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“The Jazz Singer”: Hollywood’s First Words
On this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer,” the first feature-length film with synchronized sound debuted. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The film stars Al Jolson as Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a cantor, a singer who leads prayers during Jewish worship services. He runs away from home at…
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PBS: Five Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1970, The Public Broadcasting Service launched in the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about PBS. It’s not a network, per se. It’s a program distributor, which receives payment from its member stations in exchange for programs. The individual stations are responsible for producing local content.…
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Mount Rushmore: History Carved in Stone
On this date in 1927, construction began on Mount Rushmore. Here are some things you may not have known about the monument. The original idea was to depict western heroes like Buffalo Bill Cody and explorers Lewis and Clark in the Needles area of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Needles are an area…
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Shot Heard ‘Round the World: Giants Win the Pennant
On this date in 1951, Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. Here are some things you may not have known about “The Shot Heard ’Round the World.” On August 10, 1951, the Brooklyn Dodgers led the New York Giants in the National League…
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Berlin Airlift: A Lifeline for a City
On this date in 1949, the Berlin Airlift ended. Here are some things you may not have known about the effort to keep West Berlin supplied during a blockade by the Soviets. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, one each for the Americans, British, French and Soviets. The city of…
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Washington National Cathedral: The Nation’s House of Prayer
On this date in 1907, construction began on the Washington National Cathedral. In 1990, construction was completed. Here are some things you may not of known about what is known as America’s “National House of Prayer.” The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Peter and St. Paul in the City and…
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Model T: The Everyman’s Automobile
On this date in 1908, the first Ford Model T left the factory. Here are some things you may not have known about the iconic car. Contrary to popular belief, the Model T wasn’t the first car built on a modern assembly line. That honor goes to the Oldsmobile Curved Dash in 1901. Henry Ford…
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Presidential Debates: A Short History Long on Influence
On this date in 1960, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy participated in the first presidential general election debate. Here are some things you may not have known about that debate and those that followed. The famous 1858 debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were held while the men were running for Senate. The…
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Bob Marley: One Love For Music
On this date in 1980, Bob Marley played what would be his final concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here are some things you may not have known about him. Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica. His parents originally gave him the first name Nesta, meaning “wise messenger.” Later,…