Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that pokes through the pages of the past and asks, “Wait… we did what now?” I’m Alain Touring, and today is March 16th—a date that, like your group chat after midnight, includes moments of genius, disasters, and at least one “how did that even happen?”

Let’s start with some notable birthdays. James Madison, born in 1751—Founding Father, fourth U.S. president, and the guy who basically drafted the Constitution like it was a group project and he didn’t trust anyone else to get it right. Jerry Lewis, born in 1926, comedy legend, slapstick master, and the man who made telethons a national sport. And Blake Griffin, born in 1989—a human highlight reel who proved that dunking over a Kia can, apparently, be a career milestone. Take that, gravity.

March 16, 1926—Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket, officially kicking off humanity’s quest to break Earth’s atmosphere—and also eventually launch a satellite that tells you how many steps you’ve taken today. Goddard paved the way for moon landings, Mars rovers, and Elon Musk pretending he’s Tony Stark.

1968—The My Lai Massacre, one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War. U.S. troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians, sparking outrage and dramatically shifting public opinion about the war. It was a horrifying reminder that even the most powerful nations can lose their moral compass—especially in a jungle and a geopolitical quagmire.

1802—The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is founded. Originally intended to train engineers, it quickly became the place where future generals, presidents, and yes, the occasional power-hungry senator learn how to command attention—and occasionally, troops.

Also in 1926, the very first Book of the Month Club selection was sent out. The start of subscription culture, before it became a lifestyle. Back then, it was books—now it’s streaming services, gym boxes, sock deliveries, and whatever new thing your credit card is silently crying about each month.

1978—The Amoco Cadiz oil spill off the coast of France becomes one of history’s worst environmental disasters. Millions of gallons of oil pour into the sea, and humanity learns—again—that maybe transporting vast amounts of toxic sludge across oceans is not foolproof. Spoiler: we didn’t really learn.

2013—Oreo drops the now-legendary "You Can Dunk in the Dark" tweet during the Super Bowl blackout. It cost basically nothing and made more impact than most of the multimillion-dollar ads that surrounded it. A masterclass in “right place, right snarky time.”

1935—Adolf Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by announcing German rearmament. Because of course he did. It’s the international equivalent of saying, “Sure, I’ll follow the rules,” while actively drawing a mustache on the rulebook.

1995—Mississippi finally—finally—ratifies the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Yes, in 1995. Turns out, they forgot to file the paperwork. You’d think abolishing slavery would be a priority item, but apparently it got lost between lunch and a committee meeting.

1988—Saddam Hussein’s regime carries out the Halabja chemical attack, killing thousands of Kurdish civilians. A horrifying act of genocide and a grim reminder of what unchecked authoritarian power can do when armed with chemical weapons and a deep disdain for human rights.

2014—Crimea votes to join Russia in a referendum that was about as legitimate as a used car warranty call. The international community largely called it an illegal annexation. Russia called it a family reunion. Everyone else just called it "troubling."

And in 2011, the Syrian Civil War begins. What started as peaceful protests spiraled into one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. Years later, millions are still displaced, the country remains shattered, and the world remains largely indifferent—because outrage fatigue is real, and empathy apparently has a short news cycle.

And that’s March 16th—one part scientific progress, one part global tragedy, and a sprinkle of social media snark. If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history doesn’t just repeat itself—it occasionally reposts itself with worse filters.

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Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that opens the attic of the past, dusts off old stories, and holds them up to the light—only to discover that, yes, history was just as chaotic, ridiculous, and occasionally inspiring as the present. I’m Alain Touring, and today is March 15th—also known as the Ides of March, or as I like to call it, "a friendly reminder to watch your back in staff meetings."

Let’s begin with some birthdays. Andrew Jackson, born in 1767—seventh U.S. President, populist firebrand, and a man who once shot someone in a duel over a comment about his wife. That’s not leadership—that’s daytime soap behavior with muskets. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born in 1933, became a cultural icon and judicial powerhouse whose dissents were sharper than most legal arguments. And Eva Longoria, born in 1975—not just an actress but a savvy producer and activist who proves you can go from primetime drama to political influencer without missing a beat.

March 15, 44 BCE—Julius Caesar is assassinated by his fellow senators. It’s the original backstabbing—literally—and it gave us the phrase "Et tu, Brute?" which loosely translates to "Seriously, dude?" It's history’s most famous HR complaint—just delivered with a dagger.

