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In October of 1582, Pope Gregory XIII updated the Julian calendar by 11 days, and implemented the Gregorian Calendar, effective 4 October, to be followed directly by 15 October, in efforts to achieve a more accurate timetable. During Gregory's 16th Century era of world reformation, this change was only accepted by countries following the direction of the Catholic Pope (Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain), leaving the more Protestant world on the Julian calendar until beginning in the late 18th Century. The British Empire (which still included the American colonies) changed to the Gregorian calendar in 1752. The last to conform was Russia in 1918, and Greece in 1923.
In the United States, the month of October is best described as a celebration of its melting pot heritage. The month begins during the celebration of Octoberfest, a world-famous festival held in Munich, Germany, and observed across the United States as German-American Day on 6 October. It was during Octoberfest in 1990 that also celebrated the historic unity of East and West Germany after the Cold War.
The origins of Columbus Day began as a celebration of Italian-American heritage following the Civil War in 1866, and over the years, adopted as a Federal holiday, also becoming a time of recognition for the history and culture of Native Americans. Leif Erikson Day on 9 October recognizes Norwegian-Americans.
Always a season of celebration, from Roman Armilustrium, to the Incan K'antaray, and China's Chung Yeung Festival, the most lasting of ancient October traditions is the Celtic observance of Halloween on 31 October, which melted into the American culture during the mid-19th Century, derived from the immigrants of Irish and Scottish descent.
In the ancient Roman calendar of ten months, October fell within the last six, which were all numbered, rather than named, and was therefore known as Number 8 (Octobris). As this calendar was revised in the Julian calendar to include twelve months, beginning with January, October became the tenth month, but retained its name anyway.
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The second Monday in October is also recognized in the state of Hawaii as Discoverer's Day, in honor of British Captain James Cook who, in 1778, became the first European to record the coordinates of the Hawaiian Islands.
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Recently renamed "Indigenous Peoples Day" in many states, Columbus Day is a Federal holiday, commemorating the first arrival of Christopher Columbus to the New World in 1492 (12 October in the Julian calendar, 21 October in the Gregorian calendar).
officially designating 12 October as Columbus Day. It was the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971 that moved the official recognition date of Columbus Day to the second Monday in October, where it remains.
Leif Erikson Day, recognized in the United States as 9 October since 1930, honors the Norse explorer who landed at Vinland (Newfoundland) in the year of 1003. By Presidential proclamation since 1964, this day has been used to celebrate Norwegian-American heritage.
There is, however, the seafaring legend of a Saint Brendan of Clonfert, an Irish priest who lived in the mid-5th Century AD, and found his calling to explore the North Atlantic on a quest for the Land of Delight. From the earliest of preserved written versions of his journeys, it is known he was gone for seven years, returning with many tales which included descriptions of landfall on a continent filled with trees and lush vegetation. The greatest resource for early explorers through unexplored regions was through the collection of random information, and since Brendan's adventures were documented as early as the 8th Century, with details of his journey known across the continent as far away as the Netherlands, it is possible the legend of Brendan influenced Erikson 500 years later. Due to the continued observance of Brendan's sainthood within the Catholic Church, it is not unlikely the accounts of his voyage aided Columbus in his argument to the Spanish royalty it would be possible to travel to Asia by sailing west.
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* It would be nice if the poor were to get even half of the money that is spent in studying them.
* A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.
* Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.
* A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won't cross the street to vote in a national election.
* Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them.
* The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a family all wrapped up in each other
Following his election, he did take time to meet her. A statue depicting a meeting between Lincoln and Bedell is located in the center of her home town village of Westfield, NY.
Because many opponents foresaw little American colonization in the frozen tundra, and – because of the purchase – annual charges for administration, civil and military, would far exceed the inexpensive purchase price, the transaction for a short while called Seward's folly. However, gold rushes in Alaska and the nearby Yukon Territory during the 1890s brought thousands of miners and settlers to Alaska, which was granted territorial status in 1912, and granted statehood on 3 January 1959.
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SOURCES
"London Bridge: Alive and Well in Arizona" from Roadtrip America All Saints Parish Charles M. Schultz Museum Emily Post Institute Etipedia Luciano Pavarotti Official Site Millions More Movement National Child Health Day Official Site of Chuck Berry Poetry Society Society of American Magicians Still Demanding (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) UN Programme on Ageing UNESCO Education UNICEF World Animal Day World Food Day World Habitat Day World Smile Foundation World Standards Day World Vegetarian Day
The infamous Smiley Face, which has become one of the most recognizeable icons in the world, was created in 
1963 by a commercial artist named Harvey Ball. Over the years, as its value turned more commercial, Ball felt its original intent was getting lost, and organized World Smile Day promoting nonpartisan global happiness. Although Ball passed away in 2001, the day continued to be recognized and inspired the creation of the World Smile Foundation in 2002, which internationally recruits Honorary Smile Ambassadors from the fields of government, education, sports, and entertainment to help spread good cheer and good works throughout the world. Celebrated annually since 1999 on the first Friday in October (always between the 1st and the 7th).
In Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the fictional character Willy Wonka gives an unprecedented tour of his chocolate factory on 1 October (year unspecified) in order to find his heir.
The 2013 theme is "The future we want: what older persons are saying" chosen to draw attention to the efforts of older persons, civil society organisations, United Nations organizations and Member States to place the issue of ageing on the international development agenda. Join the Global Survey for a Better World! Take the opportunity of celebrating this International Day of Older Persons by voting on what is most important for you and your family. Join the global vote and register your priorities. To learn more go to: www.myworld2015.org
World Vegetarian Day has been observed since 1977 bringing together vegetarians from all over the world for a common cause. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.
Honoring Jimmy Carter
Born James Earl Carter, Jr in 1924 Plains, GA; 76th Governor of Georgia (1971-1975), 39th President of the United States (1977-1981); author, statesman, philanthropist; recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize
"War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children." ~ Jimmy Carter (born 1924)
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on this day in 1869, was a major political and spiritual leader of India during the early 20th Century. An English-educated lawyer, Gandhi first employed his ideas of peaceful civil disobedience in the Indian community's struggle for civil rights in South Africa. Upon his return to India, Gandhi organized poor farmers and laborers to protest oppressive taxation and widespread discrimination. Dedicating his life to the wider purpose of discovering truth, and political and social change embracing the concept of nonviolence, he became a tireless champion for the alleviation of poverty, for the liberation of women, and for brotherhood amongst communities of differing religions and ethnicity. On 30 January 1948, on his way to a prayer meeting, Gandhi was shot dead by a Hindu radical. He is considered the pioneer of resistance through mass civil disobedience which has inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, including Cesar Chavez, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (among many others). The title "Mahatma" was first accorded to Gandhi in 1915, a Sanskrit title translating as "Great Soul" - a title to which Ghandi believed himself unworthy.
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall
- think of it, always." ~ M.K.Ghandi
Observed 2 October every year to coincide with the birthday of M. K. Ghandi.
