On This Day In Video

Barack Obama Pre-Election Infomercial

2008-11-02T14:18:00.003-08:00

Barrack Obama in his 30-minute infomercial ad which attracted 33 million viewers.

Bloggers Mosaic

2008-09-24T15:34:00.002-07:00

Check out this great new site I have just been listed on, Bloggers Mosaic.

The idea is to let you discover Blogs via the blogger's photos. It's also a good place for you to meet other Bloggers, become a better Blogger, attract more Blog readers, and promote your own Blog.

Don't miss out, head over and get your blog added to the mosaic now!

1st Video of Hurricane Ike in Galveston

2008-09-13T19:27:00.004-07:00

This is the first video of Galveston Island soon after Hurricane Ike devastated the area on this day, 13th September 2008.

Video is a raw B-roll of a fly over of Galveston Island during and after Hurricane Ike from a HU-25 Falcon Jet from the Aviation Training Center in Alabama.

Hurricane Ike Hits Galveston Island Texas

KFC Secret Recipe Revealed

2008-09-11T04:28:00.007-07:00

The KFC secret recipe is out. Well, sort of.

Col. Harland Sanders' handwritten recipe of 11 herbs and spices was removed Tuesday from safekeeping at Kentucky Fried Chicken's corporate offices for the first time in decades. The temporary relocation is allowing KFC to revamp security around a yellowing sheet of paper that contains one of the country's most famous corporate secrets.

The brand's top executive admitted that his nerves were aflutter despite the tight security he lined up for the operation.

Pistorius Takes 100m Paralympic Gold

2008-09-09T22:05:00.001-07:00

On this day, 9th Spetember 2008, the fastest man on no legs has his first gold medal in the bag at the Beijing Paralympics.

That leaves two to go for amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius. Despite a slow start on a wet track, the South African won the most difficult of his three races, clocking 11,17 seconds yesterday to take gold in the 100 metres final.

Pistorius is a strong favourite to add the 200m and 400m titles.

The double amputee, known as the “Blade Runner” because of his prosthetic legs, won a legal battle in May for the right to run in the Olympics. However, subsequently he failed to meet the qualifying standard.

“I had a tough start and a slow first 30m,” Pistorius said of the 100m. “I really just pulled out all the stops.”

Pistorius still has his sights set on qualifying for the Olympics. “I‘m looking forward to London 2012,” he said.

Oscar Pistorius winning 100m at Beijing Paralympics

Documentary about "The Blade Runner" Pistorius

Sarah Palin Accepts Vice President Nomination

2008-09-03T04:31:00.003-07:00

On this day, 3rd September 2008, Sarah Palin became the first woman to accept nomination for vice president as a Republican and only the second to run for vice president on a major party ticket, after Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Palin also will be the first Alaskan to be on the ticket of either party.

She has described herself as "commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard" and noted that her oldest son, Track, is a U.S. soldier scheduled to deploy soon to Iraq.

But there also are aspects of her biography that make her unusual for a Republican candidate.

Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin's Speech
at the 2008 Republican National Convention

Clinton Dem Convention Speech

2008-08-28T09:42:00.004-07:00

Hillary Clinton gave her much anticipated 2008 Democratic Convention speech in support of Barrack Obama yesterday.

Here is a video of the full speech, introduced by Chelsea Clinton, with a transcript below.

Hillary Clinton 2008 Convention Speech

Transcript of Hillary Clinton's Democratic convention speech.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Senator Clinton: Thank you. Thank you all.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you. Thank you all very, very much.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you. Thank you all very much. I...

(APPLAUSE)

I am so honored to be here tonight.

(APPLAUSE)

You know, I'm -- I'm here tonight as a proud mother, as a proud Democrat...

(APPLAUSE)

... as a proud senator from New York...

(APPLAUSE)

... a proud American...

(APPLAUSE)

... and a proud supporter of Barack Obama.

(APPLAUSE)

My friends, it is time to take back the country we love. And whether you voted for me or you voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose.

(APPLAUSE)

We are on the same team. And none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future, and it's a fight we must win together.

(APPLAUSE)

I haven't spent the past 35 years in the trenches, advocating for children, campaigning for universal health care, helping parents balance work and family, and fighting for women's rights here at home and around the world...

(APPLAUSE)

... to see another Republican in the White House squander our promise of a country that really fulfills the hopes of our people. And you haven't worked so hard over the last 18 months or endured the last eight years to suffer through more failed leadership.

(APPLAUSE)

No way, no how, no McCain.

(APPLAUSE)

Barack Obama is my candidate, and he must be our president.

(APPLAUSE)

Tonight, I ask you to remember what a presidential election is really about. When the polls have closed and the ads are finally off the air, it comes down to you, the American people, and your lives, and your children's futures.

For me, it's been a privilege to meet you in your homes, your workplaces, and your communities. Your stories reminded me that, every day, America's greatness is bound up in the lives of the American people, your hard work, your devotion to duty, your love for your children, and your determination to keep going, often in the face of enormous obstacles.

You taught me so much, and you made me laugh, and, yes, you even made me cry.

(APPLAUSE)

You allowed me to become part of your lives, and you became part of mine.

I will always remember the single mom who had adopted two kids with autism. She didn't have any health insurance, and she discovered she had cancer. But she greeted me with her bald head, painted with my name on it, and asked me to fight for health care for her and her children.

(APPLAUSE)

I will always remember the young man in a Marine Corps T-shirt who waited months for medical care. And he said to me, "Take care of my buddies. A lot of them are still over there. And then will you please take care of me?"

And I will always remember the young boy who told me his mom worked for the minimum wage, that her employer had cut her hours. He said he just didn't know what his family was going to do.

I will always be grateful to everyone from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the territories...

(APPLAUSE)

... who joined our campaign on behalf of all those people left out and left behind by the Bush administration. To my supporters, to my champions, to my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits...

(APPLAUSE)

... from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you, because you never gave in and you never gave up. And together we made history.

And along the way, America lost two great Democratic champions who would have been here with us tonight, one of our finest young leaders, Arkansas Democratic Chair Bill Gwatney, who believed with all his heart...

(APPLAUSE)

... that America and the South should be Democratic from top to bottom.

And Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a dear friend to many of us, a loving mother, a courageous leader who never gave up her quest to make America fairer and smarter, stronger and better. Steadfast in her beliefs, a fighter of uncommon grace, she was an inspiration to me and to us all.

Our heart goes out to Stephanie's son, Mervyn, Jr., and Bill's wife, Rebecca, who traveled here to Denver to join this family of Democrats.

(APPLAUSE)

You know, Bill Gwatney and Stephanie Tubbs-Jones knew that, after eight years of George Bush, people are hurting at home and our standing has eroded around the world.

We have a lot of work ahead of us: jobs lost; houses gone; falling wages; rising prices; the Supreme Court in a right-wing headlock; and our government in partisan gridlock; the biggest deficit in our nation's history; money borrowed from the Chinese to buy oil from the Saudis; Putin and Georgia; Iran and Iraq.

I ran for president to renew the promise of America, to rebuild the middle class and sustain the American dream, to provide opportunity to those who are willing to work hard for it and have that work rewarded, so they could save for college, a home, and retirement, afford gas and groceries, and have a little left over each month.

To promote a clean energy economy that will create millions of green-collar jobs, to create a health care system that is universal, high-quality, and affordable, so that every single parent knows their children will be taken care of.

(APPLAUSE)

We want to create a world-class education system and make college affordable again, to fight for an America that is defined by deep and meaningful equality, from civil rights to labor rights, from women's rights to gay rights... (APPLAUSE)

... from ending discrimination to promoting unionization, to providing help for the most important job there is, caring for our families, and to help every child live up to his or her God-given potential, to make America once again a nation of immigrants and of laws, to restore fiscal sanity to Washington, and make our government an institution of the public good, not of private plunder.

Senator Clinton: To restore America's standing in the world, to end the war in Iraq, bring our troops home with honor, care for our veterans, and give them the services they have earned.

(APPLAUSE)

We will work for an America again that will join with our allies in confronting our shared challenges, from poverty and genocide to terrorism and global warming.

Most of all, I ran to stand up for all those who have been invisible to their government for eight long years. Those are the reasons I ran for president, and those are the reasons I support Barack Obama for president.

(APPLAUSE)

I want you -- I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me, or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him?

Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids?

Were you in it for that young boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage?

Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?

We need leaders once again who can tap into that special blend of American confidence and optimism that has enabled generations before us to meet our toughest challenges, leaders who can help us show ourselves and the world that with our ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit, there are no limits to what is possible in America.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, this will not be easy. Progress never is. But it will be impossible if we don't fight to put a Democrat back into the White House.

(APPLAUSE)

We need to elect Barack Obama, because we need a president who understands that America can't compete in the global economy by padding the pockets of energy speculators while ignoring the workers whose jobs have been shipped overseas.

We need a president who understands we can't solve the problems of global warming by giving windfall profits to the oil companies while ignoring opportunities to invest in the new technologies that will build a green economy.

We need a president who understands that the genius of America has always depended on the strength and vitality of the middle class.

Barack Obama began his career fighting for workers displaced by the global economy. He built his campaign on a fundamental belief that change in this country must start from the ground up, not the top down.

(APPLAUSE)

And he knows that government must be about "we the people," not "we the favored few."

And when Barack Obama is in the White House, he'll revitalize our economy, defend the working people of America, and meet the global challenges of our times.

Democrats know how to do this. As I recall, we did it before with President Clinton and the Democrats.

(APPLAUSE)

And if we do our part, we'll do it again with President Obama and the Democrats.

(APPLAUSE)

Just think of what America will be as we transform our energy economy, create those millions of jobs, build a strong base for economic growth and shared prosperity, get middle-class families the tax relief they deserve.

And I cannot wait to watch Barack Obama sign into law a health care plan that covers every single American.

(APPLAUSE)

And we know that President Obama will end the war in Iraq responsibly, bring our troops home, and begin to repair our alliances around the world.

And Barack will have with him a terrific partner in Michelle Obama.

(APPLAUSE)

Anyone who saw Michelle's speech last night knows she will be a great first lady for America.

(APPLAUSE) And Americans are fortunate that Joe Biden will be at Barack Obama's side...

(APPLAUSE)

... a strong leader, a good man who understands both the economic stresses here at home and the strategic challenges abroad. He's pragmatic, he's tough, and he's wise.

And Joe, of course, will be supported by his wonderful wife, Jill.

(APPLAUSE)

They will be a great team for our country.

Now, John McCain is my colleague and my friend. He has served our country with honor and courage. But we don't need four more years of the last eight years...

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more economic stagnation and less affordable health care...

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more high gas prices and less alternative energy.. (OOTC:AEGC) .

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more jobs getting shipped overseas and fewer jobs created here at home...

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more skyrocketing debt, and home foreclosures, and mounting bills that are crushing middle-class families...

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more war and less diplomacy...

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: ... more of a government where the privileged few come first and everyone else comes last.

AUDIENCE: No!

Senator Clinton: Well, John McCain says the economy is fundamentally sound. John McCain doesn't think 47 million people without health insurance is a crisis. John McCain wants to privatize Social Security. And in 2008, he still thinks it's OK when women don't earn equal pay for equal work. (AUDIENCE BOOS)

Now, with an agenda like that, it makes perfect sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities, because these days they're awfully hard to tell apart.

(APPLAUSE)

You know, America is still around after 232 years because we have risen to every challenge in every new time, changing to be faithful to our values of equal opportunity for all and the common good. And I know what that can mean for every man, woman, and child in America.

I'm a United States senator because, in 1848, a group of courageous women, and a few brave men, gathered in Seneca Falls, New York, many traveling for days and nights...

(APPLAUSE)

... to participate in the first convention on women's rights in our history. And so dawned a struggle for the right to vote that would last 72 years, handed down by mother to daughter to granddaughter, and a few sons and grandsons along the way.

These women and men looked into their daughters' eyes and imagined a fairer and freer world and found the strength to fight, to rally, to picket, to endure ridicule and harassment, and brave violence and jail.