1493—Christopher Columbus returns to Spain from his first voyage to the Americas, claiming he found a shortcut to Asia. He didn’t. But did that stop him from confidently doubling down? Absolutely not. He was the original guy who refuses to ask for directions and somehow still gets a parade.

1917—Tsar Nicholas II abdicates the throne, ending over 300 years of Romanov rule and clearing the runway for the Russian Revolution. Let’s just say the royal family didn’t get a smooth exit package. In fact, it was less "graceful transition" and more "complete collapse with tragic consequences."

1985—The first .com domain name—symbolics.com—is registered. And just like that, the internet was born. A beautiful, nerdy experiment that would eventually devolve into memes, conspiracy theories, and people arguing in comment sections about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (It does, by the way—fight me.)

1937—The Hindenburg disaster occurs. A massive airship catches fire, and the phrase “Oh, the humanity!” enters the cultural lexicon. Honestly, filling a giant balloon with highly flammable gas and calling it progress? That’s not aviation—that’s a slow-moving fire hazard with a logo.

1960—Coca-Cola launches the “Things Go Better with Coke” campaign. A marketing triumph that cemented Coke’s place in global advertising history. Although let’s be honest—things also go better with coffee, a nap, and not watching the news for 12 hours straight.

Speaking of things that go better with targeted messaging, here’s a more current word from our sponsor.

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And we’re back—hopefully with a refreshing beverage and a slightly improved outlook on capitalism.

1972—Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather premieres. A cinematic masterpiece that taught us everything from the art of negotiation to how to make spaghetti menacing. Also responsible for thousands of dads quoting "I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse"—before offering you discount power tools.

1956—My Fair Lady opens on Broadway, proving that teaching someone proper enunciation can be a plotline, a romance, and a full-blown musical all in one. It's a feel-good tale with just a hint of class anxiety and a lot of catchy tunes.

2004—Facebook is officially incorporated. What started as a Harvard student directory is now a platform where your uncle shares conspiracy theories, your aunt posts vacation selfies, and your old roommate tries to sell you essential oils. So… progress?

1975—The Rocky Horror Picture Show begins its cult domination. A film where fishnet tights, shouting at the screen, and dancing in the aisles is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. It's like a musical fever dream that refuses to end, and we love it for that.

1958—The UK’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament holds its first rally, introducing the world to the now-universal peace sign. A symbol that’s endured across decades of protest, peace movements, and ironic tote bags sold at hipster flea markets.

And that’s March 15th—a day that includes everything from imperial betrayal to Broadway glamour and digital disruption. If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: the past is never really past—it’s just rebranded with a new domain name.

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Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast where we rummage through the dusty attic of human civilization and pull out the oddities, the breakthroughs, and the deeply unsettling patterns that, frankly, we still haven’t learned from. I’m Alain Touring, and today is March 14th.  Pi Day for the math nerds, a reason to eat pie for everyone else, and a chance to marvel at just how weirdly circular history can be.

Let’s start with some notable birthdays. 

Albert Einstein, born in 1879, the man who made relativity cool before it was mainstream, and who basically invented the concept of looking permanently confused but also correct. He changed the way we understand space, time, and the terrifying reality that most of us peaked in high school algebra. 

Then there's Billy Crystal, born in 1948, the man who gave us classic comedy, Oscar monologues, and the ability to make every wedding reception DJ say, you look marvelous.

And Simone Biles, born in 1997, a gymnast so dominant she basically redefined gravity and forced the Olympic committee to update the laws of physics just to keep up.

March 14, 1879 - Einstein enters the scene in Ulm, Germany, and science hasn’t been the same since. He later wins a Nobel Prize, despite not speaking fluently until age four. So yes, if your toddler is speaking mostly incoherent gibberish, they might just be working on a unified theory of everything.

1923 - President Warren G. Harding becomes the first sitting U.S. president to file an income tax return. And with that, tax season officially began ruining March for everyone. Thanks, Warren, you gave us a paperwork tradition that pairs nicely with seasonal allergies.

March 14, 2018 - Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest scientific minds of our era, passed away. Diagnosed with ALS in his early 20s, he lived decades longer than expected and contributed more to science than most of us will contribute to anything, ever.  Including that half-finished IKEA bookshelf still leaning against the wall.