An artist from his youth, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz began his career in 1947 with a weekly panel comic strip named Li'l Folks in his hometown paper, the St. Paul 
Pioneer Press. The name Charlie Brown appeared there in various forms, as well as a dog which evolved into the more famous Snoopy after Schultz closed Li'l Folks for publication of a new strip called Peanuts. which first appeared in syndication on this day in 1950. Running daily and on Sundays for nearly 50 years, until Schultz's death in 2000, a total of 17,897 strips were published, translated into 21 languages for readership in 75 countries. Peanuts eventually expanded to include animation for highly-rated television specials, a series of books based on the strip, and a Broadway musical. The charisma of Charles Schultz and his innovative cast of characters, with their individual challenges, skills, and dreams, made Peanuts one of the most popular and influential comics in history.
"Humor is reason gone mad." ~ Groucho Marx (born 1895)
(Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
A national holiday in Germany, commemorating the anniversary of German reunification in 1990. Before reunification, the national holiday in Western Germany was 17 
June, recognizing a failed 1953 workers revolt. In East Germany, it was 7 October, remembering the foundation of the GDR in 1949. An alternative choice would have been 9 November when the Berlin Wall came down, coinciding with the founding of the first real German Republic in 1918 and the defeat of Hitler's first coup in 1923; however 9 November was also the anniversary of the first large-scale Nazi-led pogroms against Jews in 1938, so the day was considered inappropriate as a national holiday. Therefore, 3 October, commemorating the 1990 day of formal reunion, became the final choice. In addition to the traditional celebrations at Berlin, there is a Citizen's Festival (Bürgerfest), hosted by a different city every year, given the opportunity to organise a national celebration from its own perspective and on its own overall responsibility.
"Style is knowing who you are, what to say, and not giving a damn."
~ Gore Vidal (born 1925)
Each year UNESCO sponsors programs worldwide to raise awareness, encourage reflection, and stimulate action to address the challenges of financial inequality, environmental sustainability, and the maintenance of cultural identity in cities. Cities are powerful catalysts for national development. But for development to be sustainable, it needs to be set an environment of harmony that provides inclusive living conditions for all their residents regardless of their economic status, gender ,or age. Each city resident has a right to live in a decent environment with access to basic services and resources. Since 1985, the United Nations has designated the first Monday in October (always between the 1st and the 7th) as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. The 2013 theme "Urban Mobility" was chosen because mobility and access to goods and services is essential to the efficient functioning of our cities and towns as they expand.
Observed the 1st Monday in October, National Child Health Day is an occasion for us all to focus on the physical and mental health and development of our nation's children.
The first US Open Championship was played on 4 October 1895, on a nine-hole course in Newport RI. It 
was a 36-hole competition, played in a single day by 10 professionals and 1 amateur. The winner was a 21-year old Englishman named Horace Rawlins, who had arrived in the US in January that year to take up a position at the host club. He received $150 cash out of a prize fund of $335, plus a $50 gold medal; his club received the Open Championship Cup trophy, which was presented by the USGA. In the beginning, the tournament was dominated by experienced British players until 1911, when John J. McDermott became the 1st native-born American winner. American golfers soon began to win regularly and the tournament evolved to become one of the four majors.
World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Originally chosen as 4 October to commemorate the feast day of nature lover and patron saint of animals, Francis of Assisi, it has become an annual celebration observed by animal-lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds. Animal blessings are held in churches, synagogues, and by independent Animal Chaplains in parks and fields. Animal rescue shelters hold fundraising events and open days, wildlife groups organize information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.
"I doubt any of you would prefer a rolled up newspaper as a weapon against a dictator or a criminal intruder." ~ Charlton Heston (born 1923)
According to a UNESCO Recommendation, education is a human right; extensive and widespread general, technical, and vocational education must be available to all people; and that teachers should be properly respected in salary and working conditions. Observed annually on this date, today over 100 countries observe World Teachers' Day as a public awareness campaign to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession. "A Call for Teachers" is the slogan for World Teachers' day 2013, focusing on UNESCO's work on quality teachers for global citizenship and cultural diversity.
"The world we leave to our children depends in large measure on the children we leave to our world. Teachers have a pivotal role in realizing the goal of making education accessible to all wherever they are, regardless of socio-economic circumstance, race, creed or gender. Many of our hopes for a more socially just, more sustainable, more tolerant and more peaceful world rest on the shoulders of the teaching profession."
"Yesterday's the past and tomorrow's the future. Today is a gift -- which is why they call it the present." ~ Bill Keane (born 1922)
German Americans currently form the largest ancestry group in the United States, accounting for 25% of US population. The first Germans to reach the Jamestown Colony 
sailed from England around July 1608 and arrived in Virginia in early October. They came in a group of about 70 new settlers, and included at least 5 unnamed glassmakers and 3 carpenters or house builders. Jamestown at that time was a small wooden fort on a peninsula of the James River, which flows into Chesapeake Bay near modern Norfolk. The first significant numbers arriving in the 1680s in New York and Pennsylvania. Among the 1st European influences in the New World, Americans of German descent have made significant economic, political, social, scientific, and cultural contributions to the growth and success of the United States. By Presidential Proclamation, 6 October is a day to learn more about the contributions of German immigrants to the life and culture of the United States, and an opportunity to honor the strong ties between the United States and Germany.
A day of recognition in Ireland, formerly honoring the Irish revolutionary Padraig Pearse, now commemorating the death of Charles Stewart Parnell.
Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) was an Irish political leader and considered one of the most important figures in 19th century Ireland and the United Kingdom for his participation representation in the British House of Commons. An advocate of Home Rule, Parnell successfully manipulated party rules to the benefit of his nation, and known for unifying Irish representation within the British government.
Pádraig Pearse lived at the turn of the 20th Century (1879 -1916), a teacher, poet, and writer, who not only is remembered for his passion to maintain the native Gaelic language and culture of the Irish people, but is also remembered as a strong advocate for Irish Nationalism and his participation in the Easter Rebellion of April of 1916. Executed in May of 1916 at the age of 36, Pearse is considered one of the founding leaders of the IRA, and both his public and personal life remains a subject of controversy.
NOTE: It is not known at this time why the day is named Ivy Day, nor when it changed from honoring Pearse to Parnell.
The Poetry Society, based in the United Kingdom, has assigned this day to bring to light to value of poetry from the past and the present, and hoping through its influences in the public school systems to influence the poetry of the future.
Remembering Thor Heyerdahl
Born in 1914 Larvik, Norway; Norwegian scientist and adventurer best remembered for his Kon-Tiki expedition, proving it possible to sail a primitive raft from Polynesia to South America
"We must as scientists get beyond the dogmatic medieval view of history printed by us in Europe in which we describe our own ancestors as the discoverers of the rest of the world." ~ Thor Heyerdahl (born 1914)
It was on this day in 1952 the live show premiered locally in Philadelphia as a live show, Bandstand, and was hosted by Bob Horn, with Lee Stewart as co-host until 1955. The show originally featured Horn merely hosting two collections of filmed musical performances (forerunners of modern music videos), but this was soon changed to the familiar format of having kids dance to hit records, which was an idea that came from a 
Philadelphia radio show. In 1956, Horn was replaced by Dick Clark. Within a year, the show was picked up nationally by ABC and had become known as American Bandstand, featuring teenagers dancing to Top 40-type music introduced by Clark, with at least one popular musical act. Clark would also interview the teenagers about their opinions of the songs being played. The show moved from its weekday slot to Saturday afternoons in September of 1963, and moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles the following February. Color broadcasts began in 1967. Capturing the attention of Baby Boomers for over 30 years, the popularity of American Bandstand made it a rock-and-roll legend, took Dick Clark to the top of the media industry, and inspired other similar long-running music programs, such as Soul Train and Top of the Pops.