And after so many decades, 88 years ago on this very day, the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, became enshrined in our Constitution.

(APPLAUSE)

My mother was born before women could vote. My daughter got to vote for her mother for president. This is the story of America, of women and men who defy the odds and never give up.

So how do we give this country back to them? By following the example of a brave New Yorker, a woman who risked her lives to bring slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad.

On that path to freedom, Harriet Tubman had one piece of advice: "If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

(APPLAUSE)

And even in the darkest moments, that is what Americans have done. We have found the faith to keep going.

I have seen it. I have seen it in our teachers and our firefighters, our police officers, our nurses, our small-business owners, and our union workers. I've seen it in the men and women of our military.

In America, you always keep going. We're Americans. We're not big on quitting.

And, remember, before we can keep going, we've got to get going by electing Barack Obama the next president of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare. Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hangs in the balance.

I want you to think about your children and grandchildren come Election Day. Think about the choices your parents and grandparents made that had such a big impact on your lives and on the life of our nation.

We've got to ensure that the choice we make in this election honors the sacrifices of all who came before us and will fill the lives of our children with possibility and hope.

That is our duty, to build that bright future, to teach our children that, in America, there is no chasm too deep, no barrier too great, no ceiling too high for all who work hard, who keep going, have faith in God, in our country, and each other.

That is our mission, Democrats. Let's elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden for that future worthy of our great country.

Thank you. God bless you, and Godspeed.

Transcript of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention by CQ Transcriptions.

Cuban Taekwondo Star Kicks Referee

2008-08-24T10:36:00.003-07:00

Angel Valodia Matos and his coach Leudis Gonzalez have been banned for life after the Cuban taekwondo fighter kicked a Swedish referee square in the face in protest at being disqualified for exceeding a minute’s injury time during the bronze-medal match at the Beijing Olympics last night.

Cuba's Angel Matos Kicks Referee In Face

Close Up Still Photos Of Incident

OZploitation - Not Quite Hollywood

2008-08-20T01:17:00.003-07:00

In cinemas now, Not Quite Hollywood is the wild, wonderful, untold story of 'Ozploitation' cinema - that is, Australian genre cinema of the 70s and 80s. A time when the Aussie film industry got its gear off and showed the world a full-frontal explosion of sex, violence, horror and foot-to-the-floor, full bore action!

This film looks at the 1970s period when a lifetime of savage-censorship suddenly ended. Australian cinema broke the shackles of a staid, highly conservative society and started producing films dedicated to entertaining a mass audience.

An abundance of free-wheelin sex romps, blood-soaked terror tales and high-octane action extravaganzas were released and found enthusiastic audiences around the World.

It was a time when Australias cinematic heroes were possessed with white-line fever, their heroines were well-stacked and sexually liberated, and the death-defying stuntwork was indeed truly death-defying!!

"Not Quite Hollywood" official trailer

Paris Hilton for President 2008

2008-08-11T00:00:00.003-07:00

Paris Hilton mocks McCain's Obama attack ad with funny spoof ad

This video is a spoof of John McCain's 'celebrity' advertisement released last week (see below) in which the Republican candidate compared Barack Obama's popularity with that of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears and claimed the Democrat was no more than a celebrity candidate who was not ready to lead the nation.

In Paris' version of the advertisement, she tells electors: "Hey America, I'm Paris Hilton and I'm a celebrity too. Only I'm not from the olden days and I'm not promising change like that other guy. I'm just hot!”

I actually do like the way she comes up with a "hybrid energy policy" which could almost be seen as clever mocking of both candidates polarized views on the issue!

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain

The Original McCain Campaign Attempted Attack Ad

Jack Nicholson For Hillary

2008-03-21T21:48:00.002-08:00

This new video has hit YouTube. We don't really know if it is actually sanctioned by Jack Nicholson as claimed at the end, but it's pretty funny nonetheless.

Bad Boy Barrack Obama? Drugs and Gay Sex Allegations

2008-02-22T13:24:00.003-08:00

What do you make of this?

ELECTION 2008
Sleaze charge: 'I took drugs, had homo sex with Obama'
Minnesota man takes his case to court, YouTube, $100,000 polygraph challenge

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56626

Real or a setup?

Does it matter either way?

Will the mainstream media air this story?

Will it hurt his chances of being nominated and/or winning the presidency?

Who benefits most from this sort of "scandal"?

Mediocre Monday

2008-02-04T05:49:00.001-08:00

Sandwiched between Superbowl Sunday and Super Tuesday, we have Mediocre Monday!

Help For A Friend

2008-01-30T00:03:00.000-08:00

A good lady and friend has hit some hard times. Please read her story here.

If you know of any social work related job opportunities in Mississippi or can help in any way please get in contact with Denise through her blog, Prin's Links for Social Work Students

Update 4th February It sounds like things have turned around now for Prin. Read the good news here.

Apple Launch The Macintosh - 1984

2008-01-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Apple launched the Macintosh on this day, January 24th, 1984.

Here is the original pre-launch TV advertisment from the time.

MLB Manager Tony La Russa DUI Video

2007-12-02T01:07:00.000-08:00

On November 28th 2007, St. Louis Cardinals manager, Tony La Russa pleaded guilty to DUI charges and Jupiter Police Department in Florida released the following arrest video.

On August 22, 2007, he passed Bucky Harris to become the third-highest manager of all-time in total games managed in baseball history in his 4,409th game; behind only John McGraw and Connie Mack.

Eye of the Dolphin: More on Japan Whaling

2007-11-22T02:37:00.000-08:00

As the Japanese whaling fleet steam toward the Southern Ocean an ever increasing "Un-Welcoming Commitee" is lining up in Australia. Read more about the growing protest movement at Eye of the Dolphin: More on Japan Whaling

Apparently these vessels could not operate as they do in the Southern Ocean without access to Australian ports to re-supply.... seems like there really is a simple way to fight the Japanese whalers available... if the political will exists! (which it clearly doesn't right now)

John F. Kennedy Defeats Nixon For President - 1960

2007-11-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

On this day in 1960 John F. Kennedy, Jr. defeated Richard M. Nixon and was elected president. Montana become the 41st United State of America in 1889. Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, was born on this day on 1900 with Courtney Thorne-Smith born in 1967, Parker Posey in 1968 and Tara Reid in 1969.

Magic Johnson HIV Positive - 1991

2007-11-07T00:53:00.000-08:00

Hillary Clinton became the first First Lady elected to the US senate on this day in 2000. Magic Johnson shocked the basketball world by announcing he was HIV positive on this day in 1991 and in Wales, in 1982, it finally became legal to enjoy an ale at the pub on a Sunday.

Sally Field, Maria Shriver and Ethan Hawke Born

2007-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

CJ and Johnny Ramone Born - 1965/1948

2007-10-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

"C Jay" and Johnny Ramone share this day, October 8th, as their birthdays, in 1965 and 1948 respectively.

The Ramones were arguably the first punk rock group, reportedly inspiring bands "the Clash" and "The Damned" to form and start playing within days of seeing the first Ramones British concert, held on July 4, 1976.

After forming in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, in 1974, they performed 2,263 concerts, touring virtually nonstop for 22 years. In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, the band went on a brief nightclub tour and then disbanded.

The Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 18, 2002.

The Musical Cats Opens on Broadway - 1982

2007-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

The musical Cats is composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and other poems by T. S. Eliot.

Cats was first shown in London's West End, at the New London Theatre, on May 11, 1981. It was originally produced onstage by Cameron Mackintosh and Lloyd Webber and was directed by Trevor Nunn.

The show made its debut on Broadway on this day, October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre with the same production team. On June 19, 1997, Cats became the longest running musical in Broadway history with 6,138 performances. It played a total of 7,485 performances in New York. Its New York record was surpassed on January 9, 2006, by The Phantom of the Opera, which was also composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Cats' final performance on Broadway was on September 10, 2000.

"Memory" form Cats

Roy Horn Mauled By White Tiger - 2003

2007-10-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

On this day, October 3rd 2003, Roy Horn, of the famed illusionist duo Siegfried and Roy, was mauled by a tiger during a performance in Las Vegas.

Siegfried & Roy with their White Tigers and Lions

Roy Horn Walks Again For The First Time

Re-creation of the Siegfried & Roy Tiger Attack

Groucho Marx Born On This Day - 1890

2007-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

American comedian Groucho Marx was born on this day, 2nd October, 1890.

Marx developed a routine as a wise-cracking hustler with a distinctive chicken-walking lope and an exaggerated greasepaint moustache and eyebrows, improvising insults to stuffy dowagers (often played by Margaret Dumont) and anyone else who stood in his way. He and his brothers starred in a series of extraordinarily popular stage shows and movies, often ad libbing.

"Groucho Marx was the best comedian this country ever produced. [...] He is simply unique in the same way that Picasso or Stravinsky are." —Woody Allen

"Lydia the Tattooed Lady", which became one of Groucho Marx's signature tunes, was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, and first appeared in the movie At the Circus (1939).

The Dick Cavett Show September 5, 1969

Groucho Marx in You Bet Your Life

Groucho Marx as Captain Spalding with Bill Cosby 1973

FuelMyBlog & SnorgTees.com T-Shirts

2007-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fuel My Blog/Snorg Tees Competition Details Here

VOTE FOR ME HERE

Biosphere Two Crew Sealed In - 1991

2007-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

On this day, September 26 1991, four men and four women began a two-year stay in the sealed Biosphere Two in Oracle, Arizona, for science research.

Biosphere 2 is a 3.15-acre structure originally built to be an artificial closed ecological system in Oracle, Arizona (USA) by Space Biosphere Ventures, a company whose principal officers were John Polk Allen and Margaret Augustine. Constructed between 1987 and 1991, it was used to explore the complex web of interactions within life systems. It also explored the possible use of closed biospheres in space colonization, and also allowed the study and manipulation of a biosphere without harming Earth's. The name comes from the idea that it is modeled on the first biosphere, which is the life system on Earth. The funding for the project came primarily from Edward Bass's company, Decisions Investment, and cost $200,000,000 from 1985 to 2007.

The size of a football field, it was the largest closed system ever created. The sealed nature of the structure allowed scientists to monitor the ever-changing chemistry of the air, water and soil contained within. The health of the human crew was continuously monitored by a medical team.

Inside was a 850 square meter ocean with a coral reef, a 450 square meter mangrove wetlands, a 1900 square meter savannah grassland, a 1400 square meter fog desert, a 2500 square meter agricultural system, a human habitat with living quarters and office, and a below-ground level technical facility. Heating and cooling water circulated through independent piping systems, and electrical power was supplied from a natural gas energy center through airtight penetrations.

By 2006, the structure was no longer maintained in an airtight state, and the property, which is in exurban Tucson, was slated to be redeveloped for a planned community.

As of June 5, 2007, the property including surrounding land, totaling 1650 acres (668 hectares), was sold to a residential home developer for US$50 million. A development including homes and a resort hotel was planned for a portion of the land. The Biosphere itself will remain open for tours.

On June 26, 2007, the University of Arizona announced it would be taking over research at the Biosphere 2. The announcement ends immediate fears that the famous glass terrarium will be bulldozed. University officials said private gifts and grants will enable them to cover research and operating costs for three years with the possibility of extending that funding for 10 years.

The Voyage of Biosphere 2

Strange Cult Allegations in the News
News piece from the late '80's allegating the "Biospherian's" were a strange new age-ish cult.

Sigmund Freud Dead at 83 - 1939

2007-09-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

Sigmund Freud, Austrian psychiatrist and the founder of psychoanalysis died on this day, 23rd September 1939. Freud was born in Moravia but lived most of his life in Vienna, receiving his medical degree from the Univ. of Vienna in 1881.