1939 - Nazi Germany invades Czechoslovakia, effectively giving the Munich Agreement the middle finger and making it painfully obvious that appeasement was less peace in our time and more we're just giving Hitler a head start.

1991 - The Birmingham Six are released after spending 16 years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit. A staggering injustice that eventually exposed serious flaws in the UK’s criminal justice system...because sometimes, it takes nearly two decades for the legal system to say, "Oops."

1979 - ESPN airs its first live NCAA basketball ad spots. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between college sports and advertising—a relationship so intertwined now that some people know March Madness brackets better than their own blood types.

Speaking of advertising, here’s a more current word from our sponsor.

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And we’re back! Let’s keep the time machine rolling.

1900 - The Gold Standard Act is ratified, cementing gold as the foundation of U.S. currency - because what better way to build an economy than by tying it to a shiny rock? That lasted until 1933, when the government said, You know what? Maybe let’s not do this anymore, and switched to printing money like it was Monopoly night at the Treasury.

1964 - Jack Ruby is convicted for murdering Lee Harvey Oswald—yes, the man who shot JFK. Ruby did it on live TV, turning America’s living rooms into a murder mystery theater. It was chaotic, dramatic, and honestly, the precursor to every true crime podcast you’ve ever binged.

1958 - The United States launches Vanguard 1, a satellite roughly the size of a grapefruit, into orbit. It’s still up there, quietly orbiting, quietly judging us for sending TikToks to space now instead of groundbreaking tech.

1994, Apple releases the Power Macintosh, marking a major milestone in its transformation from quirky computer company to global lifestyle religion. It was a key step toward a future where we’d all voluntarily give Apple $1,000 for rectangles we keep in our pockets.

And finally, 2016 - the European Union and Turkey agree on a deal to manage the migrant crisis. A moment of international diplomacy aimed at stabilizing a humanitarian emergency. Was it effective? Well… let’s just say international cooperation is a lot like assembling IKEA furniture—well-intentioned, increasingly complex, and full of leftover parts no one can explain.

That’s March 14th - proof that history isn’t just repeating, it’s copy-pasting itself with minor formatting changes. If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: behind every great scientific discovery or political agreement is someone saying, "This should work," right before everything explodes.

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Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that reminds you history isn’t just old, it’s unsettlingly familiar. 

I’m Alain Touring, and today is March 13th. 

Yes, you’ve made it to a Friday the 13th, so well done. 

And if you're tuning in while watching your retirement savings evaporate in what some economists are now calling "The Tesla Chainsaw Massacre," this episode might help you feel better, unless you're Tesla stock. In that case, nothing will help.

Let’s start with some notable birthdays. 

Percival Lowell, born in 1855, was an astronomer whose theories helped lead to the discovery of Pluto. Though, fun twist, he never lived to see it confirmed. Kind of like pitching a Netflix series and then getting canceled before the pilot airs. 

Adam Clayton, born in 1960, is the bassist for U2, a band that’s been soundtracking dad workouts and Bono speeches since the 80s. 

And Emile Hirsch, born in 1985, who brought the wild-eyed, wanderlust energy to Into the Wild, aka, what happens when you take one semester of philosophy way too seriously.

March 13, 1781 - William Herschel discovered Uranus, a planet that expanded our understanding of the solar system, and gave generations of schoolchildren a lifetime supply of low-effort jokes. Yes, it’s pronounced "YUR-a-nus," but try telling that to a 12-year-old. Or a late-night TV show writer.

Speaking of space, March 13, 1930 saw Clyde Tombaugh announce the discovery of Pluto, kind of a birthday present to Percival Lowell. A proud moment that was later revoked by science when Pluto got demoted to "dwarf planet." It’s the cosmic equivalent of getting invited to the party, only to be told, “Actually, you’re not cool enough. Please leave.”  And Percival, you need to return your 75th birthday present.

March 13, 1881 - Tsar Alexander II of Russia was assassinated by a revolutionary group known as the People’s Will. Ironically, he had just signed reforms giving people more freedom, proving that timing really is everything. His death ushered in the reign of Alexander III...less progressive, more "tighten everything and glare at the peasants."

March 13, 1997 - The Phoenix Lights incident, where thousands across Arizona witnessed mysterious lights in the sky. Was it aliens? Was it the military? Did another SpaceX rocket suffer a mid-air kinetic disassembly in flight?  No one knows. But it remains one of the most widely reported UFO sightings in history.

