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 a old (1942) – Canadian comedian (Appeared on TV’s “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” more than 130 times)
Sam Elliott – 81 a old (1944) – Actor (“Up in the Air”, “The Lifeguard”, “The Contender”, TV’s “Buffalo Girls”)
Rinus Gerritsen – 79 a old (1946) – Bassist (Golden Earring)
Melanie Griffith – 68 a old (1957) – Actress (“Working Girl”, “Body Double”, “Something Wild”, “Born Yesterday”, “Lolita”)
Amanda Bearse – 67 a old (1958) – Actress (Played Marcy on TV’s “Married With Children”)
Hoda Kotb – 61 a old (1964) – TV Personality (TV’s “Today” co-host)
Deion Sanders – 58 a old (1967) – Football/Baseball Player
Gillian Anderson – 57 a old (1968) – Actress (TV’s “X-Files”)
Eric Bana – 57 a old (1968) – Actor (“The Time Traveler’s Wife”, “Funny People”, “Star Trek”, “Troy”, “Hulk”, “Black Hawk Down”)
Kevin McKidd – 52 a old (1973) – Actor (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Rome”, movie “Trainspotting”)
Anna Kendrick – 40 a 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 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.
- National Passion Fruit Day: Exotic, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this tropical fruit captivates palates with its tangy sweetness and aromatic allure.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gay Uncles Day: Gay Uncles Day brings warmth and joy to queer family bonds. It celebrates LGBTQ relatives—especially gay uncles—who bring extra care, laughter, and connection into children’s lives. Families share photos and kind words online, helping queer kin feel appreciated and visible. Loving interactions—playing games, telling stories, giving hugs—become vivid moments of...
- National Spirit of ’45 Day: Have you ever wondered what held people together after World War II ended? National Spirit of '45 Day honors that powerful sense of unity. It's not about battles or victory. It’s about what came next—neighbors helping neighbors, families rebuilding, and communities choosing hope over fear. This day shines a light on...
- 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.
- Cantabria Day: Cantabria Day is a vibrant celebration that highlights the rich cultural identity of the Cantabrian people in northern Spain. This day signifies the region's unique customs, language, and traditions. Communities across Cantabria come alive with music, dance, and festivities, creating a colorful display of local pride. Traditional costumes, parades, and communal...
- 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 Twins Day: National Twins Day is a vibrant celebration that recognizes and honors the unique connection between twins. This day is not just about the remarkable similarities twins share but also about embracing their individuality. Across the globe, twins, their families, and friends come together to share experiences and celebrate the extraordinary...
- Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.
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For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
