August 13

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:

1846 – The American Flag was raised for the first time in Los Angeles, CA.

1889 – William Gray was granted a patent for the coin-operated telephone.

1912 – The first experimental radio license was issued to St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, PA.

1918 – Women enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time. Opha Mae Johnson was the first woman to enlist.

1931 – The first community hospital in the U.S. was dedicated in Elk City, OK.

1934 – Al Capp’s comic strip “L’il Abner” made its debut in newspapers.

1942 – The “Soybean Car” was unveiled by Henry Ford. The plastic bodied car weighed about 1000 pounds less than a car made of steel.

1942 – Walt Disney’s fifth full-length animated film, “Bambi”, was released in theaters.

1959 – Ground was broken on the $320 million Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York, NY.

1960 – A balloon satellite, “Echo I,” allowed the first two-way telephone conversation by satellite to take place.

1961 – Berlin was divided by a barbed wire fence to halt the flight of refugees. Two days later work on the Berlin Wall began.

1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts were released from a three-week quarantine to enjoy a ticker tape parade in New York, NY. That evening, at a state dinner in Los Angeles, CA, they were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon.

1979 – The roof of the uncompleted Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, IL, collapsed, killing five workers and injuring 16.

1982 – The movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” debuted in theaters.

1988 – The Palace of Auburn Hills opened.

1994 – A report indicated that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also helps prevent colon cancer.

1997 – The animated series “South Park” made its debut on Comedy Central.

2016 – Swimmer Michael Phelps ended his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4×100 medley relay, his record 23rd gold medal.

2019 – Entertainment companies CBS and Viacom announced they would merge.

BIRTHDAYS:

Joycelyn Elders – 92 years old (1933) – U.S. Surgeon General (1993-1994)

Kevin Tighe – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (Played Roy DeSoto on TV’s “Emergency,” “Lost”)

Gretchen Corbett – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (“Let’s Scare Jessica to Death”, Played Beth Davenport on TV’s “The Rockford Files”)

Danny Bonaduce – 66 years old (1959) – Actor, radio personality (TV’s “The Partridge Family”, “America’s Deadliest Home Videos, “Breaking Bonaduce”)

Dawnn Lewis – 64 years old (1961) – Actress (TV’s “A Different World”, “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”)

John Slattery – 63 years old (1962) – Actor (Played Roger Sterling on TV’s “Mad Men”)

Debi Mazar – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (TV’s “Entourage,” “L.A. Law”)

Quinn Cummings – 58 years old (1967) – Actress (Played Annie Cooper on TV’s “Family”)

TODAY IS:

• National Prosecco Day: Bubbly white wine that doesn’t break the bank! Host a party with plenty of prosecco, a popular drink with ancient roots grown in a region of Italy.
• World Calligraphy Day: Turn words into art by learning calligraphy. Take a class, watch some tutorials, or visit an art store for supplies and books on how to get started.
• International Lefthanders Day: Navigating life with a unique perspective, it's like being part of an exclusive club where creativity and adaptability shine.
• National Filet Mignon Day: The words “filet mignon” call to mind rich, succulent, melt-in-your mouth flavor. Treat yourself to a nice steak dinner, or try cooking it at home.
• Ekka People’s Day: Ekka People's Day is a lively celebration in Brisbane, Australia, that brings together city and country life. This event is part of the larger Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known as Ekka. People flock to the Brisbane Showgrounds for a day of fun, food, and festivities. The event showcases the best...
• 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...
• Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
• Bullying No Way Week: Bullying No Way Week unites Australian schools, students, and families in tackling bullying together. This annual event urges young people to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and learn how to act against it. How to Observe Bullying No Way Week Here are some creative ways to join the National Day of Action...
• 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...
• 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...
• National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.

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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.