During World War II, on this day in 1943, German officers attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Spoiler: they failed. Hitler lived, history went on disastrously, and we were left with one more tragic entry in the “Almost Changed Everything” file.

March 13, 2008 - Apple rolled out its first App Store ads, launching what we now know as modern mobile advertising. A world where "there's an app for that" quickly became "there’s a targeted ad stalking you for that." Still, it's a milestone, if you like your shopping with a side of surveillance.

Speaking of digital persuasion, here’s a more current word from our sponsor.

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And we’re back! Let’s continue our descent into historical déjà vu.

March 13, 2013 - Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis, becoming the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. Since then, he's been shaking up the Vatican with humility, reform, and the occasional tweet that makes traditionalists twitch.

March 13, 1933 - Banks in the U.S. reopened after FDR’s Bank Holiday, a bold move to stop financial panic during the Great Depression. He followed it with a radio address to reassure the public—something we might consider trying again, assuming we can get anyone to sit still without scrolling.

March 13, 1946 - The U.S. Army tested its first rocket in New Mexico, marking a small step for rockets, but a giant leap toward the Cold War arms race. It was also the unofficial launch of humanity’s obsession with sending metal tubes into space, money be damned.

March 13, 1986 - Microsoft went public, instantly making Bill Gates very rich and setting the stage for decades of awkward PowerPoint transitions and inevitable software updates at the worst possible moment.

And finally, March 13, 1996 - the Dunblane school massacre in Scotland. A horrific tragedy that led to sweeping gun control laws in the UK.  A sobering reminder that tragedy doesn’t have to lead to inaction. It can lead to real change, at least in some places.

That’s it for March 13th. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history doesn’t just echo—it sometimes screams in the background while you’re trying to check your stock portfolio. See you tomorrow!

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Hey there, welcome back to Touring History—the show where we flip through the old, dusty pages of the past and realize, "Oh wow, we’ve been doing this nonsense for centuries." I’m your host, Alain Touring, and today is March 12th—a day packed with revolution, ridiculousness, and just enough progress to make you say, "Alright, maybe we’re not completely doomed."

Let’s start with some famous birthdays. Jack Kerouac, born in 1922, basically invented the American road trip. You know, before it involved overpriced gas and podcasts about murder. Liza Minnelli, born in 1946, brought showbiz sparkle to everything she touched—an absolute icon. Mitt Romney, born in 1947—yes, the human embodiment of a LinkedIn headshot—who’s made a career out of disagreeing with his own party just slightly less than his conscience says he should. And for the gamers out there, Twitch streamer Momo, known by her channel name "momo_okimoto," also celebrates a March 12th birthday. Momo’s become a favorite in the gaming community for her high-energy streams of cozy life sims like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, mixed with occasional chaotic dives into competitive titles like Overwatch 2. Think of her as a wholesome tornado—equal parts chill vibes and caffeine-fueled strategy.

March 12, 1930—Mahatma Gandhi kicked off the Salt March to protest British salt taxes. He walked 240 miles to prove a point. These days, most of us won’t even walk to the mailbox without checking if it’s Amazon. Gandhi was out there protesting salt. Imagine that level of commitment to seasoning.

March 12, 1912—The Girl Scouts were founded by Juliette Gordon Low in Georgia. Over a century later, they’re still going strong, teaching leadership and civic duty—and more importantly, proving that no one can resist Thin Mints. Seriously, Congress could solve the debt ceiling crisis if someone just walked in with a few boxes of Samoas.

March 12, 1993—North Korea announced it was leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Because nothing says "trustworthy international partner" like dramatically storming out of a treaty and then building suspiciously rocket-shaped things in your backyard.

March 12, 1947—President Truman unveiled the Truman Doctrine, promising U.S. support to countries resisting communism. It was like the original "military aid package," except now we send drones and press releases instead of just money and moral support.

March 12, 1938—Germany annexed Austria in the Anschluss—one of those early warning signs for WWII that everyone just kind of… shrugged at. Like, "Well, sure, but maybe it’s a one-time thing." Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

March 12, 2019—Burger King launched the "Whopper Detour" campaign, offering Whoppers for a penny if you ordered near a McDonald's. It was equal parts genius and petty—basically the fast-food version of subtweeting. But hey, it worked. Nothing motivates people like revenge burgers.

