December 1

Video Games

1988: In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the 6th Canadian World of Commodore trade show is held, over four days.

1988: Nintendo releases the Zelda II: The Adventure of Link video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System in the US. The game cartridge includes a battery for saving one's place in the game.

1990: Nintendo releases the Dr. Mario video game for the Game Boy in the US.

1994: US Senator for Connecticut Joseph Lieberman holds a press conference in Washington, DC, to bring up issue of violence in video games, showing segments of Mortal Kombat and Night Trap.

1996: Bandai Digital Entertainment introduces the @World entertainment system in the US. It features 66 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, 5 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, 28.8 kbps modem, Mac OS System 7.5.2 in 1 MB of RAM, controller with trackball and buttons, video output to TV (NTSC format). The system is based on Apple Computer's Pippin technology. Price is US$499.

1996: Bandai Digital Entertainment introduces the @World entertainment system in the US. It features 66 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, 5 MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, 28.8 kbps modem, Mac OS System 7.5.2 in 1 MB of RAM, controller with trackball and buttons, video output to TV (NTSC format). The system is based on Apple Computer's Pippin technology. Price is US$499.

1998: Nintendo releases the Bomberman 64 video game for the Nintendo 64 in the USA.

1999: Nintendo releases the 64DD disk drive for the Nintendo 64 in Japan. Included are a modem cartridge, Kyojin no Doshin (Doshin the Giant) video game, and Mario Artist: Paint Studio software.

2002: The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A character temporarily living in an 1895 setting says "I miss my toys, my video games".

2005: Ubisoft releases the Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones video game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, and GameCube in the US.

2006: Vivendi Universal Games releases the Eragon video game for the Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance in the US.

2008: Sumner Redstone sells his 87.2 percent stake in Midway Games (worth US$30 million) to Acquisition Holdings Subsidiary for US$100,000, a loss of US$800 million.

Movies

1986: Death of Horace Heidt at age 85; orchestra leader (Ship of Joy radio show, Answers by the Dancers radio show, Anniversary Night with Horace Heidt radio show, Pot of Gold radio show, Tums Treasure Chest radio show, Horace Heidt's Original Youth Opportunity Program radio and TV show, The Swift Show Wagon with Horace Heidt TV show, American Way TV show).

1991: Byron Webster, actor (That Man Bolt), dies of AIDS at age 58.

1994: Lionel Stander, actor (Max - Hart to Hart), dies at age 86.

Music

1986: Death of Horace Heidt at age 85; orchestra leader (Ship of Joy radio show, Answers by the Dancers radio show, Anniversary Night with Horace Heidt radio show, Pot of Gold radio show, Tums Treasure Chest radio show, Horace Heidt's Original Youth Opportunity Program radio and TV show, The Swift Show Wagon with Horace Heidt TV show, American Way TV show).

1994: Rober Schumann's second Symphony premieres in London.

1997: Death of Stephane Grappelli at age 89 after a hernia operation; jazz violinist (Hot Club of France jazz quintet).

Sports

1986: 94 ICC, Lancs 1985-86).

1986: Robert L "Bobby" Layne, football player (Detroit Lions), dies at age 59.

1987: Death of Punch Imlach, Canadian NHL coach (born 1918).

1988: NBC bids record US$401 million to capture rights to 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

1988: New York Islanders greatest shutout loss (8-0) versus Saint Louis Blues.

1989: Mark Langston signs record US$3.2 million per year California Angels contract.

1990: 56th Heisman Trophy Award: Ty Detmer, Brigham Young (quarterback).

1990: New York Knicks' Patrick Ewing scores 50 points beating Charlotte Hornets 113-96.

1991: 80th Davis Cup: France beats USA in Lyon (3-1); this is France's first Davis Cup since 1932.

1992: Oldsmobile Classic).

1994: Honda-second).

1994: Hugh Chilvers, cricket player (151 wickets leg-spin for New South Wales 1928-37), dies.

1996: 85th Davis Cup: France beats Sweden in Malmo (3-2).

1996: Colin Montgomerie of Scotland wins Million Dollar Challenge, the richest first prize in golf - $1 million.

1996: Lance Klusener takes 8-64 in debut Test Cricket to trounce India.

1997: Golden State Warriors' guard Latrell Sprewell attacks his coach P J Carlesimo.

1998: Rafael Palmeiro signs a five-year US$45 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

2006: The 15th Asian Games start in Doha, Qatar; the closing ceremony takes place on December 15.

2007: Death of Ken McGregor, Australian tennis player (born 1929).