US warship near Jamaica on this day in 1911.
 







This day in 1914 proved to be a very busy one, as the so-called Great War, better known now as World War I, was really getting underway. It was on this day in 1914 that the Belgian government received an ultimatum from Germany, while German troops overthrew the government in neighboring Luxembourg. Germany and the Ottoman Empire signed a secret treaty on this day in 1914. Also on this day in 1914, the German press falsely reported that the French bombed Nuremberg. Great Britain began mobilizing on this day in 1914. Russian troops invaded Eastern Prussia on this day in 1914. And the Potsdam Conference ended on this day in 1914.Finally, it was on this day in 1914 that the Sherlock Holmes Adventure "His Last Bow" took place. 

On this day in 1916 during World War I, an Austrian sabotage caused the sinking of the Italian battleship Leonardo da Vinci in Taranto. In 1918 on this day, Japan announced that it is deploying troops to Siberia in the aftermath of World War I. In 1921 on this day, a Chicago jury delivered a not guilty verdict against the Black Sox. Eight White Sox players were acquitted of throwing the 1919 World Series. 

On this day in 1922, China was hit by a typhoon; with about 60,000 people killed as a result. On this day in 1926, John Barrymore and Mary Astor starred in the first showing of the Vitaphone System. The system was the combining of picture and sound for movies. 

In 1928 on this day, Benito Mussolini signed a peace treaty with Abyssinia (Ethiopia). On this day in 1932, the positron (antiparticle of the electron) was discovered by Carl D. Anderson. 

The first airplane train, plane towed 3 mail gliders behind it on this day in 1934. In 1934 on this day, Adolph Hitler officially became the Commander-in-Chief of Germany shortly after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg. On this day in 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed in America, essentially rendering marijuana and all its by-products illegal. Albert Einstein signed a letter to President Roosevelt urging the U.S. to have an atomic weapons research program on this day in 1939, wit the outbreak of World War II right around the corner. U.S. President Roosevelt signed the Hatch Act on this day in 1939. The act prohibited civil service employees from taking an active part in political campaigns. On tis day in 1940, Clermont-Ferrand sentenced Gen Charles de Gaulle to death. KL-House of Saxon & commandos focused on Gross Rosen, Silesia, on this day in 1940. The German 11st Army surrounded 20 Russian divisions at Oeman on this day in 1941. On this day in 1941. Jews were expelled from Hungarian Ruthenia. 250 Dutch Catholic Jews were arrested and transported to Amersfoort camp on this day in 1942. Col-Gen Hoth' Pantser's army reached Kotelnikovo on this day in 1942. 

An armed revolt broke out at the Treblinka death camp on this day in 1943. The crematorium was destroyed. 

Also on this day in 1943, the U.S. Navy patrol torpedo a boat, PT-109, sank by the Solomon Islands after being attacked by a Japanese destroyer. The boat was under the command of Lt. John F. Kennedy. The RAF bombed Hamburg on this day in 1943. 

In 1943 on this day, Sunderland seaplanes sank U-706 & U-106. Jewish survivors of Kovono Ghetto emerged from their bunker on this day in 1944. Turkey broke diplomatic relationship with Nazi-Germany on this day in 1944. 





Statue of soldier, author and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, London

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

On this day in 1945, the Potsdam Conference ended. It had been where the victorious Allied leaders - Stalin, Truman and Churchill - had met with a focus on planning the postwar governance of Germany. 



Tahar Ben Ammar was appointed the Premier of Tunisia on this day in 1954. 

On this day in 1958, Jordan & Iraq dissolved their Arab Federation after 3 months.









  
      

The Beatles first gig as a house band of Liverpool's Cavern Club took place on this day in 1961. 







Cyrille Adula became the Premier of Congo on this day in 1961. On this day in 1962, NASA civilian test pilot Joseph A Walker took the X-15 to 32,600 metres. 

The Dutch government gave Indonesia export guarantees on this day in 1964. 

On this day in 1964, the Pentagon reported the first of two North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. 

There was a race riot in Jersey City NJ, on this day in 1964. Morley Safer's sent the first report from Vietnam indicating that the United States might not be winning the conflict on this day in 1965. On this day in 1967, the US's Lunar Orbiter 5 launched; and it entered lunar orbit on Aug 5th. 