By Congressional Resolution since 1991, this day is proclaimed a national day of recognition for the extraordinary courage and tremendous importance of our nation's firefighters.
Observed 7 October each year
"I'm trusting in the Lord and a good lawyer." ~ Oliver North (born 1943)
Eddie Rickenbacker loved machines and experimented with them from childhood. He aggressively 
pursued any chance of involvement with automobiles, and employment at a Pennsylvania Railroad machine shop led him into the automobile industry. By 1910, Rickenbacker was racing his employer's cars. Touted as the first man to drive a mile a minute, he received the nickname "Fast Eddie." He raced 4 times in the Indianapolis 500, although he only finished once in the 10th position. Before the onset of WWI, Rickenbacker helped organize an advance group of soldiers to be ready when the US joined the war. He enlisted in the Army at the 1st opportunity in 1917, and was shipped to train in France with the very 1st American troops. Awarded a place in America's 2nd air-combat squadron, respect for him grew as his successes mounted, and his 26 victories constituted an American record that stood until World War II. The most successful American ace at that time, Rickenbacker was dubbed by the press as America's "Ace of Aces." After the war, he started an automobile company. In 1927, he bought the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rickenbacker's most lasting business endeavor was his lifelong leadership of Eastern Air Lines. A race car driver, a flying ace, an automotive and aircraft designer, a race track owner, a pioneer in global aviation, and a military and political advisor, he was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Medal of Honor, and an inductee to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. All his life, Eddie Rickenbacker expressed strong patriotism, urged honest corporate and personal dealings, and promoted technology and innovation. Born on this day in 1890, he was a real American hero.
Bill Vaughan was an American columnist and author born on this day in 1915 Saint Louis, MO. After attending Washington University in St. Louis, he made his lifelong career as a syndicated column "Starbeams" for the Kansas City Star, and over the years was also published in Reader's Digest and Better Homes and Gardens under the pseudonym Burton Hillis. A self-proclaimed short-term pessimist and long-term optimist, Vaughan was known for his clever one-line comments on the human condition.
* Money won't buy happiness, but it will pay the salaries of a large research staff to study the problem.
"There can be no courage unless you're scared."
~ Eddie Rickenbacker (born 1890)
This day has been named to recognize Nordic-American heritage, to honor the arrival of Leif Ericson in Newfoundland in the year 1000, and who has become acknowledged as the 1st European to set foot in Canada. His father, Erik the Red, is considered the 1st European to set foot in North America's Greenland in 982.
Born on this date in 1940, John Winston Lennon MBE (changed later to John Ono Lennon), 
was an icon of the late 20th century as a musician, poet, writer, and political activist. Best known for his role as a founding member of The Beatles in the early 1960's, John had an extraordinary ability to use his fame and his fortune to promote his personal beliefs of world peace. A rebellious personality, and an irreverent wit, made him a favorite among his fans. His politically motivated actions, especially in the production of a song titled Give Peace A Chance (which became the theme song of anti-Vietnam protestors), in some opinions put his name on a US governmental surveillance list, and was eventually successful in fighting deportation under the Nixon administration in 1972. Known as a man who believed in himself and his own abilities and talents to make a difference in the world, his death by assassination on 8 December 1980 marked to some the end of an era.
"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away
as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."
~ John Lennon (born 1940)
The authentic London Bridge sits in Lake Havasu City AZ spanning the Bridgewater Channel, connecting the 
Island to the mainland, and sitting amidst the 45-mile long Lake Havasu. It has been there since the early 1970's, after a series of circumstances that required the City of London to put the "heap of stones" up for sale. Despite criticism from the skeptics, a press conference was held in Los Angeles, where representatives from around the world had an opportunity to bid on this piece of English history. Sold to the American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch of McCulloch Oil for $2,460,000, the bridge was disassembled, each piece numbered to aid reassembly and those markings can still be seen today. The pieces were shipped to Long Island CA, where it was trucked to Lake Havasu City, then reassembled on dry land where mounds of dirt were dredged underneath it. The London Bridge was dedicated on this day in 1971 in front of 100,000 people including British dignitaries. It is 58-feet shorter than the original, and it is hollow, to ensure it will never sink. It is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Largest Antique Ever Sold.
An excuse to celebrate every time the day and date are the same number. Originated by the late Elaine Fremont, who believed there weren't already enough holidays, came up with this new one, and even had it registered in Washington D.C. as a recognized holiday. The name came from a student in Australia where bonza and bottler are both Aussie slang for excellent. The mascot is the groundhog since 2-2 is Groundhog Day in the US. She did include in the description of the holiday when she registered it, that this party be alcohol-free.
Elaine Freemont died in a 1997 interstate collision at the age of 44.
Born Helen Hayes Brown on this date in 1900, Hayes began a stage career at an early age, and by 1910, had already made a short film. Considered the greatest actress in the history of the American stage, her 70-year career enveloped film, radio, stage, and television, and she is only one of the nine people who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. She is immortalized via the Helen Hayes Awards, established in her honor in 1983 to honor achievement and promote professional theatre in the city of her birth (Washington, DC).
"The search for the truth is the most important work in the whole world,
and the most dangerous." ~ James Clavell (born 1924)
The first Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer named Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean and formally celebrated his successful return home from a search for the Northwest Passage in 1578. French settlers soon followed, arriving in Canada with Samuel de Champlain, and from 1604 held huge feasts of thanks, known as 'The Order of Good Cheer'.
Several decades followed where Thanksgiving ceremonies were celebrated, but it was not until 1879 the Canadian Confederation made it an annual observance. The date changed several times, but was officially declared to be the second Monday in October in 1957.
A public holiday in most provinces, the celebration takes full benefit of the 3-day weekend to include family gatherings, with a special dinner which usually includes a roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest parade serves as the nation's only Thanksgiving Day parade and is broadcast nationwide on CTV and A. The Canadian Football League holds a nationally televised doubleheader known as the "Thanksgiving Day Classic".
Born on this day in 1884 New York City to the blue blood of US citizenry, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt overcame the 
limitations of a lonely and isolated childhood to become one of the most prominent political figures in 20th Century history. As First Lady, she promoted the American Civil Rights issues, and took an active role in promoting war morale on the homefront. After her husband's death in 1945, she continued a career as an author and public speaker, and spokesperson for human rights. A leader in the forming of the United Nations, and chaired the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she will always be remembered as the First Lady of the World in honor of her extensive human rights promotions. She died 7 November 1962 of tuberculosis.
see 6 March
"The thing which counts is the striving of the human soul to achieve spiritually the best that it is capable of and to care unselfishly not only
for personal good, but for the good of all those who toil with them
upon the earth." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt (born 1884)
Freethought holds that individuals should neither accept nor reject ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. Free-thinking philosophy has existed from prehistoric shamans, through the development of civilization in the Indo-Asian world, the Mediterranean, and the Middle Ages, but revived in modern times during the 17th Century religious crisis called The Inquisition. As the Age of Enlightenment progressed, resistance of citizens against the dogma of the church spread across Europe for over 200 years, coursely dividing those who live on faith, and those who live on fact. The free-thinkers were often associated with atheists and the occult. The first references to freethinkers in the US derives from German immigrants during the 19th Century, many of whom settled in Texas. Freethought Day is the annual observance of the end of the Salem Witch Trials, when Massachusetts Governor William Phips, on this day in 1692, outlined to the British monarchy how the trials had degenerated to reliance on evidence of a non-objective nature.
