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:
1788 – The steamboat was patented by Isaac Briggs and William Longstreet.
1790 – The U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York, NY.
1842 – In New York, NY, a private company called “City Despatch Post” began operations. The company that was the first to introduce adhesive postage stamps in the western hemisphere. The company was bought by the U.S. Government a few months later and renamed “United States City Despatch Post”.
1861 – Texas voted to secede from the Union.
1865 – President Abraham Lincoln signed a Joint Resolution submitting the proposed 13th Amendment to the states.
1867 – With the completion of I-94, Michigan becomes the first state to have an interstate highway from border to border.
1867 – Bricklayers start working 8-hour days.
1884 – The first volume (A to Ant) of the Oxford English Dictionary was published.
1893 – In West Orange, NJ, Thomas Edison completed work on the world’s first motion picture studio, the Black Maria.
1898 – The first automobile insurance policy was issued by the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, CT. It cost Dr. Truman Martin of Buffalo, NY, $11.25 for the policy, which gave him $5,000 in liability coverage.
1900 – The $1 Brownie box camera was introduced by the Eastman Kodak Company.
1913 – Grand Central Terminal (also known as Grand Central Station) opened in New York City, NY. It was the largest train station in the world.
1919 – The first “Miss America” was crowned in New York, NY.
1920 – The first armored car was introduced.
1930 – The Times published their first crossword puzzle.
1949 – RCA Victor introduces the 45 rpm record.
1951 – The first telecast of an atomic explosion took place.
1951 – The first X-ray moving picture process was demonstrated.
1957 – P.H. Young became the first black pilot on a scheduled passenger airline.
1964 – The Beatles had their first number one hit in the United States with “I Want to Hold Your Hand”.
1964 – The governor of Indiana declared that the song “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen was pornographic. He requested that the state’s radio stations not play the song.
1967 – The final link of I-94 was completed. This made Michigan the first state in the U.S. to have a border-to-border interstate highway. The highway runs from New Buffalo to Port Huron.
1968 – Priscilla Beaulieu Presley gave birth to Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.
1976 – The “Sonny and Cher” television show resumed despite the two being divorced.
1978 – Director Roman Polanski skipped bail and fled the United States to France after pleading guilty to charges of having sex with a 13 year old girl.
1979 – Patty Hearst was released from prison after serving 22 months of a seven-year sentence for bank robbery. Her sentence had been commuted by President Jimmy Carter.
1982 – TV 17, then WWMA, signed on with Pay TV authorization (never used).
1985 – Glenn Frey made his acting debut as a pilot on an episode of “Miami Vice” that is based on his song “Smuggler’s Blues”.
1987 – Terry Williams won the largest slot machine payoff, at the time, when won $4.9 million after getting four lucky 7’s on a machine in Reno, NV.
1993 – Gary Bettman became the NHL’s first commissioner.
1994 – Jeff Gillooly pleaded guilty in Portland, OR, for his role in the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Gillooly, Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, struck a plea bargain in which he confessed to racketeering charges in exchange for testimony implicating Harding.
1996 – Visa and Mastercard announced security measures that would make it safe to shop on the Internet.
1998 – Stuart Whitman received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1999 – Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky gave a deposition that was videotaped for senators weighing impeachment charges against President Bill Clinton.
2002 – Actress Winona Ryder was charged with four felony counts that stemmed from her shoplifting arrest on December 12, 2001. She was charged with theft, burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance.
2002 – Daniel Pearl, an American journalist and South Asia Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal, was beheaded and mutilated by his captors. He was kidnapped on January 23, 2002.
2003 – NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) disintegrated during re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere. All seven astronauts on board died.
2004 – Janet Jackson’s breast was briefly exposed on national television by Justin Timberlake during the Super Bowl 38 halftime show in Houston. She later offered a tearful apology and CBS was fined $550,000 by the FCC for what was termed a “wardrobe malfunction”. As a result, broadcasters adopted a stronger adherence to the Federal Communications Commission censorship guidelines.
2008 – Britney Spears was committed to a mental hospital as “a danger to herself and others”.
2010 – More than 80 artists gathered to record the remake of “We Are The World”. The next day Janet Jackson laid down her version of Michael Jackson’s part. The song premiered at the opening of the Winter Olympics on February 12.
