Supermen

Supermac

In 1986, Lord Stockton, the former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, died peacefully on this day aged 92. Members of his family were by his bedside at Birch Grove House, at Horsted Keynes, East Sussex, when he died at 1820 GMT following a short illness. Tributes have begun flooding in for the former Conservative leader nicknamed "Super Mac". The Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said his death left a void in politics which could not be filled. Fellow former Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath described Lord Stockton as one of the most creative minds in British politics.

Count Nikolai Tolstoi said Supermac would always been remembered fondly by the Cossack nation of Russia, referring of course to his decision at Lienz, Austria not to repatriate troops to the Soviet Union where they would face imprisonment and death. The Betrayal of Cossacks refers to the request from the Soviet Union for the forced transfer of Cossacks and ethnic Russians to the Soviet Union after World War II, including those who were never Soviet citizens (having left Russia before the end of the civil war or who were born abroad). Ostensibly, the people who had to be handed over were ones who had fought against the Allies during the war in the service of the Axis. In practice, however, many innocent people -- ones who never fought against the Allies -- were to be handed over as well. The Cossacks who fought against the Allies saw their service not as treason to the motherland, but as an episode in the Russian Revolution of 1917, part of the ongoing struggle against Moscow and Communism. This relatively little known event, as well as other events that are results of Yalta, is referred to by Nikolai Tolstoy as "The Secret Betrayal" because of its lack of exposure in the Western hemisphere. The most recognized of these events was that which took place in Lienz, Austria. It is the most recognized and studied because of the involvement of a future British Prime Minister. The British arrived in Lienz, where over 2,700 Cossacks resided, on 28 May 1945. They arrived to tell the Cossacks that they were invited to an important British conference with British officials and would return to Lienz by 6 o'clock that evening. Some Cossacks began to worry but were assured by the British that everything would be fine. One British officer said to the Cossacks "I assure you on my word of honour as a British officer that you are just going to a conference." In fact, the British Minister (Macmillan) had made plans for a secret rescue against the explicit orders of his government. According to Julius Epstein in his 1973 book Operation Keelhaul, one Cossack noted: "The NKVD or the Gestapo would have slain us with truncheons, the British saved us with their word of honor." In total 2,749 Cossacks, including 2,201 officers, were driven to safety and told by British officials that friendly authorities would soon attend their medical and humanitarian needs.

In 1997, Chinese authorities in Hong Kong, fearful of the economic damage that would result from killing all chickens possibly infected with influenza, disregard the recommendations of health professionals around the world and let the sale of chickens continue. The resulting epidemic of flu kills over 20 million Chinese, as well as an additional 2 million worldwide. The sanctions against Chinese food products that follow send China spiraling into the worst depression in its history.

In 1998, Cambodian strongman Pol Pot dies. The hated Khmer Rouge that had placed him in power begin a civil war for power that devastates the small Asian nation for the next three years. After the death toll of the war passes a million, Vietnam invades to put an end to it. The move is surprisingly supported by the international community, and marks a turning point for both nations; Cambodia, although it remains communist, becomes a freer country, and Vietnam is accepted into the community of nations.

Supermac	In 1986, on this day Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom died. “Supermac” achieve national stature as a politician whilst Minister-Resident in Central Europe May-June 1945. Blocking moves to honour a promise made at Yalta, he refused to return thousands of Cossacks to the Soviet Union, where they faced certain death. At this time, this was considered a dangerous move that brought the Allies to the bring of war. However, it was the first of many Cold War stand-offs, and the Britain nation saw that MacMillan had taken a principled stand at a pivotal moment in history.

Agents	In 2005, agents of the government of (censored) get a trace on Rat. He is somewhere in central Texas subscribing to revolutionary feeds using the Yabadabadoo! RSS alternative lifer Newsreader.

In 1999, US President Bill Clinton consults with his presidential advisors; he asks them for an assessment of the threat identified by Linus Torvald, that all computerized activity will cease on news year's eve. A Rhodes Scholar, Clinton had spent time in England and was aware of the British emergency system - was this anything to do with dialling 999? he asks.

Clinton

In 1813, the North American Confederation city of Buffalo was burned to the ground when a plant manufacturing an experimental propellant exploded. The horrific flames resisted all attempts to put them out until the local governor was able to order in enough demolitions to level the town. The N.A.C. adopted the world’s most stringent regulations on the handling of propellants after this disaster.

