October 18

Scott Winters, Realtor

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:

1767 – The Mason-Dixon Line, the boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania, was established.

1842 – Samuel Finley Breese Morse laid his first telegraph cable.

1851 – Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” was first published as “The Whale” by Richard Bentley of London.

1867 – The U.S. took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. The land was purchased of a total of $7.2 million dollars (2 cents per acre).

1870 – The sand-blasting machine was patented.

1892 – The first long-distance telephone line between Chicago, IL, and New York, NY, was opened when Chicago Mayor Hempstead Washburne greeted New York Mayor Hugh J. Grant.

1898 – The United States took possession of Puerto Rico from Spain.

1943 – The first broadcast of “Perry Mason” was presented on CBS Radio. The show went to TV in 1957.

1954 – Texas Instruments announced the first transistor radio.

1956 – NFL commissioner Bert Bell disallowed the use of radio-equipped helmets by NFL quarterbacks.

1961 – Henri Matisse’s “Le Bateau” goes on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. It is discovered 46 days later that the painting was hung upside down.

1967 – Walt Disney’s animated movie “Jungle Book” was released. It was the 19th Disney animated feature film and the last one to be produced by Walt Disney himself.

1967 – The American League granted permission for the A’s to move to Oakland. New franchises were also awarded to Kansas City and Seattle.

1969 – The F.D.A. banned artificial sweeteners, known as cyclamates, due to evidence they cause cancer in laboratory rats.

1971 – After 34 years, the final issue of “Look” magazine was published.

1975 – Simon and Garfunkel reunited on TV’s “Saturday Night Live.”

1977 – Reggie Jackson tied Babe Ruth’s record for hitting three homeruns in a single World Series game. Jackson was only the second player to achieve this.

1979 – The Federal Communications Commission began allowing people to have home satellite systems without a federal government license.

1983 – General Motors agreed to hire more women and minorities for five years as part of a settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

1985 – Mario and Luigi made their debut in North America when Super Mario Bros and the NES gaming system was released.

1989 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on a mission that included the deployment of the Galileo Space Probe.

1991 – After a lengthy confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas swore to uphold the Constitution during an oath-taking ceremony at the White House.

1997 – A monument honoring U.S. servicewomen, past and present, was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery.

2001 – An assistant to CBS News anchor Dan Rather tested positive for anthrax.

2002 – The horror movie “The Ring” debuted in theaters.

2006 – Microsoft released Internet Explorer 7.0.

2019 – NASA Astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch took part in the first all-female spacewalk when they ventured out of the International Space Station to replace a power controller.

 

BIRTHDAYS:

Irwin M. Jacobs – 92 years old (1933) – Electrical engineer, businessman, and entrepreneur

Mike Ditka – 86 years old (1939) – Football player, coach, and sportscaster

Martha Burk – 84 years old (1941) – Psychologist and author

Chris Shays – 80 years old (1945) – Politician

Frank Beamer – 79 years old (1946) – Football player and coach

Joe Morton – 78 years old (1947) – Actor

George Hendrick – 76 years old (1949) – Baseball player and coach

Mike Antonovich – 74 years old (1951) – Ice hockey player and coach

Pam Dawber – 74 years old (1951) – Actress and producer

Terry McMillan – 74 years old (1951) – Author and screenwriter

Chuck Lorre – 73 years old (1952) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Jerry Royster – 73 years old (1952) – Baseball player, coach, and manager

Arliss Howard – 71 years old (1954) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Bob Weinstein – 71 years old (1954) – Film executive

Vanessa Briscoe Hay – 70 years old (1955) – Singer-songwriter and keyboard player

Stu Mead – 70 years old (1955) – Painter and illustrator

David Twohy – 70 years old (1955) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Craig Bartlett – 69 years old (1956) – Animator, producer, screenwriter, and voice actor

Martina Navratilova – 69 years old (1956) – Czech-American tennis player and coach

Jim Talent – 69 years old (1956) – Lawyer and politician

Jon Lindstrom – 68 years old (1957) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Thomas Hearns – 67 years old (1958) – Boxer

