Rob Smallwood
@robjsmallwood.bsky.social
I’m from Nottingham, England. Interested in a whole bunch of stuff - history/music/literature etc. etc. My world views? I like world leaders to tell the truth and not to be autocratic 😊 Ω
65 years ago today, on November 14th, 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in the South U.S. Escorted by federal marshals through angry crowds, her courage inspired Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With.
November 14, 2025 at 11:25 AM
65 years ago today, on November 14th, 1960, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to integrate into an all-white elementary school in the South U.S. Escorted by federal marshals through angry crowds, her courage inspired Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With.
At 10:58 a.m. on November 11th 1918, 2 minutes before the ceasefire of WWI, Canadian soldier George Price was killed by a sniper near Mons, Belgium. At 10:59 a.m., U.S. Private Henry Gunther, unaware of the imminent armistice, charged a German machine-gun post near Meuse, France. He was shot dead.
November 11, 2025 at 11:24 AM
At 10:58 a.m. on November 11th 1918, 2 minutes before the ceasefire of WWI, Canadian soldier George Price was killed by a sniper near Mons, Belgium. At 10:59 a.m., U.S. Private Henry Gunther, unaware of the imminent armistice, charged a German machine-gun post near Meuse, France. He was shot dead.
Richard Burton was born 100 years ago today, on November 10th 1925. Throughout his life he was a voracious reader. In his diary he recorded carrying a “book bag” everywhere, noting on one particular day that he’d read five books. He described books as his “first love”.
museum.wales/blog/2306/Bu...
museum.wales/blog/2306/Bu...
Burton and his books
Richard Burton had many loves in his life but one of his less-known and lifelong was his love of boo...
museum.wales
November 10, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Richard Burton was born 100 years ago today, on November 10th 1925. Throughout his life he was a voracious reader. In his diary he recorded carrying a “book bag” everywhere, noting on one particular day that he’d read five books. He described books as his “first love”.
museum.wales/blog/2306/Bu...
museum.wales/blog/2306/Bu...
95 years ago today, on November 2nd 1930, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned as Emperor of Ethiopia, known as Haile Selassie, meaning “Power of the Trinity.” According to Ethiopian imperial tradition, he was a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, through their son Menelik I.
November 2, 2025 at 1:19 PM
95 years ago today, on November 2nd 1930, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned as Emperor of Ethiopia, known as Haile Selassie, meaning “Power of the Trinity.” According to Ethiopian imperial tradition, he was a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, through their son Menelik I.
75 years ago today, on November 1st 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola tried to assassinate President Truman at Blair House to promote Puerto Rican independence. A shootout killed Torresola and a guard; Truman survived, and Collazo was jailed.
November 1, 2025 at 11:10 AM
75 years ago today, on November 1st 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola tried to assassinate President Truman at Blair House to promote Puerto Rican independence. A shootout killed Torresola and a guard; Truman survived, and Collazo was jailed.
61 years ago today, on October 14th 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to tackling racial segregation and discrimination in the US. Through peaceful protests and powerful speeches, he inspired millions, advancing civil rights, equality and justice.
October 14, 2025 at 6:58 AM
61 years ago today, on October 14th 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to tackling racial segregation and discrimination in the US. Through peaceful protests and powerful speeches, he inspired millions, advancing civil rights, equality and justice.
89 years ago today, on October 4th 1936, London’s East End saw the Battle of Cable Street. Tens of thousands of anti-fascists - Jews, Irish, and socialists - united to block Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists march. Clashes with police led to the march being abandoned.
October 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
89 years ago today, on October 4th 1936, London’s East End saw the Battle of Cable Street. Tens of thousands of anti-fascists - Jews, Irish, and socialists - united to block Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists march. Clashes with police led to the march being abandoned.
50 years ago today, on September 22nd 1975, President Gerald Ford narrowly escaped assassination in San Francisco when Sara Jane Moore fired a revolver at him at close range. Ex-Marine Oliver Sipple deflected her shot, preventing tragedy - just 17 days after another attempt on Ford’s life.
September 22, 2025 at 7:49 AM
50 years ago today, on September 22nd 1975, President Gerald Ford narrowly escaped assassination in San Francisco when Sara Jane Moore fired a revolver at him at close range. Ex-Marine Oliver Sipple deflected her shot, preventing tragedy - just 17 days after another attempt on Ford’s life.
