On this day

August 31, 2012

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

Historical Context for August 31, 2012

In 2012, the world population was approximately 7,201,202,485 people^[†]

Notable Deaths

2012Max Bygraves, English actor (born 1922)^[†]

Walter William "Max" Bygraves was an English comedian, singer, actor and variety performer. He appeared on his own television shows, sometimes performing comedy sketches between songs.

2012Joe Lewis, American martial artist and actor (born 1944)^[†]

Joe Lewis was an American martial artist, professional kickboxer and actor. Originally a practitioner of Shōrin-ryū karate and champion in point sparring competitions, he became one of the fathers of full contact karate and kickboxing in the United States, and is credited with popularizing the combat sport in North America.

2012Carlo Maria Martini, Italian cardinal (born 1927)^[†]

Carlo Maria Martini was an Italian Jesuit and Biblical scholar. He served as Archbishop of Milan from 1980 to 2002 and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1983.

2012Kashiram Rana, Indian lawyer and politician (born 1938)^[†]

Kashiram Rana was an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India. In 1989, he was elected to the 9th Lok Sabha from Surat constituency in Gujarat. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2004 from the same constituency. He served as a union cabinet minister in the department of textiles, twice, in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA govt during 1998–2004. He died on 31 August 2012.

2012John C. Shabaz, American judge and politician (born 1931)^[†]

John Cyrus Shabaz was an American lawyer, politician, and judge. He served 30 years as a United States district judge for the Western District of Wisconsin, and was Chief Judge between 1996 and 2001. Earlier in his career, he represented Waukesha County in the Wisconsin State Assembly for 16 years as a Republican, serving as minority leader from 1973 to 1981.

2012Sergey Sokolov, Russian commander and politician, 6th Minister of Defence for The Soviet Union (born 1911)^[†]

Sergei Leonidovich Sokolov was a Soviet military commander, Hero of the Soviet Union, and served as Minister of Defence of the Soviet Union from 22 December 1984 until 29 May 1987.

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Headlines from August 31, 2012

Software Meant to Fight Crime Is Used to Spy on Dissidents

By Nicole Perlroth

Two researchers say an off-the-shelf computer program has been used to monitor and spy on dissidents in countries around the world.

Business1089 words

No Charges Filed on Harsh Tactics Used by the C.I.A.

By Scott Shane

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.’s announcement on Thursday eliminates the last possibility that any criminal charges will result from brutal interrogations carried out by the C.I.A.

Foreign1164 words

Al Jazeera, Seeking U.S. Viewers, Bets on Soccer

By Ken Belson

Al Jazeera’s beIN Sport subsidiary bought the rights to broadcast some of the United States World Cup qualifying games and has paid heavily to show European soccer in the U.S.

Sports1294 words

Tata Motors Finds Success in Jaguar Land Rover

By Vikas Bajaj

Analysts say Tata Motors, which bought Jaguar Land Rover four years ago, has done what few companies from emerging markets have been able to do — turn around a troubled Western company.

Business1296 words

Emotional Ties to Obama May Be Central to the Election

By Jim Rutenberg

The challenge for Mitt Romney may be that even Americans who are unhappy with President Obama remain personally attached to him.

National1129 words

Romney Vows to Deliver Country From Economic Travails

By Jeff Zeleny

Mitt Romney asked voters to consider whether their lives had improved over the last four years and urged them not to feel guilty about giving up on President Obama.

National1201 words

Report on Iran Nuclear Work Puts Israel in a Box

By Jodi Rudoren and David E. Sanger

An International Atomic Energy Agency report detailing Iran’s ramped up nuclear capabilities may force Israel to strike Iran or concede it cannot act on its own, according to experts.

Foreign1402 words

Tokyo Court Hands Win to Samsung Over Apple

By Hiroko Tabuchi and Nick Wingfield

A Tokyo court ruled Friday that Samsung’s mobile products did not infringe on Apple’s patents.

Business838 words

Overpriced Real Estate? Well, Maybe It’s Art

By James B. Stewart

Sales prices in Manhattan for luxury residences are climbing toward $100 million, and some say it’s because buyers are looking at the properties as art.

Business1800 words

Fed Chairman Makes Case, in Strong Terms, for New Action

By Binyamin Appelbaum

Ben S. Bernanke, the head of the Federal Reserve, called the unemployment rate a “grave concern,” reinforcing signs that the Fed would take further steps to stimulate growth.

Business1181 words

‘Einstein’ Seeks the Old Relativity

By John Rockwell

The opera “Einstein on the Beach” opens a 10-day run at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Sept. 14, and it will be the first time New York has seen it in 20 years. Will it resonate?

Arts&Leisure2055 words

Patriotism and Poultry

By Barry Gewen

George Orwell’s diaries covered everything from his strong feelings about World War II to his careful counting of eggs laid by Moroccan hens.

BookReview1794 words