Windy Weather

Today is Ride the Wind Day. Yes, just go ahead and enjoy the wind from as high up as you can get. In a plane, balloon, parachute. If you can’t get into something that extravagant, then try using a kite, feel the wind play with the string, or a sailboat, motorcycle, or just drive around all day with the windows down in your car. Stick your head out the window, like your favorite puppy!

POSSIBLE BIRTHDAY PARTIES TODAY:

Kobe Bryant (1978), NBA player; Rick Springfield (1949), singer of Jessie’s Girl was once featured on General Hospital; Shelley Long (1949), actress known for her role as “Diane” on Cheers; Ronny Cox (1938), Do you remember him in Apple’s Way and Beverly Hills Cop?; Sonny Jurgensen (1934), NFL quarterback; Barbara Eden (1934), I Dream of Jeannie actress; Vera Miles (1929), actress seen in Psycho, The Searchers, Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle; and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Gene Kelly (1912), actor/singer/dancer featured in dozens of films such as, Singing in the Rain, For An American in Paris; Me and My Gal; and Xanadu; Edgar Lee Masters (1869); wrote what is known as the Spoon River Anthology.  King Louis XVI (1754), those who can’t read foreign languages, XVI=16^th-Louie was married to ‘cake guru’ Marie Antoinette, they both lost their heads during the French Revolution.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, IN:

1989 – Pete Rose,  manager of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, was banned for life from participating in baseball in any way for betting on baseball games.

1979 – Aleksandr Godunov performed in NYC during the Bolshoi Ballet’s US visit. He defected following his performance.

1926 – At the age of 31, Rudolph Valentino, Hollywood’s first male sex symbol, died of infection from a ruptured ulcer.

1904 – Harold D Weed patented his “Grip-Tread for Pneumatic Tires”. A non-skid chain system to use on automobile tires for slick conditions. Got to love those Canastota, New Yorkers!!!

1902 – Fannie Farmer opened Miss Marmer’s School of Cookery in Boston, MA. She standardized measurements in recipes…no more handfuls of this and bunch of that.

1784 – State of Franklin declared independence from the State of North Carolina. The four NC counties, Washington, Sullivan, Spencer (now Hawkins) and Green, set up their own independent government when NC ceded them to the US Congress and were afraid that the would be “sold” to pay of government debt. This did not happen, and the state eventually was returned to be governed by NC and soon became part of the State of Tennessee.

Tooth Fairy Day

Today is National Tooth Fairy Day.  There are songs about Santa and The Easter Bunny, so, why is there no song for The Tooth Fairy? Let’s see if we can work on that, okay?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATORS…

                Tori Amos (1964), singer/musician who’s best single on the charts, 1000 Oceans, made it to #22.

                Cindy Williams (1947), actress best know as “Shirley” on the long running  TV series, Laverne and Shirley.

                Bill Parcells (1941), NFL football coach.

                Valerie Harper (1940), actress best know for her role  as “Rhoda” in the 70’s TV series’, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda.

                Annie Proulx (1935), author of The Shipping News (her second novel), which won the Pulitzer Prize among other awards.

                Norman Schwarzkopf (1934), US General who lead forces during the First Iraq War in 1981.

                Ray Bradbury (1920), science fiction writer with credits including: Fahrenheit 451, The martian Chronicles, Something Wicked This Way Comes plus multitudes of other novels, short stories, screen and teleplays, children’s literature and non-fiction works.

                Dorothy Parker (1893), quick witted author who wrote over 300 poems, short stories, screenplays and reviews for the New Yorker Magazine.

                Claude Debussy (1862), composer who wrote many works including unfinished short operas based on Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher and The Devil in the Belfry.

                Samuel Pierpont Langley (1834), astronomer and aviation pioneer. Invented the bolometer which measures infrared radiation. In aviation, he attempted to design a working, piloted heavier-than-air craft, including using a steam powered engine.

WHAT HAPPENED ON THIS DAY:

            (1989)  Nolan Ryan through his 5,000^th strike out, the first pitcher in major league history. He accumulated a total of 5,714 in his entire career, his closest competitor is 1,500 behind him.

(1962)  The OAS attempted to assassinate French President Charles De Gaulle. The attempt failed thanks to the sleek design of the president’s auto, the Citroen DS 19.

            (1950)  Althea Gibson became the first black American player to compete in a US national tennis competition.

            (1922)  Finance minister of Sinn FEin, Irish revolutionary, Michael Collins was killed 8 months after his appointment.

(1862)  Jean-Henri Dunant, a Swiss humanitarian, proposed The International Red Cross. He was awarded the first Nobel Peace Price in 1901.

(1848)  Ulysses S Grant married his long time fiance, Julia Boggs Dent.

            (1776)  The Redcoats came, the redcoats came. Nearly 24,000 British landed on Long Island in NY, ready to kick butt! I wonder what happened.

Senior's Day

Today is commonly celebrated as National Senior Citizen’s Day.  In 1988, Presidnet Ronald Reagan (kiddies, he’s the one that used to be an actor, you know, back in the olden days before people had invented dye and make up and everything was black, white and grey.) I plan on celebrating by spending time with a senior citizen today… I hope Mom enjoys my company.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

Alicia Witt, 1975 – This red-haired actress was cast as Zoe, Cybill Shepherd’s daughter in the TV series Cybill.

Steve Case, 1958 – Co-founder of AOL.

Jackie DeShannon, 1944 – Top 10 hits for this singer include What the World Needs Now and Put a Little Love in Your Heart.

Kenny Rogers, 1938 – Country singer known for his silver hair and growlly voice has popped out 36 albums in 30 years (not including compilations) featuring singles such as Lucille, Ruby, Lady, The Gambler, Coward of the County, Daytime Friends and Islands in the Stream. (21 went to #1 on US charts.)

Wilt Chamberlain, 1936 – 7’1” tall basketball player with the nickname “The Stilt” who began is basketball career with The Harlem Globetrotters before playing for Philadelphia and then LA Lakers.

Chris Schenkel, 1923 – Sportscaster for ABC. Most often heard on the Pro Bowler’s Tour, college football, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, Golf, Tennis, Auto…oh heck, almost everywhere.