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
Observed annually on the second Friday of October.
Remembering Luciano Pavarotti
Born in 1935 Modena, Italy; a multi-award-winning Italian tenor, whose personable celebrity broadened his audience beyond opera to make him one of the world's most famous vocal performers; the only opera singer to perform on Saturday Night Live
"Learning music by reading about it is like making love by mail."
~ Luciano Pavarotti (born 1935)
Born on this day in 1925 as Leonard Schneider, surviving an unstable childhood and military duty during WWII, it was in 1947, after changing his name to Bruce, that his comedic career 
began by earning $12 and a free spaghetti dinner for his 1st stand-up performance. Considered controversial because of his unorthodox delivery, his stand-up material included rants, comic routines, and satirical interviews on contemporary social themes that made him famous.
Increased media attention offered mixed reviews of his stunning performances, and legal troubles began in 1961 when he was arrested following a show in San Francisco. Although acquitted of these charges, other law enforcement agencies began monitoring his appearances, resulting in frequent arrests under charges of obscenity. Bruce was known for relating the details of his encounters with the police directly in his comedy routine, including rants about his court battles over obscenity charges, tirades against fascism, and complaints of his denial to the right to free speech. In April 1964, he was arrested after leaving a Greenwich Village stage.
A 3-judge panel presided over his widely-publicized 6-month trial, and Bruce was found guilty of obscenity despite positive testimony and petitions of support from other artists, writers, educators, journalists, and sociologists. Bruce was sentenced to 4 months, but released on bail during the appeals process. At the request of Hugh Hefner (a long-time foe of censorship), Bruce co-wrote his autobiography, serialized in Playboy in 1964 and 1965, and later published as the book How to Talk Dirty and Influence People.
By 1966 he had been blacklisted by nearly every nightclub in the US, as owners feared prosecution for obscenity, and on 3 August of that year was found dead in his Hollywood home from an overdose of morphine. In December 2003, Bruce was granted a posthumous pardon for his obscenity conviction by the Governor of New York, being the state's 1st posthumous pardon, given as "a declaration of New York's commitment to upholding the First Amendment."
"The liberals can understand everything but
people who don't understand them." ~ Lenny Bruce (born 1925)
Known for his eclectic taste in music and his honest and warm broadcasting style, John Peel was a popular and 
respected English DJ and broadcaster. One of the first to play reggae and punk on British radio, his significant influence on alternative rock, Pop, British hip hop and dance music is widely acknowledged. He was one of the original DJs of BBC Radio 1 in 1967 and the only original DJ remaining on that station at the time of his death in October of 2004. On 13 October 2005, the first "John Peel Day" took place in the UK, and as far away as Canada and New Zealand. The BBC encouraged as many bands as possible to stage gigs on the 13th, and over 500 gigs from bands ranging from Peel favourites, to many new and unsigned bands, took place. International John Peel Day has become recognized annually on the second Thursday in October, commemorating his last show broadcast on BBC. Andy Parfitt, the head of BBC Radio 1 said, "John Peel Day is about celebrating John's legacy and his unrivaled passion for music."
The goal of World Standards Day is to raise awareness of the importance of global standardization to the world economy and to promote its role in helping meet the needs of business, industry, government, and consumers worldwide. This day also pays tribute to the thousands of 
volunteers around the world who participate in standardization activities. Each year examines issues relevant to global standardization, including sustainable building design, environmental standards, international standards to help transport people, energy, goods, and data; the importance of open markets, and availability to information and communication technologies. The date of 14 October was chosen as World Standards Day by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to commemorate the anniversary of the first meeting of delegates from 25 countries that resulted in the formation of ISO.
"Even a fool knows you can't touch the stars, but it won't keep the wise
from trying." ~ Harry Anderson (born 1952)
With the rise of automobile popularity, increasing traffic on public streets became hazardous to people with disabilities, and by the early 1920s, white canes became the standard for not only offering the blind self-confidence needed for independence in the modern world, but also as a sign to others easily identifying a special need for travel consideration.
Although White Cane Day remains largely unknown to the general public, a joint resolution of Congress was signed into law authorizing the President to proclaim 15 October of each year as White Cane Safety Day. President Lyndon Johnson signed the first proclamation within hours of the passage of the joint resolution.
Sponsored by Lions Clubs International, this day is recognized around the world through organized events with special themes to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired, and to enlighten others on their difficulties living in the everyday world, with special focus on public laws enabling people with disability, and concern for well-placed safety devices (such as sound-activted traffic crossings).
On 15 October 1860, a few weeks before Lincoln was elected President, 11-year old Grace Bedell sent him a letter urging him to grow a beard to improve his appearance. Lincoln responded in a letter on 19 October, making no promises, although within a month, he did grow a full beard.
"I have got 4 brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President."
"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised
as insoluble problems." ~ Lee Iacocca (1924)
Patricia Haroski, a secretary from Deerfield IL, originated National Boss Day in 1958 after realizing no one ever had a regular date set to pay tribute to bosses. Honoring her father, she registered its date as his birthday, 16 October. Although the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) has never been officially involved as a sponsor of National Boss Day, some IAAP chapters hold executive appreciation events around this time.
As a teacher, Noah Webster (born on this day in 1758 West Hartford, CT) had come to dislike American elementary schools. They could be overcrowded, with up to 70 children of all ages crammed into one-room 
schoolhouses, poorly staffed with untrained teachers, and poorly equipped with no desks and unsatisfactory textbooks that came from England. Webster thought Americans should learn from American books, and began writing a speller, a grammar, and a reader. His Blue-backed Speller books taught five generations of children in the United States how to spell and read. An outspoken Federalist, he changed the spelling of words, such that they became 'Americanized', choosing s over c in words like defense; he changed the re to er in words like center; he dropped one of the Ls in traveller; and dropped the u in words like colour or favour. In 1806, Webster published his 1st dictionary, then began writing a more comprehensive dictionary, which included the etymology of the words. To do this, he learned 26 languages, including Anglo-Saxon and Sanskrit.
Each year since 1981, events take place in over 150 countries to mark World Food Day, linked with a specific theme relating to the importance of agriculture, food safety, nutrition, and how hunger affects poverty. Sponsored by the US National Committee for World Food Day, in conjunction with national, private voluntary organizations this worldwide event is designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-around action to alleviate hunger. The date of 16 October was chosen to recognize the founding the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945.
