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:
1793 – “The American Minerva” was published for the first time. It was the first daily newspaper in New York City and was founded by Noah Webster.
1803 – The 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by Congress. With the amendment Electors were directed to vote for a President and for a Vice-President rather than for two choices for President.
1851 – The first YMCA in North America was established in Montreal.
1879 – Thomas Edison organized the Edison Ore Milling Company.
1884 – Levant M. Richardson received a patent for the ball-bearing roller skate.
1907 – Christmas Seals went on sale for the first time, in the Wilmington, DE, post office.
1926 – The United States Golf Association legalized the use of steel-shafted golf clubs.
1914 – The Edison Phonograph Works was destroyed by fire.
1935 – The Detroit Lions won their first NFL Championship by beating the New York Giants 26-7.
1940 – The Longines Watch Company signed the first FM radio advertising contract with experimental station W2XOR in New York, NY.
1960 – Sperry Rand Corporation unveiled a new computer known as “Univac 1107.”
1962 – The Petrified Forest National Park was established in Arizona.
1965 – The first Peanuts TV special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, aired for the first time on CBS. It was the first television special based on the “Peanuts” comic strip.
1965 – A fireball was seen from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Witnesses reported something crashing in the woods near Pittsburgh, PA. In 2005 NASA admitted that they examined the object.
1968 – Douglas Engelbart debuted the computer mouse, hypertext, and the bit-mapped graphical user interface using the oN-Line System (NLS).
1972 – The #1 song in the United States was “I Am Woman“, by Helen Reddy.
1975 – President Gerald R. Ford signed a $2.3 billion seasonal loan authorization to prevent New York, NY, from having to default.
1978 – The first game of the Women’s Pro Basketball League was played between the Chicago Hustle and the Milwaukee Does.
1979 – The eradication of the smallpox virus was certified, making smallpox the first and to date only human disease driven to extinction.
1983 – The movie “Scarface”, starring Al Pacino, debuted in theaters.
1984 – The Jacksons played their last show together in Los Angeles, CA.
1988 – The movie “Twins”, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, premiered in theaters.
1990 – The first American hostages to be released by Iran began arriving in back in the United States.
1992 – Britain’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation.
1993 – The U.S. Air Force destroyed the first of 500 Minuteman II missile silos that were marked for elimination under an arms control treaty.
1993 – Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor completed repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope.
1994 – President Bill Clinton fired Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders after learning she has told a conference that masturbation should be discussed in school as part of human sexuality.
2002 – United Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after losing $4 billion in the previous two years. It was the sixth largest bankruptcy filing.
2005 – The movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, based on a series of novels by C. S. Lewis, premiered in theaters.
2008 – The Governor of Illinois, Rob Blagojevich, was arrested by federal officials for crimes including attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Barak Obama’s being elected President.
2008 – NBC announced that Jay Leno would stay with the network, to host a weekday prime time show in 2009.
2013 – AMR Corporation and US Airways Group completed a merger to become the American Airlines Group, Inc.
BIRTHDAYS:
Cliff Hagan – 94 years old (1931) – Basketball player-coach
Beau Bridges – 84 years old (1941) – Actor, director, and producer
Kenny Vance – 82 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter and music producer
Michael Nouri – 80 years old (1945) – Actor
Dennis Dunaway – 79 years old (1946) – Bass player and songwriter
Tom Daschle – 78 years old (1947) – Soldier, academic, and politician
Tom Kite – 76 years old (1949) – Golfer and architect
Michael Dorn – 73 years old (1952) – Actor and voice artist
World B. Free – 72 years old (1953) – Basketball player
John Malkovich – 72 years old (1953) – Actor and producer
Otis Birdsong – 70 years old (1955) – Basketball player and radio host
Sylvia – 69 years old (1956) – Country singer-songwriter
Donny Osmond – 68 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor
Steve Taylor – 68 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Mario Cantone – 66 years old (1959) – Comedian, actor, and writer
Stefen Fangmeier – 65 years old (1960) – Visual effects designer and director
David Anthony Higgins – 64 years old (1961) – Actor and screenwriter
Joe Lando – 64 years old (1961) – Actor
Felicity Huffman – 63 years old (1962) – Actress and producer
Roxanne Swentzell – 63 years old (1962) – Santa Clara Pueblo (Native American) ceramic sculptor
Michael Foster – 61 years old (1964) – Drummer
Joe Ausanio – 60 years old (1965) – Baseball player and coach
Kirsten Gillibrand – 59 years old (1966) – Lawyer and politician
Joshua Bell – 58 years old (1967) – Violinist and conductor
Kurt Angle – 57 years old (1968) – Freestyle and professional wrestler
Brian Bell – 57 years old (1968) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Brent Price – 57 years old (1968) – Basketball player
Jakob Dylan – 56 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Lori Greiner – 56 years old (1969) – Businesswoman and television personality
Allison Smith – 56 years old (1969) – Actress
Kara DioGuardi – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Lance Krall – 55 years old (1970) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Nick Hysong – 54 years old (1971) – Pole vaulter and coach
Reiko Aylesworth – 53 years old (1972) – Actress
Tré Cool – 53 years old (1972) – German-American drummer and songwriter
Michael Corcoran – 53 years old (1972) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Stacey Abrams – 52 years old (1973) – Politician and activist
Bárbara Padilla – 52 years old (1973) – Mexican-American soprano
David Akers – 51 years old (1974) – Football player
Canibus – 51 years old (1974) – Jamaican-American rapper
Wendy Dillinger – 51 years old (1974) – Soccer player, coach, and manager
Mona Hanna-Attisha – 49 years old (1976) – Pediatrician, professor, and public health advocate
Shayne Graham – 48 years old (1977) – Football player
Jesse Metcalfe – 47 years old (1978) – Actor and musician