The second Blackwall Tunnel opened in Greenwich, London, on this day in 1967. 

American President Nixon visited Romania on this day in 1969. Gold hit a record $70 an ounce in London on this day in 1972. 

On this day in 1980, fascists were behind a bomb attack at a train station in Bologna, Italy, with 86 killed. A US District Court began trying the town of Yonkers, which was accused of race discrimination on this day in 1983. 











Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC (picture taken during visit in 2013)



Statue of Martin Luther King Jr in Denver, Colorado

Also on this day in 1983, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a law that designated the third Monday of January would be a federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The law was signed by President Reagan on November 2. 







In 1985 on this day, 5 died in a train crash in Westminster Colorado.

 A Delta Lockheed L-1011 crashed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, with 137 killed on this day in 1985. 

Also on this day in 1985, NASA launched space vehicle S-209. System Enhancement Association settles case with PK ware (ARC vs PKARC) on this day in 1988. 

On this day in 1989, NASA confirmed Voyager 2's discovery of 3 more moons of Neptune designated temporarily 1989 N2, 1989 N3 & 1989 N24. 

It was on this day in 1990 that Iraq invaded the oil-rich country of Kuwait. Iraq claimed that Kuwait had driven down oil prices by exceeding production quotas set by OPEC. The Emir of Kuwait fled to neighboring Saudi Arabia.  

On this day in 1991, Space Shuttle STS 43 (Atlantis 9) was launched. 

In 1993 on this day, a train crashed in a tunnel at Vega de Anzo Spain, with 12 killed. 

There was an explosion at a lead/zinc mine in Guangxi, China, with 120+ killed on this day in 1994. 

On this day in 1995, China ordered the expulsion of two U.S. Air Force officers. The two were said to have been caught spying on military sights. 

Finally, on this day in 2012, 23 people were killed after two blasts in a fruit market in Lahore, Pakistan




The following links are to web sites that were used to complete this blog entry:

http://www.historyorb.com/today/events.php

http://on-this-day.com/onthisday/thedays/alldays/aug02.htm

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory

Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Heron, the Stream & the Flowers


There was another meeting with the Heron while I was walking at the Delaware Raritan Canal not too long ago.

One of the pictures was with the bird not far from a natural bed of flowers. That felt like it made for a good picture.

Below are some of the pictures which I did take, and which seemed worth sharing here.

Enjoy:















August 1st Marks the Anniversary of the Beginning of the Warsaw Uprising During World War II

 


Today marks an important anniversary of World War II. It was on this day in 1944, in Nazi occupied Poland, that a very significant uprising against the German occupation began in Warsaw.  It occurred as things were going very badly for Germany at that point. The Western Allies had opened up a front in France and were driving towards Germany from one side, and the Soviets were pounding the Germans and driving them back and forcing the Nazis to retreat towards the borders of the Reich - and eventually well into it - on the Eastern Front.

The revolt began when it seemed like the Poles could count on help from the Soviets, who had reached the outskirts of the city.

However, it turned out that they could not rely on the Soviets. Josef Stalin ordered a halt to the advance against the Germans just outside of Warsaw, They effectively allowed the Germans to do their fighting for them, as the Soviets did not want to fight the Western-supported rebels, as they had their own pro-Soviet government ready and in waiting. 

So the rebels trying to overthrow Nazi occupied rule in Warsaw were left to their own devices. The uprising continued until October 2nd, when Polish forces ultimately were forced to surrender. Many of them were sent to the camps or otherwise killed. The city of Warsaw itself was largely destroyed.

Yet, the memory of their sacrifice and bravery lives on. 

Today, I honor this anniversary by trying to allow the memory of this sad historical occasion to endure.

August 1st - This Day in History

 



Once again, it should be reiterated, that this does not pretend to be a very extensive history of what happened on this day (nor is it the most original - the links can be found down below). If you know something that I am missing, by all means, shoot me an email or leave a comment, and let me know!