Jimi Hendrix died in London 55 years ago today, at the age of 27, putting him in the so-called ‘27 Club’, named after the numerous well-known musicians such as Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse who died at the age of 27.
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
The 27 Club: A Brief History
From Robert Johnson to Anton Yeltsin, 20 members of the 27 Club, stars who passed away at 27.
www.rollingstone.com
September 18, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Jimi Hendrix died in London 55 years ago today, at the age of 27, putting him in the so-called ‘27 Club’, named after the numerous well-known musicians such as Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse who died at the age of 27.
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Ray Bradbury was born 105 years ago today. He warned in Fahrenheit 451 of a future where books are banned and burned, and shallow entertainment replaces knowledge - highlighting the dangers of censorship and the loss of critical thinking.
August 22, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Ray Bradbury was born 105 years ago today. He warned in Fahrenheit 451 of a future where books are banned and burned, and shallow entertainment replaces knowledge - highlighting the dangers of censorship and the loss of critical thinking.
114 years ago today, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, believing it belonged in Italy. Hidden for 2 years, it was recovered in 1913 in Florence, where Peruggia had attempted to sell it.
August 21, 2025 at 7:05 AM
114 years ago today, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, believing it belonged in Italy. Hidden for 2 years, it was recovered in 1913 in Florence, where Peruggia had attempted to sell it.
114 years ago today, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, believing it belonged in Italy. Hidden for 2 years, it was recovered in 1913 in Florence, where Peruggia had attempted to sell it.
August 21, 2025 at 7:04 AM
114 years ago today, Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, believing it belonged in Italy. Hidden for 2 years, it was recovered in 1913 in Florence, where Peruggia had attempted to sell it.
85 years ago today, on August 20th 1940, exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky was attacked with an ice axe in Mexico City by a Soviet agent. Trotsky, a key figure in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution had lived in exile after being expelled from the USSR. He succumbed to his injuries the next day.
August 20, 2025 at 6:49 AM
85 years ago today, on August 20th 1940, exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky was attacked with an ice axe in Mexico City by a Soviet agent. Trotsky, a key figure in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution had lived in exile after being expelled from the USSR. He succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The stench of desperation.
#EpsteinFiles
#EpsteinFiles
August 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The stench of desperation.
#EpsteinFiles
#EpsteinFiles
85 years ago today, on August 18th 1940, 3,000 people gathered at Camp Nordland, New Jersey, for a joint KKK–nazi rally. The event, featuring a Klan wedding and cross burning, promoted both white supremacy and fascism.
newspapers.ushmm.org/historical-a...
newspapers.ushmm.org/historical-a...
August 18, 2025 at 6:55 AM
85 years ago today, on August 18th 1940, 3,000 people gathered at Camp Nordland, New Jersey, for a joint KKK–nazi rally. The event, featuring a Klan wedding and cross burning, promoted both white supremacy and fascism.
newspapers.ushmm.org/historical-a...
newspapers.ushmm.org/historical-a...
60 years ago today the Beatles were playing in Atlanta, Georgia. www.beatlesbible.com/1965/08/18/l...
August 18, 2025 at 6:26 AM
60 years ago today the Beatles were playing in Atlanta, Georgia. www.beatlesbible.com/1965/08/18/l...
In the UK 50 years ago today, there was a broadcast of what was at that time the latest episode of Alias Smith and Jones. I’m pretty sure that I would have been watching it with my dad, as it was one of the family’s favourite cowboy series. Anyway, here’s my piano version of the theme tune.
August 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
In the UK 50 years ago today, there was a broadcast of what was at that time the latest episode of Alias Smith and Jones. I’m pretty sure that I would have been watching it with my dad, as it was one of the family’s favourite cowboy series. Anyway, here’s my piano version of the theme tune.
80 years ago today, George Orwell’s Animal Farm was first published, on August 17th 1945. The novel shows how totalitarianism crushes freedom through fear, violence, and propaganda. Apathy, like Benjamin the donkey’s indifference, enables corruption. Silence can be as deadly as tyranny.
August 17, 2025 at 6:01 AM
80 years ago today, George Orwell’s Animal Farm was first published, on August 17th 1945. The novel shows how totalitarianism crushes freedom through fear, violence, and propaganda. Apathy, like Benjamin the donkey’s indifference, enables corruption. Silence can be as deadly as tyranny.
