Notable:
Today 1960, “The Flintstones” the first animated sitcom created by Hanna-Barbera premieres on ABC. 166 episodes of the pre-historic nod to Jackie Gleason’s “Honeymooners” show were broadcast over six seasons. It continues to be a staple in syndication to this day.
According to board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, we should wash our sheets once week. “Bacteria, fungi, and viruses, oils, bodily secretions, dust and debris collect on bedding, contributing to clogging of pores, allergies, odor and even infections.” (Glamour)
The “Haunted Cottage,” in Liphook, England, is often credited as one of the first haunted houses. Built by fairground manufacturers Orton & Spooner circa 1915, the place may seem mild compared to today’s standards, but audiences of its time enjoyed navigating through dimly lit spaces with moving floors, experiencing chilling air gusts, and hearing recorded screams. The attraction is still accessible today. Following a restoration in 2017, visitors can now enjoy the experience at the Hollycombe Working Steam Museum in Liphook. (Interesting Facts)
Are we alone in the universe? Astronomers now focus on when, not if, we’ll find life beyond Earth. Optimism is high for discovering life in the next few years, possibly even on Jupiter’s icy moons. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope hints at life on an exoplanet, and many more discoveries are expected. Ongoing and upcoming missions signify a space race for a historic scientific breakthrough. Prof. Catherine Heymans believes that with our technology, we can finally determine if intelligent life exists beyond our planet in our vast Universe. (BBC)
Fall reveals Michigan at its best. The Great Lake State provides a picturesque autumn setting, from the stunning Upper Peninsula to the quaint towns in the Lower Peninsula. The Awesome Mitten has curated a Fall Bucket List for Michigan, filled with captivating experiences. (Awesome Mitten)
Where smart phones are concerned, Gen Z-ers in the us are increasingly opting for dumb and dumber. Companies like Punkt and Light offer devices for those who want less screen time and fewer features. While smart phone sales continue to grow internationally, the Generation Z demographic appears to have a growing interest in more mindful tech use. (CNBC)
Could cursive writing make a comeback? The Economist cites research which shows that taking notes by hand offers a significant advantage. The slowness of handwriting actually helps people think and condense information, preventing mindless verbatim transcription. As a result, many school systems are shifting away from heavy technology use in classrooms, especially in the early years, and are emphasizing the teaching of handwriting, including cursive writing. (The Economist)
Today in History:
In 1945, Detroit’s future Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg smacks an AL pennant-winning grand slam on the final day of the season as the Tigers beat St. Louis Browns, 6-3
In 1955, American actor and cultural icon James Dean is killed in a car crash aged 24.
In 1957, Jimmie Rodgers reached number one on the Billboard chart with his debut release, “Honeycomb,” and went on to enjoy more hits in the following year.
1962 Mexican-American labor leader César Chávez founds the United Farm Workers
In 1965, Donovan made his US television debut on Shindig! alongside The Hollies, The Turtles, and The Dave Clark Five.
Also in 1967, the BBC starts its own popular music radio station (Radio 1)
In 1968, the 1st 747 jumbo jet rolls out of Boeing’s production facility. The Supremes release “Love Child.”
In 1969, Blood, Sweat & Tears release “And When I Die”
In 1971, Yes began their first tour with new keyboardist Rick Wakeman in Leicester, England.
Also in 1971, Isaac Hayes released his biggest hit single, “Theme From Shaft,” which reached #2 on the Billboard Soul Singles chart and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song the following year.
In 1978, Exile’s “Kiss You All Over” claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks.
In 1982, Marvin Gaye releases “Sexual Healing”.
In 1985, Howard Stern gets fired from WNBC AM (NY)
In 1988, John Lennon received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today’s Birthdays:
1921 Deborah Kerr, American actress (The King & I, Night of Iguana), born in Helensburg Scotland (d. 2007)
1924, Truman Capote, American author (Breakfast At Tiffany’s; In Cold Blood), born in New Orleans, Louisiana (d. 1984)
1933 Emily “Cissy” Houston [née Drinkard] (Age 90), American soul and gospel singer, and Whitney’s mother, born in Newark, New Jersey.
1935 Johnny Mathis (Age 88), American pop vocalist (“Chances Are”; “Wild Is The Wind”; The Twelfth of Never”), born in Gilmer, Texas
1942 Frankie Lymon, American pop singer (The Teenagers – “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”), born in NYC, New York (d. 1968)
1943 Marilyn McCoo (Age 80), American soul singer (5th Dimension; “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”) and TV host (Solid Gold), born in Jersey City, New Jersey
1946 Sylvia Peterson (Age 77), American pop vocalist (Chiffons – “He’s So Fine”), born on The Bronx, New York
1947 Marc Bolan, British rock vocalist and guitarist (T-Rex – “Bang A Gong (Get It On)”; “Jeepster”), born in London (d. 1977)
1954 Barry Williams (Age 69), American actor (Greg-Brady Bunch), born in Santa Monica, California
1954 Patrice Rushen (Age 69), American jazz and R&B pianist and singer and songwriter (“Forget Me Nots”), born in Los Angeles, California
1957 Fran Drescher (Age 66), American actress (Cadillac Man, The Nanny), born in Queens, New York.