On this day in 30 BCE, Octavian (later known as Augustus) entered Alexandria, Egypt, and brought it under the umbrella of the Roman Republic. On this day in 527, Justinian I became the sole ruler of the Byzantine Empire. In 1291 on this day, the Everlasting League formed, which provided a basis of Swiss Confederation (Independence). On this day in 1588, English Admiral Howard van Effingham defeated the Spanish Armada. This day in 1589 saw the assassination of French King Henry III by friar Jacques Clément. On this day in 1711, Czar Peter the Great found himself surrounded and was forced to flee Azov. On this day in 1781, the English army under General Cornwallis occupied Yorktown, Virginia, the very same place where he would surrender to the Americans and the French just a few months later, marking the end of the American War for Independence. On this day in 1793, France officially became the first country to use the metric system. The Whiskey Rebellion began on this day in 1794. Slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect on this day in 1834. On this day in 1836, the HMS Beagle, with soon to be world famous scientist Charles Darwin aboard, returned to Bahia, Brazil. On this day in 1861, Brazil recognized Confederacy. On this day in 1876, Colorado became the 38th state to join the United States. Cecil Rhodes' colonies reached Lundi on his day in 1890. The first Sino-Japanese War erupted on this day in 1894. The dispute was over control of Korea. On this day in 1914, Emperor Wilhelm II declared war on his nephew Tsar Nicholas II, beginning the Great War, which now is known as World War I. British troops entered Vladivostok on this day in 1918. The Peace of Riga, establishing independence for Latvia, was signed on this day in 1920. Adolf Hitler opened the XI (11th) Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, on this day in 1936. In 1944 on this day was Anne Frank's last diary entry. Just three days later, she was arrested. On this day in 1944, in Warsaw, Poland, an uprising against Nazi occupation began. The revolt continued until October 2 when Polish forces ultimately surrendered. American President Harry Truman signed Congressional acts which established the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Fulbright Scholarship program on this day in 1946. On this day in 1960, Benin (formerly Dahomey) gained independence from France. In 1966 on this day, the first major school shooting occurred when Charles Whitman wounded 31 & killed 16 at the University of Texas. He had been perched atop a high tower. On this day in 1975, the Helsinki Pact accords pledged the signatory nations to respect human rights and guaranteed boundaries would be respected. It was signed by leaders of 38 nations. In 2006 on this day, Cuban leader Fidel Castro turned over absolute power when he gave his brother Raul authority while he underwent an intestinal surgery. 


Here's a more detailed look at events that transpired on this date throughout history:


On this day in 30 BCE, Octavian (later known as Augustus) entered Alexandria, Egypt, and brought it under the umbrella of the Roman Republic. 

On this day in 527, Justinian I became the sole ruler of the Byzantine Empire. 

In 607 on this day, Ono no Imoko was dispatched as an envoy to the Sui court in China (Traditional Japanese date: July 3, 607).  

In this day in 649, Pope Martinus I was chosen as the successor to Theodorus I [or possibly on 8/7]. 

On this day in 860 was the Peace of Koblenz between Charles the Bare, Louis the German & Lotharius II. Aghlabidisch Emir Ibrahim II destroyed Taormina, Sicily, on this day in 902. 

On this day in 1021, the Synod of Pavia, when Emperor Henry II convicted a married priest. 

In 1086 on this day, the results of the Domesday inquiry were presented to William the Conqueror in Salisbury (it should be noted that the date of compilation and the Great Domesday are historically not entirely certain). 

The Peace Treaty of Venice was signed on this day in 1177 between Emperor Frederik I & Pope Alexander III. 

On this day in 1203, Alexius IV Angelus was appointed Co-Regent of Byzantium. 

In 1291 on this day, the Everlasting League formed, which provided a basis of Swiss Confederation (Independence). 

On this day in 1485, Henry (VII) Tudors army sailed to England. Christopher Columbus landed on "Isla Santa" (Venezuela) on this day in 1498. 

On this day in 1588, English Admiral Howard van Effingham defeated the Spanish Armada. 



Royal France

This day in 1589 saw the assassination of French King Henry III by friar Jacques Clément. 






On this day in 1619, the first black Americans (20) landed at Jamestown, Virginia. 