Christopher Robin Milne, 1920 – Most known as the model as the child in the book Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner by his father, A.A. Milne.

William James Basie, 1904 – Jazz musician and bandlleader who gained his nickname “Count” at the age of 24.

1986 – Cameroon’s Lake Nyos spewed out a cloud of carbon dioxide gas killing nearly 2,000 in 4 villages.

1959 – Hawaii becomes the 50^th US state.

1911 – Mona Lisa, one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, was discovered missing. The painting was recovered 3 months later, unharmed.

1897 – Ransome Eli Olds founded Olds Motors Works in Lansing, MI. A fire destroyed his stock of cars in 1900 except a small, one-cylinder, curved-dash model. He took this car to the NY Auto Show in 1901 and it became a commercial sensation. Welcome to the world Oldsmobile.

1858 – The first of seven debates between Senator Stephen Douglas and his opponent, Abraham Lincoln. Although he lost the senate election, he would win the Republican presidential nomination two years later (and then the Presidency in November).

1841 – Venetian blinds patented by Edward and Frederick Bopp in Kansas City, MO.

1831 – Nat Turner, a slave in Southampton County, VA, launched an insurrection to capture the county’s armory in Jerusalem, VA. This plan did not succeeed, however, he and his followers did kill about 60 whites before he was captured. He was tried, convicted and then hanged on November 11^th for heading up the largest slave revolt in US history.

Radio and Space Missions

Today is National Radio Day.  Today, in honor of the radio, let’s put away our Ipods, MP3 players and Walkmans and pull out our old transistors! Happy Radio Day!

TODAY’S HISTORY: 

1989 – Lyle and Erik Menendez ‘return’ from the movies to ‘discover’ their parents shot, according to a 911 call. Turns out, they had killed their parents.

1977 – Voyager II launched with a message to possible interaction with other world beings.

1975 – Viking I was launched on a mission to Mars.

1920 – American Professional Football was born. The American Professional Football Conference (Grandpa of the NFL) was formed by seven men, including Jim Thorpe.

1911 – The first around-the-world telegram was sent at 7pm from the 17^th floor of the New York Times building in NYC and arrived back at the office 16.5 minutes later having traveled around the world through 16 different operators. The message? “This message sent around the world.”

1866 – President Andrew Jackson officially pronounced that America’s civil war was over.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

Joan Allen, 1956 – Actress seen in Pleasantville, Mists of Avalon and The Bourne Supremacy.

Al Roker, 1954 – Weatherman and Author

Connie Chung, 1954 – Journalist married to Maury Povich.

Rajiv Gandhi, 1944 – Son of Indira Gandhi, he became the youngest Prime Minister of India.

Isaac Hayes, 1942 – Songwriter, musician and singer best known for his Academy Award musical score for the movie Shaft (1971).

Don King, 1931 – What he didn’t do in his role as a boxing promoter, he did with his famous hairstyle.

Howard Phillips Lovecraft, 1890 – Author of horror, fantasy and science fiction novels including his first short story, The Tomb, and The Dunwich Horror. There are dozens of novels, short stories, juvenile aimed stories, poetry and even stories he wrote with other writers.

Jacqueline Susann, 1918 -  Author of Valley of the Dolls

Benjamin Harrison, 1833 – 23^rd United States President. Retired Brigadier General, Union Army.

Oliver Hazard Perry, 1785 – Known as “Hero of Lake Erie” for his naval victories at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1813. 

Poetry, Noetry

Today is Bad Poetry Day. This day was created for so many people out there and they don’t even know it. Life is like a little rose, it starts out small, and then it grows, up and up along a wall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Actress, Madeline Stowe (1958). Although she made her start in the ’70s with TV appearances (including the blind painter, Annie Crane on LHOP),  she has many movie credits including, Stakeout; The Two Jakes; Twelve Monkeys; The General’s Daughter; and We Were Soldiers.

Actor/Dancer, Patrick Swayze (1954). We will miss you, but, we can always see you in Dirty Dancing; Ghost; Red Dawn; Road House or any one of your other films.

Actor/Director, Robert Redford (1937). He seems to have a gentle soul, don’t you think. Some of my favorite films include The Sting, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid; The Way We Were; and Sneakers.

Baseball player, Roberto Clemente (1934). He was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame less than a year after his death in an aviation accident while on his way to aid earthquake victims in Nicaragua)

Film director, Roman Polanski (1933). Polanski may be know for his directing Rosmary’s Baby, Chinatown, Tess, Pirates, Death and the Maiden, The Ninth Gate, The Pianist and The Ghost Writer. But he will probably be known for the trouble in his life, the slaying of his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, by the Manson Family, and the fleeing from a jail sentence after being convicted of a crime.

First Lady, Rosalynn Carter (1927). Not only did she make Jimmy look good, she is an advocate for mental health and care-giving and has written several books.

Actress, Shelley Winters (1922).  Featured in almost 160 titles including The Great Gatsby, The Treasure of Pancho Villa, Lolita, The Poseidon Adventure, and as Nana Mary on the TV series Roseanne.

Executive/Politician, Caspar Weinberger (1917). Historical roles including VP and general counsel to Bechtel Corp; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare; Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

IN HISTORY:

1963 – The first black American graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in political science after just one year of attendance.

1958 – The controversial novel, Lolita, written by Vladimir Nabokov, was published in the US.

1940 – Walter Percy Chrysler, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 65. Chrysler Corporation was formed in 1925 after he worked at several companies including Buick, Willys-Overland and Maxwell Motors.

1931 – China’s Yangtze River crests during horrible flooding. By the end of this natural disaster, nearly 4 million people will have lost their lives and this would be known as the worst natural disaster of the 20^th century.

1920 – The 19^th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified (2/3 of the states had passed it). From this day forward, women would have the right to vote.

1590 – The governor of the Roanoke Island colony returned from a supply trip to England to find his colonists missing, including his daughter and grand daughter, Virginia Dare.

1227 – The death of Genghis Khan was felt throughout his empire. In order to keep his death a secret any one who set eyes on the funeral procession. He was buried in an unmarked grave, that is still a mystery. 

