October 8

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:

1871 – Four major fires broke out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, IL; Peshtigo, WI; Holland, MI; and Manistee, MI including the Great Chicago Fire, and the much deadlier Peshtigo Fire. A fire destroyed most of the city of Holland, MI. Hope College and the First Reformed Church survived. It was estimated that 90% of the homes in Holland were destroyed.

1938 – The cover of “The Saturday Evening Post” portrayed Norman Rockwell.

1945 – A patent was filed for a cooking process using microwaves. The first commercial unit that was available was almost 6 feet tall and weighed 750 lbs. It was called the “Radarange” and cost about $5,000.

1945 – President Truman announced that only Britain and Canada would be given the secret to the atomic bomb.

1952 – “The Complete Book of Etiquette” was published for the first time.

1956 – New York Yankees’ Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series.

1957 – The Brooklyn Baseball Club announced that it had accepted a deal to move the Dodgers to Los Angeles.

1966 – The U.S. Government officially declared that LSD was dangerous and an illegal substance.

1982 – “Cats” opened on Broadway in New York, NY, and ran for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.

1987 – Chuck Berry was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1992 – The U.S. Postal Service announced the commemorative stamp booklet that would include Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter, Dinah Washington, and Otis Redding.

1993 – The U.S. government issued a report absolving the FBI of any wrongdoing in its final assault on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX. The fire that ended the siege killed 85 people.

1996 – Pope John Paul II underwent surgery to remove his appendix.

2001 – President George W. Bush announced the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security to combat terrorism. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge takes the helm of the new office.

2001 – Rush Limbaugh announced to his listeners that he was totally deaf in his left ear and had only partial hearing in his right ear. The condition had appeared in a three month period.

2001 – Two Russian cosmonauts made the first spacewalk to be conducted outside of the International Space Station without a shuttle present.

2003 – Vietnam and the United States reached a tentative agreement that would allow the first commercial flights between the two countries since the end of the Vietnam War.

2003 – It was announced that Vivendi Universal and General Electric Co. had reached an agreement to merge. The name for the combined company is NBC Universal.

2003 – Siegfried Fischbacher and his manager announced that the “Siegfried and Roy” show at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV was canceled permanently.

2004 – Three years after selling off a some of her ImClone stock, Martha Stewart checked into a minimum security federal women’s prison in Alderson, WV.

2007 – After admitting that she used steroids, Olympic sprinter Marion Jones returned the three gold and two bronze medals she won at the 2000 games in Sydney, Australia.

2020 – Six men were charged for plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home.

BIRTHDAYS:

Rona Barrett – 89 years old (1936) – Journalist and businesswoman

Fred Cash – 85 years old (1940) – Singer

Jesse Jackson – 84 years old (1941) – Minister and activist

Chevy Chase – 82 years old (1943) – Comedian, actor, and screenwriter

R. L. Stine – 82 years old (1943) – Author, screenwriter, and producer

Susan Raye – 81 years old (1944) – Singer

Dennis Kucinich – 79 years old (1946) – Journalist and politician, 53rd Mayor of Cleveland

Stephen Shore – 78 years old (1947) – Photographer and educator

Benjamin Cheever – 77 years old (1948) – Journalist and author

Sigourney Weaver – 76 years old (1949) – Actress and producer

Robert "Kool" Bell – 75 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Jack O'Connell – 74 years old (1951) – Educator and politician

Shannon C. Stimson – 74 years old (1951) – Philosopher, historian, and theorist

Edward Zwick – 73 years old (1952) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Michael Dudikoff – 71 years old (1954) – Actor

Bill Elliott – 70 years old (1955) – Race car driver

Darrell Hammond – 70 years old (1955) – Comedian and actor

Jeff Lahti – 69 years old (1956) – Baseball player

Stephanie Zimbalist – 69 years old (1956) – Actress

Steve Coll – 67 years old (1958) – Journalist and author

Bret Lott – 67 years old (1958) – Journalist, author, and academic

Ruffin McNeill – 67 years old (1958) – Football player and coach

Tommy Armour III – 66 years old (1959) – Golfer

Nick Bakay – 66 years old (1959) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Mike Morgan – 66 years old (1959) – Baseball player and coach

Carlos I. Noriega – 66 years old (1959) – Peruvian-American colonel and astronaut

Reed Hastings – 65 years old (1960) – Businessman, co-founded Netflix

Steven Bernstein – 64 years old (1961) – Trumpet player and composer

Ted Kooshian – 64 years old (1961) – Pianist and composer

Kim Wayans – 64 years old (1961) – Actress and comedian

Steve Perry – 62 years old (1963) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

CeCe Winans – 61 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter

Matt Biondi – 60 years old (1965) – Swimmer and coach

C. J. Ramone – 60 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Karyn Parsons – 59 years old (1966) – Actress and producer

