February 19 in Pop Culture History

February 19th is…

Arabian Horse Day: The Arabian horse, also known as the Arab, is known for its distinctive head shape, intelligence, loyalty and speed. It is believed that the breed originated in Arabia over 4,500 years ago and was later imported to Europe in the Middle Ages.

Boston Terrier Day: The Boston Terrier is an American breed believed to have descended from English Bulldogs and White English Terriers. The breed was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1893. Since then, Boston Terriers have remained a popular breed and are known for their distinctive “tuxedo” markings, friendly personality, and adaptability. They are often referred to as the “American Gentlemen” due to their polite and well-mannered nature.

Chocolate Mint Day: The exact origin of chocolate mint flavor is not clear, but the combination of chocolate and mint is a classic flavor combination that has been enjoyed for centuries. One of the earliest forms of chocolate mint is believed to be peppermint patty, which was created in the late 19th century. Since then, the chocolate mint flavor has been incorporated into a wide range of confectioneries, including candies, chocolates, ice creams, and other desserts.

Iwo Jima Day is held in honor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place in February and March of 1945 during World War II. The battle was fought between American and Japanese forces on the island of Iwo Jima, located about 660 miles (1,062 km) south of Tokyo, Japan. The Battle of Iwo Jima was a significant moment in the Pacific War and is remembered as one of the conflict’s deadliest and most intense battles. American forces ultimately captured the island, but the battle resulted in heavy casualties. The battle is perhaps best known for the iconic photograph of American soldiers raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, symbolizing American determination and victory in the Pacific Theater.

Lashes Day: A day to recognize the beauty and importance of eyelashes and encourage people to take care of them and use them to enhance their natural beauty.

Ride the Wind Day: A day to encourage people to try new things and experience adventure and freedom.

Tug-of-War Day: A day to celebrate the sport of tug-of-war and its history and to encourage people to play tug-of-war and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of the sport.

The Vet Girls RISE initiative was founded in 2019 to empower, honor and serve women who served in the military. Their goal is to inspire other women veterans by hosting educational events, mentoring programs, and even awarding scholarships for higher education.

1600 (Volcano Eruption) Huaynaputina

1848 – Donner Party Found. Of the 89 original members of the Donner Party, only 45 reached California. They had been trapped, with no provisions and little survival skills since late October of 1847, about 13 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe.

1864 – The Knights of Pythias was established in Washington, DC.

1884 – More than sixty tornadoes struck the Southern United States in one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history.

1878 – The patent (#200,521) for Thomas Edison’s phonograph was granted.

1881 – Kansas became the first state to prohibit all alcoholic beverages.

1942 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the removal of any or all people from military areas “as deemed necessary or desirable.” This was the basis for the Japanese Internment camps, which held over 100,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans until January 2, 1945. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to repay every surviving internee with a tax-free payment of $20,000 and an apology from the U.S. government.

1963 – The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan was published.

1966 – # 1 Hit February 19, 1966 – February 25, 1966: Lou Christie – Lightnin’ Strikes

1967 – # 1 Hit February 18, 1967 – March 3, 1967: The Buckinghams – Kind of a Drag

1972 – # 1 Hit February 19, 1972 – March 17, 1972: Nilsson – Without You

1977 – # 1 Hit February 19, 1977 – February 25, 1977: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Blinded by the Light

1980 – AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott died from alcohol poisoning

1982 – Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was arrested for urinating on the Alamo.

1983 – # 1 Hit February 19, 1983 – March 4, 1983: Patti Austin and James Ingram – Baby, Come to Me

1985 – Coca-Cola introduced Cherry Coke.

1985 – William J. Schroeder became the first artificial heart patient to leave the hospital alive.

1985 – The Eastenders premiered in the UK.

1987 – A controversial, anti-smoking public service announcement aired for the first time on television, featuring Yul Brynner shortly before he died of lung cancer.

1986 – The US Senate approved a treaty that outlawed genocide.

1992 – Crazy for You (Broadway Musical) Opened on February 19, 1992 and closed on January 7, 1996

1994 – Martin Lawrence made a sexually explicit joke during his opening monologue during his appearance on Saturday Night Live. The joke was about female genitalia and feminine hygiene. He was banned from the NBC network for a year and from SNL for life. During the re-broadcast of the episode, the joke is replaced by a title card read off-screen, and the joke was rumored nearly cost everyone at SNL their jobs.

2000 – # 1 Hit February 19, 2000 – March 3, 2000: Mariah Carey featuring Joe and 98 Degrees – Thank God I Found You

2006 – The Rolling Stones performed in front of the largest open show for the public in Copacabana Beach in Brazil,1.3 Million people attended

2010 – Golfer Tiger Woods admitted to having several affairs, which were brought to light after an incident in Windermere, Florida, an Orlando suburb, around 2:30 a.m. on November 27, 2009. His car crashed, reportedly, but several eyewitness accounts said it looked like someone with a golf club attacked it. Ironically, his wife