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:
1784 – The first daily paper in America, “The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser”, was published for the first time in Philadelphia, PA.
1897 – The New York Sun ran the “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial in response to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon.
1937 – “The Hobbit”, a fantasy novel by British professor J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published.
1948 – Milton Berle debuted as the host of the television show “The Texaco Star Theater” on NBC. The show was later renamed “The Milton Berle Show” with Berle being the regular host until 1967.
1957 – The television series “Perry Mason” made its debut on CBS. The show was on for 9 years.
1966 – The Soviet probe Zond 5 returned to Earth. The spacecraft completed the first unmanned round-trip flight to the moon.
1970 – “NFL Monday Night Football” made its debut on ABC. The game was between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets. The Browns beat the Jets 31-21.
1973 – Henry Kissinger was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become 56th Secretary of State. He became the first naturalized citizen to hold that office.
1981 – The U.S. Senate confirmed Sandra Day O’Connor to be the first female Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
1982 – The National Football League players began a 57-day strike. It was their first regular-season walkout.
1989 – The Senate Armed Forces Committee unanimously confirmed General Colin Powell to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1998 – The TV show “Will & Grace” debuted on NBC.
1998 – President Bill Clinton’s videotaped grand jury testimony was publicly broadcast. Clinton tussled with prosecutors over “the truth of my relationship” with Monica Lewinsky.
2001 – A multi-network broadcast of “America: A Tribute to Heroes”, was a fundraising telethon for the victims of September 11th. Appearing on the tribute were Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Calista Flockhart, Kelsey Grammer, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Robin Williams. It was broadcast on over 35 network and cable channels and raised over $200 million.
2003 – The Galileo robot spacecraft mission was terminated at the end of it’s eight-year mission by sending the probe into Jupiter’s atmosphere, where it was crushed by the pressure at the lower altitudes.
2011 – Google’s new social network service, “Google+”, was released to the public.
2012 – The iPhone 5 was released.
BIRTHDAYS:
Don Preston – 93 years old (1932) – Keyboard player and composer
Dick Simon – 92 years old (1933) – Race car driver
Dickey Lee – 89 years old (1936) – Pop-country singer-songwriter and guitarist
Diane Rehm – 89 years old (1936) – Journalist and radio host
Doug Moe – 87 years old (1938) – Basketball player and coach
Bill Kurtis – 85 years old (1940) – Journalist and producer
R. James Woolsey – 84 years old (1941) – Jr. , American scholar and diplomat, 16th Director of Central Intelligence
Sam McDowell – 83 years old (1942) – Baseball player
David Hood – 82 years old (1943) – Session bassist and trombone player
Jerry Bruckheimer – 82 years old (1943) – Film and television producer
Steve Beshear – 81 years old (1944) – Lawyer and politician, 61st Governor of Kentucky
Fannie Flagg – 81 years old (1944) – Actress, comedian, and author
Richard Childress – 80 years old (1945) – Race car driver and businessman
Kay Ryan – 80 years old (1945) – Poet and educator
Don Felder – 78 years old (1947) – Musician and songwriter
Stephen King – 78 years old (1947) – Author and screenwriter
Marsha Norman – 78 years old (1947) – Playwright and author
Artis Gilmore – 76 years old (1949) – Basketball player and radio host
Bill Murray – 75 years old (1950) – Actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter
Bruce Arena – 74 years old (1951) – Soccer player and manager
Thomas S. Ray – 71 years old (1954) – Ecologist and academic
Richard Hieb – 70 years old (1955) – Engineer and astronaut
Jack Givens – 69 years old (1956) – Basketball player and sportscaster
Marta Kauffman – 69 years old (1956) – Screenwriter and producer
Ricky Morton – 69 years old (1956) – Wrestler
Ethan Coen – 68 years old (1957) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Mark Levin – 68 years old (1957) – Lawyer, radio host, and author
Sidney Moncrief – 68 years old (1957) – Basketball player and coach
Rick Mahorn – 67 years old (1958) – Basketball player and coach
Dave Coulier – 66 years old (1959) – Actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter
Danny Cox – 66 years old (1959) – English-American baseball player and coach
David James Elliott – 65 years old (1960) – Canadian-American actor and director
Kelley Eskridge – 65 years old (1960) – Author and screenwriter
Nancy Travis – 64 years old (1961) – Actress and producer
Rob Morrow – 63 years old (1962) – Actor
Cecil Fielder – 62 years old (1963) – Baseball player and manager
Cheryl Hines – 60 years old (1965) – Actress
Faith Hill – 58 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress
Ricki Lake – 57 years old (1968) – Actress, producer, and talk show host
Jason Christiansen – 56 years old (1969) – Baseball player
Billy Porter – 56 years old (1969) – Actor and singer
Rob Benedict – 55 years old (1970) – Actor, screenwriter, and musician