Remembering Oscar Wilde
Born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde in 1854 Dublin, Ireland; controversial Irish writer, poet, and playwright best remembered for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and his play The Importance of Being Earnest; tormented and imprisoned for his flamboyant lifestyle, he maintained there is no moral or immoral art, only well or poorly made
"I can resist everything except temptation." ~ Oscar Wilde (born 1854)
Jupiter Hammon, born on this day in 1711, was the 1st African American to publish poetry in America, appearing in print in 1760. Although born a slave in New York, he had been educated and was able to read and write. In 1786, Hammon gave his "Address to the Negroes of the State of New York" before the African Society which draws heavily on the high moral standards of slaves, and promoted the idea of a gradual emancipation as a way of ending slavery. Because of Hammon's famous speech and his poetry, he is considered one of the founders of African American literature. In honor of Hammon's birth, Black Poetry Day is set aside to recognize the contributions of all African Americans to the world of poetry.
The sheperd of thy soul;
His tender mercies still are free,
His mysteries to unfold.
~from "Poem to Phillis Wheatley"
by Jupiter Hammon
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, to be observed beginning in 1993.
"The ravages of extreme poverty and exclusion are becoming more and more violent and destructive on earth whilst technical progress and an increase in wealth have given mankind the means to confront it." ~ Eugen Brand
"You come to a point in your life when you really don't care what people think about you, you just care what you think about yourself."
~ Evel Knievel (born 1938)
From 1741, when Vitus Bering led an expedition for the Russian Navy, Alaska was ruled by Russia. Nearly 100 years later, during the middle of the 19th Century, Russia needed money, and the US felt a need to block the British from taking control of the entire region. It was an expansionist idea promoted by William H. Seward, US Secretary of State, who engineered the Alaskan purchase in 1867 for $7.2 million (approximately 2˘ per acre). While the actual purchase took place in March, the actual transfer ceremony was not until 18 October, when General Lovell Rousseau accepted the territory for the US. The Russian flag was lowered and the American flag raised. Troops occupied the barracks, the General began residence in the governor's house, and most of the Russian citizens went home.
calendar10OCTalaskapurchase.jpg
At the time, Russian Alaska still recognized the Julian calendar (14:58:40 ahead of GMT), while the US had been acknowledging the Gregorian calendar (9:01:20 behind GMT) since 1752. With the transfer of governance, the date line was shifted (moving Alaska back a day), and the calendar was changed (moving Alaska ahead 12 days). Being effective at midnight, the calendar moved ahead one day as well, for a net change of 11 days. Consequently, Friday, 6 October was followed by Friday, 18 October.
Honoring Chuck Berry
Born Charles Edward Anderson Berry in 1926 St. Louis, MO; legendary rhythm and blues musician who strongly influenced the development of rock-and-roll through classic songs as Johnny B. Goode, Maybellene, Reelin' and Rockin', Sweet Little Sixteen, My Ding-a-Ling, and Rock and Roll Music; still performing in concert (2010) at the age of 84
"It's amazing how much you can learn if your intentions
are truly earnest." ~ Chuck Berry (born 1925)
Since 1997, the National Organization for Women Foundation's Annual Love Your Body Day has promoted healthy body images for women and girls through creative actions and consumer education. The campaign calls for women and girls to be in control of what makes them feel healthy and comfortable with their bodies, on their own terms and not based on unrealistic images promoted by advertisers and the mass media.
French General Rochambeau and General Washington met in May of 1781 to determine their strategy against the British, and made plans to move against New York City, then a 
British stronghold. They soon got word that the army of British General Cornwallis had retreated to Yorktown for supplies and reinforcement, and the plans changed. As French and American troops converged on the York River encampment, the French fleet surrounded the coast. Cornwallis did expect help from the troops stationed in New York, but they never arrived. An attempted breakout failed due to a severe storm, with food and ammunition running low, Cornwallis surrendered. On 19 October, the official papers were signed. Cornwallis refused to attend the formal surrender ceremony out of pure embarrassment, claiming illness. Cornwallis' deputy at first attempted to surrender to the French general, but was directed to Washington, who refused because it was not Cornwallis himself. He indicated the deputy should surrender to General Benjamin Lincoln, field commander of the American forces, who ceremonially accepted the sword. All other British troops were required to surrender and trample their firearms in the custom of the time. Sporadic fighting continued after the Yorktown surrender, although the British Prime Minister resigned after receiving news of the surrender, and his successors decided that it was no longer in Britain's best interest to continue the war.
1st proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993, this day is observed annually on the 3rd Friday in October.
"It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters."
~ Evander Holyfield (born 1962)
The showboat era was a chapter of American history unique to the frontier experience. With increased settlement and the advent of new farming techniques, life on the frontier became easier, and settlers began to look towards the great rivers for new forms of entertainment. The first Mississippi 
showboat launched from Nashville on this day in 1817. The original showboats were developed like a barge that resembled a long, flat-roofed house, pushed down the river by a small tugboat, and provided many forms of entertainment to the frontier families, including circuses, minstrel shows, and drama.
The industry took off with the construction of numerous entertainment vessels carrying whimsical names such as the Floating Circus Parade, Water Queen, and Sunny South, but all this was abruptly cut short with the outbreak of the civil war. There was a renewed interest beginning in the 1870s, but the modern concept of showboating appeared largely to the efforts of a colorful, gambler-turned-entrepreneur named W.R. Markle who, in 1909, introduced the Goldenrod.
Modeled after the Majestic Theatre in Denver, its ceilings and walls were studded with lights clustered in intricate designs. Gilt friezes and highly wrought brass decorated balcony and box railings. Draperies and upholstery were of red velour, and the floor was richly carpeted. Full-length wall mirrors exaggerated the size of the spacious auditorium. It embarked on a traveling tour that lasted until 1937, then was permanently docked at in St. Louis until 1990. By November of 1990, it was moved upriver to St. Charles, where extensive restoration began to bring the Goldenrod up to current Coast Guard standards. In 2001, it closed due to financial concerns, and as of 2003, was moored back in St. Louis.
The Goldenrod is the oldest riverboat in the nation and the last surviving original Mississippi River Basin showboat in existence. It's story of preservation began with her designation as a National Landmark in 1968 and continues until the present with her placement on the list of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties in the United States.
Observed the 3rd Saturday in October
Remembering Bela Lugosi
Born Béla Ferenc Dezsö Blaskó in 1882 Lugoj, Romania; stage and film actor best remembered for his portrayal of Dracula, and subsequent roles in horror films, such as Murders in the Rue Morgue, Island of Lost Souls, and The Black Cat
"I have never met a vampire personally, but I don't know
what might happen tomorrow." ~ Bela Lugosi (born 1882)
Born on this day in 1808, Samuel Francis Smith was a Baptist minister, religious journalist and author, and songwriter, best known for having written the lyrics to My Country, 'Tis of Thee, which he entitled America. Smith attended Harvard, doing translations from various foreign languages into English and wrote magazine and newspaper articles to raise funds for his tuition. He first chose journalism before deciding to become a minister, which led to his enrollment at Andover Theological Seminary in 1830. While a student at Andover, a friend had asked him to translate the lyrics in some German school songbooks or to write new lyrics. One melody in particular caught his attention. Instead of translating it, Smith decided to write an American patriotic hymn, so he sat down and in thirty minutes had written My Country, 'Tis of Thee, to go along with the melody. He had never heard the tune before and had no idea of its derivation or associations with the British national anthem, God Save the King. The song was first performed in public on 4 July 1831 at a children's Independence Day celebration in Boston. Its first publication was in 1832. In addition to My Country, 'Tis of Thee, Samuel Francis Smith wrote over 150 other hymns and in 1843 teamed with Baron Stow to compile a Bapist hymnal, The Psalmist. Samuel Francis Smith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
Celebrated in the US and Mexico since the early 1990s
Remembering Dizzy Gillespie
Born John Birks Gillespie in 1917 Cheraw, SC; musician and bandleader remembered as a major influence in the development of modern jazz, and considered one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time
"They're not particular about whether you're playing a flatted fifth or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance to it."