In 1986, on this day Lord Stockton, the former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, died aged 92. “Supermac” sought to subdue the Winds of Change blowing across the continent by appointing indigenous Viceroys such as Jomo Kenyatta and Idi Amin. During the early sixties he worked closely Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson on the No Independence Before African Rule formula.

In 1170, Henry II sends four priests to bring him the head of Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Beckett reciprocated, he ate the priests on a bed of fava beans with a fine Chianti :-)

.

Diocletian Pardons Djiordjius; New Coke

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: we have our second anniversary coming up on May 27th, and we would like to have another contest. For our second anniversary, send us up to three of your own alternate histories, and we will publish the best - no limit on how many will end up on the final page! We would like to see as many of you enter this as possible, so please - think 'em up, write 'em down, and send 'em on to us at rat4cat@gmail.com! Help us celebrate our 2nd year of existence in style! Oh, and if you're like Sean and we owe you an appearance in TIAH - email us!

April 23rd, 2006

in 1056 AUC, Diocletian pardoned the Libyan hero Djiordjius, famed for slaying a crocodile in order to save the young daughter of a tribal chieftain. Djiordjius had become entangled with the cult of the Christos, but Emperor Diocletian felt that such a mighty warrior deserved to live his life in spite of his anti-Roman beliefs.

in 1014, pagan northmen, known as the Vikings, murder Archbishop Brian Boru of Ireland and attempt to carve the Emerald Isle out of the Holy British Empire. Pope Aethelred the Unready, who had been losing the Empire’s continental possessions for years, was finally stirred into action, although he was unable to take back Ireland during the final two years of his papacy.

in 1564, William Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Bard was a controversial Illuminated One, giving away many secrets within his plays and angering the other Chosen Ones. After the sorcerous incantations of MacBeth were performed, they decided he had gone too far; he was killed secretly and replaced with a double.

in 1616, William Shakespeare recovers from a heart attack and returns to the King's Men, where he pens 4 more plays before retiring for good in 1620; these are probably his most famous works, as well as his most controversial. The Archbishop of Canterbury almost brought him up on charges of heresy for Adam & Eve, for instance.

in 1616, William Shakespeare, the actor who provided a front for Francis Bacon’s early playwrighting career, died in poverty in London, England. After his falling out with Bacon at the turn of the century, he was never again able to make a decent living in the theater.

in 1975, Comrade President John Anderson says that the Chilean War is over for America. “Today, Americans can regain the sense of pride that existed before Chile. But it cannot be achieved by re-fighting a war.” The North Chilean government was shocked by this admission, and an exodus of Communists to the Soviet States of America began. It was only halted by the South Chilean takeover of the country a few days later, when they closed off the borders of the country.

in 1985, the Coca-Cola Corporation changed its world-beating secret formula for the first time in a century with the marketing of New Coke. The bland, sugary new product turned customers away in such droves that the Coke Corporation collapsed and was acquired by its arch-rival, Pepsi.

in 1994, the American Air Force began the Michelin Raids against Great Britain; President Ralph Shephard designated each site awarded stars in the famous Michelin Guides as a prime target. Although the devastation caused by the raids was disheartening, the British carried on against the Constitutionalists and their South African allies.

in 2001, as Hitler’s resurrected corpse ravages the small town of Miller, Wisconsin, Colby Ross and Samantha Robinson desperately search for the spell to banish him again in the notes of their illustrious grandfathers, Dr. Elliot Ross and Jake Robinson. The tension of the dangerous situation gives rise to romantic feelings between them, and they just know they're going to have to sleep together before this is all done.

in 2005, when Chelsea Perkins is untied to use the restroom, she climbs out of the window of her mother's apartment and runs for a few blocks. When she feels comfortably far from her mother, she activates the spell to return her to the Great Tree, where she dispels the illusion of herself that has been keeping Debra Morris, her teacher, company for a few days. Chelsea is stricken with the realization that she can't really go home again.

Timelines in today's post: the Roman timeline, the Holy British Empire, Communist America, the Ralph Shephard timeline and the Chelsea Perkins timeline

Today's "Six Degrees of Star Trek" challenge: Connect Shakespeare in Love to Star Trek. Place your answers in the comments and see the Forum for previous results. For more on 6 degrees games, click here.