His medical career began with an apprenticeship (1885-86) under J. M. Charcot in Paris, and soon after his return to Vienna he began his famous collaboration with Josef Breuer on the use of hypnosis in the treatment of hysteria. Their paper, On the Psychical Mechanism of Hysterical Phenomena (1893, tr. 1909), more fully developed in Studien über Hysterie (1895), marked the beginnings of psychoanalysis in the discovery that the symptoms of hysterical patients—directly traceable to psychic trauma in earlier life—represent undischarged emotional energy (conversion; see hysteria). The therapy, called the cathartic method, consisted of having the patient recall and reproduce the forgotten scenes while under hypnosis. The work was poorly received by the medical profession, and the two men soon separated over Freud's growing conviction that the undefined energy causing conversion was sexual in nature.

Freud then rejected hypnosis and devised a technique called free association, which would allow emotionally charged material that the individual had repressed in the unconscious to emerge to conscious recognition. Further works, The Interpretation of Dreams (1900, tr. 1913), The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (1904, tr. 1914), and Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905, tr. 1910), increased the bitter antagonism toward Freud, and he worked alone until 1906, when he was joined by the Swiss psychiatrists Eugen Bleuler and C. G. Jung, the Austrian Alfred Adler, and others.

In 1908, Bleuler, Freud, and Jung founded the journal Jahrbuch für psychoanalytische und psychopathologische Forschungen, and in 1909 the movement first received public recognition when Freud and Jung were invited to give a series of lectures at Clark Univ. in Worcester, Mass. In 1910 the International Psychoanalytical Association was formed with Jung as president, but the harmony of the movement was short-lived: between 1911 and 1913 both Jung and Adler resigned, forming their own schools in protest against Freud's emphasis on infantile sexuality and the Oedipus complex. Although these men, and others who broke away later, objected to Freudian theories, the basic structure of psychoanalysis as the study of unconscious mental processes is still Freudian. Disagreement lies largely in the degree of emphasis placed on concepts largely originated by Freud.

He considered his last contribution to psychoanalytic theory to be The Ego and the Id (1923, tr. 1927), after which he reverted to earlier cultural preoccupations. Totem and Taboo (1913, tr. 1918), an investigation of the origins of religion and morality, and Moses and Monotheism (1939, tr. 1939) are the result of his application of psychoanalytic theory to cultural problems. With the National Socialist occupation of Austria, Freud fled (1938) to England, where he died the following year.

Freudian theory has had wide impact, influencing fields as diverse as anthropology, education, art, and literary criticism. His daughter, Anna Freud, was a major proponent of psychoanalysis, developing in particular the Freudian concept of the defense mechanism. Other works include A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis (1910, tr. 1920) and New Introductory Lectures on Psycho-analysis (1933).

Original Home Movie Films of Freud

Freud Speaking on BBC radio in 1938

Fiddler on the Roof opens on Broadway.- 1964

2007-09-22T07:59:00.001-07:00

The original Broadway production of Fidler On The Roof" opened on this day, September 22 1964 at the Imperial Theatre, transferred in 1967 to the Majestic Theatre and in 1970 to The Broadway Theatre, and ran for a total of 3,242 performances.

The production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins – his last Broadway staging. Original producer Fred Coe was replaced by producer Harold Prince. The cast included Zero Mostel as Tevye the milkman, Maria Karnilova as his wife Golde (each of whom won a Tony for their performances), Beatrice Arthur as Yente the matchmaker, Austin Pendleton as Motel, Bert Convy as Perchik the student revolutionary and Julia Migenes as Hodel.

During the original run, Joanna Merlin originated the role of Tzeitel, which was later assumed by Bette Midler. Adrienne Barbeau took a turn as Hodel, and Pia Zadora played the youngest daughter, Bielke. Other stage actors who have played Tevye include Theodore Bikel and Leonard Nimoy.

Sammy Davis sings "If I Were A Rich Man" from Fidler On The Roof

Google Search Engine Launched - 1999

2007-09-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

On this day, 21st September 1999, the Google.com search engine was officially launched.

Google was founded in 1998 by Stanford graduates Sergey Brin and Larry Page, following their success in 1996 with the prototype BackRub and beta version Goo.

At the end of 1999 Google employed 39 people and was answering 3 million search queries per day. In 2006 it had over 5000 employees, covered more than 8 billion items, and the number of daily searches was over 200 million.

An Inside Look At Google

The Google Factory Tour

"The Google Story" - David Vise speaks at Google

Not since Gutenberg invented the modern printing press more than 500 years ago, making books and scientific tomes affordable and widely available to the masses, has any new invention empowered individuals or transformed access to information as profoundly as Google. I first became aware of this while covering Google as a beat reporter for The Washington Post. What galvanized my deep interest in the company was its unconventional initial public offering in August 2004 when the firm thumbed its nose at Wall Street by doing the first and only multi-billion dollar IPO using computers, rather than Wall Street bankers, to allocate its hot shares of stock.

A few months later, in the fall of 2004, I decided to write the first biography of Google, tracing its short history from the time founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page met at Stanford in 1995 until the present. In my view, this is the hottest business, media and technology success of our time, with a stock market value of $110 billion, more than the combined value of Disney, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com, Ford and General Motors.

Unabomber Manifesto Published by NYT - 1995

2007-09-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Theodore John Kaczynski (born May 22, 1942), also known as the Unabomber, is an American convicted murderer and political philosopher who had a campaign of mail bombings that killed three and wounded 23. He sent bombs to several universities and airlines from the late 1970s through early 1990s.

In his Industrial Society and Its Future (commonly called the "Unabomber Manifesto") he argued that his actions were a necessary (although extreme) ruse by which to attract attention to what he believed were the dangers of modern technology. The Unabomber was the target of the most expensive investigations in the FBI's history.

For his actions, Kaczynski was charged with numerous federal offenses stemming from his mail bombing campaign. In his April 24, 1995 letter to the New York Times, he promised "to desist from terrorism." To avoid the death penalty, Kaczynski entered into a plea agreement, under which he pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.

Kaczynski's moniker as the Unabomber developed as a result of an FBI codename. Before his real identity was known, the FBI used the handle "UNABOM" ("university and airline bomber"), which resulted in variants such as Unabomer, Unibomber, and Unabomber when the media started using the name.

The FBI files of the Unabomber pt.1

The FBI files of the Unabomber pt.2

The FBI files of the Unabomber pt.3

The FBI files of the Unabomber pt.4

The FBI files of the Unabomber pt.5

Jimi Hendrix Dead at 27 - 1970

2007-09-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Jimi Hendrix, born 1942 James Marshall Hendrix in Seattle, Wash., died on this day, September 18th 1970, following a barbituate and alcohol overdose.

Hendrix, in his short musical career, was known for an innovative and extremely influential guitar style that involved the explosive, yet often sensitively nuanced, use of feedback, distortion, and other electronically manipulated sound effects. His recordings include the albums Are You Experienced? (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1967), and Electric Ladyland (1968). He toured with his bands The Experience (1967-69) and Band of Gypsys (1969-70) and appeared at both the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock.

Jimi Henrix- Live at Woodstock '69

Football Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg Retires - 1960

2007-09-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Amos Alonzo Stagg, 1862-1965, American football coach, b. West Orange, N.J., grad. Yale, 1888, announced his retirement after 71 years of coaching on this day, 16th September 1960.

Stagg played end on the Yale football team and began his career as a coach (1889-91) at Springfield (Mass.) College. In 1892 he became athletic director at the Univ. of Chicago, coaching football there until 1933. In these 41 years he five times (1899, 1905, 1908, 1913, and 1924) coached undefeated teams. An authority on football, Stagg served (1904-32) on the football rules committee. Because of his age, he was compelled to resign his post at the Univ. of Chicago, but the "grand old man of football" later coached (1933-46) at the College of the Pacific and was (1947-52) assistant coach to his son at Susquehanna Univ. He collaborated in writing several books on football and is credited with the invention of numerous innovations in football play.

Amos Alonzo Stagg: Mr Integrity pt.1

Amos Alonzo Stagg: Mr Integrity pt.2

American Filmmaker Oliver Stone Born - 1946

2007-09-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

Oliver Stone, American filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer was born on this day, 15th September, 1946 in New York City.

Stone enlisted in the army in 1967 and saw combat in Vietnam, winning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, before studying filmmaking with Martin Scorsese at New York Univ. (B.F.A., 1971).

He adapted the screenplay for Midnight Express (1978 Academy Award) and authored other scripts before directing his first Hollywood film, The Hand (1981). Stone won critical plaudits for Salvador (1986), but it was not until he wrote and directed the grimly realistic Vietnam War drama Platoon (1986 Academy Award, best director) that he catapulted to popular success.

In his exploration of various uniquely American themes, Stone has become a controversial figure, frequently criticized for mingling fact and fiction in some films (e.g., JFK, 1991) and for portraying extreme violence in others (e.g., Natural Born Killers, 1994). His many other movies include Wall Street (1987), Born on the Fourth of July (1989; Academy Award, best director), The Doors (1991), Nixon (1995), and World Trade Center (2006).

Charlie Rose interviews Oliver Stone
(after release of "Nixon" in 1995)

Princess Grace of Monaco dead at 52 - 1982

2007-09-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Grace, Princess of Monaco née Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12 1929 – September 14 1982) was an Academy Award-winning American film and stage actress who, upon marriage to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in 1956, became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, but was generally known as Princess Grace of Monaco. Princess Grace maintained dual American and Monegasque citizenship after her marriage. The principality's current Sovereign Prince, Albert II is the son of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The American Film Institute ranked Kelly No. 13 amongst the Greatest Female Stars of All Time.

On this day, September 13, 1982, while driving with her daughter Stephanie to Monaco from their country home, Princess Grace, then 52, suffered a stroke, causing her car to plunge down the mountainside. Princess Grace died the next day without regaining consciousness.

Princess Grace is interred in Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco; Prince Rainier was buried alongside her following his death in 2005. Nearly 100 million people worldwide watched her funeral.

Tupac Shakur Dead at 25 - 1996

2007-09-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16 1971 – September 13 1996), also known by his stage names: 2Pac, Makaveli, or simply Pac, was an American artist renowned for his rap music, movie roles, poetry, and his social activism. He is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best selling hip-hop artist, with over seventy-five million albums sold worldwide including over fifty million in the United States alone. Most of Shakur's songs are about growing up around violence and hardship in ghettos, racism, problems in society, and sometimes qualms with other fellow rappers. Shakur's work is known for advocating political, economic, social, and racial equality as well as his raw descriptions of violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and conflicts with the law. Many fans, critics, and industry insiders rank him as the greatest rapper ever.

MTV report on the day of Tupac's death

VH1 - Who Killed Tupac Shakur? pt.1

VH1 - Who Killed Tupac Shakur? pt.2

VH1 - Who Killed Tupac Shakur? pt.3

Monkees and Maude First Air - 1966/1972

2007-09-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Monkees TV show first aired on this day, 12th September, 1966 on the NBC television network and lasted for two seasons (58 episodes). The final primetime episode ran on September 9, 1968.

Modeled on The Beatles' theatrical films A Hard Day's Night and Help!, The Monkees featured the antics and music of a fictional pop-rock group. Due to the massive success of the records, and the public's expectations, the four Monkees became a real pop group. The series was sponsored by Kellogg's Cereals and Yardley Cosmetics of London. After leaving NBC, the program would later be rerun on both CBS and ABC on weekend mornings.

The four young men who became The Monkees were British-born David Thomas ("Davy") Jones (vocals/percussion/guitar/{drums-live only}), Hollywood native George Michael ("Micky") Dolenz Jr. (vocals/drums/keyboards/guitar), Texan Robert Michael ("Mike"/"Wool Hat") Nesmith (guitars/vocals), and Peter Halsten ("Peter Tork") Thorkelson (bass/keyboards/banjo/guitar/trombone/vocals), who had lived with his family in both the eastern United States and Canada.

Hey Hey We're The Monkees

The Maude TV show first aired on this day, 12th September, 1972. The program was a spin-off of All in the Family; like that show, it was a sitcom with topical story lines created by producer Norman Lear.

Maude starred Beatrice Arthur as Maude Findlay, a middle-aged, politically liberal, married woman living in suburban Tuckahoe, Westchester County, New York, who embraced the tenets of women's liberation, always voted for Democratic Party candidates, strongly supported legal abortion, and advocated, albeit often clumsily, for civil rights and racial and gender equality.

