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:
1492 – Christopher Columbus left Palos, Spain with three ships: the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria. The voyage led him to what is now known as the Americas. He reached the Bahamas on October 12.
1678 – Robert LaSalle built the Le Griffon, the first known ship built on the Great Lakes.
1900 – The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. was founded.
1921 – Army pilot John Macready took off from McCook Field in Dayton, OH for the very first crop dusting.
1922 – WGY radio in Schenectady, NY, presented the first full-length drama on the radio. It was “The Wolf”, written by Eugene Walter.
1923 – Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the 30th President of the U.S. after the sudden death of President Warren G. Harding.
1933 – The Mickey Mouse Watch was introduced. The cost: $2.75.
1936 – Jesse Owens won the first of his four Olympic gold medals.
1946 – Santa Claus Land opened in Santa Claus, IN. It was the world’s first themed amusement park.
1949 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. The league was formed by the merger between the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League.
1956 – Bedloe’s Island became known as Liberty Island.
1958 – The nuclear submarine USS Nautilus became the first vessel to cross the North Pole underwater. The mission was known as “Operation Sunshine.”
1977 – Tandy Corporation announced the TRS-80. It was one of the world’s first mass-produced home computers. Read more about it here.
1979 – The movie “More American Graffiti” was released.
1981 – U.S. air traffic controllers went on strike. They were fired by President Ronald Reagan, just as he had warned them they would be.
1984 – Mary Lou Retton won a gold medal at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
1985 – Mail service returned to a nudist colony in Paradise Lake, FL. Residents promised that they’d wear clothes, or stay out of sight, when the mail carrier came to deliver their mail.
1993 – The Senate voted 96-3 to confirm Supreme Court nominee Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
1996 – The #1 song was “Macarena“, a Spanish dance song by Los del Río.
1999 – Patsy Cline received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1999 – Arbitrators ruled that the U.S. government must pay the heirs of Abraham Zapruder $16 million for his footage of the Kennedy assassination in Dallas, TX.
2004 – In New York City, The Statue of Liberty opened to the public for the first time since the September 11th attacks. Because of security concerns, tourists are not allowed to climb to the crown.
2004 – NASA launched the spacecraft Messenger. The 6-1/2 year journey was to begin orbiting the planet Mercury in March 2011. However, on April 30, 2015, Messenger crashed into the surface of Mercury. Before it crashed it had been able to send back more than 270,000 pictures.
BIRTHDAYS:
Steven Berkoff – 88 a old (1937) – Actor (Lt. Col Podovsky in “Rambo: First Blood Part II”, played General Orlov in the James Bond film “Octopussy”, played Victor Maitland in “Beverly Hills Cop”, and Adolf Hitler in the TV mini-series “War and Remembrance”)
Martin Sheen – 85 a old (1940) – Actor (“Badlands”, “Apocalypse Now”, “Catch Me If You Can”, TV’s “West Wing)
Beverly Lee – 84 a old (1941) – Singer (The Shirelles)
Martha Stewart – 84 a old (1941) – Television Personality (TV’s “Martha Stewart Living”)
John Landis – 75 a old (1950) – Director (“Animal House”, “The Blues Brothers”, “Three Amigos!”, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video)
Jo Marie Payton – 75 a old (1950) – Actress (Played Harriette Winslow on TV’s “Family Matters”, “Will & Grace”)
John C. McGinley – 66 a old (1959) – Actor (TV’s “Ground Floor”, “Scrubs”, movies “Office Space”, “Platoon”, “Wall Street”)
James Hetfield – 62 a old (1963) – Lead singer, guitarist (Metallica)
Ed Roland – 62 a old (1963) – Lead singer (Collective Soul)
Isaiah Washington – 62 a old (1963) – Actor (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”, movies “Exit Wounds”, “Romeo Must Die”, “Clockers”)
Evangeline Lilly – 46 a old (1979) – Actress (TV’s “Lost”, movies “Ant-man”, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies/The Desolation of Smaug”)
TODAY IS:
- National Watermelon Day: Hydrating, sweet, and cold, watermelons taste like backyard barbecues and hot summer days. Dig into a slice, make a smoothie, or put together a fruit salad.
- Terry Fox Day: Terry Fox Day honors the incredible journey of a young man who inspired a nation. Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete, began a cross-country run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. His spirit and determination touched the hearts of millions, making this day a celebration of courage and hope. People...