Poetry, Noetry

Today is Bad Poetry Day. This day was created for so many people out there and they don’t even know it. Life is like a little rose, it starts out small, and then it grows, up and up along a wall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Actress, Madeline Stowe (1958). Although she made her start in the ’70s with TV appearances (including the blind painter, Annie Crane on LHOP),  she has many movie credits including, Stakeout; The Two Jakes; Twelve Mokeys; The General’s Daughter; and We Were Soldiers.

Actor/Dancer, Patrick Swayze (1954). We will miss you, but, we can always see you in Dirty Dancing; Ghost; Red Dawn; Road House or any one of your other films.

Actor/Director, Robert Redford (1937). He seems to have a gentle soul, don’t you think. Some of my favorite films include The Sting, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid; The Way We Were; and Sneakers.

Baseball player, Roberto Clemente (1934). He was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame less than a year after his death in an aviation accident while on his way to aid earthquake victims in Nicaragua)

Film director, Roman Polanski (1933). Polanski may be know for his directing Rosmary’s Baby, Chinatown, Tess, Pirates, Death and the Maiden, The Ninth Gate, The Pianist and The Ghost Writer. But he will probably be known for the trouble in his life, the slaying of his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, by the Manson Family, and the fleeing from a jail sentence after being convicted of a crime.

First Lady, Rosalynn Carter (1927). Not only did she make Jimmy look good, she is an advocate for mental health and caregiving and has written several books.

Actress, Shelley Winters (1922).  Featured in almost 160 titles including The Great Gatsby, The Treasure of Pancho Villa, Lolita, The Poseidon Adventure, and as Nana Mary on the TV series Roseanne.

Executive/Politician, Caspar Weinberger (1917). Historical roles including VP and general counsel to Bechtel Corp; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare; Director of the Office of Mamagement and Budget.

IN HISTORY:

1963 – The first black American graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in political science after just one year of attendence.

1958 – The controversial novel, Lolita, written by Vladimir Nabokov, was published in the US.

1940 – Walter Percy Chrysler, suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died at the age of 65. Chrysler Corporation was formed in 1925 after he worked at several companies including Buick, Willys-Overland and Maxwell Motors.

1931 – China’s Yangtze River crests during horrible flooding. By the end of this natural disaster, nearly 4 million people will have lost their lives and this would be known as the worst natural disaster of the 20^th century.

1920 – The 19^th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified (2/3 of the states had passed it). From this day forward, women would have the right to vote.

1590 – The governor of the Roanoke Island colony returned from a supply trip to England to find his colonists missing, including his daughter and grand daughter, Virginia Dare.

1227 – The death of Genghis Khan was felt throughout his empire. In order to keep his death a secret any one who set eyes on the funeral procession. He was buried in an unmarked grave, that is still a mystery. 

Thrifty Penny

National Thriftshop Day…If you can’t find a “thrift shop” try a consignment shop, flea market, second-hand store or surplus store like Hotline, Goodwill, Friends of the Library, Salvation Army or whatever your favorite local charity organization.  Have fun shopping.

How About Celebrating this...

1978 – Pilots, Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman, flew across the Atlantic (3233 miles) in 6 days in a balloon calle Double Eagle II.

1969 – The end of the “Three Days of Peace and Music” outside a little town in upstate (hah) NY called Woodstock in Bethel, NY. The final act was Jimi Hendrix performing The Star Spangled Banner.

 1961 – Work on The Berlin Wall began.

1933 -  Lou Gehrig broke Everett Scott’s consecutive game record at 1308. He would not stop there, participating in 2,130 games in a row.

1915 -  Charles F Kettering, Dayton Engineering Labrotories Company (DELCO), received a patent for his invention, the first electric ignition device for automobiles.

1877 – The first victim of Billy the Kid died, a blacksmith who was shot (in self-defense, not that I am sticking up for William Bonney) during a scuffle which started out with name calling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:

Sean Penn (1960), actor whose first credit was “Kid” the episode “The Voice of Tinker Jones” in the unparallelled family program Little House on the Prarie. His father directed the episode.

Belinda Carlisle (1958), lead singer of The Go-Gos. Although their first single, Our Lips are Sealed, only made it to 20 on the charts, it is one of my faves.

Robert DeNiro (1943), actor who is well known today, but have you seen his 1968 comedy Greetings?

Maureen O’Hara (1920), actress whose early roles include Esmeralda in The Huntchback of Notre Dame and Mary in Jamaica Inn.

Mae West (1892), larger than life actress who was featured in only 12 films, she may be best known for a life vest being named after her.

Samuel Goldwyn (1882), ambitious producer of Porgy and Bess, Hans Christian Andersen, The Kid from Brooklyn, Pride of the Yankees, Wuthering Heights and The Cinderella Man (1917). Also, famous for his Goldwinisms…  “Gentlemen, listen to me slowly.”; “Modern dancing is old fashioned.”; “Our comedies are not to be laughed at.” ; “A bachelor’s life is no life for a single man.” Funny.

Davy Crockett (1786); larger than life frontiersman who is also A member of the US House of Representitives from TN, a pioneer, soldier, trapper and explorer. He was among the many killed during the seige at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio.

Creamsicles...mmmm!

National Creamsicle Day!!! Just so there is no mistake. Creamsicles ROCK! A little vanilla ice cream surrounded by an awesome orange sherbet/ice milk concoction frozen on a stick. Can’t get a creamsicle where you are? Try vanilla ice cream floating in a glass of OJ or Orange Crush Soda. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

AND

VJ Day. VJ is the acronym of the term Victory in Japan. Some celebrate this VJ Day on the 15^th, others on the 14^th. This discrepancy is do to the fact of the time difference and slow communications to US from Japan.

In History:

2003 – The 50 million people in the NE US and SE Canada were affected by a blackout. Some people were out of power for over 24 hours and still, nobody knows why!

1994 – Illich Ramirex Sanchez, aka Carlos the Jackal, was captured. He was affiliated with many terrorist organizations and linked to attacks between 1973 and 1992.

1985 – Michael Jackson out bid Paul McCartney for publishing rights to most of the musical catalog of the Beatles. Do you think he got his $47,000,000.00 worth?

1980 – Poland went on strike. It began with workers seizing control of the Lenin Shipyard. This movement gave rise to Solidarity and Lech Walesa.

1953 – Whiffle Ball was patented by David Mullany. How did it get its name? A slang term his son used for a strike out... "whiff".