Olivia Lufkin – 46 years old (1979) – Japanese-American singer-songwriter
Simon Helberg – 45 years old (1980) – Actor, comedian, and musician
Mardy Fish – 44 years old (1981) – Tennis player
Ryan Grant – 43 years old (1982) – Football player
Jim Slater – 43 years old (1982) – Ice hockey player
Jolene Purdy – 42 years old (1983) – Actress
Leon Hall – 41 years old (1984) – Football player
Gerald Henderson Jr. – 38 years old (1987) – Basketball player
Mat Latos – 38 years old (1987) – Baseball player
Hikaru Nakamura – 38 years old (1987) – Japanese-American chess player
Jeff Petry – 38 years old (1987) – Ice hockey player
Eric Bledsoe – 36 years old (1989) – Basketball player
Langston Galloway – 34 years old (1991) – Basketball player
McKayla Maroney – 30 years old (1995) – Gymnast
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 30 years old (1995) – Basketball player
Kyle Connor – 29 years old (1996) – Ice hockey player
MyKayla Skinner – 29 years old (1996) – Gymnast
AleXa – 29 years old (1996) – Singer based in South Korea
TODAY IS:
- National Pastry Day: From filo to puff, Danish to baklava, savor flaky, buttery treats from your local bakery or attend a pastry-making class to learn from the pros.
- World Techno Day: With pulsing beats and synths that transport you to another dimension, techno music is a force to be reckoned with.
- Christmas Card Day: A tradition that brings joy — with so many unique designs to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
- International Day of Veterinary Medicine: Caring for our furry friends is a serious responsibility, and veterinary medicine is the key to keeping them healthy and happy.
- International Anti-Corruption Day: By promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior, we can build a more just and equitable world.
- National Llama Day: With their friendly demeanor and fluffy appearance, llamas make great pack animals and even therapy animals due to their calming presence.
- Weary Willie Day: Weary Willie Day celebrates a unique clown character known for his sad, downcast look. Unlike typical clowns who are cheerful and brightly dressed, Weary Willie has a somber, reflective expression that sets him apart. This day honors the art of clowning and the impact it has on making us laugh...
- National Opal Apples Day: National Opal Apples Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to the unique Opal apple. This vibrant yellow apple stands out for its exceptional taste and texture. Enthusiasts and foodies come together to appreciate its sweet, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. The day invites everyone to indulge in this extraordinary fruit...
- Genocide Prevention Day: Genocide Prevention Day is a vital reminder of the world's commitment to stopping the horrors of genocide. This day emphasizes the importance of educating people about the signs of potential genocides. It encourages global cooperation to ensure that such atrocities are prevented. Remembering past tragedies helps us recognize and combat...
- Zagreb Advent: Zagreb Advent is a magical celebration that transforms Croatia's capital into a winter wonderland. The streets light up with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wooden stalls filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats line the squares, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and...
- Hanukkah: The festival of lights — a time for family, delicious eats, and stories that remind of hope's enduring glow in the darkest times.
- Advent: Advent marks a period of eager anticipation and preparation for Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Each year, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which can fall anywhere between November 27 and December 3, ending on Christmas Eve, December 24. This timing reminds us that the holiday...
- Computer Science Education Week: Computer Science Education Week sparks excitement every December, from the 4th to the 10th in 2023. This week focuses on inspiring K-12 students to dive into computer science (CS). This week, we shine a spotlight on the importance of CS in modern education, aiming to make learning accessible and equitable...
- National Influenza Vaccination Week: National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an important event that highlights the necessity of getting the flu vaccine. This week serves as a timely reminder for everyone to get vaccinated before the peak flu season hits. It's a crucial effort to prevent the spread of influenza, especially as the colder months...
- Older Driver Safety Awareness Week: Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is an important event that highlights the unique challenges older drivers face. This week encourages conversations about driving safety and mobility independence for seniors. With an aging population, the need for awareness and proactive measures is more critical than ever. The goal is to keep...
- Inclusive Schools Week: Inclusive Schools Week is a vibrant annual event that spotlights progress and dedication toward more inclusive educational environments. Celebrated during the first full week of December each year, this special week applauds schools, communities, and individuals who are pushing forward the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. It involves students...
- Clerc-Gallaudet Week: Clerc-Gallaudet Week is a special time when people stop and recognize two key figures who changed Deaf education in America. Laurent Clerc and Thomas Gallaudet weren’t just teachers — they were trailblazers who believed every Deaf child deserved a chance to learn and be heard. Their teamwork opened the door for...
- Hornbill Festival: The Hornbill Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings together various tribes in Nagaland, India. This colorful event showcases traditional music, dance, and art, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Naga people. Visitors from around the world come to experience this lively festival. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement...
- National Handwashing Awareness Week: National Handwashing Awareness Week highlights the importance of keeping our hands clean. This week reminds us how simple actions can protect our health. Clean hands can stop the spread of germs, making everyone safer. Handwashing is celebrated for many reasons. First, it reduces the risk of getting sick. By washing hands...
- Blue Christmas: While most people are at home opening presents, emergency workers are on duty, ensuring the safety of their communities over the holidays.
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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.

