THINGS TO know

CLOSE CALL

On this date in 1995, Quebecers rejected separation in a referendum that went down to the wire. The federalist side enjoyed substantial support in opinion polls early in the campaign, but the sovereigntists made huge gains when Bloc Quebecois Leader Lucien Bouchard replaced Premier Jacques Parizeau as the front man for independence. Days after a mammoth rally in Montreal drew thousands of Canadians from across the country, the “No” side won 50.6 per cent to 49.4 per cent for the “Yes” side. Parizeau blamed “money and the ethnic vote” for the loss. The next day, he announced his intention to resign. He was later replaced as premier by Bouchard.

HOAX BROADCAST

On this date in 1938, the radio version of H.G. Wells’s “War of the Worlds” was broadcast sending much of the United States into a panic. American actor Orson Welles narrated the story written by the English novelist about Martians invading Earth. Despite warnings to listeners that the broadcast was a hoax, the radio version, which included fictional news reports, was so realistic many were convinced an interplanetary war had started.

MEMORABLE BOUT

On this date in 1974, Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the eighth round of their world heavyweight title bout in Kinshasa, Zaire, known as “Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali became only the second boxer to regain the title.