~ Dizzy Gillespie (born 1917)
From Internet chat systems to other digital forms of communication, typing in all capitals is considered rude, the large letters akin to shouting or yelling within the social context. Caps Lock Day was instigated by some serious surfers in 2002 as a day to just express oneself in a bigger way. The 
caps lock is a key on a computer keyboard which, when pressed, will set a keyboard mode in which typed letters are capitalized by default and remains in this mode until caps lock is pressed again. The original utility of the key allowed the typing of all caps where appropriate, such as titles at the top of a page, although modern styling has depreciated its usefulness. Case sensitivity, a common password security feature, has also conflicted with caps lock. In 2006, a campaign began to remove the caps lock key from the standard keyboard layout. While the vast majority of manufacturers continue to produce keyboards which include a caps lock, some have removed it for newer versions.
Remembering Sarah Bernhardt
Born Sara-Marie-Henriette Rosine Bernard in1844 Paris, France; a French stage actress, and pioneer in early film; considered in her lifetime the most famous actress in the history of the world
"It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich."
~ Sarah Bernhardt (born 1844)
Born John William Carson on this day in 1925 Corning, Iowa, but grew up in Nebraska, where he learned to perform magic tricks, debuting as "The Great Carsoni" at age 14. After wartime duty and achieving a college degree, he entered the field of broadcasting at a local Omaha station, and soon hosted an early 
morning television program called The Squirrel's Nest. He eventually took a job at CBS-owned Los Angeles television station. Carson's sketch comedy show, Carson's Cellar, ran from 1951 to 1953 and drew the attention of Red Skelton, who offered Carson a writing job in 1953.
He hosted several TV shows before his run on The Tonight Show, including the game show Earn Your Vacation, the variety show The Johnny Carson Show, a regular panelist on To Tell The Truth, and five years on the game show Who Do You Trust?, where he teamed with sidekick and life-long friend, Ed McMahon. Carson became the host of NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in October 1962, where he remained for the next 30 years.
Carson, with his quick wit and natural charm, had an entertaining talent for dealing with unexpected problems, along with a bit of risqué humor, and became a well-known entertainer loved by many. He interviewed celebrities each night, highlighted new comedic and musical acts, and had a certain knack for dealing with animal guests. He played several continuing characters during the show, his best-known being Carnac the Magnificent. Carson retired from show business on 22 May 1992 when he stepped down as host of The Tonight Show. His emotional farewell was a major media event. At the end of his final Tonight Show appearance, Carson indicated that he might, if so inspired, return with a new project, but instead chose to go into full retirement. On 23 January 2005, Carson died in Los Angeles of respiratory arrest arising from emphysema.
"I am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it."
~ from Johnny Carson's TV Farewell
Honoring Johnny Carson's birthday
The purpose of the National Mole Day Foundation was and continues to be to get all persons, especially students, enthused about chemistry.Â
Neighbors helping neighbors; observed the 4th Saturday in October
"I'm getting so old, I don't even buy green bananas anymore."
~ Chi Chi Rodriguez (born 1935)
The League of Nations was an international organization founded as a result of the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, which included the goals of disarmament, preventing war through collective security, settling disputes between countries through negotiation, diplomacy, and improving 
global welfare. The League lacked an armed force of its own and so depended on the Great Powers to enforce its resolutions, keep to economic sanctions which the League ordered, or provide an army, when needed, for the League to use. After a number of notable successes and some early failures in the 1920s, the League ultimately proved incapable of preventing aggression by the Axis Powers in the 1930s.
The United Nations was founded as a successor to the League of Nations, the term first used by Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during World War II, to refer to the Allies. Its 1st formal use was in the 1942 Declaration by the United Nations, committing the Allies not to seek a separate peace with the Axis powers. Thereafter, the Allies used the term "United Nations Fighting Forces" to refer to their alliance. From August to October 1944, representatives of France, the Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union met to determine proposals outlining the purposes of the organization, its membership, and arrangements to maintain international peace and security, as well as international economic and social cooperation.
Fifty nations were represented during the 1945 organizational conferences, and the UN came into existence on 24 October 1945, after the Charter had been ratified by the 5 permanent members of the Security Council—the Republic of China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and by a majority of the other 46 signatories. There are currently 192 United Nations member states which encourage cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, and human rights issues.
Observed the 4th Thursday in October
"If the United Nations is to survive, those who represent it must bolster it; those who advocate it must submit to it; and those who believe in it must fight for it."
~ Norman Cousins
Samuel Parnell was an English carpenter who believed in the 8-hour work day long before it was considered feasible, and took this belief with him when he emigrated to New Zealand in 1839. Because of a severe shortage of skilled craftsmen, his personal demand to work only from 8am to 5pm was accepted with reluctance.
Organizing a carpenters group, he greeted incoming ships and advised all new migrants to insist on working only 8 hours a day or risk being thrown into the harbor. A meeting of workers in the building trades resolved to support the idea of an 8-hour work day, although initially opposed by business owners, came to be generally recognized in October of 1840, making New Zealand the first country in the world to adopt the 8-hour work day.
A parade commemorated the 50th anniversary of this event in 1890, and from that point was celebrated annually as Labour Day, but not always the same date in all provinces. It became a public holiday on the second Wednesday in October in 1900 after ship owners complained crews were taking excessive holidays celebrating the day from port to port. By 1910, it became permanently set on the fourth Monday of October.
In the United States, Labor Day is the 1st Monday in September, when summer ends, schools reopen, and fashion states to never wear white after Labor Day. Signifying the onset of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, local folklore regarding the New Zealand Labour Day states it is the last chance to plant tomatoes and summer vegetables, and time to get into summer clothes regardless of the temperature.
A postcard is a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope and at a lower rate than a letter. Stamp collectors distinguish between postcards (which require a stamp) and postal cards (which have the postage pre-printed on them). Deltiology, the official name for postcard collecting, is thought to be one of the three largest collectable hobbies in the world along with coin and stamp collecting. The history of postcards can be traced to 1861 when John P. Charlton of Philadelphia obtained a copyright on a private postal card, which he transferred to H. L. Lipman, who began to print and sell "Lipman's Postal Card." In the United States, the earliest known exposition card was issued in 1873, showing the main building of the Inter-State Industrial Exposition in Chicago. The United States Postal Service began issuing pre-stamped postal cards in 1873, and was the only establishment allowed to print them, until 1898, when the Private Mailing Card Act offered the opportunity to private publishers and printers. Postcards, in the form of government postal cards and privately printed souvenir cards, became very popular as a result of the Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, after postcards featuring buildings were distributed at the fair. By 1908, more than 677 million postcards were mailed. The production of postcards has been popular worldwide since the late 1800s, but did (and does) encounter international mailing problems when the images on the cards conflicted with any nation's censored limitations.