1945 – Japan surrendered ending WWII.

1935 – The Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt. Did you know it was originally designed to combat unemployment?

1908 – The first (known) beauty pageant was held in Folkestone, England

1885 – The inventor of rust proof paint received Japan’s first patent.

1846 – A meteorite crashed near the town of Cape Girardeau, MO. I wonder if it was part of the Perseid Meteor Shower.

1751 – Francis Blandy is found dead. His daughter, Mary, was accused of poisoning him over a period of months using arsenic because he refused to allow her to ‘see’ a married man.  She was tried, convicted and hung.

1040 – King Duncan I of Scotland was killed in battle. The rival army was lead by his cousin (and successor)…Macbeth.

BIRTHDAYS…

Executive Decision actress, Halle Berry (1968);  The Brady Bunch actress, Susan Olsen (1961);  Cats singer/actress, Sarah Brightman (1960);  Athlete, Ervin “Magic” Johnson (1959);  The Far Side cartoonist, Gary Larson (1950); Romance novelist, Danielle Steel (1947);  Kate & Allie actress, Susan St. James (1946);  Starsky and Hutch actor, Antonio Fargas (1946);  Comedian, actor, neighbor, Steve Martin (1945);  Jockey, Robyn Smith (1944);  Crosby, Stills Nash & Young singer, David Crosby (1941); Seals and Crofts singer, Dash Crofts (1940);  The Forsyte Saga novelist, John Galsworthy (1867);  Casey at the Bat poet, Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1863); Gunfighter, Doc Holliday (1851);  Historical novelist, Sir Walter Scott (1771).

Creamsicles...mmmm!

National Creamsicle Day!!! Just so there is no mistake. Creamsicles ROCK! A little vanilla ice cream surrounded by an awesome orange sherbet/ice milk concoction frozen on a stick. Can’t get a creamsicle where you are? Try vanilla ice cream floating in a glass of OJ or Orange Crush Soda. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

and

VJ Day. VJ is the acronym of the term Victory in Japan. Some celebrate this VJ Day on the 15^th, others on the 14^th. This discrepancy is do to the fact of the time difference and slow communications to US from Japan.

2003 – The 50 million people in the NE US and SE Canada were affected by a blackout. Some people were out of power for over 24 hours and still, nobody knows why!

1994 – Illich Ramirex Sanchez, aka Carlos the Jackal, was captured. He was affiliated with many terrorist organizations and linked to attacks between 1973 and 1992.

1985 – Michael Jackson out bid Paul McCartney for publishing rights to most of the musical catalog of the Beatles. Do you think he got his $47,000,000.00 worth?

1980 – Poland went on strike. It began with workers seizing control of the Lenin Shipyard. This movement gave rise to Solidarity and Lech Walesa.

1953 – Whiffle Ball was patented by David Mullany. How did it get its name? A slang term his son used for a strike out... "whiff".

1945 – Japan surrendered ending WWII.

1935 – The Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt. Did you know it was originally designed to combat unemployment?

1908 – The first (known) beauty pageant was held in Folkestone, England

1885 – The inventor of rust proof paint received Japan’s first patent.

1846 – A meteorite crashed near the town of Cape Girardeau, MO. I wonder if it was part of the Perseid Meteor Shower.

1751 – Francis Blandy is found dead. His daughter, Mary, was accused of poisoning him over a period of months using arsenic because he refused to allow her to ‘see’ a married man.  She was tried, convicted and hung.

1040 – King Duncan I of Scotland was killed in battle. The rival army was lead by his cousin (and successor)…Macbeth.

BIRTHDAYS…

Executive Decision actress, Halle Berry (1968);  The Brady Bunch actress, Susan Olsen (1961);  Cats singer/actress, Sarah Brightman (1960);  Athlete, Ervin “Magic” Johnson (1959);  The Far Side cartoonist, Gary Larson (1950); Romance novelist, Danielle Steel (1947);  Kate & Allie actress, Susan St. James (1946);  Starsky and Hutch actor, Antonio Fargas (1946);  Comedian, actor, neighbor, Steve Martin (1945);  Jockey, Robyn Smith (1944);  Crosby, Stills Nash & Young singer, David Crosby (1941); Seals and Crofts singer, Dash Crofts (1940);  The Forsyte Saga novelist, John Galsworthy (1867);  Casey at the Bat poet, Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1863); Gunfighter, Doc Holliday (1851);  Historical novelist, Sir Walter Scott (1771).

Middle Children

Today is Middle Child’s Day. Hmm, just what a middle child needs a day all to themselves. I think they are the luckiest kids in a family. As the first born, I can never know what it would be like to be a baby sister. And the third born, well will always be a baby sister, protected by her big sisters. The middle child, gets to be both a big sister and a little one in one package. What Luck!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
Pete Sampras, 1971, tennis great.
George Hamilton, 1939, actor known mostly for his tan. Can be seen in over100 roles beginning in 1952 to today.
George Soros, 1930, financier. Known as the “man who broke the Bank of England”.
Buck Owens, 1929, singer who can be seen on the long running Hee Haw and heard singing Act Naturally, I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail, and Tall Dark Stranger.
Cecil B DeMille, 1881, producer of epics like The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra, and The Greatest Show on Earth.
James B Brady, 1856, philanthropist known as “Diamond Jim”.

IN:
1990 – The largest and most complete skeleton of a dinosaur was discovered in South Dakota. The remains of the Tyrannosaurus rex was 90% complete including a wishbone, tying ancient dinosaurs to current birds.
1978 – Darryl Stingley was left paralyzed after a hard hit during the Oakland Raiders vs New England Patriots NFL game. This is the only time a player would be permanently paralyzed, despite its rough reputation.
1964 – Ian Fleming, creator of the famous spy, James Bond (and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) died.
1961 – East Germany began the construction of the Berlin Wall.
1939 – The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland, made its world premiere in Oconomowoc, WI.

It's a JOKE guys!