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Easter Mass

The state of TIAH

April 8th, 2007

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in 1891, having spent the night under lock and key in the governor's mansion in Topeka, Kansas, former president Grover Cleveland meets again with 'Sockless' Simpson. “Mr. President, I hope you understand that we Kansans didn't undertake rebellion lightly,” Simpson says to Cleveland. “But, after the travesty of your so-called loss in the last election, we had little hope of justice in matters dealing directly with us unless we took direct action to ensure that justice. I have heard from other leaders in the Progressive movement across the nation, and they are ready to take to the streets in each state. If a man of your stature were to join us, there is nothing we might not accomplish.” Cleveland stood and stared hard into the eyes of the rebel. “Sir, I fought in a war so that my nation would not be split by rebels seeking to undermine the lawful government of the people. I shall not lend my name to another endeavor to do the same, merely because it might benefit me somewhat.” Simpson sends the former president back to his room, and ponders what his next move might be.

in 1998, Arthur Pendrake plans a large Easter Mass in the old Catholic style. He has spread word that all who support him should flood Britain's Catholic churches on the 12th to show their support for his continued quest to rule the British Isles. The Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of the Church of England, requests the presence of all Britons at the church of their choice – but especially at the C of E. Arthur's appeal to religion strikes the queen as an outrageous tactic, and she denounces him as, “Another in a long line of fanatics who shall be dealt with as surely as we dealt with Guy Fawkes.” The implied threat of Arthur's execution stirs up unintended support for the would-be king, and the nation braces for a stormy Easter.

First Nations	In 2058 officers of US and Canadian Homeland Security lose track of the First Nation indigenes who have entered the Bering Strait tunnel on their return to Asia, quitting the Turtle Island known as America after 12,000 years.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1983 Hugh Trevor-Roper presented the counter-evidence to his incredulous fellow historians Lawrence Stone and Christopher Hill. Hitler's given name Adolf was a translation of 'noble wolf' from the Old High German name Adalwolf, being derived from the phonetics 'Adel' (nobility) and wolf. Hitler's self-given nicknames ..	Martin Bormann
.. was Wolf or Herr Wolf — he began using this nickname in the early 1920s and was addressed by it only by intimates as 'Uncle Wolf' by the Wagners up until the fall of the Third Reich. The names of his headquarters Wolfsschanze in East Prussia, Wolfsschlucht in France, Werwolf in Ukraine. And then there were the murders.
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

Philip Roth	In 1999 Philip Roth published his sequel to his masterpiece The Plot Against America. In The Plot Against Britain Roth explored a wholly imagined thesis and sees it through to the end: Oswald Mosley becomes British Prime Minister in 1938 as seen through the eyes of a Jewish family in the ..
.. East End of London. Some critics panned the ending in which a well-used literary device was used to project forward to the election of Enoch Powell in 1964 whereby some limited form of balance had been restored.
~ entry by Steve Payne from counter history in context - you're the judge!

In 1942 Tsarist forces in the Oblast of Great Britain opened a much-needed railway link to Londongrad. The siege would not be lifted for two years, but the Tsar's forces would eventually prevail over Nazi Germany.	Siege of London..
~ entry by Steve Payne from Counter History in Context - You're the Judge!

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That Troublesome Priest; Moonchildren

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: Please send us entries for our next contest, which will be an Alternate April Fool's Day, April 1st, 2006. Just send us the entries for now - we'll decide on a deadline later. (Contest rules) And, another cool thing - Let us know where you are on Frappr!

February 21st, 2006

in 1123 Post-Creation, Lucifer's host searches for the Creator in all the far-flung corners of Creation, but is unable to find Him. In desperation, Lucifer cries in prayer, “Creator, aid us in finding You!” In his mind, the bright one then hears the Voice of the Creator gently calling him, and he follows where the Voice leads him.

in 1173, Pope Henry II canonizes former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. Ironically, Pope Henry probably had the Archbishop killed because of his independence from Henry’s dictates, although it was rumored during their lives that they were extremely close friends.

in 12-10-12-8-11, the Cherokee adopt the Micantlutlian script to print their language. This leads to the adoption of the Micantlutlian script across the entire continent, wherever the Oueztecan people trade, and helps the multitude of nations on the twin continents communicate with each other.

in 1851, Karl Marx and Henry David Thoreau publish their Communist Manifesto, asserting that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. With this document, the course of the United States of America is set, and the young nation takes its first steps towards Communism.

in 1904, long-range surveillance shows the Q’Bar fleet on its way back to the Mlosh homeworld. Many Mlosh begin pushing the Congress of Nations to invade the homeworld; they want to reclaim their heritage from its usurpers. There are humans in the solar system more than willing to go along with them, including Admiral Hamid, supreme commander of the Congress of Nations defensive fleet. Debate begins in the C.N. Chambers.

