Paracultural Calendar for March 4

[Mark Thibodeau]

On this day in *1519*, Spanish explorer *Hernán Cortés* arrives in Mexico
in search of the Aztec civilization and their wealth.

***

On this day in *1861*, the first national flag of the Confederate States of
America - the "Stars and Bars" - is adopted. Four years later, in 1865 -
also on this day - the third and final national flag of the Confederate
States of America is adopted by the Confederate Congress. None of them are
what you probably think they are.

***

On this day in *1918*, the first case of Spanish flu occurs, the start of a
devastating worldwide pandemic that would ultimately lead to the deaths of
an estimated 100 MILLION human beings - roughly 4 percent of the world's
population at the time.

***

On this day in *1918*, the USS Cyclops departs from Barbados and is never
seen again, presumably lost with all hands in the Bermuda Triangle.

***

On this day in *1933*, *Frances Perkins* becomes United States Secretary of
Labor, the first female member of the United States Cabinet.

***

On this day in *1952*, future President *Ronald Reagan* marries fellow
actress *Nancy Davis*. Ah... love's greatest lovers in love!

***

During an interview on this day in *1966*, Beatle *John Lennon* says "We're
more popular than Jesus." The smell of burning vinyl ensues.

***

On this day in *1968*, the reverend *Martin Luther King Junior* announces
plans to launch a Poor People's Campaign, to address the color-blind
problem of poverty in America. This proves to be the straw that breaks the
backs of The Powers That Be, who promptly have MLK assassinated by a "lone
nut assassin".

***

On this day in *1974*, *People Magazine* is published for the first time in
the United States as *People Weekly*.

***

On this day in *1980*, nationalist leader *Robert Mugabe* wins a sweeping
election victory to become Zimbabwe's first black prime minister. And they
lived happily ever after.
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