This Day in History: March 27

March 27 has gone by many calendars in the past without much fanfare. But this time will be different. This time, even if no one else cares, buzz will celebrate the ascension of Nikita Khrushchev to the Russian premiership, the day Juan Ponce de Leon first found Florida, and, of course, the day the Food and Drug Administration finally approved Viagra. All significant historical events that should not be too hard to remember when it comes time for the test.

March 27, 1958
Nikita Khrushchev becomes the Soviet premier, following one of the lesser-known Soviet leaders, Georgy Malenkov, who ended his uncelebrated life singing in a church choir.

Best paired with: “It’s a Small World After All” from the Disney ride.
Khrushchev allegedly had a request upon visiting America in 1959 – he wanted to see Disneyland. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out, but perhaps the leader’s famous temper was soothed by this song.

March 27, 1513
Ponce de Leon, famed seeker of the Fountain of Youth, finds Florida instead. The irony wasn’t as pronounced then since Boca Raton hadn’t been invented.

Best paired with: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” from the Rolling Stones’ Let it Bleed (1969)
Jagger and Richards’ tragic tale of missed connections would serve Mr. De Leon well. There are no guarantees and the best laid plans of…well, you know the story.

March 27, 1998
Viagra is approved by the FDA

Best paired with: “Easy to be Hard” from the Hair soundtrack (1967)
Although veteran DJ Dick Biondi pointed out this song’s “extra” meaning on the air a few years ago, it’s as apt now as it was then, and we’re trying to avoid a lawsuit.

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