206 years today on August 16th 1819 in Manchester, cavalry attacked a crowd of 60,000 peaceful people who were seeking political reform. Eighteen were killed and hundreds injured. Though met with repression, the ‘Peterloo Massacre’ became a lasting symbol of democracy and workers’ rights in Britain.
August 16, 2025 at 9:49 AM
206 years today on August 16th 1819 in Manchester, cavalry attacked a crowd of 60,000 peaceful people who were seeking political reform. Eighteen were killed and hundreds injured. Though met with repression, the ‘Peterloo Massacre’ became a lasting symbol of democracy and workers’ rights in Britain.
89 years ago today on August 16th 1936 the Stars and Stripes and the Swastika flag were displayed next to eachother at the closing ceremony of Hitler’s Berlin Olympics.
youtu.be/sgfVoU-CZrw?...
youtu.be/sgfVoU-CZrw?...
August 16, 2025 at 7:25 AM
89 years ago today on August 16th 1936 the Stars and Stripes and the Swastika flag were displayed next to eachother at the closing ceremony of Hitler’s Berlin Olympics.
youtu.be/sgfVoU-CZrw?...
youtu.be/sgfVoU-CZrw?...
Oscar Peterson was born 100 years ago today, on August 15th 1925. A legendary Canadian jazz pianist famed for his virtuosity, swing, and improvisation, he recorded 200+ albums, won 8 Grammys, played with jazz greats, and earned the title “Maharaja of the Keyboard.”
August 15, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Oscar Peterson was born 100 years ago today, on August 15th 1925. A legendary Canadian jazz pianist famed for his virtuosity, swing, and improvisation, he recorded 200+ albums, won 8 Grammys, played with jazz greats, and earned the title “Maharaja of the Keyboard.”
80 years ago today, on August 9th 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing an estimated 70,000–80,000 people instantly. The bombing came three days after Hiroshima.
www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles...
www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles...
The Bombing of Nagasaki, August 9, 1945
The bombing of the Japanese city of Nagasaki with the Fat Man plutonium bomb device on August 9, 1945, caused terrible human devastation and helped end World War II.
www.nationalww2museum.org
August 9, 2025 at 5:53 AM
80 years ago today, on August 9th 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing an estimated 70,000–80,000 people instantly. The bombing came three days after Hiroshima.
www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles...
www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles...
100 years ago today, on August 8th 1925, over 50,000 Ku Klux Klan members marched in full regalia in Washington, D.C., near the Capitol and White House, flaunting their power and promoting a racist, anti-immigrant, and anti-Catholic agenda.
August 8, 2025 at 5:24 AM
100 years ago today, on August 8th 1925, over 50,000 Ku Klux Klan members marched in full regalia in Washington, D.C., near the Capitol and White House, flaunting their power and promoting a racist, anti-immigrant, and anti-Catholic agenda.
80 years ago today, on August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima during WWII, killing tens of thousands instantly and devastating the city in the first use of nuclear weapons in war.
www.nps.gov/articles/tru...
www.nps.gov/articles/tru...
August 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
80 years ago today, on August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima during WWII, killing tens of thousands instantly and devastating the city in the first use of nuclear weapons in war.
www.nps.gov/articles/tru...
www.nps.gov/articles/tru...
100 years ago today, on August 5th 1925, Mussolini's regime banned all opposition parties, ending political pluralism in Italy. This key move cemented his totalitarian rule and silenced dissent, paving the way for a fascist dictatorship until WWII.
www.britannica.com/biography/Be...
www.britannica.com/biography/Be...
Benito Mussolini | Biography, Definition, Facts, Rise, & Death | Britannica
Benito Mussolini, the controversial Italian dictator and founder of fascism, rose to power through his charismatic leadership but ultimately led Italy into disastrous alliances during World War II.
www.britannica.com
August 5, 2025 at 5:38 AM
100 years ago today, on August 5th 1925, Mussolini's regime banned all opposition parties, ending political pluralism in Italy. This key move cemented his totalitarian rule and silenced dissent, paving the way for a fascist dictatorship until WWII.
www.britannica.com/biography/Be...
www.britannica.com/biography/Be...