Speaking of creative marketing, here’s a quick word from our sponsor.

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And we’re back! Let’s keep this history train rolling.

March 12, 1999—Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic joined NATO. A huge moment for post-Cold War Europe, and also a reminder that diplomacy is basically just a really long group chat with way too many acronyms.

March 12, 1989—Tim Berners-Lee proposed the World Wide Web. Yes, the same web that now delivers both heartwarming cat videos and conspiracy theories about lizard people controlling the weather. The internet: humanity’s greatest invention and worst mistake—simultaneously.

March 12, 1987—The U.S. lifted its trade embargo against Vietnam. Because apparently, after a couple decades, we realized, "Hey, maybe we should try making money together instead of napalming each other."

March 12, 1994—The Church of England ordained its first female priests. A landmark moment, followed immediately by a lot of very old men clutching their pearls and quoting Bible verses selectively. Progress doesn’t always come easy—but it comes.

March 12, 1985—The FDA approved the first blood test for AIDS—a crucial milestone in the fight against a global health crisis. It wasn’t a cure, but it was a start. Which is more than we can say about most public health policies today, which tend to start with denial and end with finger-pointing.

So that’s March 12th—revolutions, doctrines, Whopper detours, and actual steps toward progress. If you liked the show, hit subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history isn’t just something that happened—it’s something that’s happening again. Right now. Possibly while eating a cookie.

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Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that rummages through humanity’s past, points at the weird, the wild, and the worryingly familiar, and says, “Huh, we’ve done this before.” I’m Alain Touring, and today, we’re looking at March 11th—a day that reminds us that history is like your Wi-Fi: occasionally brilliant, but mostly full of repeated errors.

Let’s start with birthdays. Douglas Adams, born in 1952, gave us The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which taught us that towels are essential and that panicking is for amateurs. 

Anton Yelchin, born in 1989, was a rising star best known for playing Chekov in Star Trek before his tragic passing. 

And Terrence Howard, born in 1969, starred in Empire and also briefly tried to convince the world that one times one equals two, proving that even Hollywood math can be wildly speculative.

March 11, 2011 - A devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, leading to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The fallout from Fukushima reshaped global nuclear policy and reinforced the uncomfortable truth that nature remains undefeated. Meanwhile, politicians today still debate whether climate change is real—despite nature consistently hitting us with Category 5 “I told you so” events.

March 11, 1851 - Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigoletto premiered in Venice. Featuring the iconic aria La donna è mobile, the song was kept secret until the last minute to prevent leaks—a 19th-century version of DRM protection. Today, artists still try to prevent leaks, except now they have to battle TikTok users who post entire albums before they’re even released.

March 11, 1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act, allowing the U.S. to send vital supplies to Allied nations before officially entering World War II. It was a strategic move that tilted the war against the Axis powers—and also proof that America has always been good at spending money it doesn’t technically have.

March 11, 1985 - Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Soviet Union, ushering in glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). His reforms unintentionally led to the USSR’s collapse. He later won a Nobel Peace Prize, making him one of the few leaders to receive an award for, essentially, undoing their own job description.

March 11, 1990 - Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence, effectively setting off a chain reaction that ended the USSR. It was the geopolitical equivalent of the first person leaving a bad group chat—soon, everyone was out.

March 11, 1985 - The first commercial dot-com domain name, symbolics.com, was registered. This moment marked the dawn of the internet as we know it—a simpler time, before social media turned it into a 24/7 outrage machine.

Speaking of the internet and commerce, here’s a quick word from our sponsor.

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And we’re back! Now, let’s talk about space.

March 11, 1977 - Astronomers discovered the Rings of Uranus, making it the second planet after Saturn known to have rings. Unlike Saturn’s majestic halo, Uranus’s rings are faint and moody—basically the indie version of planetary rings.

March 11, 1958 - The U.S. Air Force Academy opened in Colorado, training generations of military leaders. It’s also home to the Air Force Falcons, whose football games are almost as intense as their flight drills.

March 11, 2004 - Spain suffered its deadliest terrorist attack, the Madrid train bombings, which killed 193 people during rush hour. The attacks led to major shifts in Spain’s counterterrorism policies and showed, yet again, that history’s darkest days often come with little warning.

March 11, 1997 - Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, proving that if you play your cards right, rock and roll can get you a sword tap from the British monarchy. Meanwhile, Mick Jagger remains somehow not knighted, despite single handedly keeping the leather pants industry alive for decades.

