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.
- National Sweetest Day: Indulge your sweet tooth with a box of heart-shaped chocolates. Feel free to share with a loved one, but this isn’t Valentine’s Day—it’s all about your love of sweets.
- 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...
- International Sloth Day: Visit a wildlife preserve or donate to organizations that support and care for sloths. Or, just stay at home in your pajamas and channel the spirit of the sloth.
- 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...
- Bridge Day: Attend a Bridge Day event to see adrenaline junkies BASE jump, or jump from great heights like buildings, bridges, and cliffs, or try it yourself—carefully.
- Adventure Day: Get in touch with your inner child and make your own adventure. A little imagination can turn an ordinary day into something joyful.
- 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.
- 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 Fetch Day: Likely one of the oldest games that has ever been played between humans and dogs, fetch offers a way for bonding with man’s best friend. National Fetch Day is the time to remember how loyal dogs can be and how much most of them love to retrieve something – virtually...
- International Repair Day: In an increasingly wasteful society, it’s important to know how to repair things instead of replacing them. Start small, and see what broken bits you can salvage.
- 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 Whole Hog Barbecue Day: National Whole Hog Barbecue Day is a celebration of a cherished Southern tradition. On this day, communities gather to cook entire hogs over wood coals, embracing a method that requires patience and skill. The air fills with the rich aroma of slow-roasted pork, drawing people together to share in the...
- 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...
- 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 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...
- Anti-Poverty Week: Poverty in the 21st century should not exist, yet millions still struggle daily. During Anti-Poverty Week people unite to raise awareness and seek solutions to end poverty. Communities come together to highlight the struggles faced by many and to work towards creating solutions. It's a time when the spotlight is...
- 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...
- Drink Local Wine Week: Drink Local Wine Week gives small wineries a chance to be noticed. It’s when bloggers and wine writers focus on bottles made nearby. Instead of just talking about famous spots like Napa or Willamette, this week shifts attention to local vineyards. People get to read about wines made just down the...
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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.