Today is Son and Daughter Day…Spend time with your kids whether they are a day old or 92. And kids, spend time with your parents and be nice about it.
Today is Presidential Joke Day… No, today is not a day to make jokes about the president (of the us or any other organization…) it is a day for the President to yuk it up. The first Presidential Joke Day occurred on this day in 1984. It probably was not the first ‘live mike oops’ that ever happened, and it definitely was not the last. He joked: "My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes." Since we are still living happily (enough) on Earth, I assume the Russians did not hear it, or got the joke!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
Joe Jackson (1954), musician/songwriter. Known for his work in punk, ska, new wave, pop, jazz and classical genres and can play piano, keyboards, organ saxophone, harmonica, melodica, synthesizer, accordion and vibraphones, as well as sing!
Terry Gene Bollea (1953), professional wrestler known as Hulk Hogan.
Stephen Wozniak (1950), co-founder of Apple Computer.
Allegra Kent (1937), ballerina
Jerry Falwell (1933), TV evangelist.
Mike Delaney Dowd, Jr (1925), singer (Prince Charming in Cinderella, 1950), TV personality.
Alex Haley (1921), author of the novel Roots.

IN HISTORY BOOKS:
1994 – Major League baseball players strike. It would be the longest sports strike in history. There would be no World Series that year.
1973 – Hip Hop music was born.
1965 – Riots in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts began. At its height, 50-square miles of south central LA were overcome. Order was restored on August 16th.
1934 – Alcatraz Island opened as a maximum security prison facility (it had previously been used as a military prison).
1856 – Isle Dernier, a resort community off the coast of Louisiana, was completely submerged by hurricane storm surges. The hurricane killed more than 400. Bayou LaFourche, a nearby community, discovered a mysterious sea creature brought in with the surge.

S'more S'mores

On this 10^th day of August (really? Already?) we should celebrate a couple of days that needs to be celebrated at least twice a month. Lazy Day and National S’mores Day. S’mores are one of my favorites. Want a quick fix. Get a graham cracker break into two squares, half a Hershey Bar and one marshmallow. In the center of a small plate (or napkin) position one square of graham cracker, then place the square of chocolate atop the cracker and the marshmallow on top of the chocolate. Microwave on high for 10-15 seconds. You should watch it. When the marshmallow begins to grow, stop the cooking. Open the oven door and immediately place the second cracker squarely on top of the marshmallow gently pressing to flatten. Wait a moment before devouring. Want a twist? Spread the second graham cracker with a layer (as thick as you like) of peanut butter. Heaven!

Interesting happening in history:

            2003 – Heat wave attacks Europe. UK temperatures top 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time in since weather records were kept.

            1977 – NY serial killer, “Son of Sam” (David Berkowitz) was arrested.

            1948 – Smile, You’re on Candid Camera debuted starring Alan Funt.

            1912 – Virginia Stephen married Leonard Woolf.

1846 – The Smithsonian Institution was created. As stated in the will of James Smithson his estate would go to "the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Even with this specificity, it took 10 years for the government to figure out what to do…hmmm.

1833 – The village of Chicago was incorporated.

1821 – The 24^th state, the first located entirely west of the Mississippi River, was admitted into the union. Welcome aboard Missouri.

Some famous people born on this day:

            1967 – Riddick Bowe, Heavyweight Boxer.

            1960 – Antonio Banderas, Actor; Philadelphia, Evita, Spy Kids.

            1950 – Patti Austin, Singer; Jazz, Pop and R&B.

            1947 – Ian Anderson, Singer; Jethro Tull.

            1942 – Betsy Johnson, Fashion Designer.

            1928 – Eddie Fisher, Singer; Wish You Were Here, Count Your Blessings, O, My Maria.      

            1928 – Jimmy Dean, Singer, Sausage Maker; Sang Big Bad John.

            1923 – Rhonda Fleming, Actress; aka-“Queen of Technicolor”; Spellbound, The Spiral Staircase, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.

            1911 – Jane Wyatt, Actress; Father Knows Best, Star Trek (TV Series).

            1874 – Herbert Hoover, 31^st US President.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

Today is Book Lover’s Day. I am a book lover, are you? In fact, I am just whipping through James Patterson’s I, Alex Cross. 2 days and I am nearly done! I love a quick read. I also have about 3 dozen boxes of books in the garage dating as far back as the mid-1800’s. I just can’t seem to get rid of them. The house is also loaded with books. Every possible shelf has at least one row of books on them. Hi, my name is Patti, and I am a bookaholic…

According to the History Books...

Ø      Grateful Dead founding guitarist, Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack at the age of 53.

Ø      Arthur Walker, a retired US Naval officer, was found guilty of spying for the USSR. His brother and nephew were also charges with similar charges and eventually plead guilty.

Ø      After the resignation of President Nixon, Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as President. Ford was the only person not elected to serve as President. He was appointed Vice President earlier in the year and when Nixon resigned, he was given the oath of office as the VP successor.

Ø      In 1969, the horrific discovery of five people, including pregnant Sharon Tate rocked the entire country. The still jailed “Manson Family” was convicted of this crime, among others. If you would like to read more into the mind of a nut job, pick-up the then assistant district attorney Vincent Bugliosi’s Helter Skelter.

Ø      Betty Boop debuted in the short animated film, Dizzy Dishes in 1930.

Ø      In 378, The Visigoths defeated the Romans at the Battle of Adrianople. Why is this important, I have no idea, I read about war stuff and basically hear in my head “blah, blah, 378, wow that was a long time ago!”

On August 9^th in…

1968, Gillian Anderson, the actress from X-Files was born. Has she done anything other than that? In 1967, cross-training football-baseball player, Deion Sanders was born. 1964 saw the birth of Brett Hull, Bobby Hull’s son and  an NHL hockey player in his own right. In 1963, Whitney Houston began exercising her lungs. By the way, Dolly’s original version of I Will Always Love You is the best! Don Johnson’s ex and Antonio Banderes’ current, Melanie Griffith was born in 1957. Jonathan Kellerman, writer responsible for creating one of my favorite doctor detectives, Alex Delaware, was born. In 1944, slow talkin’ Sam Elliott was born. And, finally, poet John Dryden was born in 1631. Some of his works include: Marriage a la Mode; The Mistaken Husband; King Arthur and Fables, Ancient and Modern .

No Zucchini here

Today is an interestingly named day...Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day. I personally will not be celebrating this day by placing or finding. I do not like it. I do not like Zucchini, Sam I Am! So keep it and enjoy it yourself. I know you have to like it, after all, you wanted to grow it!