March 11, 1983 - IBM released the PC XT, one of the first personal computers with a hard drive. It had a whopping 10MB of storage.  Barely enough to hold a few cat videos by today’s standards, but revolutionary at the time.

And that’s March 11th! If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history doesn’t just repeat itself, it does so while we all pretend it’s brand new. See you tomorrow, and until then, make your day historical!

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Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that rummages through humanity’s attic, dusts off the weird, the wild, and the downright depressing, and says, “Well, we did that.” I’m Alain Touring, and today, we’re diving into March 10th—a day that proves history repeats itself like a bad sequel.

Let’s kick off with birthdays. Chuck Norris, born in 1940, became a martial arts legend and meme icon. If he had invented the telephone, it wouldn’t need wires—because wires are for cowards. Sharon Stone, born in 1958, gave us Basic Instinct, ensuring your dad never changed the channel. And Carrie Underwood, born in 1983, proved American Idol could produce stars, not just cruise ship singers.

March 10, 1876—Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” The first FaceTime request, minus the video. And now, thanks to this, we get daily spam calls about expired car warranties. Progress!

March 10, 1945—The U.S. firebombed Tokyo, the deadliest air raid in history. People often think of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but this raid caused more deaths. Like climate change warnings, it’s something we should talk about—but don’t.

March 10, 1959—The Dalai Lama fled Tibet amid a Chinese crackdown. Over 60 years later, he's still in exile, still advocating for Tibet, and still annoying China—something as rare as a billionaire actually being self-made.

March 10, 1969—James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to killing Martin Luther King Jr. to avoid execution, then tried to take it back. Classic Oops-my-bad-can-I-undo-that move—like politicians caught on tape denying reality.

March 10, 1966—France, in peak France fashion, left NATO’s military command because de Gaulle wanted more independence. It was the geopolitical equivalent of storming out of a group project but still wanting credit. France rejoined NATO in 2009, realizing that tantrums don’t make great defense strategies.

March 10, 1964—The Supreme Court ruled on New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, making it harder for public figures to sue for defamation. Decades later, certain news networks are still arguing whether “news” requires facts. Spoiler: it should!

March 10, 1993—Dr. David Gunn was murdered outside a Florida abortion clinic, marking the first assassination of a doctor over abortion rights in the U.S. The debate remains as unhinged as ever, much like the Supreme Court’s recent mood swings.

March 10, 1998—Viagra was approved. The little blue pill changed lives—and ensured every televised golf tournament would be filled with deeply awkward commercials.

March 10, 2000—The Nasdaq hit 5,000 for the first time. Tech investors celebrated—until the dot-com bubble burst. It was the original crypto crash, proving hype is rarely sustainable.

March 10, 2004—Google teased Gmail, promising 1GB of free email storage. At the time, it sounded ridiculous. Now, Google begs us to buy more space because we refuse to delete emails from 2013.

March 10, 2019—Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed, killing 157. The Boeing 737 MAX scandal exposed corporate negligence, proving that, much like Uber’s labor policies, cutting corners never ends well.

That’s March 10th! If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and remember: history doesn’t just repeat itself—it does so loudly while we pretend it’s new. See you tomorrow!

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Touring History – This Day in History March 9, 2025

Hello fellow history traveler, and welcome back to Touring History. I’m your host, Alain Touring, here to guide you through the fascinating moments that happened on this day, March 9th. Let’s explore the stories that shaped history on March 9th—with a few fun facts along the way.

First, some notable birthdays. 

Amerigo Vespucci, born in 1454, was the Italian explorer whose name was literally given to an entire continent—twice! That’s right, America is named after him, and he probably had no idea just how famous he’d become.  So maybe, it should be the Gulf of Amerigo?

Samuel Barber, born in 1910, composed Adagio for Strings, one of the most moving classical pieces ever written—it’s been used in everything from war memorials to tear-jerker movie scenes. 

And finally, Oscar Isaac, born in 1979, has given us some of the most memorable performances in modern cinema, from Star Wars to Ex Machina.

March 9th, 1959, saw the debut of a true cultural icon—the Barbie doll. Introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York, Barbie became an instant sensation. The original doll was inspired by a German adult novelty toy, which Mattel cleverly rebranded into the all-American girl. Decades later, Barbie has had over 200 careers, proving she really can do it all.