Teddy Riley – 58 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Emily Procter – 57 years old (1968) – Actress

CL Smooth – 57 years old (1968) – Rapper and producer

Dylan Neal – 56 years old (1969) – Canadian-American actor, producer, and screenwriter

Matt Damon – 55 years old (1970) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Sisaundra Lewis – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Monty Williams – 54 years old (1971) – Basketball player and coach

Terry Balsamo – 53 years old (1972) – Guitarist and songwriter

Jim Fairchild – 52 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kevyn Adams – 51 years old (1974) – Ice hockey player and coach

Jamie Marchi – 48 years old (1977) – Voice actress, director, and screenwriter

Kristanna Loken – 46 years old (1979) – Actress

Gregori Chad Petree – 46 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Nick Cannon – 45 years old (1980) – Actor, rapper, and producer

The Miz – 45 years old (1980) – Wrestler, actor, and television personality

J. R. Ramirez – 45 years old (1980) – Cuban-American actor

Travis Pastrana – 42 years old (1983) – Motorcycle racer

Domenik Hixon – 41 years old (1984) – Football player

Bruno Mars – 40 years old (1985) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actor

Taylor Price – 38 years old (1987) – Football player

Chelsea Gray – 33 years old (1992) – Basketball player

Terran Petteway – 33 years old (1992) – Basketball player

Angus T. Jones – 32 years old (1993) – Actor

Molly Quinn – 32 years old (1993) – Actress and producer

Saucy Santana – 32 years old (1993) – Rapper

Bubba Wallace – 32 years old (1993) – Race car driver

Grayson Allen – 30 years old (1995) – Basketball player

G Herbo – 30 years old (1995) – Rapper

Devontae Cacok – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Bella Thorne – 28 years old (1997) – Actress

Huh Yunjin – 24 years old (2001) – Singer based in South Korea

Brian Thomas Jr. – 23 years old (2002) – Football player

Ángela Aguilar – 22 years old (2003) – Mexican-American singer

TODAY IS:

• National Emergency Nurses Day: Honor the dedication of these amazing medical professionals by fundraising for your local emergency department or sending gifts on Emergency Nurses Day.
• National Curves Day: National Curves Day celebrates body positivity and self-love for people of all shapes and sizes. This day encourages everyone to appreciate their unique bodies, promoting confidence and self-esteem. It brings together people from different backgrounds to honor diversity in body types and show fashion and style that cater to plus-size...
• Canadian Beer Day: Join or host a Canadian beer event, or just gather your friends or family and have a taste-testing of various kinds of Canadian beers in your own home.
• National Pierogi Day: A tasty flour-and-egg dumpling filled with your choice of meat, potatoes, cheese, onions, all that good stuff…it’s no wonder the whole world loves pierogis.
• Alvin C. York Day: In the annals of history, his valor and sacrifice stand as an enduring testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
• World Octopus Day: When it comes to smart sea creatures — with eight arms and a big brain — they can solve puzzles, camouflage, and even open jars!
• Animal Action Day: Promoting the well-being of Earth's diverse inhabitants, contributing to animal sanctuaries, conservation efforts, and veterinary support.
• Bring Your Teddy Bear To Work & School Day: Improve your day by bringing your teddy bear to work or school, and spending the day with one of your oldest, truest, and cutest friends who has never let you down.
• National Pet Obesity Awareness Day: Raise awareness about pet obesity, and make sure that your own pets live happy, healthy, long lives by keeping their weight in check.
• International Newspaper Carrier Day: International Newspaper Carrier Day, celebrated each year on October 8, shines a light on the hardworking individuals who deliver newspapers. This day falls during National Newspaper Week, emphasizing the vital role of newspapers in our communities. Newspaper carriers, young and old, play a crucial part in ensuring that this important...
• International Podiatry Day: Don’t neglect your foot health. They move you, keep you up, and can be really uncomfortable if mistreated. Schedule an appointment and encourage others to do so.
• International Top Spinning Day: Tops are a fun toy, but they can also represent balance and harmony. Buying or make a new top yourself, and reflect on these matters of philosophy.
• International Birth Registration Day: Every year on October 8th, the world marks International Birth Registration Day, a vital observance aimed at ensuring every child's right to a legal identity. This day emphasizes the critical role of birth registration in safeguarding children's rights and providing them access to basic services like healthcare and education. Why do...
• International Off-Road Day: International Off-Road Day brings together people who love exploring rugged paths and wild terrains. It's a time when off-road enthusiasts from around the world connect over their shared passion. From desert dunes to forest trails, drivers and riders embrace the thrill of the journey. The day celebrates the excitement of...
• National Fluffernutter Day: Did you know there's a sandwich so delightful it has its own special day? The fluffernutter is a simple yet indulgent treat made by spreading peanut butter and marshmallow crème between two slices of bread. This sweet and salty combination creates a gooey, satisfying bite that has captured hearts across...
• National Cowboy Boot Day: National Cowboy Boot Day tips its hat to more than just footwear—it celebrates character, craft, and a bit of swagger. Cowboy boots aren’t like any other shoes. They're bold, built to last, and carry a certain pride in every pair. What started on ranches and rodeo grounds has kicked its way...
• National Mall Walking Day: National Mall Walking Day invites everyone to explore one of America’s most iconic spaces on foot. Stretching through the heart of Washington, D.C., the National Mall offers a peaceful path lined with history, art, and nature.  Monuments rise tall around you. Trees sway gently above shaded benches. Locals, tourists, and fitness...
• National Harbormaster Appreciation Day: National Harbormaster Appreciation Day celebrates the people who keep harbors working like clockwork. Harbormasters direct boat traffic, assign docking spots, and respond fast when trouble hits. They know every inch of the water and handle daily challenges without slowing down. From sunrise to late night, they make sure the flow...
• Dyslexia Day: Dyslexia is a learning difference that changes how the brain works with words. It can make reading, writing, and spelling tougher than usual. But that doesn’t mean someone isn’t smart or creative. Many people with dyslexia think in bold, original ways. They often shine in design, storytelling, music, or building...
• National Salmon Day: National Salmon Day celebrates one of the ocean's most beloved fish. Salmon stands out for its rich flavor and versatility. Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, it brings people together around the table. This day shines a light on the fish's role in our diets and its journey from river to...
• American Touch Tag Day: You’re never too old to experience the joy of touch-tag. Gather some friends together, find an open space, and let your inner child out in a game of tag.
• National Stop Bullying Day: Have you ever been bullied or seen someone being bullied? It's a tough situation that can leave lasting emotional scars. Bullying happens when someone repeatedly harms or harasses others who seem less powerful. This can include name-calling, physical attacks, or online abuse. Stopping this behavior requires everyone to be alert...
• National Manufacturing Week: National Manufacturing Week shines a spotlight on the manufacturing sector's vital role in the economy. Celebrated with events and activities, this week underscores the industry's contributions to innovation and job creation. It involves various organizations sharing data and insights, which helps highlight manufacturing's impact on daily life and the economy​. This...
• International Plasma Awareness Week: International Plasma Awareness Week is a global call to celebrate how plasma donors make a real impact on treatment. It brings focus to life-saving plasma donation and how this unique part of blood becomes medicine for people with rare and serious conditions. Donors’ actions echo far beyond the clinic. Each session...
• 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 Curry Week: Savor vibrant spices and rich blends, an aromatic dance on your palate, igniting a culinary journey of delight.
• World Space Week: Did you know that there's a whole week each year dedicated solely to celebrating the wonders of space? World Space Week, held annually in the autumn, turns eyes skyward to appreciate science and technology's roles in improving our lives through space exploration. How to Celebrate World Space Week Here are some...
• International Cephalopod Awareness Days: International Cephalopod Awareness Days bring attention to some of the ocean’s most surprising animals. These aren’t your average sea creatures. Octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses all belong to this wild underwater group. They move like dancers, shift colors like mood rings, and squeeze through tiny cracks like soft-bodied escape artists. People...
• Celebrate Community Week: Fostering collaboration and proactive volunteering, Celebrate Community Week brings people together from all over the globe with a common purpose – to serve their communities and make the world a better, more beautiful place! How to Celebrate Community Week Join a Celebrate Community Week Event Working together to make a positive impact...
• National Midwifery Week: Midwifery is a practice that has been around since ancient times, where an experienced person is called upon to assist and lead when a woman is giving birth. Having evolved over the years, midwives are now extremely skilled and go through rigorous training to give compassionate and competent care to...
• National Spinning and Weaving Week: Two different crafts that often go together, spinning and weaving are ancient practices that are still relevant in modern times to producing all sorts of textiles and fabrics. Spinning in the process of spinning raw fibers, like cotton or wool, into threads. Weaving uses the threads or yarn to layer...
• Mental Illness Awareness Week: Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual event that highlights mental health issues. It takes place during the first week of October and aims to educate and reduce stigma around mental illnesses. This initiative brings together individuals and organizations across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and...
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
• Active Aging Week: This seven-day campaign works to improve society’s messages around the topic of aging, promoting the positive aspects and contributions that older adults can have in communities. Get excited and get on board personally with Active Aging Week or encourage an older adult friend or family member to participate! History of Active...
• Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week: These superheroes of the hospital kitchen ensure patients receive delicious, nutritious meals, taking pride in boosting morale and recovery.
• Fire Prevention Week: Head over to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) website to learn what you need to do to protect your home and community in case of a fire.
• International Week of Happiness at Work: You spend so much time working, it’s important to cultivate happiness there. Take the pledge to make your office life happier for you and those around you.

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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.