BIRTHDAYS:
Garrett Morris – 89 years old (1937) – Actor and comedian
Jacky Cupit – 88 years old (1938) – Golfer
Jerry Spinelli – 85 years old (1941) – Author
Mike Campbell – 76 years old (1950) – Guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Rich Williams – 76 years old (1950) – Guitarist and songwriter
Sonny Landreth – 75 years old (1951) – Guitarist and songwriter
Chuck Dukowski – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Bill Mumy – 72 years old (1954) – Actor, writer, and musician
T. R. Dunn – 71 years old (1955) – Basketball player and coach
Exene Cervenka – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Gilbert Hernandez – 69 years old (1957) – Author and illustrator
Daniel M. Tani – 65 years old (1961) – Engineer and astronaut
Sherilyn Fenn – 61 years old (1965) – Actress
Michelle Akers – 60 years old (1966) – Soccer player
Meg Cabot – 59 years old (1967) – Author and screenwriter
Pauly Shore – 58 years old (1968) – Actor and comedian
Brian Krause – 57 years old (1969) – Actor
Joshua Redman – 57 years old (1969) – Musician and composer
Patrick Wilson – 57 years old (1969) – Musician and songwriter
Michael C. Hall – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and producer
Andrew DeClercq – 53 years old (1973) – Basketball player and coach
Walter McCarty – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player and coach
Big Boi – 51 years old (1975) – Rapper
Phil Ivey – 50 years old (1976) – Poker player
Jason Isbell – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Heather DeLoach – 43 years old (1983) – Actress
Kevin Martin – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player
Andrew VanWyngarden – 43 years old (1983) – Singer-songwriter and musician
Lauren Conrad – 40 years old (1986) – Fashion designer and author
Austin Jackson – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player
Heather Morris – 39 years old (1987) – Actress, singer, and dancer
Ronda Rousey – 39 years old (1987) – Mixed martial artist, wrestler and actress
Brett Anderson – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player
Tyler Myers – 36 years old (1990) – American-Canadian ice hockey player
Sean Manaea – 34 years old (1992) – Baseball player
Drew Eubanks – 29 years old (1997) – Basketball player
Talanoa Hufanga – 26 years old (2000) – Football player
TODAY IS:
- Change Your Password Day:
- National Yorkshire Pudding Day: Golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside — the perfect accompaniment to any roast dinner!
- Thaipusam:
- World Hijab Day: Hijab is a style of modest dress that has been part of the Muslim religious faith for hundreds of years. More than just women wearing a head covering, though that is part of it, hijab dress is an important part of lifestyle for both men and women of faith.
- National Texas Day: In the land of big flavors and even bigger horizons, there's a place where southern charm meets modern adventure.
- National Baked Alaska Day: Picture a crispy golden exterior, followed by a layer of cool, creamy ice cream. Top it off with a blow-torched meringue for a heavenly dessert!
- National Get Up Day: Life's journey is a series of stumbles and recoveries, teaching the importance of resilience and the beauty of rising stronger.
- National Dark Chocolate Day: The rich, decadent flavor of cocoa with a hint of bitterness. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this treat is perfect for any occasion.
- Robinson Crusoe Day: Follow the thrilling adventure of a man stranded on a deserted island, fighting for survival, and learning to thrive in isolation.
- National Serpent Day: They're slinky, slippery, and oh so fascinating! With mesmerizing patterns and a mysterious reputation, serpents are truly captivating creatures.
- Conservatorship and Guardianship Abuse Awareness Day:
- International Face and Body Art Day:
- National Freedom Day: Everyone should have the freedom to live their lives without discrimination based on their race, gender, sexuality, or beliefs.
- Holiday Hugs Day:
- Car Insurance Day: Protecting your trusty four-wheeled companion, just in case life decides to throw a curveball your way on the open road.
- Scout Sunday:
- G.I. Joe Day:
- Decorating With Candy Day: Add a touch of sweetness to spaces with colorful and creative edible arrangements that bring a playful charm to any setting.
- Hula in the Coola Day:
- National Unclaimed Property Day: Hidden funds, forgotten by many, await discovery—a financial treasure hunt within bureaucratic labyrinths, yielding unexpected windfalls.
- World Aspergillosis Day:
- Dump Your Significant Jerk Day: Breaking free from negativity and toxic relationships means rediscovering your happiness and embracing a brighter future.
- Spunky Old Broads Day : Age is just a number when it comes to these lively ladies! They've lived through it all and aren't afraid to speak their minds.
- St. Brigid’s Day:
- Federal Territory Day: A bustling metropolis, a seat of government, and a scenic offshore haven, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
- Women’s Heart Week: Promoting cardiovascular wellness in women empowers vibrant lives, ensuring resilient hearts beat to life's rhythm.
- Shape Up With Pickles Time:
- World Interfaith Harmony Week:
- National Green Week:
- La Poutine Week:
- Pay Your Bills Week:
- Boy Scouts Anniversary Week: Exploring the great outdoors, learning survival skills, and making new friends – who needs video games when you have camping gear and s'mores?
- Burn Awareness Week: As much as we love the warmth and coziness of fires, it's important to always be cautious and aware of potential hazards.
- National Patient Recognition Week: Acknowledging and valuing those who rely on care and support — a simple yet profound act that keeps the human connection alive.
- African Heritage and Health Week: If you're looking for delicious, healthy cuisine, look no further than the diverse array of African dishes.
- Tu BiShvat: A Jewish holiday celebrating the "New Year for Trees" and the renewal of nature, reflecting on our relationship with the environment.
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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.
