It Was 20 Years Ago Today

By Jamie Lawson

A look at the events and culture of the (relatively) recent past -- twenty, or sometimes thirty, years ago from the day of posting. The 1980s. The 1990s. People. Society. Books, movies, television... more

· History

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FAQs about It Was 20 Years Ago Today:

How many episodes does It Was 20 Years Ago Today have?

The podcast currently has 187 episodes available.

It Was 20 Years Ago Today episodes:

November 24, 2007 Episode #85 -- Perestroika
November 23, 2007. Twenty years ago today, 'Perestroika: New Thinking for Our Country and the World' was reviewed in the New York Times. I talk about several reviews of Mikhail Gorbachev's book, as well as my own impressions of it, and a little about the effects of the reforms Gorbachev described in the book.

Today's episode music is from 'Inspiration,' by Victor Stellar. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min
November 22, 2007 Episode #84 -- The Great Potato Caper
For August 29, 2007. Twenty years ago today, minor-league baseball catcher Dave Bresnahan lost his job in the fallout of a stunt ever after known as 'The Great Potato Caper.' I describe one of the funniest plays in baseball history, and the reaction from all quarters over the years.

An article written about six weeks after The Great Potato Caper, one of my principal sources for this podcast, can be found here. You can see an image of (reportedly) the actual potato used here.

Episode music is from "Splat the Rat" by Father Rock. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min
November 20, 2007 Episode #83 -- Rudolf Hess
For August 17, 2007. Twenty years ago today, Rudolf Hess, the last surviving member of Adolf Hitler's inner circle and sole inmate of Spandau Prison for twenty years, died at the age of 93. I talk a little about Hess' life, times and death; and how my interest in history began with a little book called 'The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler.'

Today's episode music is from 'House of the Dead,' by Scott Shannon. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min
November 16, 2007 Episode #82 -- Fairness Doctrine
For August 5, 2007. Twenty years ago today, the FCC enacted new regulations which spelled the end of the Fairness Doctrine as it had existed for almost 40 years. I discuss the reasoning behind the Fairness Doctrine, the reasoning behind why it was killed, and my perceptions of the effect this has had on both broadcasting and public life in the United States.

Today's episode music is from "Fallen Angel," by DJ Topshelf. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min
November 14, 2007 Episode #81 -- The Living Daylights
For July 31, 2007. Twenty years ago today, the film 'The Living Daylights' was released in the United States. I talk about the state of the James Bond film series in 1987, as well as my own fondness for Ian Fleming's iconic secret agent.

It turns out that the James Bond 007 role-playing game actually ceased publication in 1987, when the publisher lost the license from the James Bond copyright holders. The Wikipedia entry linked here has some interesting facts about the game and links to other resources on the Web.
After the show there's a promo from the Icebox Radio Theater podcast -- bringing you great new and original audio theater from the Frozen North!

Today's episode music is from "Sunrise," by Torchomatic. Theme music composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min
November 12, 2007 Episode #80 -- Edwards v. Aguillard
For June 19, 2007. Twenty years ago today, the Supreme Court handed down a decision in the case Edwards v. Aguillard. This case is one of many court cases in the contentious issue of what explanation for the origins of life and human beings should be taught in schools. I take a look at the Edwards case, the influence of religious conservatives on American political life, and creationism versus evolution.

Today's music is from "Reasontanker," by Father Rock. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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5min
November 02, 2007 Episode #79 -- William S. Sessions
Friday, November 2, 2007. Twenty years ago today, William S. Sessions was sworn in as the new director of the FBI. I talk a little about his career, and about one of his most widespread legacies: 'Winners Don't Use Drugs.'

Special thanks to Art at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in Portland, who took a look at some of their vintage machines and confirmed the message is still there.

After the show there is a promo for one of my favorite podcasts, Yog Radio.

Today's episode music is from 'Yeh So What,' by Gery Tinkeleberg. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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7min
October 26, 2007 Episode #78 -- El Salvador Assassination
October 26, 2007. Twenty years ago today, Herbert Ernesto Anaya Sanabria (pictured at the right) was gunned down in the streets of El Salvador, most likely by right-wing death squads supporting the government in that country's civil war. I talk about the situation in Central America 20 years ago and how the United States Government decided which side it would support in each of the conflicts.

Today's episode music is from "Muertos," by Gringo Motel. Our theme music was composed and performed by Marc Rose.

Following the show, you'll hear a promo for the Sonic Society, a broadcast radio show and podcast spotlighting the best in new, original audio drama.

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6min
October 19, 2007 Episode #77 -- Stock Market Crash
October 19, 2007. Twenty years ago today, stock markets around the world suffered big losses. One of the biggest was in the United States, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its largest one-day point loss to that date. I share my memories of that "Black Monday," and discuss the probable causes of the big crash.

Today's episode music is from "Ambulance Ride for the Soon to Be Deceased," by Devin Anderson. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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5min
October 17, 2007 Episode #76 -- "Tear Down This Wall!"
For June 12, 2007. Twenty years ago today, President Ronald Reagan made what might have been the most famous speech of his presidency, and what has become one of the most famous speeches of its decade. I include a brief clip from the speech, and share my thoughts about Reagan as "the great communicator" and the times in which the speech was made.

You can find complete audio, video, and text transcripts of Reagan's Brandenburg Gate address at the American Rhetoric website.

Our episode music is "Movement One," by Ocean Alexander. Our theme music is composed and performed by Marc Rose.

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6min

FAQs about It Was 20 Years Ago Today:

How many episodes does It Was 20 Years Ago Today have?

The podcast currently has 187 episodes available.