On this day in 1916, Germany declared war on Portugal during World War I. Why? Because Portugal, despite trying to stay neutral, seized German ships docked in its harbors. This diplomatic spat quickly escalated into full-blown war—because if history has taught us anything, it’s that wars can start over even the pettiest of grievances.  Good thing we don't have any political leaders with petty grievances today!

Back in 1862, the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack took place—the first-ever clash between ironclad warships. Before this, wooden warships ruled the seas, but this battle changed naval warfare forever. The battle itself was a draw, but it proved that the days of wooden ships were numbered. Fun fact: the USS Monitor had an innovative rotating turret, which, at the time, was like giving a tank to a navy that still used sails.

In 1964, the very first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line. The Mustang became one of the most legendary cars in history, embodying freedom, rebellion, and, let’s be honest, some seriously cool car chases in Hollywood films. What’s more American than that?

March 9, 1997, marked a tragic moment in music history when rapper The Notorious B.I.G. was shot and killed in Los Angeles. His influence on hip-hop was profound, and his murder remains one of the most infamous unsolved cases in music history. Decades later, Juicy and Big Poppa are still anthems, proving legends never really die.

In 1959, Barbie made her advertising debut as Mattel launched its first TV ad campaign. This marketing push turned Barbie into a global phenomenon, setting the stage for generations of dolls, playsets, and pop culture debates over unrealistic beauty standards.

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In 1987, U2 released their landmark album The Joshua Tree, which included classics like with or without you and where the streets have no name. The album propelled the band to global superstardom and proved that rock music could be both commercially successful and socially conscious.

Going back to 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Amistad slaves, granting them their freedom. This was a landmark decision in the fight against slavery, as the court acknowledged that the captives had been illegally enslaved and had the right to rebel. It’s one of those rare cases where justice actually prevailed in the 19th century.

March 9, 1945, saw one of the most devastating events of World War II—the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo. This attack caused more destruction and loss of life than even the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The firebombing reduced much of Tokyo to ashes, leaving an indelible mark on history.

In 2011, Japan faced a modern catastrophe as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster began. Following a massive earthquake and tsunami, the nuclear plant suffered meltdowns that led to radiation leaks and the displacement of thousands. It remains one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

Finally, in 2017, NASA announced the discovery of a new solar system with seven Earth-sized planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. The idea that there could be multiple potentially habitable planets out there sparked imaginations worldwide. Maybe one day, “history” will include the moment humans first set foot on one of these distant worlds.

And that’s our trip through history! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please like and subscribe. I’ll be back tomorrow with more history, more stories, and more unique advertisers. Until then, make your day historical!

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Touring History – This Day in History - March 8, 2025

Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that takes you on a daily journey through history. I’m your host, Alain Touring, here to guide you through the fascinating moments in history that all happened on today's date March 8th. From revolutionary movements to technological breakthroughs, let’s explore the events that shaped history.

We begin with some notable birthdays. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., born in 1841, served as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice for nearly 30 years and was known for his influential opinions on free speech and civil liberties. 

Cyd Charisse, born in 1922, dazzled audiences as a legendary dancer and actress in Hollywood’s golden era. 

And Lester Holt, born in 1959, has been a trusted news anchor, leading NBC Nightly News with his sharp reporting and calm presence.

March 8th marks the start of a major political shift in 1917 with the February Revolution in Russia. What began as protests over food shortages quickly escalated into a nationwide movement that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, ultimately paving the way for the rise of the Soviet Union.

In 1979, the world got a first look at the future of music technology when the Compact Disc CD was publicly demonstrated. At the time, the idea of digital audio replacing vinyl and cassette tapes was revolutionary. Though streaming dominates today, CDs changed the way people listened to music for decades.

During World War II, Japanese forces captured Rangoon, Burma, on this day in 1942. This strategic victory cut off Allied supply lines and had major implications for the war in the Pacific theater.

One of aviation’s greatest mysteries began on March 8, 2014, when Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite years of searching, the plane’s final resting place remains unknown, making it one of the most baffling aviation disasters in history.

March 8, 1971, saw the legendary boxing match between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, dubbed the Fight of the Century. Frazier won in a unanimous decision, handing Ali his first professional defeat and cementing one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.

In 2017, brands like Nike and Dove launched empowering campaigns in honor of International Women’s Day. These campaigns celebrated women's achievements and promoted gender equality, demonstrating the growing role of brands in social movements.