Melissa Ferrick – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Samantha Power – 55 years old (1970) – Irish-American journalist, academic, and diplomat, 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Alfonso Ribeiro – 54 years old (1971) – Actor, director, and comedian
Luke Wilson – 54 years old (1971) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Jon Kitna – 53 years old (1972) – Football player and coach
Vanessa Grigoriadis – 52 years old (1973) – Journalist and author
Bryce Drew – 51 years old (1974) – Basketball player and coach
Doug Davis – 50 years old (1975) – Baseball player
Brian Tallet – 48 years old (1977) – Baseball player
Autumn Reeser – 45 years old (1980) – Actress
Nicole Richie – 44 years old (1981) – Actress, fashion designer, and author
Scott Evans – 42 years old (1983) – Actor
Maggie Grace – 42 years old (1983) – Actress
Greg Jennings – 42 years old (1983) – Football player
Joseph Mazzello – 42 years old (1983) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Reggie Nelson – 42 years old (1983) – Football player
Dwayne Bowe – 41 years old (1984) – Football player
Ahna O'Reilly – 41 years old (1984) – Actress
Ben Wildman-Tobriner – 41 years old (1984) – Swimmer
Wale – 41 years old (1984) – Rapper
Justin Durant – 40 years old (1985) – Football player
Lindsey Stirling – 39 years old (1986) – Violinist and composer
Jimmy Clausen – 38 years old (1987) – Football player
Ryan Guzman – 38 years old (1987) – Actor and model
Ashley Paris – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player
Courtney Paris – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player
Doug Baldwin – 37 years old (1988) – Football player
Jason Derulo – 36 years old (1989) – Singer-songwriter
Manny Harris – 36 years old (1989) – Basketball player
Al-Farouq Aminu – 35 years old (1990) – Basketball player
Ivan Dorschner – 35 years old (1990) – American-Filipino model and actor
Allison Scagliotti – 35 years old (1990) – Actress and musician
Christian Serratos – 35 years old (1990) – Actress
Devyn Marble – 33 years old (1992) – Basketball player
Devin Williams – 31 years old (1994) – Baseball player
TODAY IS:
- National Chai Day: With its aromatic blend of spices, this hot beverage is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day, warming your soul with each sip.
- Miniature Golf Day: You don’t have to have good golf form to enjoy putting around on a mini-golf course. Find a local (tiny) putting green and have fun with friends and family.
- Wife Appreciation Day: When you show appreciation for your wife, it communicates that you see and value her. It strengthens your bond and fosters a positive relationship.
- National Pecan Cookie Day: Impress all your friends and family with one of the tastiest desserts: pecan cookies. Like the old favorite pecan pie, but in a little circular cookie form.
- World Gratitude Day: Taking time to appreciate the little things can bring about big joy. Focusing on what you have instead of what you lack cultivates contentment.
- Cow’s Ball: The Cow’s Ball in Bohinj is a lively event that brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the end of the summer grazing season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Bohinj, this festival marks the return of shepherds and their cows from the high alpine pastures. Following a day...
- National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day: National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day focuses on the crucial role of gut health in our pets' overall well-being. This special day highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system for cats and dogs. Gut health impacts their energy, mood, and immune function. Pet lovers come together...
- Earth, Wind and Fire Appreciation Day: “Do you remember… the 21st night of September?” If you do, then you’re not alone! This catchy little phrase comes from the pop song titled September, a delightful little tune that makes everyone who hears it want to sing, dance – and remember – on this particular day! How to Celebrate...
- National Garage Condo Day: National Garage Condo Day is a special day that highlights the benefits and convenience of garage condominiums. These units provide a secure, private space to store vehicles and other items, making them an ideal solution for those needing extra storage. The day celebrates the innovative storage solutions these condos offer...
- Zero Emissions Day: Human beings struggle to breathe when the air around them is contaminated with pollution, smog, toxic chemicals, and other pollutants. The same goes for the planet! When emissions from human activity, such as greenhouse gases, are released into the air, they pollute the Earth’s atmosphere, making it harder for our...
- World Myositis Day: World Myositis Day highlights a group of rare autoimmune conditions affecting muscles. It raises public attention to how muscle inflammation can weaken people’s daily routines. It also notes how the disease may reach the lungs, heart, or skin. The day aims to boost knowledge among doctors and the public. That...
- National Opioid Awareness Day: National Opioid Awareness Day brings attention to a growing health emergency. Opioids, often used for pain relief, can quickly become dangerous. People may not realize how fast these drugs can take control. This day encourages open conversations, action, and support. It reminds us that understanding the risks helps protect lives...