in 1918, Mikhail von Heflin, Velma Porter and Dr. Thaddeus McCaine arrive in the small town of Brigamere in northern Scotland. They have come to the town because it is close to a ley line that they hope to tap into to send Porter and von Heflin back to their own time. After finding lodging in the town, they find themselves trapped for the evening by a sudden large snowstorm.

in 1972, the Michael Weller comedy Moonchildren premieres on Broadway. It is so popular that it is made into a CBS TV series of the same name in 1973, bringing fame to young actors Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Lindsay Wagner and Timothy Bottoms.

in 1975, Malcolm Little, leader of the militant wing of America’s Semitic-African Resistance, is assassinated in New York City. The murder was a joint operation between American Bundists and Nazis from the Eurasian New Reich. In retaliation, the S.A.R. manages to bring down Bundist leader George Rockwell.

in 1985, President Ralph Shephard addresses the United States Congress in the remains of the Capitol Building and said, “This is the beginning of the Communist revolt. They will start their attack now. There is not a moment to be lost.” He asked that Congress grant him emergency powers to deal with the drastic situation; the members of his Constitutionalist Party are completely behind him, but lack a 2/3 majority necessary to push through the necessary amendments. The remaining Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, frightened by the bombing, acquiesce, and President Shephard and his Constitutionalists assume almost total power in America.

in 2004, Jacob Sheridan and Livinia Nixon are married at their beach resort in Darwin, Australia. After saving the earth from the Martian invasion the previous summer, a grateful planet poured out its well-wishes on them, and the couple would never need to work again.

in 2005, Dave Lange volunteers to go on the mission to get into the Claw headquarters outside of Tucson, Arizona. When he does, his wife, Jeanne, also volunteers, but the Save Earth leadership feels that they can't lose the both of them at once, and only sends Dave and three others with their captive Claw, “Daniel Evans.”

Timelines in today's post: the Fall, the Holy British Empire, the Oueztecan timeline, the GZR, the Ralph Shephard timeline, Communist America, The Sheridans and The Claw.

Random, you have another win - email us to let us know when you'd like your next appearance! Today's "Six Degrees of Star Trek" challenge: Connect the film Becket to Star Trek. Place your answers in the comments and see the Forum for previous results. For more on 6 degrees games, click here.

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A Visit In Heaven

December 29th, 2005

in 47,392 BCE, Telka the Speaker and her great-granddaughter Swikolay reach the foothills of the Himalayas and begin their ascent. Full of optimism, the Speaker says, “The sky will be ours. All your children will look down from heaven.”

in 1000 Post-Creation, Gabriel visits Lucifer in Heaven.

in 1170, Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury and rival for Pope Henry II of the Holy British Empire, is murdered by four priests as he knelt in prayer. Beckett and the pope had been friends for decades, but as Henry veered towards liberalization of the Holy Mother Church, Beckett began to oppose him, and he swayed many bishops and cardinals to his side. After his death, Pope Henry ruled with unquestioned authority.

in 1769, a French patisserie began offering its bread sliced to its patrons. It was the greatest thing ever.

in 1813, the North American Confederation city of Buffalo was burned to the ground when a plant manufacturing an experimental propellant exploded. The horrific flames resisted all attempts to put them out until the local governor was able to order in enough demolitions to level the town. The N.A.C. adopted the world’s most stringent regulations on the handling of propellants after this disaster.

in 1845, rather than see their former possession join the United States, Mexico invades Texas with an overwhelming large force, capturing most of the Republic's leadership just as they were completing the transformation of Texas into a state. Since several U.S. officials were caught in this attack, the U.S. declared war against Mexico. The two mighty nations were evenly matched, and the war dragged on for years as they each sought to enlist aid; America from Europe, Mexico from Latin America, and both from the native populations of the west. The war ended in stalemate in 1856, with tens of thousands dead and Texas turned into a wasteland.

in 4607, Emperor Chengzu named Sun Yat-Sen his Prime Minister. Sun pursued a policy of expansion in space and consolidation on earth. It was under Sun Yat-Sen’s direction that the Star Sailor corps began accepting non-Chinese subjects of the empire.

in 1940, German bombers raided London in the worst bombing of the war to that point. After a particularly powerful cluster of explosions, the sky filled with the planes of dozens of nations, as well as air ships that were unrecognizable. The huge dogfight that resulted ended when one of the planes dropped a weapon that blew up the entire city of London; all that was left was a multi-colored cloud that pulsed as if a heart beat within it. Physicist Richard Tolman sought and was given a meeting with President Roosevelt to discuss these events. This resulted in an unprecedented ceasefire declaration between the Axis and Allied powers to hear what Tolman had to say.

