August 31

Scott Winters August 31, 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:

1803 – Lewis and Clark started their expedition to the west from Pittsburgh, PA.

1809 – Michigan’s first newspaper was printed. “The Michigan Essay” was printed in Detroit, MI. There was only 1 issue ever printed.

1887 – Thomas Edison patented the kinetoscope — the first movie projector.

1914 – Bloomingdale, MI had 9.78″ of rain in 24 hours, breaking the state’s rainfall total.

1920 – The first news program to be broadcast on radio was aired. The station was 8MK in Detroit, MI.

1920 – John Lloyd Wright was issued a patent for “Toy-Cabin Construction,” which are now called “Lincoln Logs”.

1964 – California officially became the most populated state in America.

1965 – The Department of Housing and Urban Development was created by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

1974 – TV’s “The Partridge Family” ended its original run on ABC.

1985 – The “Night Stalker” killer, Richard Ramirez, was captured in Los Angeles, CA.

1991 – In a “Solidarity Day” protest hundreds of thousands of union members marched in Washington, DC.

1997 – Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, her companion Dodi Fayed, and driver Henri Paul died in a car crash in Paris. Princess Di was 36. (Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?)

1998 – “Titanic” became the first movie in North America to earn more than $600 million.

2004 – The TV show “Dog the Bounty Hunter” premiered on A&E. The reality show chronicled Duane “Dog” Chapman’s experiences as a bounty hunter.

2005 – Martha Stewart was permitted to remove the electronic ankle bracelet that had been monitoring her every move under the terms of her five-month house arrest.

2006 – Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream”, that was stolen on August 22, 2004, was recovered in a raid by Norwegian police.

2009 – Walt Disney Co. announced it was acquiring comic book giant Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.

2015 – President Obama officially re-designated Alaska’s Mt. McKinley as Denali, its native American name.

BIRTHDAYS:

Van Morrison – 80 years old (1945) – Musician

Itzhak Perlman – 80 years old (1945) – Violinist, conductor,

Rudolph Schenker – 77 years old (1948) – Guitarist (Scorpions)

Richard Gere – 76 years old (1949) – Actor (“An Officer and a Gentleman”, “Pretty Woman”, “Chicago”, “Primal Fear”, “American Gigolo”)

Gina Schock – 68 years old (1957) – Drummer (The Go-Go’s)

Glenn Tilbrook – 68 years old (1957) – Singer, guitarist (Squeeze)

Tony DeFranco – 66 years old (1959) – Singer (The DeFranco Family)

Rachel Dennison – 66 years old (1959) – Actress (TV’s “9 to 5”)

Jeff Russo – 56 years old (1969) – Guitarist, vocalist (Tonic)

Debbie Gibson – 55 years old (1970) – Singer, Actor

Chris Tucker – 54 years old (1971) – Actor, comedian (“Rush Hour” 1-3, “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Money Talks”, “Dead Presidents”, “Friday”)

Sara Ramirez – 50 years old (1975) – Actress (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”)

TODAY IS:

National Eat Outside Day: Savor the sunshine while delighting in the scrumptious flavors of nature. Eating outside is a treat for the senses and the soul!
National Zoo Awareness Day: National Zoo Awareness Day encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty and importance of zoos. This day invites people to explore the wonders of wildlife and learn about the crucial role zoos play in conservation. When visiting zoos, families and friends can bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. Zoos...
We Love Memoirs Day: Delving into someone else's life story, wrapped in their adventures and life lessons, can be a captivating journey worth taking.
International Overdose Awareness Day: Wear silver or purple, attend an event or seminar, and help raise awareness about the prevalence of overdoses and how such events can destroy families.
National Matchmaker Day: National Matchmaker Day is a delightful occasion that celebrates the individuals who bring people together. Whether they're professionals or just friends who enjoy playing Cupid, matchmakers help create love stories. This day is dedicated to those who work behind the scenes to connect hearts, reminding us of the importance of...
National Trail Mix Day: Go for the classic, or check out the bulk bins for a mix of nuts, fruits, and chocolate to craft your own trail mix, from cashews to filberts, craisins to apricots.
Social Justice Sunday: Ever wanted to make a real difference in your community? Social Justice Sunday gives you that chance! It’s a day dedicated to reflecting on fairness, promoting equality, and taking action to support those in need. Social Justice Sunday is a key day observed in Australia, inspiring action and reflection on...
World Distance Learning Day: Learning has never been so flexible, fast, and full of choices. World Distance Learning Day shines a spotlight on education without borders. No crowded classrooms or heavy bags—just a screen, a spark of curiosity, and the tools to grow. People everywhere tap into lessons from across the globe, often without leaving...
Love Litigating Lawyers Day: If you know a lawyer or, take this opportunity to give them a big thank you for the hard work they do, while often being stereotyped and joked about.
National Diatomaceous Earth Day: National Diatomaceous Earth Day celebrates one of nature’s quiet wonders—diatomaceous earth. This soft, chalky powder comes from ancient algae-like creatures called diatoms. Over time, their fossilized shells built up into thick layers beneath lakes and oceans. Today, this earthy dust helps with everything from keeping bugs out of gardens to...
National South Carolina Day: National South Carolina Day honors the rich heritage of the Palmetto State. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic shoreline, South Carolina's diverse landscapes tell tales of natural beauty. Its vibrant cities and quaint towns reflect a blend of cultures and traditions, making it a unique tapestry of American...
International Day for People of African Descent: Honoring cultural richness, contributions, and resilience, amplifying voices and stories from the vibrant tapestry of African heritage.
World Stop Sign Day: With the slogan, “STOP when you have to stop”, this event is here to honor the important history of the stop sign and encourage those who might simply need to put on the brakes of their life. World Stop Day can help to promote healthy boundaries, remind humans of their...
Hari Merdeka: Hari Merdeka is a day when the Malayan people come together to celebrate independence. On this day, they feel a deep sense of pride and unity. Citizens reflect on the nation's journey and achievements. Vibrant parades and colorful displays fill the streets, and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. This day is...
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...
International Bat Night: Find the nearest bat habitat and see if you can spot some of these eco-system-sustaining, adorable, awe-inspiring flying critters on International Bat Night.
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...
Legacy Week: Legacy Week is an exciting time dedicated to celebrating and honoring the contributions of individuals and groups who have made significant impacts in various fields. It often features a mix of engaging events, thoughtful ceremonies, and educational activities. From lively parties and movie nights to solemn memorial services, this week...
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...