On this Date in 1963...

...the Hotline between the leaders of the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union goes into operation.  There was a brief misunderstanding when President Kennedy accidentally picked up this line instead of the Bat-Phone.  The Soviet Premier was overheard shortly afterward wondering, "What is Batman?"

On this Date in 1963...

...the so-called "red telephone" is established between the Soviet Union and the United States following the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Rumor has it that it was placed right next to the Bat-phone.