in 1997, Chinese authorities in Hong Kong, fearful of the economic damage that would result from killing all chickens possibly infected with influenza, disregard the recommendations of health professionals around the world and let the sale of chickens continue. The resulting epidemic of flu kills over 20 million Chinese, as well as an additional 2 million worldwide. The sanctions against Chinese food products that follow send China spiraling into the worst depression in its history.

in 1998, Cambodian strongman Pol Pot dies. The hated Khmer Rouge that had placed him in power begin a civil war for power that devastates the small Asian nation for the next three years. After the death toll of the war passes a million, Vietnam invades to put an end to it. The move is surprisingly supported by the international community, and marks a turning point for both nations; Cambodia, although it remains communist, becomes a freer country, and Vietnam is accepted into the community of nations.

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE, in an effort to find out exactly how many readers we have, Today In Alternate History will be holding an International Visit TIAH Day. Our Atom feed will be turned off for one day, January 3rd, 2006, and we encourage you all to visit our site on that day to read our material. The feed will be turned back on January 4th, so you can return to reading TIAH normally.

We still have our standard offer - everybody who donates $10 or more through our Paypal link will become alternate history entries on the site. When you donate, I will email you asking your preference for a day & timeline; if you don't reply to me, I'll place you in a day that seems to fit your name :) Thanks for your continued support!

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Warp and Protocols still available; also, see the script I submitted for Bravo's Situation: Comedy. Speaking of which, the winning writers have been announced; not the ones I voted for, but you can see the one I did at http://www.marktreitel.com

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Communist Manifesto Published; Malcolm Little Assassinated

February 21st, 2005

in 1173, Pope Henry II canonizes former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. Ironically, Pope Henry probably had the Archbishop killed because of his independence from Henry’s dictates.

in 12-10-12-8-11, the Cherokee adopt the Micantlutlian script to print their language. This leads to the adoption of the Micantlutlian script across the entire continent, wherever the Oueztecan people trade, and helps the multitude of nations on the twin continents communicate with each other.

in 1851, Karl Marx and Henry David Thoreau publish their Communist Manifesto, asserting that “the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles”. With this document, the course of the United States of America is set, and the young nation takes its first steps towards Communism.

in 1904, long-range surveillance shows the Q’Bar fleet on its way back to the Mlosh homeworld. Many Mlosh begin pushing the Congress of Nations to invade the homeworld; they want to reclaim their heritage from its usurpers. There are humans in the solar system more than willing to go along with them, including Admiral Hamid, supreme commander of the Congress of Nations defensive fleet. Debate begins in the C.N. chambers.

in 1972, the Michael Weller comedy Moonchildren premieres on Broadway. It is so popular that it is made into a CBS TV series of the same name in 1973, bringing fame to young actors Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Lindsay Wagner and Timothy Bottoms.

in 1975, Malcolm Little, leader of the militant wing of America’s Semitic-African Resistance, is assassinated in New York City. The murder was a joint operation between American Bundists and Nazis from the Eurasian New Reich. In retaliation, the S.A.R. manages to bring down Bundist leader George Rockwell.

in 1985, President Ralph Shephard addresses the United States Congress in the remains of the Capitol Building and said, “This is the beginning of the Communist revolt. They will start their attack now. There is not a moment to be lost.” He asked that Congress grant him emergency powers to deal with the drastic situation; the members of his Constitutionalist Party are completely behind him, but lack a 2/3 majority necessary to push through the necessary amendments. The remaining Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, frightened by the bombing, acquiesce, and President Shephard and his Constitutionalists assume almost total power in America.

in 2004, Jacob Sheridan and Livinia Nixon are married at their beach resort in Darwin, Australia. After saving the earth from the Martian invasion the previous summer, a grateful planet poured out its well-wishes on them, and the couple would never need to work again.


