August 9

Scott Winters August 9, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1173 – Construction of the campanile of the Cathedral of Pisa (now known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa) began. It would take two centuries to complete.

1790 – The first ship to carry the American Flag around the world, The Columbia, returned to Boston Harbor after a three-year voyage.

1831 – The first steam locomotive began its first trip between Schenectady and Albany, NY.

1859 – The escalator was patented by Nathan Ames.

1892 – Thomas Edison received a patent for a two-way telegraph.

1910 – A.J. Fisher received a patent for the electric washing machine.

1930 – Betty Boop made her cartoon debut in “Dizzy Dishes”, created by Max Fleischer.

1936 – At the Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal, becoming the first American to win four medals in one Olympic Games.

1944 – The United States Forest Service and the Wartime Advertising Council released posters featuring “Smokey the Bear” for the first time.

1945 – The U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The bombing came three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. About 74,000 people were killed. Japan surrendered August 14.

1945 – The first network television broadcast occurred in Washington, DC. The program announced the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.

1947 – An earthquake damaged chimneys and cracked plaster in Michigan. Damage reached as far north as Muskegon and Saginaw.

1969 – In the early morning hours of August 9th, pregnant actress Sharon Tate was stabbed to death and four others were killed (knives and gunshots) in a home in the Hollywood Hills, CA. Charles Manson and his cult are later convicted of the crime.

1974 – President Richard M. Nixon formally resigned. His Vice President, Gerald R. Ford, took his place, and became the 38th President of the United States.

1975 – The New Orleans Superdome was officially opened when the Saints played the Houston Oilers in exhibition football. The new Superdome cost $163 million to build.

1981 – Major league baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players’ strike.

1985 – The movie “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” debuted in theaters.

1989 – Director James Cameron’s undersea movie, “The Abyss”, premiered in theaters.

2000 – Bridgestone/Firestone announced the recall of 6.5 million tires implicated in hundreds of accidents and at least 46 deaths.

2001 – President George W. Bush announced he would support federal funding for limited medical research on embryonic stem cells.

2004 – Donald Duck received the 2,257th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2004 – Trump Hotel and Casion Resorts announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

2009 – The TV show “Shark Tank” premiered on ABC.

2012 – Usain Bolt became the first person to win the 100 meter and 200 meter sprint in back to back Olympics.

2014 – Michael Brown, an unarmed 18 year old African American male in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, MO, was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer. It sparked protests and unrest in the city.

BIRTHDAYS:

David Steinberg – 83 years old (1942) – Canadian comedian (Appeared on TV’s “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” more than 130 times)

Sam Elliott – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (“Up in the Air”, “The Lifeguard”, “The Contender”, TV’s “Buffalo Girls”)

Rinus Gerritsen – 79 years old (1946) – Bassist (Golden Earring)

Melanie Griffith – 68 years old (1957) – Actress (“Working Girl”, “Body Double”, “Something Wild”, “Born Yesterday”, “Lolita”)

Amanda Bearse – 67 years old (1958) – Actress (Played Marcy on TV’s “Married With Children”)

Hoda Kotb – 61 years old (1964) – TV Personality (TV’s “Today” co-host)

Deion Sanders – 58 years old (1967) – Football/Baseball Player

Gillian Anderson – 57 years old (1968) – Actress (TV’s “X-Files”)

Eric Bana – 57 years old (1968) – Actor (“The Time Traveler’s Wife”, “Funny People”, “Star Trek”, “Troy”, “Hulk”, “Black Hawk Down”)

Kevin McKidd – 52 years old (1973) – Actor (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Rome”, movie “Trainspotting”)

Anna Kendrick – 40 years old (1985) – Actress (“Up in the Air”, “Twilight”, “Pitch Perfect”, “Into the Woods”)

TODAY IS:

National Book Lovers Day: Crack open your favorite book, visit a bookshop or library to find your next great read, and enjoy the relaxation and joy of being a reader and book lover.
Melon Day: Savoring the juicy sweetness of summer's bounty, biting into the refreshing fruit that brings a burst of refreshment on a warm day.
National Bowling Day: High fashion shoes, greasy balls, and the clack of pins: get together some friends or family for a friendly bowling game, or join a league or competition.
National Rice Pudding Day: Try your hand at making your own rice pudding, a sweet, subtly-flavored dessert that is easy to make with just rice, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, raisins, and cinnamon.
Betty Boop Day: Discover the charm and legacy of an iconic animated character who captivated audiences with her unique style.
International Coworking Day: Working with others can improve productivity and offer social outlets at work. Attend a seminar, or talk to your boss about coworking opportunities where you work.
National Garage Sale Day: De-clutter your garage, yard, and house by hosting a garage or yard sale to get rid of all your unneeded items, and hopefully get a little money in return.
National Passion Fruit Day: Exotic, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this tropical fruit captivates palates with its tangy sweetness and aromatic allure.
Hold Hands Day: Interlocking fingers, hearts connect in a sweet, non-verbal language that's like a warm hug for the soul. Simply heartwarming!
National Billiards & Pool Day: A classic pastime, this intricate and noble game of cues and precision invites devotees to gather in timeless camaraderie.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples celebrates the rich cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous communities globally. This observance acknowledges their vital role in preserving biodiversity and their deep connection to the environment. By honoring their unique perspectives, we enrich our collective understanding of the world. This day also highlights...
National Women’s Day: From politics to sports, women have shattered the glass ceiling in many fields, and continue to pave the way for equality and representation.
National Veep Day: Overlooked yet influential, vice presidents shape policy, represent leadership, and balance executive duties effectively within government.
Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan is a joyous celebration of the unique bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread called a "rakhi" around their brother's wrist. This simple act symbolizes love and protection. The brother, in turn, promises to stand by her side through life’s ups and...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
Stop on Red Week: Crossing at a red light has caused countless fatalities, many of them completely avoidable. These aren’t rare, freak accidents—they happen in everyday traffic, on ordinary roads, during normal routines. Someone rushes to beat the light, doesn’t see the pedestrian, or assumes they’ll make it in time. In a split second...
Farmers Market Week: Farmers Market Week is a vibrant celebration of local markets across the country. It's a time when communities come together to appreciate the fresh, locally grown produce and unique handmade goods that these markets offer. The energy at these markets during this special week is contagious as people of all...
National Science Week: Science lovers have a very special week to look forward to every year—National Science Week. It is an exciting annual event that celebrates the wonders of science and technology. This week-long celebration aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with science through various activities and events. It's a...
International Assistance Dog Week: International Assistance Dog Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hardworking dogs that change lives. These dogs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges. Their incredible skills, combined with their loyal companionship, make them invaluable to those who rely on them...
National Exercise With Your Child Week: Encouraging outdoor play, fostering healthy habits, and instilling a love for movement in children for lifelong well-being.
Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.