July 8

Scott Winters July 8, 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:

1776 – Church bells (and the Liberty Bell) rang after Col. John Nixon delivered the first public reading of the United States Declaration of Independence at Independence Square in Philadelphia, PA.

1865 – C.E. Barnes received a patent for the machine gun.

1879 – The first ship to use electric lights departed from San Francisco, CA.

1881 – Edward Berner, druggist in Two Rivers, WI, poured chocolate syrup on ice cream in a dish to create an ice cream sundae. Prior to this, chocolate syrup had only been used for making ice-cream sodas.

1889 – “The Wall Street Journal” was first published.

1889 – The last bare-knuckle fight championship took place on this date. John L. Sullivan defeated Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds (yes, 75!).

1907 – Florenz Ziegfeld staged his first “Follies” on the roof of the New York Theater in New York, NY.

1932 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its lowest level of the Great Depression, closing at 41.22.

1948 – The U.S. Air Force accepted its first female recruits into a program called Women of the Air Force (WAF).

1958 – The first gold record album was presented by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The award went to the soundtrack “Oklahoma!”

1969 – The game “Twister” received a patent from the U.S. Patent Office.

1978 – The movie “Foul Play” opened in San Francisco, CA. This was the first movie for “Saturday Night Live” star Chevy Chase.

1985 – “Playboy” and “Penthouse” magazines went on sale that both featured nude pictures of Madonna.

1988 – Stevie Wonder announced he would run for mayor of Detroit in 1992. He never ended up doing so.

1991 – The TV game show “Shop ’til You Drop” debuted.

1992 – The primetime TV soap opera “Melrose Place” premiered on CBS.

2000 – J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” was released. It was the fourth book in the Harry Potter series.

2011 – Former First Lady Betty Ford passed away at the age of 93.

2011 – Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched for the final mission of the Space Shuttle program.

2011 – The movie “Horrible Bosses”, starring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx, premiered in theaters.

2016 – The animated film “The Secret Life of Pets” premiered in theaters.

2021 – President Joe Biden announced that the official conclusion of the United States involvement in the War in Afghanistan would be on August 31, 2021.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jeffrey Tambor – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (TV’s “Arrested Development”, “The Larry Sanders Show”)

Wolfgang Puck – 76 years old (1949) – Chef

Anjelica Huston – 74 years old (1951) – Actress (“The Grifters”, “Enemies: A Love Story”, “The Royal Tenenbaums”, “Adams Family Values”)

Kevin Bacon – 67 years old (1958) – Actor (“Footloose”, “Apollo 13”, “Sleepers”)

Joan Osborne – 63 years old (1962) – Singer

Beck – 55 years old (1970) -Singer, songwriter

TODAY IS:

National Video Game Day: Experience captivating alternate worlds and master new skills with interactive entertainment that pushes the boundaries of technology.
Be a Kid Again Day: Kids have so much fun just being in the world! Be a Kid Again Day is the time to embrace that inner childlike spirit and enjoy life from the unique perspective of being a kid again. How to Celebrate Be a Kid Again Day Be a Kid Again Day offers...
Cow Appreciation Day: Celebrate the quirky charm of bovine mascots advocating a chicken-centric culinary world with wit and humor.
National SCUD Day: Time to relax and laugh, and let go of any sources of drama and negativity in your life.
National Freezer Pop Day: Colorful icy treats that burst with refreshing flavors, perfect for beating the heat on sweltering summer days.
Math 2.0 Day: Bone up on your mathematics, and take some time to appreciate and learn about how math has found new uses in its blending with modern technology.
National Chocolate with Almonds Day: Chocolate covered almonds, Snickers, Almond Joy: take your pick of the many tasty treats that combine chocolate and almonds into a perfect snack.
Oneofusismissing Day: Oneofusismissing Day marks a time when we remember those we’ve lost. It invites honest sharing of stories and feelings. The day feels like a gathering of hearts, where people reach out, offer comfort, and help each other feel less alone. Words flow easily when someone asks about your loved one. Tears...
National Blueberry Day: National Blueberry Day is a festive moment to celebrate one of nature’s small wonders. It honors the tiny blueberries that burst with flavor. Folks everywhere pause to appreciate their sweet taste and vibrant hue. Many enjoy them fresh or frozen, mixing them into breakfast bowls or enjoying them straight from...
Wimbledon: Wimbledon stands out as one of the most iconic and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The event draws attention not only for the high level of competition but also for its rich traditions. Players, fans, and even members of the British Royal Family come together to celebrate the sport...
Running of the Bulls: The Running of the Bulls draws people from around the world. This thrilling spectacle involves a group of bulls charging through narrow streets, guided by daring runners. The excitement is electric, and thousands watch and participate. It's a day filled with anticipation, adrenaline, and community spirit. Whether you're a participant...
National Transplant Week: National Transplant Week highlights the vital role organ donation plays in saving lives. It's a time to consider the impact of giving and receiving transplants. The week aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider becoming donors. It's a reminder of the life-changing potential within us all. Celebrating this...