In 1626 on this day, Earl Earnest Casimir conquered Oldenzaal. Emperor Ferdinand II demanded Austrian Protestants convert to Catholicism on this day in 1628. 

The Battle at St Gotthard was fought on this day in 1664, when Earl Raimondo Montecucculi defeated Ahmed Kiprulu. 

The Battle at Staffarda was fought on this day in 1690, when the French army defeated Victor Amadeus van Savoye. 

On this day in 1711, Czar Peter the Great found himself surrounded and was forced to flee Azov. 

On this day in 1714, Monarch Georg Ludwig became King George I of England. 

On this day in 1715, the first Doggett's Coat and Badge race (Waterman's race) held on Thames River (London Bridge to Chelsea). The foundation was laid for the Bank of England on this day in 1732. The Battle at Minden in Westfalen was fought on this day in 1759, when Ferdinand van Brunswick defeated France. 

On this day in 1774, Joseph Priestley, an English theologian and chemist author, discovered oxygen. Prior to that, human beings could not yet breathe (that was a joke, btw). Actually, what really happened was that oxygen was isolated from air successfully by chemist Carl Wilhelm and scientist Joseph Priestly. 

Sweden declared neutrality on this day in 1780. 



Early version of the American flag used during the Revolutionary War for Independence


Statue of a Continental Soldier of the American Revolutionary War of Independence in Trenton, New Jersey

On this day in 1781, the English army under General Cornwallis occupied Yorktown, Virginia, the very same place where he would surrender to the Americans and the French just a few months later, marking the end of the American War for Independence. 







Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet on this day in 1785. 

The US Customs began enforcing the Tariff Act on this day in 1789. 

On this day in 1790, the first U.S. census was completed, showing a population of 3,929,214 people. The areas encompassed by the census were the present states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.  





Le Drapeau Tricolore (Tricour Flag) which was a product of the French Revolution, and which remains the national flag of France to this day.
On this day in 1793, France officially became the first country to use the metric system. The metric system had been created when the Assemblée nationale had requested that the Paris Academy of Sciences develop a new system of measurements based on multiples of 10, in an effort to simplify things and replace the more complicated traditional units of measurements which had been in use until then. 




The Whiskey Rebellion began on this day in 1794. 

The Battle of Abukir on the Nile was fought on this day in 1798, with Nelson defeating the French fleet. 

On this day in 1814, Belgian King Willem I accepted blame in Southern defeat. London's Regent's Canal opened on this day in 1820. 

On this day in 1828, Bolton and Leigh Railway opened to freight traffic. London Bridge opened to traffic on this day in 1831. 

The Black Hawk War ended on this day in 1832. 

Slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect on this day in 1834. 





British Botanist Charles Darwin

On this day in 1836, the HMS Beagle, with soon to be world famous scientist Charles Darwin aboard, returned to Bahia, Brazil. 






On this day in 1838, the apprenticeship system abolished in most of the British Empire. Former slaves no longer indentured to former owners. Labourer slaves in most of the British Empire were emancipated on this day in 1840. 

On this day in 1842, Rotherhithe Thames Tunnel opened. In 1842 on this day, the Lombard Street Riot erupted. On this day in 1852, the San Francisco Methodists established the first black church, the Zion Methodist. 

Castle Clinton in NYC opened on this day in 1855 as the first US receiving station for immigrants. 





On this day in 1861, Brazil recognized Confederacy. 




The Battle of Little Rock, Arkansas; of the Chattanooga campaign started on this day in 1863. Also on this day in 1863, cavalry action near Brandy Station-End of Gettysburg Campaign. 



A statue in Flemington, New Jersey, honoring veterans of the American Civil War.


The Battle of Petersburg, Virginia, was fought on this day in 1864. 


Blacks voted for the first time in a US state election in the South (Tennessee) on this day in 1867. 

The first voyage down the Colorado River came on this day in 1869. 

On this day in 1873, Andrew S. Hallidie successfully tested a cable car. The design was done for San Francisco, CA. 




On this day in 1876, Colorado became the 38th state to join the United States. 







On this day in 1881, the US Quarantine Station authorized for Angel Island, San Francisco Bay. 

