Greatest show on earth ablaze

75 years ago, 1942: The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus carried on in Cleveland although 37 of its animals had burned to death or were shot because they were hopelessly injured after a tragic fire destroyed the menagerie along with tents, wagons and equipment. The clowns were just as funny, the music just as loud, but the tragedy was apparent.50 years ago, 1967: The government issued a dirty air report card for the nation's 65 major manufacturing areas. All of them flunked. As expected, New York's air was graded the dirtiest, with Chicago a close second and Philadelphia third. Los Angeles was ranked fourth but the report did not include photo-chemical smog, which is that city's most serious pollution problem.25 years ago, 1992: The Bush campaign planned to run re-election commercials only on TV programs compatible with the administration's family values ideals and said television stations should "apply a lie detector test" before accepting the spots. Bush campaign aides said in letters to networks that the president's ads would appear only on shows that were in keeping with the family values promoted by President Bush.10 years ago, 2007: There were fewer jobs, more foreclosures and a rapidly growing number of abandoned homes in Sandusky. As of July 24, there were 212 houses listed as vacant or abandoned by the city. The city either located or received complaints about three to five newly abandoned houses per week. Ohio had the highest foreclosure rate in the nation at 3.38 percent, more than double the national average.