1988- The Chicago Cubs host their first night game at Wrigley field, the star of the game the newly installed lighting system!
1974-The 37th President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon, became the first US leader to resign his elected office.
1963- yes 1963, not 1863, The Great Train Robbery occured. Using two stolen Land Rovers, Bruce Reynolds and 14 other masked men held up the Royal Mail train and made off with about $7million. 12 of the 15 were captured and sentenced to prison.
1945-The USSR (aka, Soviet Union) declared war against Japan, finally.
1890-The DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) was created.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Joshua (no screaming please) Chasez (1976) member of NSYNC
Donnie (no snickering please) Most (1953) actor best known as Ralph Malph on Happy Days, in happier days.
Keith (no, not my brother David "Kung Fu" or my father John) Carradine (1949), actor known for his role in Revenge of the Nerds opposite Anthony "nerd turned doc" Edwards.
Concetta Rosalie Ann (no, not Francis) Ingogla (1938) Her stage name is Connie Stevens and has acted in multiple movies and TV shows including Hawaiian Eye, Maverick and Grease 2.
Dustin (no, I can't count falling toothpicks very fast) Hoffman (1937). His second role was portraying Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate.
Mel (let me sing it) Tillis (1932) country music singer of Who's Julie, I Ain't Never and Stomp Them Grapes. Want to see his funny side? Try The Villain starring Mel with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ann Margaret and Kirk Douglas!
Esther (the mermaid) Williams (1923) Best known for her roles in 'aquamusicals' such as Million Dollar Mermaid.
Rory (aka Smoke) Calhoun (1922) Great rags-to-riches story. He began his teens stealing a gun, "attending" reform school, escaping, robbing several jewelry stores, stealing a car, driving across state lines and ending up in the federal penitentiary. Spent time in San Quentin and then paroled just before his 21st birthday. Shortly thereafter, he met Alan Ladd and his western film star career began!
Agostino (aka Dino) De Laurentiis (1919) has produced films such as Barbarella in 1968 to several Stephen King based features in the 1980's to the Silence of the Lambs sequels in the 2000's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

Today is National Lighthouse Day and National Mustard Day.
I am not that into mustard. Mom is. She loves mustard, anyway, she used to, until they invented Dijonaisse. A Dijon mustard and mayonnaise  mix. For National Lighthouse Day, I will be remembering the lighthouses of the Outer Banks...go to www.handmedownthoughts.blogspot.com for a remembrance.

1959 - Explorer 6, an unmanned space craft began its orbit around Earth and took the very first photograph of our planet from 17,000 miles high. It took 40 minutes to transmit the image of the sunlit crescent shaped Earth. Mexico is clearly visible, well, as clear as a pic of that time could be.
1956 - Seven trucks loaded with army ammunition exploded in downtown Cali leaving 1,000 dead, thousands injured, a crater in the found and a 3-block area razed. They say the cause of the explosion is a mystery. I know what caused it...THE TRUCKS WERE LOADED WITH EXPLOSIVES! HELLO!
1947 - The Kon-Tiki, a raft built of balsa wood completed its 4,300 mile trek across the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Raroia (a island near Tahiti). The 6-person crew, including Captain, Thor Heyerdahl, wanted to prove that South Americans could have colonized the Polynesian Islands. 
1869 - Astronomer and Explorer George Davidson predicted a total solar eclipse to Native Alaskans.
1789 - The Federal Government, through an act of Congress, took over the creation and maintenance of the nation's lighthouses.
1782 - President George Washington created a new award called the "Badge of Military Merit" to be given out to those who "Let it be known that he who wears the Military Order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen." It was awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers. In October, 1927, this award usage was revived and is now called the "Order of the Purple Heart".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
1975 - Charlize Theron, actress seen in The Cider House Rules and Monster ; 1960 - X-Files actor, David Duchonvy, Don't miss him in Return to Me (GREAT flick!);  1955 - Wayne Knight, no not the guy that used to go fishing with my parents (and other friends) who is also the father of TR Knight, the guy who used to be on Seinfeld;  1944 - Actor, John Glover, of Payback, and Smallville fame; 1942 - BJ Thomas, country singer known for taking the song Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head to number1. Also is not dead yet, no matter what anyone says;  1942 - Marion Brown Duckett, The One And Only!;  1903 - Rudolf C Ising, animator and co-creator of Merrie Melodies and Loony Tunes cartoons. "Eh, What's up, Doc?" Nutin'? I guess, "That's all folks!";  1876 - Dancer and famous female spy, Mata Hari.

Wiggle Your Toes

August 6th marks the wonderful celebration we like to call Wiggle Your Toes Day. As described right in the name of the holiday, take off your shoes and wiggle your toes. It doesn't really matter if you have a pile of sand, a patch of grass or just your shag carpeting. Wiggle those little piggies all the way home!

HISTORY LESSON:
2009 - John Huges died. Beloved and influential director of the 1980s died of a heart attack at the age of 59. Many teens, pre-teens and post-teens of the 80s generation will remember Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Home Alone, counting them among their favorite movies of all time. I know I do.
1991 - Peugeot announced that it would stop producing cars for sale in the US.
1965 - The Voting Rights Bill was signed by President Johnson. The VRB guaranteed black Americans the right to vote.
1945 - Hiroshima Japan is rocked by the dropping of the Atom Bomb. I believe everyone learned a lesson on this one.
1926 - Gertrude Ederle  swam 21 miles. This 19-year old would be the first woman to swim the English Channel.
1890 - Cy Young, pitching for the Cleveland Spiders, made his major league debut. He pitched a 3-hit shutout. Most believe he is the greatest pitcher baseball has ever seen.
1890 - William Kemmler, convicted of axing his common-law wife to death, was executed by the newly invented Electric Chair at NY's Auburn Prison.
1874 - Jim Reed, gambler and general outlaw, first husband of Myra Maybelle Shirley, friend of Cherokee outlaw Tom Starr was killed by law officers. Two years later Jim's widow married Tom's son, and continued his outlawing. We know her as Belle Starr. 
1862 - CSS Arkansas was blown up by the crew on the Mississippi River on its 23 day anniversary. It was motoring down to Baton Rouge when it ran aground with engine troubles. It was apparently beyond repair under the stress of USS Essex bearing down upon them. They chose to skuttle the craft instead. 
1786 - Robert Burns had his (questionable to beginwith) marriage disolved. He ended up marrying the woman anyway and having 9 children with her before his death 10 years later. He wrote the poem, For Auld Lang Syne.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

