Monthly Archives: February 2026

Germany unleashes titanic assault at Verdun as France faces battle for its life 110 years ago this hour (Feb 21 1916)

1910s, World War I


Video: 'The Battle of Verdun (WW1 Documentary)'

(Sunday, February 21, 1916, 7:12 a.m. Central European Time; during the Battle of Verdun, part of the Western Front of World War I) — The Battle of Verdun, one of the largest battles of the First World War on the Western Front between the German and French armies, began this morning when a 10-hour German artillery bombardment by 808 guns was launched in the hills north of Verdun-sur-Meuse in northeastern France. Continue reading Germany unleashes titanic assault at Verdun as France faces battle for its life 110 years ago this hour (Feb 21 1916) →

The Supremes perform ‘My World is Empty Without You’ on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Feb 20 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'The Supremes "My World Is Empty Without You" on The Ed Sullivan Show'

(Sunday, February 20, 1966, 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) — The Supremes performed “My World is Empty Without You” on tonight’s live edition of the CBS-TV variety show The Ed Sullivan Show from CBS Studio No. 50 in New York City. Continue reading The Supremes perform ‘My World is Empty Without You’ on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ 60 years ago this hour (Feb 20 1966) →

Rossini’s opera ‘The Barber of Seville’ premieres in Rome 210 years ago today (Feb 20 1816)

1810s


Video: 'The Barber of Seville'

(Tuesday, February 20, 1816) — The opera buffa The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini premiered today at the Teatro Argentina in Rome under its original title, “Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution.” Continue reading Rossini’s opera ‘The Barber of Seville’ premieres in Rome 210 years ago today (Feb 20 1816) →

‘Time Heals’ episode airs on ‘St. Elsewhere’ 40 years ago this hour (Feb 19 1986)

1980s, Television 1980s

Video: 'St. Elsewhere S4e017 Time Heals Part 1'

(Wednesday, February 19, 1986, 10:00 p.m. EST) — St. Eligius’ 50th anniversary spurs memories, including its opening in 1935 under the leadership of Father Joseph McCabe, on part one of a two-part episode of the NBC-TV medical drama series St. Elsewhere. Continue reading ‘Time Heals’ episode airs on ‘St. Elsewhere’ 40 years ago this hour (Feb 19 1986) →

Russians launch space station Mir 40 years ago this hour (Feb 20 1986)

1980s, space exploration


Video: 'Mir Space Station Launch 1986'

(Thursday, February 20, 1986, 12:28:23 a.m. MSK) — The Soviet Union today sent up the core module of space station Mir (Peace), which would serve as a permanently manned base for the next generation in space.

Mir stayed in orbit until 2001, when it was brought down in a controlled descent, breaking up in the atmosphere.

After 37 years, Senate endorses genocide ban 40 years ago today (Feb 19 1986)

1980s


Video: 'Eyewitness Testimony: Senator William Proxmire'

(Wednesday, February 19, 1986) — The U.S. Senate today approved, 83-11, the Genocide Convention, an international treaty outlawing “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” nearly 37 years after the pact had first been submitted for ratification. Continue reading After 37 years, Senate endorses genocide ban 40 years ago today (Feb 19 1986) →

Wings complete recording of ‘Beware My Love’ and ‘Must Do Something About It’ 50 years ago today (Feb 19 1976)

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


Video: 'Beware My Love (2014 Remaster)'

(Thursday, February 19, 1976) — Former Beatle Paul McCartney and his British-American rock band Wings completed “Beware My Love” and “Must Do Something About It” today as McCartney recorded the harmonium heard on the intros of the two tracks at his London home at 7 Cavendish Avenue. Continue reading Wings complete recording of ‘Beware My Love’ and ‘Must Do Something About It’ 50 years ago today (Feb 19 1976) →

‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ by Lou Christie peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 19 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, February 19, 1966) — “Lightnin’ Strikes” by Lou Christie peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Lightnin’ Strikes’ by Lou Christie peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 19 1966) →

‘My World Is Empty Without You’ by The Supremes peaks at #5 in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 19 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, February 19, 1966) — “My World Is Empty Without You” by The Supremes peaked at #5 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘My World Is Empty Without You’ by The Supremes peaks at #5 in USA 60 years ago today (Feb 19 1966) →