Video: 'The 13th Amendment Explained: The Constitution for Dummies'
(Monday, December 18, 1865) — The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect today by Secretary of State William H. Seward, having been ratified by three-quarters of the states (including those in secession) as of Dec. 6, 1865. Continue reading Slavery in America abolished as Thirteenth Amendment declared in effect 160 years ago today (Dec 18 1865)
Video: 'Squeaky Fromme sentenced to life'
(Wednesday, December 17, 1975) — Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was sentenced today in Sacramento, California, to life in prison for her Sept. 5, 1975, attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford at a hearing at which she screamed and hit the prosecutor with an apple. Continue reading Fromme gets life in prison for Ford assassination attempt 50 years ago today (Dec 17 1975)
Video: 'I Wanna Be Free ~ Davy Jones' (take one of version one remake)
(Friday, December 17, 1965) — Less than a month after filming the pilot episode for their television series, the second recording session for The Monkees was held today to refine the slow version of “I Wanna Be Free” with Davy Jones on vocals and and the song’s co-writer Tommy Boyce (with Bobby Hart) on acoustic guitar. Continue reading The Monkees hold second recording session 60 years ago today (Dec 17 1965
Video: 'Beatles Christmas 1965 - The Beatles Third Christmas Record'
(Friday, December 17, 1965) — The Beatles released “The Beatles Third Christmas Record,” a spoken and musical message by the English rock group released on flexi disc to members of their official fan-clubs in the United Kingdom. Continue reading ‘The Beatles Third Christmas Record’ released to UK fan club members 60 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 17 1965)
Video: 'Schubert: Unfinished Symphony No.8'
(Sunday, December 17, 1865) — Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, known as the “Unfinished” because only two movements had been completed, was first performed publicly today in Vienna, 37 years after the composer’s death.
Video: 'The Color Purple' trailer
(Monday, December 16, 1985) — The Color Purple, a period drama film about a young African-American woman who fights for independence during the early years of the 20th century, premiered tonight at Cinemas 1, 2 & 3 at 1001 3rd Avenue in New York City. Continue reading ‘The Color Purple’ premieres in New York City 40 years ago tonight (Dec 16 1985)
Video: 'The Paul Castellano Hit (Gotti, 1996)'
(Monday, December 16, 1985, at about 5:26 p.m. EST) — Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano, 70, and his bodyguard were shot to death today outside Sparks Steak House restaurant at 210 East 46th Street near Third Avenue in New York City on orders from John Gotti. Continue reading Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano shot dead stepping from car 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)
(Saturday, December 16, 1995) — “Beautiful Life” by Ace of Base peaked at #15 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Beautiful Life’ by Ace of Base peaks at #15 in USA 30 years ago today (Dec 16 1995)
Video: 'President Reagan's Remarks at a Service in Fort Campbell, Kentucky'
(Monday, December 16, 1985, 10:38 a.m. CST) — Saying that “love is never wasted, love is never lost,” U.S. President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, today to embrace weeping families of the 248 American soldiers who died in a plane crash in Gander, Newfoundland on Dec. 12, 1985. Continue reading ‘Love is never lost’ Reagan tells crash victims’ grieving families 40 years ago this hour (Dec 16 1985)
Video: 'CBS Special Report : Two Week in Space (Gemini 6/7 Rendezvouz) - 1965-12-15'
(Wednesday, December 15, 1965, 12:27 p.m. EST) — Two U.S. manned spacecraft, Gemini 6A and Gemini 7, maneuvered to within 10 feet of each other today while in orbit. Continue reading Gemini 6 and 7 perform first controlled rendezvous in Earth orbit 60 years ago today (Dec 15 1965)
