February 2012
37 posts
ourpresidents:
On Leap Day 1968, 13 men were trapped in an elevator at the Pentagon. One of them was President Lyndon B. Johnson. Here’s what happened next.
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WatchFEBRUARY 24, 1955: STEVE JOBS IS BORN
Watch a rare NOVA interview with the late Apple visionary, conducted in 1990.
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WatchFEB. 17, 1972: PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON VISITS CHINA
Forty years ago today, President Richard Nixon flew to China for a historic visit. Watch James Maddalena (as Nixon) sing the aria “News Has a Kind of Mystery,” a scene from last year’s performance of “Nixon in China” at the Met.
What ever happened to that blue dress? Read... →
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WatchCelebrate Valentine’s Day with a StoryCorps Love Story
“To R.P. Salazar, with Love”
In January 2007, Rachel P. Salazar and Ruben P. Salazar were living 9,000 miles apart and completely unaware of each other’s existence.
But when an email meant for Rachel accidentally went to Ruben, it wasn’t long before an ordinary mistake began to look like an extraordinary...
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WatchFEBRUARY 8, 1828: AUTHOR JULES VERNE BORN
184 years ago today, French author Jules Verne was born. Verne was one of the first pioneers of science fiction writings.
Watch this Antiques Roadshow clip to see how much a rare, first American edition of the author’s famous book, “Twenty Thousands Leagues Under the Sea” is worth now.
You will not believe how much - you may want to...
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WatchTODAY’S BLACK HISTORY ICON: DAISY BATES
A feminist before the term was invented, Daisy Bates refused to accept her assigned place in society.
Independent Lens’ “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” tells the story of her life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a...
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WatchFEBRUARY 6, 1911: RONALD REAGAN IS BORN
101 years ago today, Ronald Reagan was born.
The 40th President was one of the most popular presidents of the twentieth century — and one of the most controversial. Watch American Experience’s “The Presidents: Reagan” now.
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Queen Elizabeth II Marks 60 Years as Monarch →
60 years ago today, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in Britain.
This year, there will be many events in Britain and across the Commonwealth to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Play the Royal Trivia quiz to test your smarts on the British monarchy.
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WatchIn celebration of this year’s Black History Month, PBS will showcase an expansive lineup of programs profiling the rich history, culture and contributions of African Americans.
From the abolition of slavery to the rise of the black power movement, these programs take a profound look into a variety of historical events and individuals.
Watch full-length black history programs now on...
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WatchFEBRUARY 2, 1999:
pbsvideovault:
On this day in 1999, Hugo Chavez assumed office as president of Venezuela.
In 2008, FRONTLINE aired “The Hugo Chavez Show,” an inside look at the infamous leader.
Controversial, bombastic, he believes he is destined to change Venezuela and the whole of Latin America. Who is Hugo Chavez? And where is he headed?
For today’s Vault Video, we bring you “The Hugo...
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FEBRUARY 1, 1902: LANGSTON HUGHES BORN
Langston Hughes was born in 1902 and died in 1967. A poet and novelist, he became known as the “Shakespeare of Harlem” during the 1920s and 1930s.
You can find out more about Hughes’s life, in the context of his work and major world events, on A Hughes Timeline.