Author Archives: penquin

It was on this day in 1947 that the House Un-American Activities Committee started holding hearings in regards to Communist infiltration of the film industry. Ayn Rand, Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan were among the first witnesses, speaking about how the “Red Menace” … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1765 that representives from some of the American colonies drew up a Declaration of Rights and Grievances. They had been meeting for the past 12 days in order to discuss the Stamp Act that England … Continue reading →

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7inbFKJOy_E It was on this day in 1967 that The Jungle Book was released in theaters. Inspired by Richard Kipling’s classic tale, it was the 19th film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. It would be the last film personally supervised … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1931 that Al Capone was found guilty on five charges of income tax evasion. The Chicago gangster was involved in many different illegal enterprises, mostly bootlegging and gambling, but the government wasn’t able to get enough evidence to tie him … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1859 that John Brown led a group of 21 men into Harper’s Ferry, VA. The abolitionist was attempting to capture a federal arsenal in order to lead a slave uprising. His group (which included at least one fugitive slave) cut the telegraph … Continue reading →

It is getting cold. It is getting chilly. And when the leaves change, I always think of this song… ..and hearing the lyrics about “stopping in a church” in that song make me think of this ditty… Educational videos supply … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1971 that Rick Nelson played a garden party. As a teenager he was a star on his parents show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and soon started playing music as well. He recorded … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1912 that Theodore Roosevelt was shot while campaigning for President. The former Republican president had been displeased with his successor and was re-seeking the office on an independent ticket. He was about to make a speech in … Continue reading →

It was on this day in 1975 that singer Charlie Rich, while presenting the award for Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, burned the envelope that held the name. John Denver was the winner and Rich seemed to be upset … Continue reading →

It was on this night in 1957 that Little Richard told an audience of 40,000 fans that he was quitting rock’n’roll and instead turning to God. While on the flight into Sydney that afternoon the engine on his plane caught fire … Continue reading →