August 4

Scott Winters August 4, 2025 1 Comment

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:

1693 – This date is traditionally given for Dom Perignon’s invention of champagne. It is not clear whether he actually invented champagne, but he has been credited as an innovator who developed the techniques used to perfect sparkling wine.

1790 – The Revenue Cutter Service was formed. This was the beginning of the U.S. Coast Guard.

1814 – The United States attacked Mackinac Island, which was held by the British. The U.S. was not successful and did not regain the island and fort until the War of 1812 ended in 1815.

1821 – “The Saturday Evening Post” was published for the first time as a weekly newspaper.

1830 – Plans for the city of Chicago were laid out.

1876 – Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI was founded.

1877 – The first telephone in Michigan was demonstrated. It was owned by a Grand Rapids, MI plaster company whose president was a close personal friend of Alexander Graham Bell.

1892 – The father and stepmother of Lizzie Borden were found murdered in their Fall River, MA, home.

1929 – A 20-passenger ferry, the Water Lily, began service from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale, and Michigan residents could island for the first time.

1944 – Nazi police raided a house in Amsterdam and arrested eight people. Anne Frank, who was a teenager at the time, was one of the people arrested. After her death, her diary would be published.

1945 – Golfer Byron Nelson recorded the most tournament wins in a season with 18.

1956 – Elvis Presley released the song “Hound Dog”.

1958 – Billboard Magazine introduced its “Hot 100” chart. The first #1 song was Ricky Nelson’s “Poor Little Fool.”

1966 – A ban of the broadcast of any and all Beatles records on most U.S. radio stations went into effect. The ban was in response to John Lennon making the statement that the Beatles were now more popular than Jesus Christ.

1972 – Arthur Bremer was found guilty of shooting George Wallace, the governor of Alabama. Bremer was sentenced to 63 years in prison.

1977 – President Jimmy Carter signed legislation creating the U.S. Department of Energy.

1979 – The film “Rock & Roll High School”, starring the Ramones, premiered in New York, NY.

1983 – New York Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield threw a baseball during warm-ups and accidentally killed a seagull. After the game, Toronto police arrested him for “causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.”

1984 – Carl Lewis won a gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympics.

1987 – The Federal Communications Commission rescinded the Fairness Doctrine which had required radio and television stations to present controversial issues “fairly”.

1991 – The Oceanos, a Greek luxury liner, sank off of South Africa’s southeast coast. All of the 402 passengers and 179 crew members survived.

1993 – A federal judge sentenced Los Angeles, CA Police Department officers Stacey Koon and Laurence Powell to 30 months in prison for violating motorist Rodney King’s civil rights.

2002 – “The Anna Nicole Show” had the highest-rated series premiere in basic cable history.

2007 – NASA’s Phoenix spacecraft was launched on a space exploration mission of Mars. The Phoenix landed on Mars on May 25, 2008 and operated until November 2, 2008.

2015 – Grand Rapids, MI elected its first woman mayor. Rosalynn Bliss was elected as the city’s 59th mayor just one day after her 40th birthday. She received two-thirds of the vote in the city’s mayoral primary election.

2020 – The United Nations said the COVID-19 pandemic had created the biggest educational disruption in history affecting nearly 1.6 million students in 190 countries.

BIRTHDAYS:

Billy Bob Thornton – 70 years old (1955) – Actor (“Sling Blade”, “A Simple Plan”)

Kym Karath – 67 years old (1958) – Actress (Played Gretl, the youngest of the Von Trapp children, in “The Sound of Music”)

Barack Obama – 64 years old (1961) – 44th President of the United States (2009-2017)

Lauren Tom – 64 years old (1961) – Actress (“Futurama”, “The Joy Luck Club”)

Roger Clemens – 63 years old (1962) – Baseball player

Paul Reynolds – 63 years old (1962) – Guitarist (A Flock of Seagulls)

Daniel Dae Kim – 57 years old (1968) – Actor (TV’s “Hawaii Five-0”, “Lost”, “24”)

Michael DeLuise – 56 years old (1969) – Actor (“Wayne’s World”, “Encino Man”, TV’s “The Gilmore Girls”, “NYPD Blue”, “Seaquest DSV”, “21 Jump Street”)

Jeff Gordon – 54 years old (1971) – Race car driver

Kurt Busch – 47 years old (1971) – Race car driver

Meghan Markle – 47 years old (1981) – Duchess of Sussex

Crystal Bowersox – 40 years old (1985) – Singer (Runner-up on TV’s “American Idol: Season 9”)

TODAY IS:

National White Wine Day: Sipping on that chilled, light and refreshing beverage is like a delightful escape to a relaxing oasis. Cheers to good times!
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day: Soft, gooey dough studded with sweet morsels of delight, fresh from the oven - a timeless treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Single Working Women’s Day: Tell all the single working women in your life how much you respect and appreciate them. If you’re a single working woman, treat yourself to something nice.
International Owl Awareness Day: While they can’t turn their heads all the way around like some people believe, these fascinating creatures do have lots of spectacular features going for them! International Owl Awareness Day is here to promote public education about owls and encourage more people to support efforts to protect their habitat and...
U.S. Coast Guard Birthday: Show your support for the brave men and women of the US Coast Guard who put their lives on the line to save ours, from fishing boats accidents to hurricanes.
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...
International Clouded Leopard Day: Raise awareness and help unite the world in the fight to save the clouded leopard, a vulnerable species of big cat with a tragically decreasing population.
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...
Assistance Dog Day: Join an event like a dog walk, fundraiser, or dog show to appreciate the many tasks assistance dogs perform, from seizure detection to seeing-eye dogs and more.
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...
Hooray for Kids Day: Little explorers, full of curiosity, boundless energy, and a knack for turning everyday objects into extraordinary adventures and laughter.
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...
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...
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.