A papyrus was offered to British Museum on this day in 1883 for £10,000, which wound up being a forgery. 

Also on this day in 1883, inland postal service began in Great Britain. 




Great Britain annexed Kermadec-Island near New Zealand on this day in 1886. 



Cecil Rhodes' colonies reached Lundi on his day in 1890. 

Henry Perky & William Ford patented shredded wheat on this day in 1893. 

The first Sino-Japanese War erupted on this day in 1894. The dispute was over control of Korea. 

George Samuelson completes rowing across the Atlantic, from New York  to England, on this day in 1896.

There was a mining accident in Wollongong, Australia, which killed 100 on this day in 1902. 

This day in 1903 marked the completion of the first coast-to-coast automobile trip from San Francisco to New York. 

On this day in 1907, the U.S. Army established an aeronautical division that later became the U.S. Air Force. The British SS Waratah disappeared on a trip from Sydney to London on this day in 1909, with 300 killed. 

On this day in 1914, the British fleet reached Scapa Flow. 


On this day in 1914, Emperor Wilhelm II declared war on his nephew Tsar Nicholas II, beginning the Great War, which now is known as World War  I. France & Germany both mobilized their armed forces on that same day in 1914, in anticipation of the massive conflict. Germany declared war on Russia on this day in 1914 on the Eastern Front, and on the Western Front at Trois Vierges, the German 69th infantry regiment entered Luxembourg. 


On this day in 1916,- Hawaii National Park was formed. 

On this day in 1917, Frank Little, an IWW  organizer, was lynched in Butte, MT. 

British troops entered Vladivostok on this day in 1918. 

The Peace of Riga, establishing independence for Latvia, was signed on this day in 1920. 

There were battles between the Druzen & French in Damascus on this day in 1926. 

There was a failed assassination attempt on General Primo de Rivera in Barcelona on this day in 1926. 

On this day in 1933, the death penalty for anti fascists in Germany was passed. 

 Dutch colonial regime in Batavia arrested Ir Sukarno on this day in 1933. 

Adolf Hitler opened the XI (11th) Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, on this day in 1936. 

The Luftwaffe bombed the German 23rd division on this day in 1941. 

The first Jeep was produced on this day in 1941. Nazi German occupiers demanded a list of all Dutch telephone subscribers on this day in 1942. T On this day in 1943, Japan declared Burmese Independence under U Ba Maw. There were race riots in Harlem, New York, on this day in 1943. On this day in 1943, Sunderland seaplanes sank U-454 & U-383. Adam Clayton Powell was elected as the first black Congressman from the East on this day in 1944. 




In 1944 on this day was Anne Frank's last diary entry. Just three days later, she was arrested. 



General Montgomery took command of the 12th & 21st Army on this day in 1944. Also on this day in 1944, the US 90th division occupied St Hilaire-du-Harcourt, and American troops entered Tessy-sur-Vir.  




On this day in 1944, in Warsaw, Poland, an uprising against Nazi occupation began. The revolt continued until October 2 when Polish forces ultimately surrendered. 




The Japanese city of Toyama was destroyed by B-29's on this day in 1945. 






Bust of American President Harry Truman

President Harry Truman signed Congressional acts which established the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Fulbright Scholarship program on this day in 1946. 








The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations was founded on this day in 1948. 

On this day in 1950 , the American Bowling Congress ended it's all-white-males rule. 

On this day in 1950, the Territory of Guam was created, and Guam adopted the constitution (Organic Act). 

Also on this day in 1950, King Leopold of Belgium abdicated, Baudouin became King. 

In 1951 on this day, David Ben-Gurion's Mapai-party wins Israeli parliamentary election. 

California introduced the sales tax (for education) on this day in 1953. 

Fidel Castro was arrested in Cuba on this day in 1953. 

On this day in 1953, Northern Rhodesia became a part of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland. 

In 1953 on this day, the first aluminum-faced building was completed. It was the first of this type in America. 

The first microgravity research began on this day in 1955. 

Also on this day in 1955, Tengku Abdul Rahman formed the Malacca government. 

On this day in 1956, the Social Security Act was amended to provide benefits to disabled workers aged 50-64 and disabled adult children. 