Letitia James – 67 years old (1958) – Lawyer, activist and politician

Kirby Chambliss – 66 years old (1959) – Pilot

Milcho Manchevski – 66 years old (1959) – Macedonian-American director and screenwriter

John Nord – 66 years old (1959) – Wrestler

Wynton Marsalis – 64 years old (1961) – Trumpet player, composer, and educator

Rick Moody – 64 years old (1961) – Author and composer

Vincent Spano – 63 years old (1962) – Actor, director, and producer

Dan Lilker – 61 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Curtis Stigers – 60 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Dave Price – 59 years old (1966) – Journalist and game show host

Eric Stuart – 58 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and voice actor

Doug Mirabelli – 55 years old (1970) – Baseball player and coach

Rachel Nichols – 52 years old (1973) – Journalist and sportscaster

Josh Sawyer – 50 years old (1975) – Video game designer

Flavia Colgan – 48 years old (1977) – Brazilian-American journalist

Ryan Nelsen – 48 years old (1977) – New Zealand-American soccer player and coach

Ne-Yo – 46 years old (1979) – Singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor

Greg Warren – 44 years old (1981) – Football player

Simon Gotch – 43 years old (1982) – Wrestler

Esperanza Spalding – 41 years old (1984) – Singer-songwriter and bassist

Lindsey Vonn – 41 years old (1984) – Skier

Andrew Garcia – 40 years old (1985) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Zac Efron – 38 years old (1987) – Actor and singer

Laci Green – 36 years old (1989) – YouTube personality, video blogger, sex educator, and activist

Joy Lauren – 36 years old (1989) – Actress, director, and producer

Drew Crawford – 35 years old (1990) – Basketball player

Brittney Griner – 35 years old (1990) – Basketball player

Bristol Palin – 35 years old (1990) – Public speaker and reality television personality

Tyler Posey – 34 years old (1991) – Actor and musician

John John Florence – 33 years old (1992) – Surfer

Terance Mann – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Sophie Thatcher – 25 years old (2000) – Actress

 

TODAY IS:

  • National Mashed Potato Day: National Mashed Potato Day celebrates one of the most beloved comfort foods: creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, a dish that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. Mashed potatoes are a staple in many households, known for their versatility and ability to complement countless meals. Whether you prefer them smooth...
  • National Chocolate Cupcake Day: Host a bake-off, a test-taste, or just a party to indulge in one of life’s greatest treats: the chocolate cupcake. Try different varieties, and choose your favorite.
  • Ride To Work Day: Ride To Work Day is an engaging and energetic event that encourages everyone to hop on their bikes for their daily commute. The day celebrates the joy and practicality of cycling to work. It's a great opportunity for people to ditch their cars and experience the benefits of biking firsthand...
  • World Menopause Day: Menopause has been part of the lives of women since time began. Or at least since women lived long enough to age into it! Over time and depending on the culture, a great deal of mystery, confusion and misunderstanding has encircled this season of a woman’s life. How to Celebrate World...
  • Health Care Aide Day: Health Care Aide Day is a special occasion to honor the dedication of healthcare aides. These professionals work tirelessly to support patients, often in challenging conditions. They provide essential care, help with daily activities, and ensure the well-being of those who are ill, elderly, or disabled. This day recognizes their...
  • Necktie Day: Necktie Day in Croatia celebrates an accessory with deep roots in Croatian culture. The necktie, originally known as the cravat, symbolizes not only elegance but also national pride. It started as a distinct piece of clothing worn by Croatian soldiers, which caught the attention of the French and soon became...
  • National No Beard Day: Shave off that face-fur and show your lovely face to the world on No Beard Day. Convince your friends to join you, and make a statement together.
  • Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day: Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day is a special time to say thanks to those who teach in Sunday schools. This day falls on the third Sunday of October. It's a day set aside to celebrate Sunday school teachers' hard work and dedication, who often volunteer their time to share faith...
  • Loud Shirt Day: Loud Shirt Day is all about turning up the volume on support for children with hearing loss. People wear their brightest, boldest clothes to spread joy and raise awareness. It’s a day when fun meets purpose. Offices, schools, and communities come alive with color. The louder the outfit, the stronger...
  • World Okapi Day: Often referred to as the ‘ghost of the forest’ the okapi is one of the most interesting, elusive and endangered animals on the planet. This fascinating animal can only be found in the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and its livelihood is threatened by various human...
  • National Exascale Day: National Exascale Day celebrates a computing milestone: systems that can handle a quintillion calculations each second. These machines, called exascale supercomputers, bring enormous power to scientific research. Researchers harness them to model complex processes—from climate shifts to precision medicine. These giant systems also mix traditional tools with AI, creating new research...
  • National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day: National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day shines a light on voices often silenced. It encourages survivors to share their stories, breaking the grip of secrecy. This day fosters a space where people feel safe to speak and be heard. It reminds us that healing begins when silence...
  • National Alaska Day: Wild, vast, and full of life—Alaska captures attention like few places can. National Alaska Day celebrates everything that makes this state so striking. From the icy blue of its glaciers to the quiet power of its forests, the land speaks through every ridge and river. This day calls on people...
  • World Toy Camera Day: Dig up a toy camera to join the world in taking the silliest, lowest quality pictures imaginable and sharing the blurry, grainy joy with the world.
  • National Prayer Day (Zambia): Gathering for a special day of reflection and unity, sharing hopes and blessings in a spirited community celebration in Zambia.
  • National Chemistry Week: Through intricate reactions and bonds, this noble science unveils the secrets of matter, forging advancements that enrich lives and shape the world.
  • National Baking Week: Creating delightful treats combines creativity, skill, and tradition, bringing joy and delicious aromas to any home.
  • 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...
  • National Retirement Security Week: National Retirement Security Week is a time dedicated to encouraging Americans to focus on their financial future. This initiative emphasizes the importance of planning for retirement, emphasizing how even small steps now can lead to significant improvements later. Many workers dream of their retirement years, but a large number haven't...
  • Durga Puja: Durga Puja is a vibrant festival that honors the goddess Durga and celebrates her triumph over evil. Communities come together in a joyful spirit, decorating elaborate idols and pandals—temporary structures full of intricate artwork and colorful displays. Music, dance, and rituals fill the air, creating an energetic atmosphere. People visit...
  • The Iris Film Festival: The Iris Film Festival is a lively celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema, bringing filmmakers and audiences together in Cardiff. This event is a significant platform for queer stories and diverse voices, showcasing a vibrant mix of short and feature films from around the globe. Attendees can enjoy screenings, panel discussions, and...
  • Recycle Awareness Week: Recycle Awareness Week is an exciting time when everyone is encouraged to think more about recycling. This annual event shines a spotlight on how recycling helps the environment and reduces waste. During this week, communities and organizations join forces to promote better recycling habits and educate people on how to...
  • International Infection Prevention Week: With the hope of educating the public as well as acting as a reminder to those working in the medical sector, International Infection Prevention Week is here to shine a light on the necessity of active prevention of the spread of illnesses and infections! History of International Infection Prevention Week The...
  • National Friends of Libraries Week: While many public libraries in the US do receive some funding from the government, it is often not enough to accomplish the programs and provide all the activities and resources the community could benefit from. Because of this, most libraries have relationships with local businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals who...
  • National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week: National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week is an event that promotes safety and health in the context of young adults who are experiencing new freedoms in an educational space. It’s an opportunity to make sure students and faculty are informed and given the tools they need to make wise decisions for...
  • National Teen Driver Safety Week: As the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, car crashes by teen drivers need to be taken seriously and discussed healthily. National Teen Driver Safety Week raises awareness about this issue and brings opportunities to have important conversations about safety! History of National Teen Driver Safety Week The...
  • Map Reading Week: Being able to read a map is a fundamental life skill and the basis of all outdoor activities. We want to create an annual event that encourages everyone to improve their map-reading skills! During Map Reading Week, Ordnance Survey and other outdoor organizations will be providing help and support with all...

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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.

My goal is to keep you informed and/or entertained on a regular basis. Maybe you'll learn something new, or just get that much needed laugh. My topics will include a wide range of subjects....from what's going on in the world, to places I've been, things I've seen, or even just a fun video that I've found online. Check back often to see what I've posted.

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