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Nobody Screamed For Ice Cream

March 4th, 2005

in 1611, Conquerors of the Speaker’s Line place George Abbot into England’s Primacy as the Archbishop of Canterbury. Abbott stealthily lays the groundwork for another member of the Line to overthrow the entire monarchy in the decades to come.

in 1829, an unruly, drunken crowd of President Jackson’s supporters overrun the White House during Jackson’s inaugural party. During the riot, the mansion catches fire, and President Jackson resolutely takes command of the crowd and gets them out before the building is destroyed. His term is served out in the Vice President’s house as workmen rebuild the White House.

in 1805, the Italian city-states and regions are united under a single ruler for the first time since Rome fell when Giuseppe Corlesconi negotiates the loyalty of all of the disparate noblemen to himself in the Treaty of Sardinia. He places his capitol in Rome, and the newly united country is named the New Republic of Rome. The N.R.R. is one of the first European nations to join the Congress of Nations in the 1860’s.

in 1945, folk singer Jimmie Louise Tims was born in Huntsville, Texas. She started singing around the campus of Sam Houston State University in her home town, and was heard by Arlo Guthrie when he traveled through Texas in 1961. He took her on tour with him, and her covers of classic backwoods tunes made a splash in the folk scene.

in 1952, Mikhail von Heflin and Velma Porter dock in Marseilles, France. Now that they are in Europe, von Heflin feels more comfortable, and books them passage on a train to Germany. His former homeland is now under Communist control, but he thinks he can get the two of them back to Heflin.

in 1954, Comrade John Foster Dulles warned that “international capitalism” was making inroads into the Western Hemisphere, and that there was “not a single country in this hemisphere that has not been penetrated by the apparatus of international capitalism acting under orders from the European monarchies.” This further heightened the paranoid atmosphere of anti-capitalist 50’s.

in 1992, culinary inventor Christian K. Nelson died at his home in Moorhead, Iowa. Although his candy treats were favored in his native Denmark, he tried something different in America, and that proved to be his undoing; he resurrected the old recipe for ice cream, dipping it in chocolate in the hope of making it more palatable to the American taste buds. Unfortunately, it flopped, and nearly drove his chocolate and sweets company out of business.

in 2004, the crew of the Huygens, the exploratory vessel sent to Titan using Martian spaceflight technology, begin to report back that a strange smell is leaking into the ship’s air supply. A few hours later, communications with the ship are lost.


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Beckett Is Martyred; Civil War In Cambodia

December 29th, 2004

in 47,392 BCE, Telka the Speaker and her great-granddaughter Swikolay reach the foothills of the Himalayas and begin their ascent. Full of optimism, the Speaker says, “The sky will be ours. All your children will look down from heaven.”

in 1170, Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury and rival for Pope Henry II of the Holy British Empire, is murdered by four priests as he knelt in prayer. Beckett and the pope had been friends for decades, but as Henry veered towards liberalization of the Holy Mother Church, Beckett began to oppose him, and he swayed many bishops and cardinals to his side. After his death, Pope Henry ruled with unquestioned authority.

in 1769, a French patisserie began offering its bread sliced to its patrons. It was the greatest thing ever.

in 1813, the North American Confederation city of Buffalo was burned to the ground when a plant manufacturing an experimental propellant exploded. The horrific flames resisted all attempts to put them out until the local governor was able to order in enough demolitions to level the town. The N.A.C. adopted the world’s most stringent regulations on the handling of propellants after this disaster.

in 4607, Emperor Chengzu named Sun Yat-Sen his Prime Minister. Sun pursued a policy of expansion in space and consolidation on earth. It was under Sun Yat-Sen’s direction that the Star Sailor corps began accepting non-Chinese subjects of the empire.

in 1940, German bombers raided London in the worst bombing of the war to that point. After a particularly powerful cluster of explosions, the sky filled with the planes of dozens of nations, as well as air ships that were unrecognizable. The huge dogfight that resulted ended when one of the planes dropped a weapon that blew up the entire city of London; all that was left was a multi-colored cloud that pulsed as if a heart beat within it. Physicist Richard Tolman sought and was given a meeting with President Roosevelt to discuss these events. This resulted in an unprecedented ceasefire declaration between the Axis and Allied powers to hear what Tolman had to say.

in 1997, Chinese authorities in Hong Kong, fearful of the economic damage that would result from killing all chickens possibly infected with influenza, disregard the recommendations of health professionals around the world and let the sale of chickens continue. The resulting epidemic of flu kills over 20 million Chinese, as well as an additional 2 million worldwide. The sanctions against Chinese food products that follow send China spiraling into the worst depression in its history.

in 1998, Cambodian strongman Pol Pot dies. The hated Khmer Rouge that had placed him in power begin a civil war for power that devastates the small Asian nation for the next three years. After the death toll of the war passes a million, Vietnam invades to put an end to it. The move is surprisingly supported by the international community, and marks a turning point for both nations; Cambodia, although it remains communist, becomes a freer country, and Vietnam is accepted into the community of nations.