- National New York Day: The energy of New York has a day all its own. National New York Day celebrates everything that makes the state stand out—its bold ideas, its fast pace, and its endless mix of people and places. From upstate farms to city streets packed with yellow cabs, the whole region feels...
- Escapology Day: Go see a professional escapologist wriggle out of impossible situations, or find a safe, beginner-friendly way to practice escapology yourself and impress your friends.
- Telegraph Pole Appreciation Day: Telegraph Pole Appreciation Day brings attention to the often-overlooked telegraph poles that dot our landscapes. These tall, wooden structures are essential for supporting power lines, telephone wires, and internet cables. They are a critical part of our daily lives, ensuring we have electricity and communication services. This day encourages people...
- World Alzheimer’s Day: Raise awareness, donate time and money, and support the millions of families affected by the degenerative cognitive disease known as Alzheimer’s.
- Student’s Day in Argentina: Student's Day in Argentina is a special occasion that spotlights young people's energy and creativity. Students across the country gather to celebrate their shared experiences and the arrival of spring. This day transforms public spaces, especially parks, into lively spots filled with music, sports, and laughter. Groups of friends enjoy...
- International Day of Peace: Since the 1982 ringing of the Peace Bell at the United Nations HQ in New York, the International Day of Peace has been a day to both build and celebrate peace.
- Independence Day in Armenia: Independence Day in Armenia symbolizes the country’s hard-won freedom. It marks a crucial turning point in Armenian history when the nation embraced its identity as a sovereign state. The celebration goes beyond mere festivities, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity that defines the Armenian people. It’s a day when...
- Day of Wallonia: The Day of Wallonia is a lively celebration of the Walloon region in Belgium. People from all over the area come together to honor their culture, traditions, and unity. The day bursts with parades, music, and joyful gatherings in towns and cities. It’s a time when the community proudly showcases...
- 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...
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. It is so significant that a whole week, Sea Otter Awareness Week, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about them. The week is packed with activities, from educational events and live streams to adoption drives and donation...
- The Abergavenny Food Festival: The Abergavenny Food Festival is a vibrant event that lights up the Welsh town of Abergavenny every September. It's not just any festival. It's a significant highlight on the UK's culinary calendar, attracting food lovers from far and wide. Why do people flock to this festival? For starters, it's a paradise...
- Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week: Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week helps us imagine a new world. Picture a space where every car trip is a safe adventure - even for the tiniest tots. This is the vision that brought Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to life. The week-long pivotal campaign raises a sad reality. We...
- National Older Workers Employment Week: National Older Workers Employment Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of Americans aged 55 and up who continue to make a difference in the workplace. Held annually during the last full week of September, this event calls attention to the unique skills and strengths these experienced employees bring. Many older...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- National Jeans for Genes Day: National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...
- National Surgical Technologists Week: National Surgical Technologists Week spotlights a vital but often overlooked part of the medical team: surgical technologists, who work behind the scenes to ensure every procedure runs smoothly. Their tasks range from preparing the operating room to sterilizing instruments and even assisting during surgery. The week celebrates their essential role...
- National Coding Week: National Coding Week is a time to celebrate and explore the world of coding. It brings people of all ages together to discover the creative and problem-solving power of programming. The week focuses on the skills needed in today’s digital world. It's an opportunity to unlock potential and encourage everyone...
- National Indoor Plant Week : Plants have the power to bring green from the outside in, livening up almost any space and supporting a better connection between humans and nature. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and wide variety of houseplants that can be found during National Indoor Plant Week and throughout the year! History of National...
- Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week : Embracing a tiny companion, discover joy in caring for a pocket-sized friend, adding warmth to daily life.
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
- World Wellness Weekend: World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is not only an event but it is also an international non-profit organization of the same name! This global event is organized to mobilize wellness professionals around the world, encouraging them to offer free wellness activities in their local communities to celebrate the topic of all-around...
- World Mitochondrial Disease Week: Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...
- Deaf Dog Awareness Week : Some estimates show that approximately 35,000 deaf dogs are living in the United States who were born deaf in both ears and more than 100,000 are deaf in just one ear. Many more will have become deaf throughout their lifetimes because of various circumstances. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is an...
- Farm Animal Awareness Week: Farm Animal Awareness Week highlights the importance of recognizing the lives of animals that provide food for us. This week aims to educate the public about the conditions these animals face and to promote better treatment. Many animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary spaces, which can lead to health problems...
- Thinking of You Week: Surprising a loved one with heartfelt words in the mail can uplift spirits and remind them they're cherished beyond measure.
Powered by Days Of The Year
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.


1 Comment
Thank you Scott for doing this blog. I find it really interesting to see what happened years ago even before I was born and what has happened since then .