And then there's Maude!

Hurricane Iniki Hits Hawaii - 1992

2007-09-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Iniki (Hawaiian for strong and piercing wind) was the most powerful hurricane to strike the U.S. state of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Islands in recorded history.

Forming during the strong El Niño of 1991–1994, Iniki was one of eleven Central Pacific tropical cyclones during the 1992 season. The eye of Hurricane Iniki passed directly over the island of Kauai on this day, September 11 1992, as a Category 4 hurricane.

It was the first hurricane to hit the state since Hurricane Iwa in the 1982 season, and the first major hurricane since Hurricane Dot in 1959.

Iniki caused around $1.8 billion (1992 US dollars) in damage and six deaths. At the time, Iniki was among the costliest United States hurricanes, and it remains one of the costliest hurricanes on record in the eastern Pacific. The storm struck just weeks after Hurricane Andrew—the costliest tropical cyclone ever at the time—struck the U.S. state of Florida.

Due to well-deployed warnings, Iniki caused only six deaths. Damage was greatest on Kauai, where the hurricane destroyed over 1,400 houses and severely damaged over 5,000. Though not directly in the path, Oahu still experienced moderate damage from storm surge.

Watch the complete "Hurricane Force - A Coastal Perspective" video

Michael Schumacher Retires - 2006

2007-09-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

On this day, September 10 2006, world champion German racing car driver Michael Schumacher retired from Formula 1 driving with the Ferrari race team.

Schumacher debuted as a racecar driver in 1988 and within two years had become Germany's Formula Three champion. His first F1 race was the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, and his first F1 victory was in the same event in 1992. Schumacher has driven the Jordan team (his first race), Benetton (1991-95), and Ferrari (1995-2006). He won the world championship in 1994, repeating the feat in 1995. His career was interrupted in 1999, when he suffered a broken leg in his first severe crash, but in 2000 he began a five-year reign as world champion, becoming the first driver to win the F1 title seven times. He has more than 90 career F1 race wins.

Michael Schumacher: Driven To Win is an ITV doc that was produced right after the end of the 2006 Formula 1 season. Narrarated by Murray Walker

Michael Schumacher: Driven To Win

Enjoy this extremely well put together 20 minute fan tribute video...

The Attica Prison Rebellion - 1971

2007-09-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

On this day, September 9, 1971 1,500 prisoners took over Attica Prison in upstate New York to protest conditions.

43 hostages were taken. The prison was held for four days. 43 men died from police gunshot wounds in the retaking of Attica, including 10 hostages and 22 inmates, during "Bloody Monday" September 13, 1971

The Attica Rebellion

Hurricane Ivan Devastates Grenada - 2004

2007-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

2004 - Hurricane Ivan, a Category 4 storm hits Grenada, killing 39 and damaging most of its buildings.

A Country Smashed To Pieces

Grenada: The Maroon Spirit

Diana Princess of Wales Funeral - 1997

2007-09-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

On this day, 6th September 1997, the funeral for Diana Princess of Wales was held in Westminster Abbey.

Goodbye England's Rose

The Life of Diana - A Tribute

Podfather Adam Curry Born - 1964

2007-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Adam Curry was born on this day, 3rd September, 1964.

Often called The Father of Podcasting, Curry was an innovator in the development and promotion of podcasting. He produces and presents a podcast named Daily Source Code.

Although Curry did not invent the podcasting technology, he was one of the first to create a successful podcast show. He is a prominent figure in podcasting promotion and he was a key figure at BloggerCon 2004, held at Stanford Law School. Media interviewers and others often refer to Curry as "the podfather".

"Every new medium needs a celebrity, and Curry is happy to fill that role," noted Annalee Newitz when she interviewed Curry for Wired.

Curry founded PodShow, Inc., along with business partner, Ron Bloom, in January 2005. Venture capitalists Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sequoia Capital have invested nearly $9 million into PodShow. PodShow is a podcast promotions and advertising company that encompasses the Podshow Podcast Network, the Podcast Delivery Network (launched on July 4, 2006), and the Podsafe Music Network. Some of Podshow's top podcasts are Curry's own Daily Source Code, The Dawn and Drew Show and GeekBrief.TV.

As of June 2005, Curry hosts a show on Sirius Satellite Radio, entitled Adam Curry's PodShow, runs from 6 to 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and features "The Best of Podcasting". Also in June of 2005 he started the iTunes podcast PodFinder, a guide to podcasts for new listeners.

Adam Curry Keynote Speech at Gnomedex 2005

American Tennis Champion Jimmy Connors Born - 1952

2007-09-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

American tennis player Jimmy Connors was born on this day, 2nd September, 1952 in East St. Louis, Ill.

A volatile, controversial, and fiercely competitive player, Connors was known for his theatrical conduct on the court as well as for his powerful two-handed backhand, strong return of service, accurate baseline play, and agility. He remains the all-time leader in men's tournament victories with 109 and held the men's number one ranking for 160 weeks (1974-77), a record that was not broken until 2007 by Roger Federer. He won five U.S. Open titles, two Wimbledon singles titles and one Australian Open.

Apart from the epic battles he had with the greats of the game over his career, arguably the greatest memory fans will hold is his amazing performance of reaching the US Open Semi Finals in 1991 at 39 years of age.

1991 US Open Connors -v- Krickstein Rnd 4
"The Greatest Match in Open History"

1991 US Open Connors -v- Haarhuis Qtr Final
"The Greatest Grand Slam Point Ever Played"

Jimmy Connors with Charlie Rose
1 hour long in depth interview

Hurricane Katrina devastates the U.S. Gulf Coast - 2005

2007-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 29th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing more than 1,836 and causing over $115 billion in damage.

The Height Of The Storm

In Memory Of The Lives Lost

Kayne West on Racism and The Tragedy

Martin Luther King Delivers his I Have A Dream Speech - 1963

2007-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 28th, 1963, a civil rights rally took place in Washington, D.C. where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech to more than 200,000 people.

I Have A Dream Speech - Martin Luther King jr.

Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge Opens - 1993

2007-08-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 27th, 1993, The Rainbow Bridge, connecting Tokyo's Shibaura Wharf and the island of Odaiba, was completed.

The bridge spans 570 meters (1870 ft) and carries three transportation lines: Metropolitan Expressway No. 11 Odaiba Route on the upper deck, and Route 357 (also known as "Rinkou Douro", Portside Avenue) and the Yurikamome New Transit on the lower deck.

The towers supporting the bridge are white in color, designed to harmonize with the skyline of central Tokyo seen from Odaiba. There are lamps placed on the wires supporting the bridge, which are illuminated into three different colors, red, white and green every night, using the solar energy obtained during the day.

The Rainbow Bridge Tokyo

Train Surfing Across The Rainbow Bridge

The Ford Edsel is Launched - 1957

2007-08-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 26th, 1957, the Ford Motor Company unveiled the Edsel.

The launch came on the heels of an extensive, expensive and exceptionally successful marketing campaign that had everybody talking about this mysterious new automobile. Months earlier ads began running that simply pictured the hood ornament, underscored with "The Edsel is Coming." Another ad depicted a covered car carrier with the same tag line. Meanwhile, the company went to great lengths to keep the car’s features and appearance a secret. Dealers were required to store the vehicles undercover, and could be fined or lose their franchise if they showed the cars before the release date. With all the hype it’s no surprise that consumers were eager to see what the fuss was about.

There is no single reason why the Edsel failed, and failed so spectacularly. Popular culture often faults the car’s styling. Consumer Reports cited poor workmanship. Marketing experts hold the Edsel up as a supreme example of corporate America’s failure to understand the nature of the American consumer. Business analysts cite the weak internal support for the product inside Ford’s executive offices. According to author and Edsel scholar Jan Deutsch, the Edsel was "the wrong car at the wrong time."

First Model Edsel TV Commercial

The Edsel Show
with Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby

Edsel "E-Day" Launch

Pluto Demoted To Dwarf Planet Status - 2006

2007-08-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the term "planet" such that Pluto was no longer considered one.

RIP Pluto (1930-1996)

Why Isn't Pluto A Planet Anymore?

Poor Poor, Poor Pluto

7.4 Earthquake Devastates Turkey - 1999

2007-08-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 17, 1999, an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Turkey, near Izmit, in the most prosperous and highly developed area of the country. According to some estimates, more than 30,000 people died and more than 600,000 buildings were destroyed within 20 kilometres of the epicentre, while one third of the city of Gialova sank into the water.

The Devastation

Thirty minutes after the earthquake, the distillation tower in the Turpas refinery (Turkey's largest refinery) collapsed, causing the outbreak of fire in four large petroleum storage tanks.

One of the unexpected good consequences of this disaster was the speed and enthusiasm of the Greek government's response in sending firefighting and disaster assistance to Turkey.... historically 'enemies' for hundreds of years.

This has since developed into Turkey and Greece working together to this day on joint disaster and bushfire fighting plans.

Turpas Refinery Firefighting

Elvis "The King" Is Dead - 1977

2007-08-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

On this day, 16th August, 1977, Elvis Aaron Presley, "The King" died at his Memphis home, Graceland.

Elvis was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture.

Channel 2 News - Death of Elvis

The Final Elvis Concert - 1977

News at 10 - Elvis's Death

Elvis's Funeral Day

Elvis & Drugs

Watts Riots End - 1965

2007-08-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

On this day, 16th August, 1965 , The Watts Riots in South Los Angeles ended.

A routine traffic stop of a black motorist by white police in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts six days earlier sparked massive riots that left 34 dead, hundreds more injured and 100 square blocks decimated by fire and looting.

A Photo Documentary: The Watts Riots

1965 Newsreel about The Watts Riots

Carlos the Jackal Jailed - 1994

2007-08-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal," was jailed in France, on this day, August 15th, 1994, after being captured in Sudan.

Ilich Ramírez Sánchez (born October 12, 1949) is a Venezuelan-born self-proclaimed leftist revolutionary and mercenary. He was given the nom de guerre Carlos the Jackal when he became a member of the leftist Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). After several bungled bombings, Ramírez Sánchez obtained notoriety for a 1975 raid on the OPEC headquarters, resulting in the deaths of three people. For many years he was among the most wanted international fugitives and is now serving life imprisonment in Clairvaux Prison in northeast France.

Japan Surrenders Ending WWII - 1945

2007-08-14T03:06:00.000-07:00

On this day, August 14th, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender in World War II and President Harry Truman announced that World War II was over.

After the completion of the campaigns in the Solomon Islands (late 1943) and New Guinea (1944), the Allied advance moved inexorably, in two lines that converged on Japan, through scattered island groups—the Philippines, the Mariana Islands, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima. Japan, with most of its navy sunk, staggered beneath these blows. At the Yalta Conference, the USSR secretly promised its aid against Japan, which still refused to surrender even after the Allied appeal made at the Potsdam Conference. On Aug. 6, 1945, the United States first used the atomic bomb and devastated Hiroshima; on Aug. 9, the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The USSR had already invaded Manchuria. On Aug. 14, Japan announced its surrender, formally signed aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2.

First Images of Japanese Surrender Party

Silent Newsreel Footage Montage of Surrender

Fidel Castro Born - 1926

2007-08-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Fidel Castro was born Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz on this day, August 13th, 1926, near Birán, S Cuba.

He was a revolutionary, premier of Cuba (1959-76) and president of the Council of State and of the Council of Ministers (1976- to date). As a student leader and lawyer, Castro opposed the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar.

On July 26, 1953, he led an unsuccessful attack on an army post in Santiago de Cuba and was imprisoned. Released in 1955 during a general amnesty, he went to Mexico where he organized the 26th of July movement. In Dec., 1956, he landed in SW Oriente prov. with a small group of rebels. Castro and 11 others, including his brother Raúl and Ernesto "Che" Guevara, survived the initial encounter and hid in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra. There, they organized a guerrilla campaign that eventually toppled the Batista regime on Jan. 1, 1959.

Castro The Hero

3 Days With Castro (2002)

Lenny Bruce Lost To Overdose - 1966

2007-08-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Lenny Bruce died of a narcotics overdose on this day, August 3rd, 1966.

Born Leonard Alfred Schneider, in Long Island, N.Y., Bruce possessed a cynical, surreal, and intensely comic view of the world. He brutally satirized such sensitive areas of American life as sex, religion, and race relations. His comedy left no group unscathed, and his routines were replete with four-letter words.

Consequently, Bruce was at various times arrested and forbidden to perform; in 1964 he was convicted of obscenity charges stemming from a New York City performance. He was also arrested for narcotics violations.

After his death Bruce became a cult figure, considered by many to be a martyr to the cause of free speech. He was posthumously pardoned of his obscenity conviction by the governor of New York in 2003.

The Fall and Rise of an American Icon

Lenny Bruce's Penultimate Stand Up Performance

Bob Dylan's Tribute Song "Lenny Bruce"

Lenny Bruce on the Steve Allen Show

Iraq Invades Kuwait - 1990

2007-08-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Invasion of Kuwait, also known as the Iraq-Kuwait War, was a major conflict between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait which resulted in the 7 month long Iraqi occupation of Kuwait which subsequently lead to direct military intervention by United States-led forces.. and the Gulf War which continues to this day.

Kuwait had heavily funded the 8 year long Iraqi war against Iran. By the time the war ended, Iraq was not in a financial position to repay the $14 billion which it had borrowed from Kuwait to finance its war. Kuwait's reluctance to pardon the debt created strains in the relationship between the two Arab countries.

After the failure of those talks, Iraq tried repaying its debts by raising the prices of oil through OPEC's oil production cuts. However, Kuwait, a member of the OPEC, prevented a global increase in petroleum prices by increasing its own petroleum production. This was seen by many in Iraq as an act of aggression, further distancing the countries.

In 1989, Iraq accused Kuwait of illegally slant drilling into the Iraqi part of the Rumaila Oil Field. Iraq claimed $1 billion including $22.4 billion in compensation for the oil "stolen".

The American ambassador declared to her Iraqi interlocutor that Washington, "inspired by the friendship and not by confrontation, does not have an opinion” on the disagreement which opposes Kuwait to Iraq, stating "we have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts". She also let Saddam Hussein know that the U.S. did not intend "to start an economic war against Iraq". These statements may have misled Saddam into believing he had received a diplomatic green light from the United States to invade Kuwait, which it did, on this day, August 2nd, 1990.

The Iraq-Kuwait War was the first war seen through the filter of cockpit video instrumentation. Edited in chronological order, these films present a surreal history of war.

The 1990 Gulf War From US Cockpits

The Gulf War With The Iraqi Forces

The day after taking command of the 3rd Armored Division on April 7, 1991, Maj. Gen. Jerry Rutherford talks to troops of the Division's 3rd Brigade at the Brigade's Tactical Operations Center in eastern Iraq.

U.S. General Talks to His Troops During Iraq/Kuwait War

Trans-Siberian Railway Opens - 1904

2007-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

In the late 19th century, the development of the Siberia was hampered by poor transportation links within the region as well as between Siberia and the rest of the country. Good roads suitable for wheeled transport were few and far apart. For about 5 months of the year, rivers were the main means of transportation; during the cold half of the year, cargo and passengers traveled by horse-drawn sleds over the winter roads, many of which were the same rivers, now ice-covered.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad, rail line, linking European Russia with the Pacific coast, began construction in 1891 and was completed in 1904. The completion of the railroad greatly affected the history of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern Russia by opening up Siberia to development. It officially opened for service on this day, July 31, 1904.

The Trans-Siberian Railway gave a great boost to Siberian agriculture, facilitating substantial exports to central Russia and Europe. Today the Trans-Siberian Railway carries about 20,000 containers per year to Europe, including 8,300 containers from Japan.

The train has 2nd class 4-berth compartments (called kupé) and 1st class 2-berth compartments (called spalny wagon or 'SV') and a restaurant car. One-way fares start at about $250 in a 4-berth sleeper or $320 in a 2-berth sleeper.

The Best of The Trans Siberian Railway

Short break in service

2007-07-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

I have hit my monthly bandwidth limit with my ISP and have been speed limited to dialup speed.

Unfortunately I wont be able to make any more updates until 1st August when it resets as reviewing videos just isnt possible at this speed :(

Se ya next week ;)

Bruce Lee "The Dragon" dead at 32 years old - 1973

2007-07-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

Bruce Lee was a Chinese American martial artist, philosopher, instructor, and actor widely regarded as one of the most influential martial artists of the twentieth century.

On this day, July 20, 1973, Lee was in Hong Kong, due to have dinner with former James Bond star George Lazenby, with whom he intended to make a film. According to Lee's wife Linda, Lee met producer Raymond Chow at 2 p.m. at home to discuss the making of the movie Game of Death. They worked until 4 p.m. and then drove together to the home of Lee's colleague Betty Ting Pei, a Taiwanese actress who was to have a leading role in the film. The three went over the script at her home, and then Chow left to attend a dinner meeting.

A short time later, Lee complained of a headache, and Ting Pei gave him an analgesic. At around 7:30 p.m., he laid down for a nap. After Lee did not turn up for dinner, Chow came to the apartment but could not wake Lee up. A doctor was summoned, who spent ten minutes attempting to revive him before sending him by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. However, Lee was dead by the time he reached the hospital. There was no visible external injury; however, his brain had swollen considerably, from 1,400 to 1,575 grams (a 13% increase). Lee was thirty-two years old. On October 15, 2005, Chow stated in an interview that Lee was allergic to Equagesic. When the doctors announced Bruce Lee's death officially, it was coined as "Death by Misadventure."

A Collage Of Images over Bruce Lee's life

This is an unedited 25 minute interview with Bruce Lee on the Pierre Berton Show. Recorded on 9th December 1971 in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee is seen being himself, speaking candidly and informally about his life, his martial art beliefs and philosophy. Through the programme Bruce's supreme confidence, charisma and focus provide a tremendous insight into the young Bruce Lee - the man behind the legend.

Bruce Lee - The "Lost" Interview

Famously, Bruce Lee appeared in the 1964 Long Beach International Karate Championships and performed repetitions of two-finger pushups (using the thumb and the index finger) with feet at approximately a shoulder-width apart. In the same Long Beach event he also performed the "One inch punch".

Bruce Lee - The One Inch Punch

Hunter S. Thompson Born - 1939

2007-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

American "gonzo" journalist Hunter S. Thompson was born on this day, 18th July, 1939.

Thompson is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, a style of reporting in which the reporter involves themself in the action to such a degree that they become the central figure of the story itself.

He died from a self inflicted shotgun wound on 20th February, 2005.

The film Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) depicts Thompson's attempts at writing stories for both the Super Bowl and the 1972 U.S. presidential election. It stars Bill Murray as Thompson and Peter Boyle as Thompson's attorney Oscar Acosta, referred to in the movie as Carl Lazlo, Esq.

Where the Buffalo Roam

Download a copy of Where The Buffalo Roam by torrent.

The 1998 film adaptation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was directed by Monty Python veteran Terry Gilliam, and starred Johnny Depp (who moved into Hunter's basement to 'study' Thompson's persona before assuming his role in the film) as "Hunter Thompson/Raoul Duke" and Benicio Del Toro as "Dr. Gonzo

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Download a copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by torrent.

The film Breakfast With Hunter (2003) was directed and edited by Wayne Ewing. It documents Thompson's work on the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, his arrest for drunk driving, and his subsequent fight with the court system.

Breakfast With Hunter

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9
Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16

Download a copy of Breakfast With Hunter by torrent.

Disneyland Grand Opening Day - 1955

2007-07-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Disneyland Park was opened to the public on Monday, July 18, 1955. However, a special "International Press Preview" event was held on Sunday, July 17, 1955 which was only open to invited guests and the media. The Special Sunday events, including the dedication were televised nationwide and anchored by three of Walt Disney's friends from Hollywood: Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan.

The event did not go smoothly. The park was overcrowded as the by-invitation-only affair was plagued with counterfeit tickets. All major roads nearby were congested. The summer temperature was over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and a plumbers' strike left many of the park's drinking fountains dry. The asphalt that had been poured just the night before was so soft that ladies' high-heeled shoes sank in. Vendors ran out of food. A gas leak in Fantasyland caused Adventureland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland to close for the afternoon. Parents were throwing their children over the shoulders of crowds to get them onto rides such as the King Arthur Carousel.

The park got such bad press for the event day that Walt Disney invited members of the press back for a private "second day" to experience the true Disneyland, after which Walt held a party in the Disneyland Hotel for them. Walt and his 1955 executives forever referred to the first day as "Black Sunday," although July 17 is currently acknowledged by Disney as the official opening day. On July 17 every year, cast members wear pin badges stating how many years it has been since July 17, 1955. For example, in 2004 they wore the slogan "The magic began 49 years ago today." But for the first ten years or so, Disney did officially state that opening day was on July 18, including in the park's own publications.

Disneyland Opening Day
Hosted by: Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Mission Blasts Off - 1969

2007-07-16T03:28:00.000-07:00

On this day, July 16th, 1969, Apollo 11 blasted off from Cape Kennedy on the first manned lunar landing mission. It carried Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin.

On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Collins orbited above.

The mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy's goal of "landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth by the time this decade is out," in other words by the end of the 1960s. Many consider the landing one of the defining moments of the 20th century.

One Giant Leap For Mankind

APOLLO 11: THE UNTOLD STORY aka FIRST ON THE MOON: THE UNTOLD STORY is a one hour special produced by Discovery Science Channel.

When Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon in July 1969, Apollo 11 was hailed as the supreme triumph of American technology. But behind the flag waving lies a different story: the untold account of how close the mission came to disaster. Now, nearly forty years later, men on that mission reveal what really happened on the first voyage to the moon. It's a tale of how primitive computer technology, coupled with human errors and mechanical failures, nearly caused the tragic loss of the crew.

Apollo 11 The Untold Story

American Cartoonist William Hanna Born - 1910

2007-07-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

William Denby "Bill" Hanna was born on this day, July 14, 1910 (Died March 22, 2001).

Hanna was an American animator, director, producer, cartoon artist, and co-founder, together with Joseph Barbera, of the Hanna-Barbera studio.

Hanna-Barbera Productions became by the late-1960s the most successful television animation studio in the business, producing hit programs such as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Jonny Quest, and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! by the end of the decade.

Hanna and Barbera's 17-year partnership on the Tom & Jerry series resulted in 7 Academy Awards for Best Cartoon Short Subject, and 14 total nominations, more than any other character-based theatrical animated series.

Tom and Jerry - The Missing Mouse

The Flintstones - Mother In Law's Visit

Yogi Bear - The Daffy Daddy

The Jetsons Movie
Part 1

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Jonny Quest - The Curse of Anubis

Scooby Doo Where Are You
Intros from the sixties to today

Rubik's Cube Inventor Born - 1944

2007-07-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

Ernő Rubik was born on this day, July 13, 1944 and is a Hungarian inventor, sculptor and professor of architecture. He is best known for the invention of mechanical puzzles including Rubik's Cube, Rubik's Magic and Rubik's Snake.

The Cube in particular has been subject of many "amazing" feats over the years.....

3 Year Old Solves Rubik's Cube in 114 seconds

A 6 Year Old kid Solves it in 37 Seconds

How About One Handed in 20 Seconds?

Maybe Try Solving It With Your Feet?

Or Your Nose??

If you would like to learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube, here is the video for you. Although it says "easily", this guy does take 9 mins to explain it! :)

How To Solve A Rubik's Cube Easily

Kristi Yamaguchi Born - 1971

2007-07-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

American figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi was born on this day, 12th July 1971

Kristi Yamaguchi performing to Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" as her exhibition number at the 1991 World Championships where she won her first World title.

Kristi Yamaguchi: Pretty Woman

Kristi Yamaguchi at the 1992 Olympics

Kristi skating to Sting's "Desert Rose" at the 2000 Hershey's Figure Skating Challenge.

Kristi Yamaguchi: Desert Rose 2000

Sandinista Rebels Take Nicaragua - 1979

2007-07-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

On 9th July 1979 in Nicaragua, General Anastasio Somoza was overthrown by the Sandinista rebels.

Nicaragua - A Nations Right To Survive is John Pilger's 1983 film about the small nation of Nicaragua and its right to survive without interference and investigates the corruption in Central America.

In 1979, the Sandinistas won a popular revolution in Nicaragua, putting an end to decades of the corrupt US-backed Somoza dictatorship. They based their reformist ideology on that of the English Co-operative Movement, but proved too 'radical' for the Reagan administration. In this film, Pilger describes the achievements of the Sandinistas and their "threat of a good example".

Nicaragua - A Nations Right To Survive (1983)

Name That Tune Premiered On Television - 1953

2007-07-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

Name That Tune was a television game show that put two contestants against each other to test their knowledge of songs. Originally premiering in the United States on 6th July 1953.

The first hosts were Red Benson and Bill Cullen, but George DeWitt became most identified with the show. Richard Hayes, Tom Kennedy, Dennis James and Jim Lange also hosted later versions of the show which was last produced in 1985.

Recently a new primetime version of the show with Donny Osmond as host has been in development. A pilot was taped in December 2006 and CBS is said to still be considering the series for possible debut during the 2007-2008 season.

A rare $100,000 win in 1977 from the Tom Kennedy era

$100,000 Final of Name That Tune with Les Gould vs. Stan 1985

Rare Clip From A 1974 Episode

Diana and "Sweet Alfred" have a rather spirited "Bid-A-Note" round on the pilot week of Name That Tune 1984.

First Episode of Seinfeld Airs - 1989

2007-07-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

The Emmy Award-winning sitcom Seinfeld originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, running a total of nine seasons. Many of its catchphrases have entered into the pop culture lexicon. The show was the most popular sitcom of the 1990s, leading the Nielsen Ratings in its sixth and ninth seasons.

The series was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, with the latter starring as an eponymous, fictionalized version of himself. Set predominantly in an apartment block on New York City's Upper West Side, the show features a host of Jerry's friends and acquaintances, including George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). Seinfeld was largely co-written by David and Seinfeld.

The Top 25 Seinfeld Moments

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels "Communist Manifesto" published - 1848

2007-07-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July 1848 the "Communist Manifesto" was published by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

This is also a big day for America too, with The Declaration of Independance signing in 1776.

So in honour of the two ironically connected events, I've found a video of your stereotypical "good ole American apple pie" housewive reading the entire text of The Communist Manifesto! :)

An American Housewife Reads The Communist Manifesto

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

Mike Tyson Born in New York - 1966

2007-06-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Gerard Tyson, (Mike Tyson) was born on this day, June 30th, 1966. He is a former American World Heavyweight boxing Champion. Tyson, the youngest man to have won a heavyweight title belt, was rated in 1999 by Ring magazine as the fourteenth greatest heavyweight of all time.

At the height of his fame and career in the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Tyson was one of the most recognized sports personalities in the world. Apart from his many sporting accomplishments, his numerous outrageous and controversial behavior both in the boxing ring and in his private life has kept him constantly in the public eye.

Mike Tyson's Greatest Brain Explosions

Mike Tyson's Funniest Moments

Produced in 1988, before Tyson turned himself into a joke, it highlights Tyson during the brief period the great sporstman he was shone through.

Mike Tyson Greatest Hits HBO Channel 1988

10 years and 2 days ago today, during a boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson bit off a portion of Holyfield's ear. (twice)

The fight was billed as "Holyfield-Tyson II, The Sound And The Fury". The fight began with Holyfield dominating the smaller Tyson but doing no real damage. Tyson seemed slow in the first two rounds and lost both.

In addition, Holyfield was headbutting Tyson above his right eye, and by the beginning of the third round had swelled the eye to grotesque proportions. Tyson complained to Mills Lane about the butting (which was also a problem in their first fight, which Holyfield won by TKO in the 11th round), but Lane ruled the butts unintentional.

At one point in the third round, Tyson and Holyfield were clenched, with Tyson holding Holyfield's arms at his sides. Then, out of nowhere, Tyson sought out Holyfield's right ear and bit it hard, causing Holyfield to yelp in pain and jump away. Tyson had actually bit part of the ear off, and spat it across the ring shortly thereafter.

Referee Mills Lane called time and examined Holyfield. Meanwhile, Tyson went to his corner and waited. After seeing the damage Tyson had caused, he went to ringside and told Nevada state athletic commissioner Bruce Ratner that he was going to disqualify Tyson immediately. However, Lane stopped himself and checked with ringside doctor Flip Homansky, who assured him that Holyfield could continue the fight. With that bit of information, Lane deducted two points from Tyson for the bite, and ordered the fight to continue.

After a few more seconds, Tyson sought out Holyfield's left ear and bit it, though not with as much force as the other ear. Lane immediately disqualified Tyson, who went ballistic in the ring, fighting off anyone who tried to control him. He even went as far as to shove Holyfield from behind, touching off a melee that the police had to be called in to control.

As a result of this and other behavior, Tyson was banned from boxing for one year and fined $3 million for biting Evander Holyfield on both ears. It also shocked the 16,000 people at ringside and the millions watching. Tyson's excuse was that Holyfield was headbutting and Tyson was retaliating. One of Tyson's former trainers, Teddy Atlas had actually predicted before the fight that Tyson would deliberately get himself disqualified.

Mike Tyson Biting Evander Holyfield in 1997

Brazil Wins World Cup in Korea/Japan - 2002

2007-06-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

On 30th June 2002 Brazil won it's fifth FIFA World Cup title, defeating Germany 1-Nil in the final.

Interestingly, this was the two country's first ever meeting in a World Cup match.

2002 FIFA World Cup Highlights

Jayne Mansfield Killed in Car Accident at age 34 - 1967

2007-06-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Jayne Mansfield (born Vera Jayne Palmer; April 19, 1933—29 June 1967) was an American actress and Playboy centerfold.

She was killed in a car accident on this day, 29th of June, 1967.

One of the leading sex symbols of the 1950s, like Marilyn Monroe, Mansfield starred in several popular Hollywood films that emphasized her platinum-blonde hair, dramatic hourglass figure, and cleavage-revealing costumes. She was a recipient of a Golden Globe Award and a Theatre World Award for two early screen and stage performances.

The Death of Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Rooney at 1961 Golden Globe Awards

Jayne Mansfield and Sam Brody in Ireland 4 Months Before Their Death

Stonewall Inn Riots in New York - 1969

2007-06-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Stonewall Inn was the site of the famous Stonewall riots of 28th June 1969, which have come to symbolize the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. It is located at 53 Christopher Street, between West 4th St. and Waverly Place, in Greenwich Village, New York City. Stonewall is regarded as the single most important event that led to the modern movement for gay and lesbian civil rights.

History of Stonewall by Varla Jean

After Stonewall - First Gay Liberation Day Marches 1970

The riot took place in the night at about 1:20 of June 28, 1969, hours after Judy Garland's funeral. Some believe those who fought back against police at Stonewall were saddened over Garland's death. (She died in London on June 22, 1969). She had been a gay icon, particularly in the latter half of her career in the 1950s and 1960s. Whether Garland's funeral played a part in the riots is cause for question, but it has become part of gay history and lore.

"You Go To My Head" - Judy Garland

NOTE: This is a live recording at Carnegie Hall in 1961. If you listen closely, Judy Garland forgot the lyrics about 57 seconds into the video, and, in a funny ad-lib, sang "with...and I forgot the god-darn words...(garbled)."

BTK Serial Killer Pleads Guilty to 10 Murders in Wichita Kansas - 2005

2007-06-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

On 27th June 2005 BTK serial killer Dennis Rader pleaded guilty to 10 murders in the Wichita, Kansas area. He was later sentenced to serve 10 consecutive life sentences without possibility of parole for 175 years.

Rader was particularly known for sending taunting letters to police and newspapers over the 30 years he remained at large. Ironically (or perhaps inevitably) one of these messages was traced to a personal computer at his Lutheran church resulting in his capture on February 5th 2005.

Dennis Rader Court Confession

This British documentary was produced just months before the arrest of BTK and gives a fascinating perspective on exactly what was known of this criminal prior to his arrest and provides an interesting contrast to the A&E documentary below, which was produced after the BTK trial and sentencing.

The World's Most Elusive Serial Killer - BTK

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

The BTK killer's last known communication with the media and police was a padded envelope which arrived at FOX affiliate KSAS-TV in Wichita on February 16 2005. A purple, 1.44-MB Memorex floppy disk was enclosed in the package. Police found metadata embedded in a Microsoft Word document on the disk that pointed to Christ Lutheran Church, and the document was marked as last modified by "Dennis". A search of the church website turned up Dennis Rader as president of the congregation council. Police immediately began surveillance of Rader.

This A&E documentary was produced post sentencing...

A&E Biography - The BTK Killer Speaks

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

On August 18th 2005, Rader faced sentencing. The victims' families made statements, followed by Rader, who apologized for the crimes. He was sentenced to 10 consecutive life terms, which requires a minimum of 175 years without a chance of parole. Because Kansas had no death penalty at the time the murders were committed, this was the maximum sentence allowed.

BTK Hearing Victim Impact Statements

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

At his sentencing hearing on August 18, 2005, BTK killer Dennis Rader gave a rambling statement for 25 minutes addressing the court.

Dennis Rader's Sentencing Statement

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

He was sentenced to serve 10 consecutive life sentences (one life sentence per victim), without possibility of parole for 175 years. This includes nine life sentences each without the possibility for parole for 15 years, and one life sentence without the possibility for parole for 40 years.

BTK Killer Court Sentencing

John F Kennedy declares "Ich bin ein Berliner" - 1963

2007-06-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

On June 26, 1963, President Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he made his famous declaration: "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner).

North Korean Army Invades South Korea - 1950

2007-06-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

The states of North Korea and South Korea had recently been created out of the post-World War II Soviet and American occupation zones in Korea when on 25th June 1950, the NKPA (North Korean Peoples Army) launched a massive surprise attack on its neighbor to the South.

For the next three years, the United Nations (USA) and the Communists (USSR) would wage a bloody and brutal war over the peninsula which finally ended in ceasefire on 27th July 1953.

In South Korea, the war is often called 6/25, from the date of the start of the conflict.

1950 US Newsreel Video on Korean War

The Korean War is often described as 'The Forgotten War'. It is estimated that four million people died in it.

17,000 Australians served in Korea. 339 were killed and 1,215 wounded. This is a tribute to those men.

Korean War Heroes - They are not forgotten

But not everyone agrees on the official version of the war's outcome... particularly not in places North of the 38th parallel. :p

On June 25th 1950 the criminal US imperialists invaded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in a mad bid to stifle the progressive force of revolutionary socialist country-building along man-centered mass-based Juche lines of the Korean people to enslave them and perpetrate the entire genocide as a stepping-stone towards their mad dream of conquering the world to subject it to the darkness of capitalist oppression.

However the Korean people solidly united behind the Great Leader Eternal President Marshal Kim Il Sung defeated the aggressors and honorably defended the young republic. The Fatherland Liberation War ended on July 27 1953 with the surrender of the US imperialists and the total victory of the Korean people.

July 27th is since then a day of celebrating the courage and mettle of the Korean People's Army and the greatness of the Great Leader Eternal President Kim Il Sung. By: Songun

North Korean News Footage

A BBC documentary alleging American atrocities against civilians during the Korean War, contradicting the findings of a Pentagon report. Eyewitness accounts recall one of the largest massacres of civilians in American military history at No Gun Ri in South Korea in July 1950, and recently declassified documents reveal how US commanders issued orders to open fire on non-combatants.