Geri Halliwell (1972), Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls.
David Robinson (1965), Basketball Player
Dorian Harewood (1951), actor seen in such films as Full Metal Jacket, Gothika and The Falcon and the Snowman.
Andy Warhol (1928), Artist know for his cans. I think he was famous for 15 minutes.
Robert Mitchum (1917), Actor seen in films such as Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Going Home and The List of Adrian Messenger.
Lucille Ball (1911), Actress. Of course you know her in the early TV hit I Love Lucy, but she was 'In The Movies' too... Stage Door, Five Came Back (which I just happened to see last week, not too bad for a "B-flick"), The Long, Long Trailer and Forever, Darling. 
Arthur Flegenheimer (1902), One of the biggest gangster in NY. You don't recall hearing about Bossman Flegenheimer? How about Dutch Schultz?

Sir Alexander Fleming (1881), Biologist/Pharmacologist best known for discovering penicillin.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809), was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdon during most of Queen Victoria's reign. Wrote The Charge of the Light Brigade; Tears, Idle Tears, Ulysses and  The Eagle.

Working Dogs, Income Tax and Strikers

Today is Work Like a Dog Day. I wonder who came up with this day. When I am employed, that is, I usually always work like a dog. It does bother me that many people do not. They just skate through their employment life, complaining about how hard they work and only work on the occasional Work Like a Dog Day or If You Get All Your Work Done Today You Don't Have to Come In On Friday or Monday Day.

IN HISTORY:
1998 - Marie Noe, aged 70, was arrested for killing her eight infant children between 1949 and 1968. There is no statute of limitations on murder.
1981 - President Ronald Reagan, in response to an illegal strike, fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers. I almost applied for a position but do not think that I could have handled the stress.
1962 - Marilyn Monroe was discovered dead in her home, ruled probable suicide.
1957 - Philadelphia based dance show, American Bandstand, began broadcasting nationally. I wonder, what ever happened to the host of that show?
1924 - Welcome to the world of comics Little Orphan Annie.
1914 - Cleveland, OH installed the world's first electric traffic signal at the corner of Euclid and East 105th.
1861 - President Abraham Lincoln imposed the first federal income tax. Persons making over $800 would be required to pay a 3% tax on their earnings. It was repealed in 1871 but Congress passed the current income tax system in 1909 (16th Amendment).
1858 - A fifth attempt at laying nearly 2,000 miles of telegraph line between England an the United States is successful. Cyrus West Field organized the efforts including British and American Ships (Agamemnon, Valorous, Niagara, Gorgon). Unfortunately, it stopped working in September. Wonder if Nessie had anything to do with that?


BIRTHDAYS TODAY:
Actors and Actresses - Jonathan Silverman (1966)-Weekend at Bernie's;  Loni Anderson (1946)-WKRP in Cincinnati;  John Saxon (1935)-Enter the Dragon, The Electric Horseman;  John Huston (1906)- Chinatown, De Sade, Winter Kills ) he is also known for his screenwriting and directing; 

Patrick Ewing (1962)-Basketball Player;  Neil Armstrong (1930)-The original MoonWalker;  Guy de Maupassant (1850)-writer of such stories as Bon-Ami, Yvette, and Mademoiselle Fifi.

HB Father of Country Music

Today is US Coast Guard Day. The Revenue Cutter Service was created by an act of Congress authorizing 10 cutter ships to be built specifically to enforce The U.S.'s tariff laws. In 1915, the RCS 'merged' with the US Life Saving Service creating what we now know as The United States Coast Guard.

On this day in...

1944 - Anne Frank and her family were captured. 7 months later, she died in a concentration camp of typhus.

1927 - Jimmie Rodgers recorded his first songs The Soldier's Sweetheart and Sleep, Baby, Sleep earning him the nickname "The Father of Country Music. " and taking hillbilly music up a notch and slinging into the mainstream.

1892 - Lizzie Borden took and ax, gave her mother 40 whacks, when she'd seen what she had done, she gave her father 41...NOT! It was her half cousin or brother...

1693, Dom Perignon, a Benedictine monk, 'invented' Champagne.

Birthdays someone celebrates on this day in:

1971 - Jeff Gordon, NASCAR driver. We like the other Jeff...

1962 - Baseball pitcher, Roger Clemens. Mom likes him, who does he play for?

1961 - Barack Obama, 44th President of the USofA!

1958 - Track champion, Mary Decker. Run, Mary, Run!

1955 - Billy Bob Thornton, actor know for his role in Sling Blade (and for dumping Angelina Jolie so she could be with the Pitt-ster.)

1929 - Palistinian leader, Yasir Arafat, aka Mohammed Yasser Abdel Rahman Abdel Raoufal-Qudwa al-Husseini, breathe! Arafat

1910 - Composer, William Howard Schuman. At the age of 33, he won the inaugural Pulitzer Prize for Music for his cantata, A Free Song.

1901 - Louis Armstrong, trumpeter, What a Wonderful World, Dream a Little Dream of Me, When the Saints Go Marching In.

1900 - Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mum.

1792 -  Poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley was born. Prometheus Unbound and To a Skylark are notable works.

The Beginning of aTrek...

National Watermelon Day-With a slice, a sliver or a wedge celebrate with a napkin tied around your neck a bowl nearby so you can spit the seeds into and a friend sitting next to you, because National Watermelon Day is best when shared.

1958 – The USS Nautilus traveled beneath the Arctic ice cap.

1949 – The National Basketball Association was founded.

1936 – At the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens defeated Ralph Metcalfe in the 100 meter dash.

1923 – Calvin Coolidge became the 30^th President of the US.

1900 – Fireston Tire and Rubber Company was founded.

1852 – The beginning of an endless rivalry, Yale and Harvard compete in a boat race. Harvard won and will not let Yale live it down to this day.

1783 – 35,000 people were killed in Japan when Mount Asama erupted.

