August 29

Scott Winters August 29, 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:

1896 – In New York, NY, Chinese Ambassador Li Hung-chang’s chef invented chop suey.

1898 – The Goodyear Tire Company was founded.

1949 – A nuclear device was used for the first time to treat cancer patients at the University of Illinois.

1957 – Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina set a filibuster record when he spoke against a civil rights bill for 24 hours and 18 minutes.

1958 – The United States Air Force Academy opened in Colorado Springs, CO.

1965 – The Gemini V space craft, carrying astronauts Gordon Cooper and Charles (“Pete”) Conrad, splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean after eight days in space.

1966 – The Beatles performed their last concert in front of fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA.

1967 – The final episode of “The Fugitive” aired. It drew a record 72% share of the prime time audience.

1973 – President Richard Nixon was ordered by Judge John Sirica to turn over the so-called Watergate tapes of conversations secretly recorded in the Oval Office. Nixon refused and appealed the order.

1977 – Three people were arrested in Memphis after trying to steal Elvis’ body. As a result his body was moved to Graceland.

1997 – You could start renting DVDs through the mail when Netflix began.

1998 – Northwest Airlines pilots went on strike after their union rejected a last-minute company offer.

2005 – Hurricane Katrina devastated much of the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing an estimated 1,836 people and causing over $108 billion in damages.

2007 – It was revealed that Leona Helmsley, the billionaire real estate tycoon who died earlier in August, had left $12 million to her pet dog.

BIRTHDAYS:

Elliott Gould – 87 years old (1938) – Actor (“M*A*S*H”, “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice”, “Bugsy”, “Ocean’s 11”, “Ocean’s 12”, “Ocean’s 13”)

Deborah Van Valkenburgh – 73 years old (1952) – Actress (Placed Jackie Rush on TV’s “Too Close for Comfort”, movies “The Warriors”, “Road to Hell”)

Rebecca DeMornay – 66 years old (1959) – Actress (“Risky Business”, “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”, “Guilty as Sin”, “Backdraft”)

Carla Gugino – 54 years old (1971) – Actress (TV’s “Entourage”, “Chicago Hope”, “Wayward Pines”, movies “Spy Kids”, “San Andreas”, “Sin City”, “Snake Eyes”)

Lea Michele – 39 years old (1986) – Actress (TV’s “Glee”)

Nicole Anderson – 35 years old (1990) – Actress (TV’s “J.O.N.A.S!”, movie “Mean Girls 2”)

TODAY IS:

More Herbs, Less Salt Day: Low salt doesn’t mean flavorless. Find some healthy new recipes, or make your old recipes healthier by substituting some of the salt for more flavorful herbs.
National Chop Suey Day: Order take-out or go to a Chinese restaurant and get plenty of chop suey, or “assorted pieces”, a flavorful dish associated with Chinese-American food.
International Day Against Nuclear Tests: The International Day against Nuclear Tests is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to eliminate nuclear testing worldwide. This observance indicates the devastating effects of nuclear explosions on people and the environment. It is a call to action for global leaders and citizens alike to work toward a world free...
National Lemon Juice Day: Adding a zesty, tangy twist to dishes and drinks, it's like a burst of sunshine that brings a delightful pop of flavor.
Individual Rights Day: Read philosopher John Locke’s fantastic arguments for individual rights, the inalienable rights of every human being of all kinds as individuals, not just a group.
National Sports Day: National Sports Day gets people moving, laughing, and competing in the best way possible. From parks to schoolyards, the day turns everyday spaces into hubs of energy. Children race, adults join games, and families cheer with full hearts. It’s not about trophies or records—it’s about jumping in, playing hard, and feeling...
Potteries Bottle Oven Day: Honor the last time the traditional Potteries Bottle Oven was fired by Gladstone Pottery Museum in the UK’s pottery history heaven, Stoke-on-Trent.
According to Hoyle Day: According to Hoyle Day celebrates the name behind the rules of many popular games. Named after Edmond Hoyle, an expert in card games, this day honors the clarity and precision of Hoyle's work. His name has become synonymous with fairness and following the rules. This day reminds us of the...
National College Colors Day: Wear the colors of your favorite school sports team to show your support and loyalty as a fan, and let others know where your loyalties lie.
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...
Be Kind to Humankind Week: Genuine gestures illuminate hearts, weaving compassion into the fabric of everyday connections, fostering solidarity and empathy.
Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
National Composites Week: National Composites Week is an event that spotlights the critical role composite materials play in various industries. These materials, known for their strength, durability, and flexibility, are used in everything from aerospace to everyday consumer goods. During this week, the spotlight is on the innovative ways these composites enhance product performance...
Literacy & Numeracy Week: We can all agree that daily life would be much harder without the ability to read, write, and count. Therefore, Literacy & Numeracy Week highlights the importance of these vital skills. This celebration aims to get everyone involved, from young children to adults, in understanding how these skills play a...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...