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Blasphemy; No Love For Ice Cream

ALTERNATE HISTORIAN'S NOTE: Please send us entries for our next contest, which will be an Alternate April Fool's Day, April 1st, 2006. Just send us the entries for now - we'll decide on a deadline later. (Contest rules) And, another cool thing - Let us know where you are on Frappr!

March 4th, 2006

in 1123 Post-Creation, one of the para-angels openly refers to Lucifer as her god. Although she is immediately hushed and told not to speak such nonsense, many of those around her harbor similar sentiments, and they begin a small, secret church dedicated to the bright one.

in 1611, Conquerors of the Speaker’s Line place George Abbot into England’s Primacy as the Archbishop of Canterbury. Abbott stealthily lays the groundwork for another member of the Line to overthrow the entire monarchy in the decades to come.

in 1829, an unruly, drunken crowd of President Jackson’s supporters overrun the White House during Jackson’s inaugural party. During the riot, the mansion catches fire, and President Jackson resolutely takes command of the crowd and gets them out before the building is destroyed. His term is served out in the Vice President’s house as workmen rebuild the White House.

in 1805, the Italian city-states and regions are united under a single ruler for the first time since Rome fell when Giuseppe Corlesconi negotiates the loyalty of all of the disparate noblemen to himself in the Treaty of Sardinia. He places his capitol in Rome, and the newly united country is named the New Republic of Rome. The N.R.R. is one of the first European nations to join the Congress of Nations in the 1860’s.

in 1945, folk singer Jimmie Louise Tims was born in Huntsville, Texas. She started singing around the campus of Sam Houston State University in her home town, and was heard by Arlo Guthrie when he traveled through Texas in 1961. He took her on tour with him, and her covers of classic backwoods tunes made a splash in the folk scene.

in 1954, Comrade John Foster Dulles warned that “international capitalism” was making inroads into the Western Hemisphere, and that there was “not a single country in this hemisphere that has not been penetrated by the apparatus of international capitalism acting under orders from the European monarchies.” This further heightened the paranoid atmosphere of anti-capitalist 50’s.

in 1992, culinary inventor Christian K. Nelson died at his home in Moorhead, Iowa. Although his candy treats were favored in his native Denmark, he tried something different in America, and that proved to be his undoing; he resurrected the old recipe for ice cream, dipping it in chocolate in the hope of making it more palatable to the American taste buds. Unfortunately, it flopped, and nearly drove his chocolate and sweets company out of business.

in 2004, the crew of the Huygens, the exploratory vessel sent to Titan using Martian spaceflight technology, begin to report back that a strange smell is leaking into the ship’s air supply. A few hours later, communications with the ship are lost.

in 2005, When Dave and Jeanne Lange, followed by their fellow Save Earthers, reach the city they have been heading towards, they are alarmed to find that not only is it not Tucson, but it is crawling with Claws. Although they don't know how well they can blend in, they try to infiltrate the city in order to get food and water.

in 2008, Velma Porter and Mikhail von Heflin transfer from a train to the airport in London and settle in for the long flight to Bermuda. The couple are ready to leave cold weather behind them and bask on the beach – without having to figure out how to travel through time. Porter asks von Heflin, presciently, “There's nothing weird on the plane, is there?” He assures her that he senses nothing.

Timelines in today's post: the Fall, the Speaker, the Mlosh, von Heflin, Communist America, The Sheridans and The Claw.

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The Edge

	In 1972, the Soviet unmanned spaceship Luna 20 lands on the Moon. Luna 20 (Ye-8-5 series) was an unmanned space mission of the Luna program, also called Lunik 20. Luna 20 was placed in an intermediate Earth parking orbit and from this orbit was sent towards the Moon. It entered lunar orbit on February 18, 1972. On February 21, 1972, Luna 20 soft landed on the Moon in a mountainous area known as the Apollonius highlands near Mare Fecunditatis (Sea of Fertility), 120 km from where Luna 16 had landed.
Luna 20

While on the lunar surface, the panoramic television system was operated. Lunar samples were obtained by means of an extendable drilling apparatus. The ascent stage of Luna 20 was launched from the lunar surface on 22 February 1972 carrying 30 grams of collected lunar samples in a sealed capsule. It landed in the Soviet Union on 25 February 1972. The lunar samples were recovered the following day. Pulsating green in colour, the samples proved beyond any doubt what many had already suspected - that the 1969 landing by NASA had been faked.

