Monthly Archives: March 2016

Winston Churchill delivered his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech 70 years ago today (Mar 5 1946)

1940s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain speech" regarding USSR and Eastern Bloc, at Wes...HD Stock Footage'

(Tuesday, March 5, 1946, afternoon local time) — In what is considered one of the opening volleys of the Cold War, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill condemned the Soviet Union’s policies in Europe today during a speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, declaring “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent, allowing police governments to rule Eastern Europe.” Continue reading Winston Churchill delivered his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech 70 years ago today (Mar 5 1946) →

Beatles’ fans urge British PM Wilson to save Liverpool Cavern 50 years ago today (Mar 5 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'CAN730 BEAT FANS MOB PRIME MINISTER HAROLD WILSON ASKING HIM TO HELP KEEP THE CAVERN CLUB OPEN'

(Saturday, March 5, 1966) — British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, in Liverpool to be officially adopted as Labour candidate for the Mar. 31 election, received a petition from Beatles fans today, asking that the Cavern Club be reopened.

The club, where the Beatles performed more than 300 dates, was closed because of financial problems.

‘Ballad of the Green Berets’ by SSgt Barry Sadler peaks at #1 in USA 50 years ago today (Mar 5 1966)

1960s, Cold War, Popular Music 1960s, Vietnam War

(Saturday, March 5, 1966; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — “Ballad of the Green Berets” by SSgt Barry Sadler peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for five consecutive weeks (Mar. 5/12/19/26, Apr. 2, 1966).

‘I Feel Fine/Hold Me Tight’ episode airs on ‘The Beatles’ cartoon series 50 years ago this hour (Mar 5 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, Television 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'The Beatles Cartoons Episode 24'

(Saturday, March 5, 1966, 10:30 a.m. EST) — The Beatles go to Hollywood, and later, Ringo and George take a tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York on this morning’s episode of The Beatles, a weekly cartoon television series on ABC.

124 killed as jetliner crashes into Japan’s Mount Fuji 50 years ago this hour (Mar 5 1966)

1960s


Video: 'BOAC Flight 911 Top # 5 Facts'

(Saturday, March 5, 1966, at about 2:15 p.m. JST) — BOAC Flight 911, a Boeing 707, crashed into Japan’s Mount Fuji today after breaking up in severe turbulence; all 124 people on board were killed.

Most of the passengers were executives and dealers of the Thermo King Corp. of Bloomington, Minnesota, as well as some of their spouses.

‘Chicken Soup’ episode airs on ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’ 40 years ago this hour (Mar 4 1976)

1970s, Television 1970s


Video: 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman promo clip'

(Saturday, March 4, 1976, 11:00 p.m. EST in New York) — Mary makes Coach Fedders some chicken soup for his cold, with disastrous results on tonight’s episode of the syndicated soap opera parody series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode number 97 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.

Surviving Beatles turn down $225 million offer to tour 20 years ago today (Mar 4 1996)

1990s, Popular Music 1990s, The Beatles 1990s


Video: 'GEORGE.PAUL.RINGO 1995 ONE LAST TIME!!'

(Monday, March 4, 1996) — The three surviving members of The Beatles — Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — turned down a $225 million offer today to tour North America, Europe and Japan.

‘Yesterday’ EP by The Beatles released in UK 50 years ago today (Mar 4 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s

(Friday, March 4, 1966) — Yesterday, an extended play (EP) by The Beatles, was released today in Britain only, featuring four tracks previously released on the group’s Help! album (British version).