- Heritage Day in Alberta: Heritage Day in Alberta is a vibrant celebration of the province's rich cultural diversity. People from different backgrounds come together to honor their unique traditions and histories. It's a day filled with lively events showcasing the colorful tapestry of Alberta’s communities. Festivals, parades, and performances highlight the various cultural contributions...
- Festival Monday: In the United Kingdom, Festival Monday is a cherished holiday that allows people to embrace the last days of summer. This day, often filled with outdoor activities and local festivals, provides a much-needed break before the busy autumn season begins. In England and Wales, many cities host fairs, music events...
- Commerce Day: Commerce Day is a celebration dedicated to recognizing the role of business in our everyday lives. On this day, we appreciate how trade shapes our communities and fuels economic growth. The day highlights the importance of commerce in connecting people, providing jobs, and driving innovation. It’s a time to reflect...
- National Grab Some Nuts Day: Munching on those crunchy, bite-sized goodies is like a tasty power-up, giving a burst of energy and satisfying hunger pangs!
- Picnic Day NT: Picnic Day in the Northern Territory of Australia is a vibrant celebration that brings people together to enjoy the great outdoors. It's a public holiday that offers various festivities, giving residents a well-deserved break. Families and friends gather in parks, gardens, and open spaces to indulge in picnics, making the most...
- Clean Your Floors Day: Stop procrastinating and clean your floors. Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, and vacuuming are all things we should probably be doing a lot more of.
- New South Wales Bank Holiday: The New South Wales Bank Holiday gives bank and finance workers a quiet Monday off in August. It’s a break meant just for them, away from numbers, calls, and deadlines. Offices shut their doors, letting staff breathe after months of pressure. Though it doesn’t apply to everyone, it brings a...
- National Hair Gloss Day: National Hair Gloss Day is all about celebrating shiny, healthy hair. It’s a day to appreciate the little boost that a good gloss treatment can give, whether it’s done at home or in a salon. These treatments don’t just make hair shinier—they also enhance color, smooth frizz, and add softness...
- Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day: Help raise awareness and support aid and research for those afflicted with Cloves Syndrome, a disorder that causes overgrowth and often vascular issues.
- Big Forehead Day: Big Forehead Day shines a light on an often-overlooked body feature: the forehead. This day is a vibrant celebration of those sporting more substantial foreheads, promoting self-acceptance and love for what makes each of us unique. It’s a day to wear your forehead proudly, boosting self-esteem by focusing on the...
- British Columbia Day: British Columbia Day is a vibrant celebration of the province's rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse communities. This holiday provides an opportunity for residents to honor the achievements and contributions of those who have shaped British Columbia. Whether through local festivals, outdoor activities, or community gatherings, the day is filled...
- Natal Day: Natal Day is a vibrant celebration marking the birth of Nova Scotia. It's a time for locals and visitors to come together and honor the province’s rich heritage and culture. The day is packed with exciting events that appeal to all ages, making it a beloved holiday in the region. People...
- New Brunswick Day: New Brunswick Day is a lively celebration that brings people together across the province. This day is filled with fun activities, delicious food, and vibrant cultural displays. Communities host events like parades, concerts, and fireworks, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Streets transform into festive venues, bustling with music...
- Civic Holiday: Civic Holiday is a special day that brings joy and relaxation across Canada. Families and friends gather for fun activities and quality time. It offers a delightful break from routine, perfect for summer enjoyment. This holiday celebrates various important aspects of Canadian life. Different regions might honor local history, notable individuals...
- 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...
- World Breastfeeding Week: Nurturing a bond like no other, this natural act of love fosters the health and well-being of both mother and child.
- National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
- Stop on Red Week: Crossing at a red light has caused countless fatalities, many of them completely avoidable. These aren’t rare, freak accidents—they happen in everyday traffic, on ordinary roads, during normal routines. Someone rushes to beat the light, doesn’t see the pedestrian, or assumes they’ll make it in time. In a split second...
- Farmers Market Week: Farmers Market Week is a vibrant celebration of local markets across the country. It's a time when communities come together to appreciate the fresh, locally grown produce and unique handmade goods that these markets offer. The energy at these markets during this special week is contagious as people of all...
- International Assistance Dog Week: International Assistance Dog Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hardworking dogs that change lives. These dogs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges. Their incredible skills, combined with their loyal companionship, make them invaluable to those who rely on them...
- National Exercise With Your Child Week: Encouraging outdoor play, fostering healthy habits, and instilling a love for movement in children for lifelong well-being.
- Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.
- International Clown Week: Exploring playful characters, spreading joy with colorful costumes, and delighting audiences with whimsical performances and antics.
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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.