On this day in 1957, the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) was created by the United States and Canada. 

The first commercial building heated by the Sun was completed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on this day in 1957. 

First class postage spiked up to 4 cents on this day in 1958. It had been 3 cents for 26 years prior to this. 

On this day in 1958, the US atomic sub USS Nautilus began the first transit of North Pole in "Operation Sunshine." 

Pope John XXIII published encyclical Sacerdotii nostri primordia on this day in 1959. 

Aretha Franklins had her first recording session on this day in 1960. 

On this day in 1960, Benin (formerly Dahomey) gained independence from France. 

Chubby Checker released "The Twist" on this day in 1960.Also on this day in 1960, Islamabad was declared as the federal capital of Pakistan. 





Flag of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), better known as East Germany

On this day in 1961, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) limited traffic to West Berlin. 







Flag of Ghana

There was a failed assassination attempt on President Nkrumah of Ghana on this day in 1962. 





On this day in 1963, a Beatles Book was sold out on its first day of sale. 






Flag of Germany (formerly West Germany during the Cold War)

Also on this day in 1963, the Germany Federal Republic (West Germany) annexed Elten village. 






In 1966 on this day, the first major school shooting occurred when Charles Whitman wounded 31 & killed 16 at the University of Texas. He had been perched atop a high tower. 

On this day in 1968, Canada began replacing silver with nickel in coins. 

Also on this day in 1968, the coronation of Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th Sultan of Brunei, took place. In 1969 on this day, Mariner 6 sent close-up photos of Mars 


In 1971 on this day, George Harrison's concert for Bangladesh took place at MSG in NYC. 

On this day in 1972, the first article exposing the Watergate scandal was published, by Bernstein-Woodward. 

On this day in 1975, the Helsinki Pact accords pledged the signatory nations to respect human rights and guaranteed boundaries would be respected. It was signed by leaders of 38 nations. 

On this day in 1975, the CSCE Final Act created the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 











Pictures of the Stade Olympique, also known as Olympic Stadium and the Tour Montréal / Montréal Tower at night. 

Flag of the Olympics

In 1976 on this day, the XXI (21st) Olympic games closed at Montreal, Canada. 





A flash flood in Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado, on Route 34 occurred on this day in 1976, killing 139. 

On this day in 1978, Commandos occupied the Iraqi embassy in Paris, with one person killed. 

In 1979 on this day, Maria de Lurdes Pintasilgo formed a government in Portugal. 

The Buttevant Rail Disaster killed 18 and injured dozens of train passengers in Ireland on this day in 1980. 






MTV premiered at 12:01 AM EST on this day in 1981. The very first video shown was Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles. 







Polish Premier Jagielski resigned on this day in 1981. 

There was heavy Israeli air bombardment on Beirut on this day in 1982. 

On this day in 1988, the Deep Rover 1-man research submarine unveiled at Crater Lake, Oregon. 




Iraq pulled out of talks with Kuwait on this day in 1990. 

Also on this day in 1990, Soyuz TM-10 launched. 

A train crashed in Havana, Cuba, 6 killing six on this day in 1994. 

On this day in 1995, Westinghouse Electric Corporation announced a deal to buy CBS for $5.4 billion. 

An agreement was reached on the position of the minority Albanian language in the Republic of Macedonia, on this day in 2001. 

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia, Malta, Slovenia and Slovakia joined the European Environment Agency o this day in 2001. 

On this day in 2001, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore had a Ten Commandments monument installed in the judiciary building, which led to a lawsuit to have it removed and his own removal from office. 

A supermarket fire killed 396 people and injured 500 in Asunción, Paraguay, on this day in 2004. 

In 2006 on this day, Cuban leader Fidel Castro turned over absolute power when he gave his brother Raul authority while he underwent an intestinal surgery. 

The I-35W Mississippi River Bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed during the evening rush hour on this day in 2007. 

On this day in 2012, Typhoon Saola killed  eleven people and displaced over 150,000 in the Philippines.








The following links are to web sites that were used to complete this blog entry:

http://www.historyorb.com/today/events.php

http://on-this-day.com/onthisday/thedays/alldays/aug01.htm

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory