Monthly Archives: February 2012

McCartney’s ‘Give Ireland Back to the Irish’ banned in Britain 40 years ago today (1972)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s

(Thursday, February 10, 1972) — 12 days after British paratroopers shot dead thirteen Catholics after a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry in what is known as Bloody Sunday, Paul McCartney’s new single Give Ireland Back to the Irish was banned on British airwaves (it would still be released Feb. 25, 1972).

‘Kick the Can’ episode airs on ‘The Twilight Zone’ 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'Kick the Can' clip

(Friday, February 9, 1962, 10 p.m. ET) — A retirement home resident (Ernest Truex) finds a way to regain his youth on tonight’s episode of the CBS-TV anthology series The Twilight Zone. Continue reading ‘Kick the Can’ episode airs on ‘The Twilight Zone’ 50 years ago this hour (1962) →

Medill warns Lincoln about General McClellan 150 years ago today (1862)

1860s, American Civil War

Video: Medill's Feb. 9, 1862, letter (at 11:49)

(Sunday, February 9, 1862, during the American Civil War) — Joseph Medill, co-owner and managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, wrote to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln today, warning him that General George B. McClellan “has almost ruined your administration and the country” by “placating the rebels.”

Lennon, Ono call for withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland 40 years ago today (1972)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: image from Feb. 5, 1972, at 1:03-1:04

(Saturday, February 5, 1972) — John Lennon and Yoko Ono were among 400 protesters outside the offices of the British Overseas Airways Corporation in New York. Their action is aimed towards the British policy in Northern Ireland, six days after the Bloody Sunday killings.