1678 – Le Griddon was the first known ship built on the Great Lakes. She was built by Robert LaSalle.

1527 – The first international letter was sent from the New World.

1492 – The residents of Palos de la Frontera, Spain waved good-bye and wished Bon Voyage (really?) to Christopher Columbus and the crews of the Nina,  the Pinta and the Santa Maria.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…

Inventor, Elisha Graves Otis (1811), who wants to go up and down?; Neva Morris (1895), Neva was a supercentenarian and died in this year-2010; 1900, American War Corespondent, Ernie Pyle; John T. Scopes (1900) , famous defendant; Mystery Author, PD James (1920); Novelist, Leon Uris (1924); 1926, Singer, Tony Bennett; Actor, Gordon Scott (1927), Ahhh-ahh-ahhhhh; Professional wrestler, Haystacks Calhoun (1934); 1940, actor, Martin Sheen, one of the best Kennedy portrayer’s ever; Professional homemaker, Martha Stewart (1941); John Landis (1950), film director; Dennis the Menace actor, Jay North (1951); 1963, Isaiah Washington, Actor; Football player, Tom Brady (1977); Lost actress, Evangeline Lilly (1979).

INTO THE LIGHT…

1460 – King James II of Scotland, at the age of 30.

1877 – William Butler Ogden (first Mayor of Chicago), at the age of 72.

1924 – Writer, Joseph Conrad, at the age of 67.

1954 – Writer, Colette, at the age of 81.

1966 – Lenny Bruce, Comedian, at the age of 41.

1983 – Carolyn Jones, actress who portrayed Morticia on The Addams Family television show, at the age of 53.

1995 – Actress and Director, Ida Lupino, at the age of 81.
2008 – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Russian writer, at the age 90.

Ice Cream Sandwiches with Sissy

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day will be celebrated today by myself. I plan on taking a few cookies from the freezer and sandwiching chocolate ice cream between two of them, voila, ice cream sandwich.  For those of you who have sisters, celebrate either with a meal out, a call on the phone, or a shout out on Twitter or Facebook, Happy Sister’s Day!!

            1990 – Iraq invaded the tiny country of Kuwait. A week later, the United States came to its defense in what is now known as The First Gulf War and Operation Desert Shield.

            1975 – The Superdome, New Orleans, LA, opened with a game between New Orleans Saints and Houston Oilers. It is now famous for a non-sporting event.

            1955 – The miracle zipper, Velcro, was patented.

1876 –The most famous poker hand of all time, Dead Man’s Hand (2 Aces and two eights) was born on this day. Unfortunately, someone had to die in order for its famous-ocity to come into being. Wild Bill Hickock was killed by the young Jack McCall who entered the No10 Saloon, snuck up behind the great gunfighter and shot him in the head.

1870 – London opened the world’s first underground tube railway called Tower Subway.

1869 – The novel Middlemarch was begun buy its author, George Eliot. Known as her greatest work, Middlemarch was published in eight parts from 1871 through 1872.

1610 – The large body of water that Henry Hudson discovered on this day was not as large as he hoped. Although he hoped he had found the Northwest Passage through Canada to the Pacific Ocean, we now know it as Hudson Bay.

216BC – Hannibal destroyed the Roman Army during the Punic Wars. It is now known as one of the great masterpieces of the tactical art.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Y'ALL...

Mary-Louise Parker,1964, actress most noted for her role in Fried Green Tomatoes; Joanna Cassidy, 1944, actress who can be seen in a multitude of sitcoms and TV dramas was featured in Stephen King's Tommyknockers and Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead ; Wes Craven, 1934, prolific horror writer who’s most famous character is a nightmare named Freddie Krueger; Peter O’Toole, 1932, actor who portrayed TE Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, that LOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGG movie set in the desert about war or something like that…zzzzz; All in the Family actor, Carroll O’Connor (1924), also brought southern sheriff Bill Gillespie to the small screen in In the Heat of the Night; James Baldwin (1924) was an author and playwright, you may have read the semi-autobigraphical, Go Tell it On the Mountain or If Beale Street Could Talk; Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 1754, was the architect chosen to design Washington, DC. What do you think of the layout.  

Friendship, Forgiveness and Cream Pies

Today is Friendship Day, International Forgiveness Day, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

1790 - The first US Census was completed and accounted for nearly four million people.               

1963 – Artis Leon Ivey, Jr was born in Monessen, PA. Some know him as rap singer, Coolio.

1981 – These words were spoken…”Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” Then the music video, Video Killed the Radio Star but The Buggles, and MTV was born.

1961 – Six Flags Over Texas, the first in a chain of amusement parks, opened on 212 acres in Arlington, TX.  Featuring the first flume ride, mine train ride and all inclusive admission price, at the time, $2.75 for an adult and $2.25 for a child.

1953 – The greatest western movie (so say some), Shane, starring Alan Ladd, was released.  “Come back, Shane!”

1943 – PT-109 was sunk when a Japanese destroyer rammed it. A 5 hour ‘swim’ to an island, then to another island, then a coconut shell message sent via South Pacific natives 11 of the 13 crewmen were rescued, including Lieutenant John F. Kennedy. For more info, please see, PT-109 starring Cliff Robertson.

1942 – Grateful Dead singer and guitarist, Jerry Garcia, was born in San Francisco, CA.

1937 – NY Senator, Alfonse D’Amato, was born in Brooklyn, NY.

1936 – Yves Saint Laurent,  Internationally worn Fashion Designer, was born in French Algeria.

1933 – Comedian and actor, Dom DeLuise was born in Brooklyn, NY.

 1819 – Writer of such novels as Moby Dick and Typee, Herman Melville was born in NYC, NY.

1779 – The Star Spangled Banner poet, Francis Scott Key was born in Carroll County, MD. Did you know he was a lawyer and is the grandfather of F.Scott Fitzgerald?

 1774 – Joseph Priestly, a British minister, discovered oxygen was born. He also invented soda water and contributed to the founding of Unitarianism in England.

1770 – Partner of Meriwether Lewis, explorer, William Clark was born in Caroline County, VA.  He was also the Governor of Missouri Territory (1813-1820).

1498 – Christopher Columbus landed on the Paria Peninsula (Venezuela) South America.