BBC Documentary - Kill 'em All Pt.1
American War Crimes in Korea

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Jackie Gleason Passes Away - 1987

2007-06-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Actor Jackie Gleason died on 24th June 1987. Raised by a single mother who worked at a subway token booth in New York, Gleason dropped out of high school and began performing on the vaudeville circuit in his teens. Signed to a movie contract by the time he was 24 years old, Gleason played character roles in a handful of movies in 1941 and 1942, but found much more success in television. He became one of TV's most popular stars in a number of shows, including The Jackie Gleason Show, which ran throughout most of the 1950s and '60s. On the show, he created the character of Ralph Kramden, a bus driver who became the beloved star of the spin-off television show The Honeymooners.

Jackie Gleason's start in television as told by head writer, Harry Crane; courtesy of ShowTime, 1988.

Gleason ~ The Early Days

"The Honeymooners" Episode 1 5th Oct 1951

This was the opening for a Richard Nixon fundraising telethon, taken from the National Archives.

Jackie Gleason for Richard Nixon

"Pow, Right In The Kisser"
(from Family Guy 2006)

TV Producer Aaron Spelling Passes Away - 2006

2007-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

On June 18 2006, after a 6 year battle against oral cancer, Aaron Spelling suffered a severe stroke at his estate in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California. He died there five days later on June 23 2006, from complications of the stroke, at the age of 83.

Spelling produced many of the most popular TV shows worldwide, including; Mod Squad, S.W.A.T., Starsky & Hutch, Family, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Hart to Hart, Dynasty, Charlie's Angels, T.J. Hooker, Hotel, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Models Inc., 7th Heaven, Charmed and many more.

Tribute to Arron Spelling at 2006 Emmy Awards

A Fans Personal Tribute to Spelling

When it came to catfights, DYNASTY weighed in as the Heavy-Weight Champ! Along with being known as the nicest man in Hollywood, Aaron Spelling also has a WICKED sense of humor!

Linda Evans -v- Joan Collins in Dynasty Catfights

Love Boat Opening Credits from 1982

Mod Squad Opening Credits

Starsky and Hutch Opening Credits

Joe Lewis wins in 1938 and Judy Garland loses in 1969

2007-06-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

On 22nd June 1938 in New York City Joe Louis defeated Max Schmelling by first round knockout in "The Fight" of the century. The battle was more for the national pride of Germany and America than any boxing belt.

Joe Louis vs Max Schmelling - "The Fight"

On 22nd June 1969 Judy Garland died in London following an overdose of sleeping pills.

Judy Garland and Mickey Deane at their wedding
(3 months before her death)

A few war anniversaries fall today too... like Gernamy invading Russia during world war 2. But I will leave the good people at Associated Press to fill you in on those ones today ;-)

AP Today In History

Japan Surrenders Okinawa to the US - 1945

2007-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

On 21st June 1945 Japanese troops surrendered the Pacific Island of Okinawa to the United States after one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War II. An estimated 150,000 civilians died during the almost 3 month long battle, many via mass suicide or at the hands of their own army.

The first 2 videos below are all original footage taken during battle and depict the Japanese view of the battle. Warning: includes some graphic scenes of death and what "appears" to be a war crime, where an injured and unarmed solidier is shot.

Battle of Okinawa pt.1
Filmed from Japanese point of view

Battle of Okinawa pt.2
Filmed from Japanese point of view

American Newsreel Report On The Start Of The Battle For Okinawa

This is a very detailed 105 minute UK documentary about the battle for Okinawa

Battlefield - Destination Okinawa

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6
Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11

Kamikaze attacks against the US fleet off Okinawa created so many American casualties the assault was almost halted before it began.

Kamikaze Attacks on US fleet off Okinawa

Kamikaze Boats Subs and Planes

Errol Flynn King of Swahbucklers Born - 1902

2007-06-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Errol Flynn was born in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on 20th June 1902. He moved to England to gain acting experience, joined the Northampton Repertory Company, and after a part in a film was offered a Hollywood contract. His first US film, Captain Blood (1935), established him as a hero of historical adventure films, and his good looks and athleticism confirmed him as the greatest Hollywood swashbuckler, in such films as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Sea Hawk (1940). During the 1940s his off-screen reputation for drinking, drug-taking, and womanizing became legendary, and eventually affected his career, which was briefly revived by his acclaimed performance as a drunken wastrel in The Sun Also Rises (1957). His autobiography was called My Wicked, Wicked Ways (1959).

Still Photographic Collage of Errol Flynn

"Just Like Errol Flynn"
(music by Dogs D'amour)

Errol Flynn in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"

In January 1959, Fidel Castro led his Cuban revolutionaries into Havana. It's a huge story, and the Canadian TV show Front Page Challenge has found an unlikely mystery guest: Errol Flynn, a Hollywood actor in the twilight of his career.

Famed for playing dashing swashbucklers, Flynn put on a reporter's hat while in Cuba for the revolution. Despite rumours he fought alongside the rebels, Flynn tells the panel he "didn't pick up anything more dangerous than a ballpoint pen."

(double click for full screen)

God's Banker Found Dead - 1982

2007-06-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

On 19th June 1982 the body of Italian banker Roberto Calvi was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London.

Known as God's banker for his links with the Vatican, the 62-year-old was the chairman of Banco Ambrosiano in Milan and a central figure in a complex web of international fraud and intrigue.

He had been missing for nine days before his body was discovered by a passer-by hanging from scaffolding on a riverside walk under the bridge.

Police initially treated the death as suicide.

Background of the Calvi Case

It was later revealed that Roberto Calvi was found with five bricks in his pockets and had in his possession about $14,000 in three different currencies.

On 23 July an inquest jury returned a verdict of suicide. This was overturned in 1983 when a second inquest delivered an open verdict on the death.

In October 2002 forensic experts appointed by Italian judges concluded that the banker had been murdered.

They said his neck showed no evidence of the injuries usually associated with death by hanging and his hands had never touched the stones found in the pockets of his clothes. American Archbishop Paul Marcinkus was sought for questioning but was granted immunity as a Vatican employee. He retired in 1990 and died in 2006.

In October 2005 five people went on trial in Rome. They were Sardinian financier Flavio Carboni, his former girlfriend Manuela Kleinszig, Roman entrepreneur Ernesto Diotallevi, Calvi's former bodyguard, Silvano Vittor and convicted Cosa Nostra treasurer Pippo Calo.

They were acquitted earlier this month. (June 2007)

Update On Calvi Case

Jail Sentence

Mr Calvi became chairman of Banco Ambrosiano, now Italy's largest private bank, in 1975 and built up a vast financial empire.

In 1978, a report by the Bank of Italy on Ambrosiano concluded that several billion lire had been illegally exported.

In May 1981, Mr Calvi was arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, but released pending an appeal. During his short spell in jail he attempted suicide.

Mr Calvi was due to appear in an Italian court to appeal against this conviction at the time of his death.

Later that month he was to be tried for alleged fraud involving property deals with Sicilian banker Michele Sindona, who was himself serving 25 years in America at the time, over the collapse of the Franklin National Bank in New York in 1974.

The Vatican was directly linked to Mr Calvi by Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, the Pope's bodyguard, a governor of the Vatican and head of the Vatican bank which had a shareholding in Ambrosiano.

Missing Millions

Ambrosiano was on the verge of collapse amid press reports that investigators found a £400m "hole" in its accounts. The bank's executive board had just decided to strip Mr Calvi of his authority.

The Italian Treasury dissolved the bank's administration and the Bank of Italy was a temporary commissioner.

Mr Calvi fled to Venice nine days ago after shaving his moustache to avoid being recognised.

From there it seems he hired a private plane to take him to London.

The day before he was found dead, his secretary committed suicide in Milan by jumping off the fourth floor of the bank's headquarters.

Teresa Corrocher, aged 55, left an angry suicide note condemning her boss for the damage she said he had done to Ambrosiano and its employees.

The Final Straw
(an ode to God's Banker)

The Boy From Oz Peter Allen Passed Away - 1992

2007-06-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

On June 18th 1992 Australian songwriter and singer Peter Allen passed away at the age of 48 in Leucadia, California from complications caused by AIDS.

Born Peter Allen Woolnough in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Allen began his performing career as one of the "Allen Brothers" who were a popular cabaret and television act in the early 1960s. Discovered by Judy Garland while Allen was performing in Hong Kong, she invited him to return with her to the United States where he performed with her and also married her daughter Liza Minnelli in 1967. (They were divorced in 1972)

In 1977 Allen released an album Taught By Experts, which reached number one in Australia, along with the number one singles "I Go To Rio" and "The More I See You". Although his recording career in the US never progressed, he became a popular performer in Las Vegas and had a long engagement at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.

"The More I See You"
(performed live on The Paul Hogan TV Show 1977)

"I Go To Rio"

He achieved most success during his lifetime writing for other performers. He wrote "Don't Cry Out Loud" for Melissa Manchester, and scored his biggest success with the song "I Honestly Love You" recorded by Olivia Newton-John. Her single reached number one in the United States and won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Newton-John.

"Don't Cry Out Loud"
(performed by Melissa Manchester)

This is an incredibly well done collage made up of 25 different film clips of Olivia Newton-John singing this classic song over a 30 year time frame.

"I Honestly Love You"

After his death, one of his older songs I Still Call Australia Home, became popular through its use in television commercials for initially National Panasonic, then after 1988 Qantas tourism, and came to be regarded as an unofficial Australian national anthem.

"I Still Call Australia Home"

A musical based on his life, titled The Boy from Oz, opened in Australia in 1998. Using his largely autobiographical songs to form the soundtrack, the production starred Todd McKenney as Allen, and Christina Amphlett of rock group Divinyls as Garland. The show was an outstanding success. In 2003 it opened on Broadway, becoming the first Australian musical ever to be performed there. In this production Allen was played by Hugh Jackman who won a Tony Award for his portrayal in 2004.

"Boy From Oz at 2004 Tony Awards"

First American Woman In Space - 1983

2007-06-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

On 18th June 1983 astronaut Sally K. Ride became America's first woman in space as she and four colleagues blasted off on space shuttle flight #7 aboard the Challenger.

Space Shuttle Flight 7

Famous American Women Mosaic

Army-McCarthy Hearings End In Death Of McCarthyism - 1954

2007-06-17T15:54:00.001-07:00

On June 17th 1954 the fully televised Army-McCarthy hearings ended, where the U.S. Army had accused Senator Joseph R. McCarthy (Republican, Wisconsin), and his chief counsel, Roy Cohn, of pressuring the Army to give preferential treatment to former McCarthy aide and friend of Cohn's, G. David Schine.

The hearings were televised, and many believe that they contributed significantly to McCarthy's subsequent decline in popularity.

This 10 minute documentary was made for and presented at the 2007 National History Day competition.

A month before the hearings began, TIME featured a cover story March 22, 1954, picturing Cohn and Schine and subtitled "The Army got its orders. Ten years after the hearings, in 1964, the documentary film Point of Order! was released, which consists of 93 minutes of footage selected from the 187 hours of kinescope that covered the hearings. (Review of Point of Order at Rotten Tomatoes)

First Women Is Launched Into Space - 1963

2007-06-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

On 16th June 1963 a 26 year old Soviet Air Force officer, Jr.Lt. Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space.

The first video shows Tereshkova being prepared for her launch by technicians and engineers, before calmly saying her farewells, and being sealed inside her capsule, followed by the spectacular launch of Vostok 6.

This second video includes some original CCCP TV footage of Tereshkova during flight.

The First Hee Haw TV Show Aired - 1969

2007-06-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hee Haw was a long-running television variety show hosted by musicians Buck Owens and Roy Clark and featuring country music and humor with rural "Kornfield Kounty" as a backdrop.

The show was equally well-known for its voluptuous, scantily clad women in stereotypical Southern farmer's daughter outfits and its cornpone humor. Hee Haw was a quintessentially American show.