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Ross Perot	In 1992, Ross Perot was assassinated by agents of the profiteering military-industrial complex after announcing his intention to run in the 1992 U.S. presidential election on CNN's Larry King Live. His promise to get under the hood and fix the engine would have been an end to their racket and they had firmly warned Perot that such an announcement would shorten his lifespan considerably.
Assassinated

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	In 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City agents of the Nation of Islam including Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson attempt to assassinate Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz formerly known by the various names Malcolm Little, Detroit Red and Malcolm X. They fail, and Brother Malcolm developed the new strategy of inclusiveness he had embarked upon since the Hajj in April 1964. The trip proved to be life-altering. Malcolm met many devout Muslims of a number of different races, whose faith and practice of Islam he came to respect. He believed that racial barriers could potentially be overcome, and that Islam was the one religion that conceivably could erase all racial problems. Today America is no longer a country at war with itself, mostly due to the giant known as Little.

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Malcolm X	In 1965, on this day in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm X had just begun delivering a speech when a disturbance broke out in the crowd of 400. A man yelled, 'Get your hand outta my pocket! Don't be messin' with my pockets!'. As Malcolm and his bodyguards moved to quiet the disturbance, a man rushed forward with a sawed-off shotgun. Malcolm shot the man dead using a concealed weapon. Ever since the famous rifle picture in 1964, he had after all announced his intention to defend himself against the frequent death threats he was receiving.
Self-defence

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In 1173, Pope Henry II canonizes former Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket. Ironically, Pope Henry probably had the Archbishop killed because of his independence from Henry's dictates.

	In 1965, the notorious gangster 'Detroit Red' (real name Malcolm Little) was shot and killed whilst attempting a break-in at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. Pro-accountability 'types' suggested the crime wave was a reaction to childhood traumas. Three of his father Earl Little's brothers died violently at the hands of white men, and one of his uncles had been lynched. The family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1926, and then to Lansing, Michigan, shortly thereafter.

In 1931, Malcolm's father was found dead, having been run over by a streetcar in Lansing. Authorities ruled his death a suicide. Malcolm claimed that this cause of death was disputed by the black community at the time, and he later disputed it himself, saying that his family had frequently found themselves the target of harassment by the Black Legion, a white supremacist group his father accused of burning down their home in 1929. Malcolm wondered how his father could bash himself in the head and then lay down across street tracks to get run over

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	In 1972, Richard Nixon, President of the United States of America, sets down in Air Force One on the tarmac of the Beijing Airport. Denounced by his opponents back home as a campaign stunt, the trip resulted in little real progress between the two giant nations because of the intransigence of the two ideological leaders - Mao refused to even entertain the notion of rapprochement with the US, and Nixon wouldn't bend without some kind of economic reform in China. Nixon came back to the US without any agreements, and privately lamented that the trip had been a failure. He lost the presidential election in the fall, and wags made up a new phrase about the trip: 'Nixon can't go to China.'

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In 1996, Harry Turtledove published the counter-history novel East of Eden in which he posed the Suez Question - what would have happened if British Prime Minister Anthony Eden had weakened in the face of US opposition to the occupation of the Canal Zone? The outcome would be the loss of Anglo-French authority in the Middle East at a crucial time for the Western World as it sought to maintain a grip on oil supplies.

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In 1997, the three men known as the 'Bridgewater Three' were freed from jail 18 years after the murder of 13-year-old paper boy Carl Bridgewater. They were released after their convictions are ruled unsafe. This was one of many high profile cases that destroyed public confidence. The Criminal Justice system, it was now realised was little more than a pressure point for locking up often innocent people. Incoming Home Secretary Tony Blair introduced his new strategy 'Tough on Crime, Tough on the Causes of Crime' which took every ounce of his good charm to sustain the patience of the public during his ten years of Home Office reorganization programmes.

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28 Days Later	In 2001, the European Commission banned all British milk, meat and livestock exports following the UK's first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease for 20 years. The ban - which will run indefinately - follows yesterday's revelation of a foot-and-mouth outbreak at an abattoir near Brentwood, Essex. A routine inspection at Cheale Meats abattoir in Essex diagnosed 'the Rage' in 28 pigs.
The Rage

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Jimmy Swaggart	In 1988, Jimmy Swaggart, America's leading television evangelist, resigned from his ministry after revelations he had been consorting with a prostitute. In front of a congregation of 7,000 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he sobbed and confessed to 'moral failure' actually going into way too much detail.
Confession

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	In 1386, the great prophet Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz was taken from us. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see Alaha.

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