Remembering Pablo Picasso
Born Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso in 1881 Mélaga, Spain; Spanish painter and sculptor known for his individualistic style and colorful abstractions; considered one of the most influential, popular, and best-selling artists of the 20th Century
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
~ Pablo Picasso (born 1881)
27
This day honors the birthday of Portland artist Carl Emsley Bass (1927-2001), once known online as Night Owl MacMerlin, who proved to all he knew one is never too sick, and never too old, to embrace new things, make new friends, give great joy and comfort to others. Night Owl made many cyber-friends along the way by sharing his kindness and thoughtful words to ease sadness; to cheer on the insecure with words of unfailing encouragement; and just voicing backyard chat on politics and religion and the Bureaucrats-That-Be in very logical and knowing ways; and in the process, enriching the lives of those who knew. He would have loved Facebook, and probably would have learned to Twit just because it's fun to say. Honoring his legacy, Internet Friendship Day intends to recognize the bonds between people online, sharing the joys and the sadness in their daily lives, their adventures and interests, and their humor with a world of friends who often have never met in person, yet hold close to their hearts like family, and who make the Internet a wonderful place to be.
Doonesbury, a comic strip by G. B. Trudeau, is best known for its liberal social and political commentary, always timely, and peppered with wry and ironic humor. It began in 1968 as a contribution to the student newspaper at Yale University, where Trudeau was a student, and was syndicated in 1970. The main characters of the strip are a group who 
attended the fictional Walden College during the strip's first 12 years. In 1972, a sub-group of these characters started their own commune, and moved in together.
The original "Walden Commune" residents were: Mike Doonesbury, Zonker Harris, Mark Slackmeyer, Nicole, Bernie and DiDi. They were later joined by BD and his girlfriend (later wife) Boopsie. The spouses of this group became important following this group's graduation and, in more recent years, a second generation of characters has taken prominence. The main characters age and career development has tracked that of standard media portrayals of baby boomers, with jobs in advertising, law enforcement, and the dot-com boom. Current events are mirrored through the original characters, their offspring, and occasional new characters.
Using real-life settings, based on real scenarios with fictional results, Doonesbury has touched a number of political and social issues (such as drug use, homosexuality, premarital sex, and corrupt politics). The strip has been intensely criticized by some conservatives, and outspoken critics have included members of every US Presidential administration since Richard Nixon. Its popularity in readership has foiled several attempts to have the strip removed from the print media. It is presently syndicated in approximately 1,400 newspapers worldwide, and can generally be found on the Editorial pages.
"There are only three major vehicles to keep us informed as to what is going on in Washington: the electronic media, the print media, and Doonesbury - not necessarily in that order." ~President Gerald Ford
Ralph Nader is an American attorney and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader's first consumer safety articles appeared during the early 1960s criticizing the automobile industry, claiming with evidence that many American automobiles were unsafe. After several court battles against the major motor corporations, Nadar won in the lawsuits, and used much of his $284,000 net settlement to expand his consumer rights efforts. In 1969, hundreds of young activists, inspired by his work, united to help him with other projects. They came to be known as "Nader's Raiders" who, under Nader, investigated government corruption, publishing dozens of books with their results, taking on powerful administrations including the Federal Trade Commission, National Air Pollution Control Administration, Food and Drug Administration, and Interstate Commerce, as well as topical subjects concerning nursing homes, corporate executives and lawyers, and the destruction of ecosystems worldwide. In 1971, Nader founded the non-governmental organization (NGO) Public Citizen as an umbrella organization for these projects. Today, Public Citizen has over 140,000 members and scores of researchers investigating Congressional, health, environmental, economic and other issues. Their work is credited with facilitating the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and prompting the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Remembering Emily Post
Born Emily Price in 1872 Baltimore, MD; celebrated writer who gained popularity as an expert on etiquette with the publication of her first book on the subject in 1922 (Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home); the Emily Post Institute, founded in 1946, continues as a family business promoting etiquette in America and around the world
"To the old saying that man built the house but woman made of it a "home" might be added the modern supplement that woman accepted cooking as a chore but man has made of it a recreation." ~ Emily Post (born 1872)
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is a National Park site located in St. Louis MO near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, established to commemorate the historical events of the Louisiana Purchase, the first civil government west of the Mississippi River, and the debate over slavery raised by the Dred Scott case. The site consists of a 91-acre park along the Mississippi River; the Old 
Courthouse, which saw the origins of the Dred Scott case; the Museum of Westward Expansion; and the Gateway Arch, an inverted steel catenary arch that has become the definitive icon of the city.
The Arch, known as the "Gateway to the West", was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel. It stands 630 feet tall, is 630 feet wide at its base. In 1947, a group of civic leaders held a national competition to select a design for the main portion of the Memorial space. Saarinen won this competition with plans for a 590-foot catenary arch to be placed on the banks of the Mississippi River. These plans were modified over the next 15 years, placing the arch on higher ground and adding 40 feet in height and width.
It is not a pure inverted catenary. Saarinen preferred a shape that was slightly elongated and thinner towards the top, a shape that produces a subtle soaring effect, and transfers more of the structure's weight downward rather than outward at the base. Each wall consists of a stainless steel skin covering reinforced concrete from ground level to 300 feet and carbon steel and rebar to the peak. The interior of the Arch is hollow and contains a unique transport system leading to an observation deck at the top, where small windows, almost invisible from the ground, allow views up to thirty miles. The interior also contains two emergency stairwells of 1076 steps each, in the event of a need to evacuate the Arch or if a problem develops with the tram system.
Construction of the Arch began 12 February 1963 and was completed on 28 October 1965, costing approximately $15 million to build. Today it is host to four million visitors each year
Observed the 4th Thursday of October
Observed the 4th Sunday in October
Remembering Jonas Salk
Born in 1914 New York City; American medical researcher known for his development of the successful polio vaccine in 1955
"Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next." ~Jonas Salk (born 1914)
Originating in New York City after a spontaneous celebration held on 29 October 1886 during the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, the ticker-tape parade originally referred to the use of the paper output of ticker tape machines, which were remotely-driven devices used in brokerages to provide updated stock market quotes. In today's world, the paper products are largely waste office paper that have been cut using conventional shredders. In New York City, these parades are not annual events but are reserved for special occasions. Soon after the first such parade in 1886, city officials realized the utility of such events and began to hold them on triumphal occasions. Honoring extraordinary events and prestigious people, those included were aviators and astronauts, world leaders, champion sports figures and Olympiads, and military heroes. Individuals honored with multiple parades have been Richard E. Byrd, George Fried, Bobby Jones, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Charles de Gaulle, and John Glenn. They are generally reserved now for space exploration triumphs, military honors, and sports championships. The section of lower Broadway through the Financial District that serves as the parade route for these events is colloquially called the "Canyon of Heroes". Lower Broadway in New York City has plaques in the sidewalk at regular intervals to celebrate each of the city's ticker-tape parades.