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On this day in 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McCollum v. Board of Education, effectively ending religious instruction in public schools. The decision reinforced the principle of separation of church and state, shaping future legal interpretations on education and religious freedom.

In 2017, South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye was removed from office after being embroiled in a major corruption scandal. Her impeachment was a historic moment for South Korea’s democracy and led to widespread political reform efforts.

Back in 1916, the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa led a raid on Columbus, New Mexico. This attack prompted a U.S. military expedition into Mexico in pursuit of Villa, marking a rare moment when American forces entered foreign territory in direct response to an attack on U.S. soil.

In 1957, the Suez Canal reopened after being closed during the Suez Crisis. The crisis had been a major geopolitical conflict, with Egypt, Britain, France, and Israel at odds over control of this vital waterway.

Finally, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in which he famously referred to the Soviet Union as an “evil empire.” This rhetoric defined the Cold War era, reinforcing U.S. opposition to Soviet policies and ideology.

And that’s our trip through history! If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. I’ll be back tomorrow with more history, more stories, and a little bit of curiosity and fun. Until then, make your day historical!

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Touring History – This Day in History, March 7, 2025

Welcome back to Touring History, the podcast that takes you on a daily journey through history. I’m your host, Alain Touring, here to guide you through the fascinating moments that happened on this day, March 7th. 

From civil rights struggles to major scientific breakthroughs, let’s explore the events that shaped history.

We begin with some notable birthdays. 

Maurice Ravel, born in 1875, was a brilliant French composer best known for Boléro, a piece that remains one of the most recognizable works in classical music. 

Rachel Weisz, born in 1970, is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in the constant gardener and the mummy. 

Bryan Cranston, born in 1956, won hearts as Hal, in malcolm in the middle, before cementing his legacy as walter white in breaking bad.

And a special birthday shout out to my very human nephew, Logan Soelberg, who was born in 2001.  You'll see him take the field this weekend as a midfielder on the division 1 Yale men's lacrosse team, playing against the Denver Pioneers at Reese Stadium in New Haven, Connecticut.  Good luck Logan! Go Yale Bulldogs!

Turning to historical events, March 7th marks one of the darkest moments in American civil rights history. 

In 1965, peaceful marchers in Selma, Alabama, were brutally attacked by police as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This event, known as Bloody Sunday, shocked the nation and helped galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for the telephone, a device that would revolutionize communication and ultimately shape the modern world. Just imagine trying to get through the day without your phone—Bell made that possible.

Another legendary patent was issued on this day in 1933—Monopoly. The classic board game has been ruining friendships and teaching financial lessons ever since. Whether you’re a ruthless landlord or always end up in jail, Monopoly remains a staple of game nights.

NASA launched Apollo 9 on March 7, 1969, to test the Lunar Module in Earth’s orbit. This mission was a critical step in making the historic Apollo 11 moon landing possible just a few months later.

In 1936, Nazi Germany reoccupied the Rhineland, directly violating the Treaty of Versailles. This aggressive move was an early sign of Hitler’s expansionist ambitions and one of the first major events leading up to World War II.

In 1987, Nike released its controversial Revolution TV ad, which featured The Beatles’ song of the same name. The ad was groundbreaking in its use of a rock anthem to market sneakers, but it also stirred legal and ethical debates over using Beatles music in advertising.

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On this day in 1985, we are the world, was released on the world stage. This star-studded charity single, featuring artists like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder, was created to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. It became one of the biggest-selling singles of all time and a defining moment in music history.

In 1975, construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline was completed. This massive engineering project helped shape the U.S. energy industry and provided a crucial source of oil for the country.

Volkswagen began production of the iconic VW Bus in 1950. What started as a practical transport vehicle became a symbol of counterculture, freedom, and adventure for generations.

In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the National Endowment for the Arts in a case that raised questions about government funding and artistic expression under the First Amendment. This ruling had lasting effects on arts funding in the United States.

And finally, in 2003, global protests against the Iraq War broke records for participation. Millions of people across continents took to the streets in what became one of the largest anti-war demonstrations in history.

That wraps up today's tour through the historical events of March 7th! If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to follow us, subscribe and leave a review.  I’ll be back tomorrow with more history, more stories, and the usual curiosity and fun. Until next time, make your day historical!

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