Where Oh Where Are You Tonight?
(with guest star Johnny Cash

"Where Oh Where Are You Tonight?", a nonsense duet which debuted on the opening show and is perhaps the most enduring image that most viewers have of the program. In early seasons, this was performed by Campbell and Tapp, in the vein of folk songs like "Oh! Susanna" and "Old Dan Tucker." In later seasons, Tapp would sometimes be replaced by that episode's guest singer, or other surprise celebrities. The guest/celebrity would stand with their back to the viewer while Campbell sang the new, humorous verse solo, holding a scythe. At the end of the verse, Campbell would elbow Tapp or the guest (as a comedic visual cue), who would then spin around (Tapp would react as if awoken by the elbow) to join him on the chorus: "Where, oh where, are you tonight?/Why did you leave me here all alone?/I searched the world over, and I thought I'd found true love,/Then you met another, and--pffft! you was gone!" The "pffft" would be done as a spitting "Bronx cheer", and occasionally, they would break up into laughter after the "pffft", unable to finish the song (Who got spat upon during the "pffft" would change each show.) Later, whole groups and even females would be part of the refrain, after Campbell's death in 1987. In some episodes, which had several major guest stars, the routine appeared several times in the show so that each guest would have the chance to be part of this tradition.

Germany Take Paris - 1940

2007-06-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

German troops marched into Paris in the early hours of the morning on June 14 1940 as French and allied forces retreated.

The enemy met no resistance as it entered the capital, which was declared an "open town" a day earlier by the city's French military governor, General Hering.

French troops withdrew to avoid a violent battle and total destruction of Paris. They are believed to have taken a new line of defence south of the city. The Germans advanced from the north-east and north-west and shortly afterwards tanks rumbled past the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde.

Authentic Images Of Germans Entering Paris

Extremely Rare Footage of Adolf Hitler Touring Paris on 23rd June 1940

Michael Jackson Aquitted On Child Molestation Charges - 2005

2007-06-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

On 13th June 2005 a California jury exonerated Michael Jackson of the child molestation, conspiracy and alcohol charges that could have sent him to prison for nearly 20 years.

The jury deliberated about 32 hours throughout the course of seven days before reaching its decision.

The following 5 part video is a comprehensive 40+ minute special about the acquittal of Michael Jackson in 2005. It includes hundreds of news clips from many networks, the full verdict reading, front pages from around the world, interviews with the defense, prosecution and jurors, commentary by talking heads and more.

Michael Jackson Acquittal Not Guilty Innocent

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

But not everyone was convinced of Michael Jackson's innocence...

Mad TV Parody of Jackson

Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman Murdered - 1994

2007-06-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

On 12th June 1994 Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home.

Amidst the "circus" that followed the two innocent lives lost were almost forgotten.

Nicole's former husband, football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson, was later acquitted of the killings in a criminal trial, but held liable in a civil action.

Here is a collection of video "highlights" of this case over the last 13 years.

Emergency 911 Call Made By Nicole

The Famous White Bronco Police Chase

OJ Simpson Trying On The Black Gloves

Johnny Cochran's Closing Arguments

The Trial Verdict

Hidden Phone Records Prove OJ Innocent?

This presentation was made at Kent State University in 2004... and it reveals compelling evidence that Jason Simpson may have committed the murders.

If OJ Simpson Is Innocent, Then Who Is Guilty?

O.J. Simpson - "If I Did It" Interview Promo

Goldman Family Speaks Out

O.J. Simpson Claims to be Father of Anna Nicole's Baby?

O.J. Kicked Out Of Restaurant, Blonde Warned

OJ Simpson Book May Be Published After All

And Still The Brown & Goldman Families Await Justice...

Mt. Pinatubo Volcano Erupts in Phillipines - 1991

2007-06-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

On 11th June 1991, during the Desert Storm offensive, there was a volcanic eruption in the Philippines.

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo is the largest volcanic eruption in 150 years. But many people know nothing of it, the world was watching the war in Iraq...

Three United States Military installations in the Philippines were evacuated; Cubi Point Naval Air Station, Subic Naval Station and Clark Air Force Base, they were subsequently abandoned by the U.S. due to political decisions in the Philippines.

Scenes of the Mt. Pinatubo Eruption
(set to ACDC Thunderstruck music :\ )

"Mt. Pinatubo Evacuation of Clark Air Base Philippines" is a very intersting two-part, 40 mins long, visual trace along the route of thousands of evacuees from Clark Air Base and Subic Bay, Philippines, as they escape the destructive force of the pending eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo volcano June 1991.

Part 1 covers the evacuation from Clark Air Base to Subic Bay Naval Base; A week later evacuees board the massive aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, for a three day voyage, arriving off shore and ferried to Mac tan Air Base, Cebu by helicopter. Stops include: Guam, Hickam Air Base, Hawaii and on to Travis Air Force Base, California.

Part One

Part 2 offers the viewer a rare, but memorable glimpse back at US military facilities as they were before this colossal event.

Videographer and former Clarkite, Virgil Hopper produced this Philippines Experience video series. He is a former member of the American Forces Radio and Television Service that served both Clark and Subic-area audiences with radio and television programming on FEN, the (Far East Network).

Watch Part Two on Youtube

The 6 Day Arab-Israeli War Ends in Ceasefire - 1967

2007-06-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

On June 10th 1967 the Six-Day War ended as Israel and Syria agreed on a United Nations mediated cease-fire.

Also known as the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, the Third Arab-Israeli War, Six Days' War, an‑Naksah (The Setback), or the June War, it was fought between Israel and its Arab neighbours Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Algeria also contributed troops and arms to the Arab forces.

On June 4 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive attack on Egypt's airforce fearing an imminent invasion. Jordan then attacked western Jerusalem and Netanya. At the war's end, Israel had gained control of eastern Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. The results of the war affect the geopolitics of the region to this day.

Israel Strikes Back
(Israeli patriotic footage of airforce)

The Six-Day War Deceptions
(Dutch former UN observer alleges that Israel provoked
their Arab neighbors in the run up to the Six-Day War)

View Part 2 on Youtube

40 years after the Six-Day War between Jordan & Israel
(CNN News Perspective)

Six Day War 40 Years On
(BBC News Perspective)

Secretariat Wins The Triple Crown - 1973

2007-06-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

Trained by Lucien Laurin and ridden by Ron Turcotte, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1973.

Then, on 9th June 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by an amazing 25 lengths to become only the ninth horse in history, and first in 25 years, to capture the Triple Crown.

He set record times for the Kentucky Derby (1 min 59·4 s for 1¼ mi, 1973) and Belmont Stakes (2 min 24 s for 1½ mi, 1973) producing runs thoroughbred racing lovers will continue to remember as classics for generations to come.

The Kentucky Derby 1973

The Preakness 1973

The Belmont Stakes 1973

First Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway in New York - 1907

2007-06-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

On 8th June, 1907 Florenz Ziegfeld produced the first Ziegfeld Follies revue on Broadway in New York City and the combination of seminudity, pageantry, and comedy proved successful until the 1930s when the Great Depression ended the show. Ziegfeld required that every woman in the Follies have a 36-inch bust, a 26-inch waist, and 38-inch hips. Some famous Ziegfeld girls include Eve Arden, Nora Bayes, Fanny Brice, Billie Burke, Paulette Goddard, Anna Held, Marilyn Miller, Ann Pennington, and Barbara Stanwyck.

Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic of 1920

Ziegfeld Beauties - Photos by Alfred Cheney Johnston

The Ziegfeld Showgirls - Photos by Alfred Cheney Johnston

Alfred Cheney Johnston's Ballerinas - Ziegfeld

Jazz Age Beauties - Alfred Cheney Johnston's Ziegfeld Photos

The Search For Beauty with Florenz Ziegfeld on Brunettes

"Hey Feller!" - Showboat (1929)

Very rare footage of the original Broadway production of Showboat at the Ziegfeld Theatre, which played from 27 December, 1927 to 4 May, 1929. This segment (along with the "Queenie's Ballyhoo" clip) was filmed for a special prologue to the 1929 Universal film version of the musical - one of three film adaptations of the show.

Queen Elizebeth II Celebrates Silver Jubilee - 1977

2007-06-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

On June 7th 1977 more than one million people lined the streets of London to watch the Royal Family on their way to St Paul's at the start of the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Despite the rain thousands camped out over night to try to get a better view of the procession as it made its way down the Mall and through Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street and Ludgate Hill.

At St Paul's 2,700 specially selected guests, including politicians and other heads of state joined in the ceremony which began with Ralph Vaughan Williams' arrangement of the hymn "All people that on earth do dwell" which was played at the Queen's coronation in 1953.

Across Britain millions of people tuned in to watch events on the television and many more celebrated with their own street parties. Roads were quiet and many took the day off work.

The following video was shot during the Queen's street walk tour of Hull by a 16yo girl, originally on 8mm film. Watch out for the great shot of her white gloved royal wave.

View some original BBC footage of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in Windows Media Player

In contrast to the celebrations punk band the Sex Pistols sailed down the Thames on Jubilee Day playing their controversial version of "God save the Queen".

Radio stations were banned from playing the single but it still managed to reach number two in the charts. The group were arrested as they left the boat but had achieved their aim of distracting people from the main celebrations.

John Chow Knows How To Make Money Online

2007-06-07T01:47:00.000-07:00

John Chow dot Com is blog that helps you make money online. If you do a review of his blog, he’ll link to you so his readers can check you out. (as I am doing here)

In what seems like a very short period of time John's site has shot up the ranks to be one of the most visited sites on the web. Covering a similar range of subjects as Digg, he mainly focusses on Technology, Cars, Fine Dining, Investing and of course, Making Money Online.

It's not all serious though... as can be seen in his article about The Five Types of Computex Booth Babes... and he appears to be a dab hand with the home video camera judging by this clip he shot of the AMD Dancing Booth Babes. :)

D-Day Marks Start of Allied Invasion of Europe - 1944

2007-06-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

6th June 1944: D-Day, marks start of Europe invasion

Thousands of Allied troops have begun landing on the beaches of Normandy in northern France at the start of a major offensive against the Germans.

Thousands of paratroops and glider-borne troops have also been dropped behind enemy lines and the Allies are already said to have penetrated several miles inland.

The landings were preceded by air attacks along the French coast.

Operation Overlord, the Allied landings at Normandy, is a series of 4 short movies created from original news footage of the time. It accurately details the events prior to June the 6th and the insuing days that culminated in the break out.

Operation Overlord - Part 1

Operation Overlord - Part 2

Operation Overlord - Part 3

Operation Overlord - Part 4

President Ronald Reagan Dies Aged 93 - 2004

2007-06-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

In 2004, Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, died in Los Angeles at age 93 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Robert F. Kennedy assassinated in Los Angeles - 1968

2007-06-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Shortly after midnight on 5 June 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-New York) was assassinated by Sirhan B. Sirhan in the ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Battle of Midway, 4th-7th June - 1942

2007-06-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Battle of Midway, fought Form the 4th to the 7th June 1942, over and near the tiny U.S. mid-Pacific base at Midway atoll, represents the strategic high water mark of Japan's Pacific Ocean war. Prior to this action, Japan possessed general naval superiority over the United States and could usually choose where and when to attack. After Midway, the two opposing fleets were essentially equals, and the United States soon took the offensive.

Japanese Combined Fleet commander Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto moved on Midway in an effort to draw out and destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet's aircraft carrier striking forces, which had embarassed the Japanese Navy in the mid-April Doolittle Raid on Japan's home islands and at the Battle of Coral Sea in early May. He planned to quickly knock down Midway's defenses, follow up with an invasion of the atoll's two small islands and establish a Japanese air base there. He expected the U.S. carriers to come out and fight, but to arrive too late to save Midway and in insufficient strength to avoid defeat by his own well-tested carrier air power.

Yamamoto's intended surprise was thwarted by superior American communications intelligence, which deduced his scheme well before battle was joined. This allowed Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, to establish an ambush by having his carriers ready and waiting for the Japanese. On 4 June 1942, in the second of the Pacific War's great carrier battles, the trap was sprung. The perserverance, sacrifice and skill of U.S. Navy aviators, plus a great deal of good luck on the American side, cost Japan four irreplaceable fleet carriers, while only one of the three U.S. carriers present was lost. The base at Midway, though damaged by Japanese air attack, remained operational and later became a vital component in the American trans-Pacific offensive.