Monthly Archives: August 2014

Germans approve vesting sole executive power in Adolf Hitler 80 years ago today (Aug 19 1934)


Video: 'The World At War: A New Germany 2/5' (Aug. 19, 1934, at 8:23)

(Sunday, August 19, 1934) — 89.9% German voters in today’s plebiscite endorsed Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s assumption of greater power than has ever been possessed by any other ruler in modern times. Nearly 10 per cent indicated their disapproval.

‘Dragnet’ film premieres in Chicago 60 years ago today (Aug 18 1954)


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 18, 1954)Dragnet, a crime drama film (based on the weekly TV series) about two homicide detectives who investigate the brutal shotgun murder of a crime syndicate member, opened today in Chicago.

Directed by Jack Webb, the film starred Webb, Ben Alexander, Richard Boone and Ann Robinson.

Roosevelt, Truman pose for pictures 70 years ago this hour (Aug 18 1944)

(Friday, August 18, 1944, 12:45 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — President Franklin Roosevelt hosted a private luncheon today with new running mate Sen. Harry Truman at the White House. Roosevelt told Truman nothing of importance, posed for photographers and made small talk (click here to watch a clip from today on “The Presidents: Truman” at 1:29:15)

President Wilson declares U.S. neutrality in European war 100 years ago today (Aug 18 1914)

(Tuesday, August 18, 1914; during World War I) — U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued his Proclamation of Neutrality today, aimed at keeping the United States out of World War I, saying, “The United States must be neutral in fact as well as in name during these days that are to try men’s souls.”

Allied forces land in southern France 70 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1944)


Video: 'Allied Invasion of Southern France - Operation Dragoon, the Other D-Day_Full Length WWII Documentary'

(Tuesday, August 15, 1944, just before 8:00 a.m. CET; Operation Dragoon, part of Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre and the European Theatre of World War II during World War II) — Thousands of Allied troops, mainly American and French, swarmed on to the south coast of France on a broad front between Marseille and Nice this morning, seized and extended firm beachheads against inconsequential German opposition and, taking high ground inland, drove northward with the avowed intention of joining the Allies in northwestern France. Continue reading Allied forces land in southern France 70 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1944)

2004 Summer Olympics open in Athens 10 years ago tonight (Aug 13 2004)


Video: 'Athens 2004 Opening Ceremony -HD-'

(Friday, August 13, 2004, evening) — The 2004 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, opened tonight at the Olympic Stadium in Maroussi, Greece, a suburb of Athens.

72,000 spectators looked on as 1996 Olympic sailing champion Nikolaos Kaklamanakis lit a giant cigar-shaped tapered column resembling a torch (not the usual cauldron).

James Bond creator Ian Fleming dies 50 years ago this morning (Aug 12 1964)


Video: 'Ian Fleming - The CBC Interview (Legendado)'

(Wednesday, August 12, 1964) — Author Ian Fleming, 56, the creator of James Bond, died early this morning in Canterbury, Kent, England, after suffering a heart attack.

Fall dashes Mary Decker’s dream of gold 30 years ago today (Aug 11 1984)


Video: 'Olympic 3000m Finals 1984'

(Saturday, August 11, 1984; during the 1984 Summer Olympics) — At the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, American runner Mary Decker fell after colliding with South African-born British competitor Zola Budd in the 3,000-meter final; Budd finished seventh.