Monthly Archives: August 2019

FDR signs Hatch Act restricting political activities of federal workers 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1939)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'The Hatch Act Explained'

(Wednesday, August 2, 1939) — President Franklin D. Roosevelt today signed the Hatch Act of 1939, a United States federal law whose main provision prohibits employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the president, vice-president, and certain designated high-level officials, from engaging in some forms of political activity. Continue reading FDR signs Hatch Act restricting political activities of federal workers 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1939) →

Einstein signs letter urging FDR to build nuclear weapons 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1939)

1930s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Energie atomique : Albert Einstein; Dr. Leo Szilard'

(Wednesday, August 2, 1939) — German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein signed a letter today written by Hungarian-German-American physicist and inventor Leo Szilard and addressed to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning that Nazi Germany might develop an atomic weapon and suggesting that the United States should start its own nuclear program. Continue reading Einstein signs letter urging FDR to build nuclear weapons 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1939) →

The Monkees perform first of two shows in Warren, Ohio 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Monkees


Video: 'Monkees 1969 Silent 8mm USA Tour Indianapolis'

(Saturday, August 2, 1969, 3:00 p.m. EDT) — The Monkees performed the first of two shows this afternoon at Mollenkopf Stadium in Warren, Ohio, on the band’s 1969 North American tour. Continue reading The Monkees perform first of two shows in Warren, Ohio 50 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969) →

‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town’ by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition peaks at #6 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, August 2, 1969) — “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition peaked at #6 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town’ by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition peaks at #6 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969) →

‘Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions’ by John Lennon & Yoko Ono peaks at #174 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969)

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


Video: 'Unfinished Music No. 2: Life With The Lions' (7 videos; first 5 constitute original LP)

(Saturday, August 2, 1969) — Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions by John Lennon of The Beatles and his wife, avant-garde artist Yoko Ono, the couple’s second of three experimental albums, peaked at #174 on today’s Billboard Top LP’s chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions’ by John Lennon & Yoko Ono peaks at #174 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969) →

McCartney produces ‘Come and Get It’ for Badfinger 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969)

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


Video: 'The Beatles: Revolution... more Outtakes' ('Come And Get It' outtakes at 1:02:01-1:39:51)

(Saturday, August 2, 1969) — Paul McCartney of The Beatles produced a recording session today at EMI Studios in London of his song “Come and Get It” by The Iveys, who later became Badfinger, for inclusion in the 1969 film The Magic Christian starring Peter Sellers and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr. Continue reading McCartney produces ‘Come and Get It’ for Badfinger 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Aug 2 1969) →