It was in 1859 a Swiss businessman named Jean-Henri Dunant travelled to Italy, intending to appeal to Napoleon III regarding the difficulties of doing business during wartime, but was caught amid the Battle of Solferino, and witnessed over 40 thousand fallen soldiers left on the battlefield, suffering their wounds, many dying, due to lack of medical care. Returning to Geneva, he self-published a book titled A Memory of Solferino, explicitly describing the brutality of war, and the serious need for organized relief organizations, with treaties guaranteeing the wartime safety of medics and field hospitals. His dream became a reality on this date in 1863 with the first Geneva Convention, and in 1876 adopted the name "International Committee of the Red Cross" . The American Red Cross was founded 5 years later through the efforts of Clara Barton. Today's Red Cross continues to aid in areas of conflict, and involves over 97 million workers worldwide, protected by United Nations forces to aid in easing the suffering of others.
"While moral rules may be propounded by authority the fact that these were so propounded would not validate them." ~ Alfred J. Ayer (born 1910)
During a recent town hall meeting in Richmond, VA, President Obama mentioned the destructive qualities of cable media, and the challenging aspects in creating a way to remind Americans that the country is not as polarized as cable shows would sometimes make it seem. "Use Jon Stewart, the host of the Daily Show," Obama said. "Apparently he's going to host a rally called something like, 'Americans Who Favor a Return to Sanity or something like that."
Formally announced on the 16 September episode of Daily Show, host Jon Stewart introduced the idea to provide a rally for the 70-80 percent of Americans who try to solve the country's problems rationally and be heard above the more vocal and highly visual 15-20 percent who "control the conversation." The Rally to Restore Sanity, open to any people "who think shouting is annoying, counterproductive, and terrible for your throat; who feel that the loudest voices shouldn't be the only ones that get heard,"ť scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington on 30 October. Stewart's comedic nemesis, Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report, immediately announced his own rally, the "March to Keep Fear Alive", taking place at the same time, gathering at the Lincoln Memorial.
The Stewart-Colbert rallies began as a satirical response not only to 28 August 2010 rallies, one sponsored by Glenn Beck of Fox News ("Restoring Honor"ť rally at the Lincoln Memorial) and its counter march organized by Al Sharpton ("Reclaim the Dream"), but also to respond to political movements, such as the Tea Party, in the run-up to the 2010 midterm elections. "We will gather on the national Mall in Washington DC, a million moderates march... to send a message to our leaders to say we are here... to make a strident call for rationality," Stewart said.
Initially encouraged by Reddit, the online, user-generated source for open discussion, and coordinated by two former Clinton administration aides and organizers, rally attendance is anticipated to be over 100 thousand people, with proposed simultaneous rallies in other major cities on the same date. The conjoined efforts of Stewart and Colbert provide a historically significant event, allowing the celebrity influence of Comedy Channel hosts to provide an avenue for Americans to express together a common quest for responsibility in both media news and the business of politics.
Comedy Central and C-SPAN broadcast the rally live in its entirety, and provided live streaming video on the Internet. Entertainers included Roots, John Legend, Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, Yosef (Cat Stevens), Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, and Tony Bennett performing before an enthusiastic crowd, waving flags, some carrying signs of political satire, others in costume from tea bags to anchor babies. The stage set in front of the US Capitol, a musical and comedy show developed as 
a bantering between Stewart's Sanity and Colbert's Fear, neatly drawn to a successful finale downsizing the the polarizing efforts of media and politicians to illustrate Americans, in general, have the ability to work together through difficult times. Using the traffic through New York's Lincoln Tunnel as his analogy, Stewart said, "We know instinctively as a people that if we are to get through the darkness and back into the light we have to work together,"ť he said."And sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel isn't the promised land. Sometimes it's just New Jersey. But we do it anyway, together."ť
The Mercury Theatre was a theater company founded in New York City by Orson Welles and John Houseman. They had initial success with the theater project, which went to radio in 1938 as Mercury Theatre on the Air, a series that included one of the most notable radio broadcasts of all time, The War of 
the Worlds.
This infamous adaptation of the classic H. G. Wells novel, performed on 30 October 1938, started with an introduction to the intentions of the aliens and noted that the adaptation was set in contemporary American Grover's Mill. The program continued as an apparently ordinary music show, only occasionally interrupted by news flashes. Initially, the news is of strange explosions sighted on Mars, then news reports grew more frequent and increasingly ominous after a "meteorite" later revealed as a Martian rocket capsule—lands in New Jersey. After the play ends, Welles breaks character to remind listeners that the broadcast was only a Halloween concoction, the equivalent of dressing up in a sheet and saying "Boo" like a ghost.
While Welles and company were heard by a comparatively small audience (an estimated 30 million), the uproar that followed was anything but minute. In the aftermath of the reported panic, a public outcry arose, but CBS informed officials that listeners were reminded throughout the broadcast that it was only a performance. Welles and the Mercury Theatre escaped punishment, but not censure, and CBS had to promise never again to use the "we interrupt this program" device for dramatic purposes.
"Assumptions are the termites of relationships." ~ Henry Winkler (born 1945)
Spanning the millenniums, many details or purpose have been lost as the traditions evolved through migration, and eventually assimilated into changing cultures. None are more exemplified than the 21st Century recognition of Halloween. The oldest of Halloween traditions is believed to have come from the ancient Druidic ritual known as Samhain, which celebrated the beginning of the Celtic year. Including both religious and harvest rites, the festivities involved a belief it was a night for a return of the spirits of departed relatives, and bonfires were lit on hilltops to help them find their way, as well as to thwart the presence of evil spirits who might try to come along with them. To aid in this endeavor, it was also a custom to wear costumes and masks.
During the 8th Century, Pope Gregory III named the date of 1 November as All Saints Day, a religious observance to honor all the apostles, saints, and martyrs deemed holy by the Catholic Church. After this time, the festivals of 31 October were often justified 
as a night to clear the air of evil in preparation of the saintly ones the following day, and it came to be know as All Hallows Eve. A common practice at that time was to make candle lanterns carved from turnips to commemorate the souls in purgatory. By the Middle Ages there was a rampant fear of withcraft and magic, and visions of witches on brooms with their black cats were brought into the customs. The night then became one of scary stories with the Devil on the rise, along with ghosts and goblins and other things that go bump in the night. As a consquence the celebrations also came to include mischief and pranks, as young people in costume went door to door asking neighbors for donations to include in the night's festivities, with threats to those being uncooperative.
It is a common belief that the Halloween celebration was introduced in the United States during Irish migrations of the mid-1800's, who found pumpkins were more plentiful than turnips, and easier to carve into decorations for their annual festivities. From the late 19th Century, it was a combination of things, from a recession that left many Victorian gabled 
homes eerily dark and abandoned, a widespread enthusiasm for sending postcards, an avid interest in the occult, the acclaimed works of Bram Stoker (Dracula) and Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), and the introduction of these characters in early 20th Century films, that the celebration of Halloween became assimilated into the American culture.
Today, Halloween is a major observance in the United States, with costuming for both children and adults, children trick-or-treating from door-to-door, parties with games and food (such as carmel apples), haunted houses, and pumpkin carving contests. While it is a secular holiday, not observed by everyone, it has become a multi-billion dollar retail extravaganza.
The United Nations Children's Fund was established in 1946 to provide food and healthcare to children around the world impoverished by the devastation of WWII. In 1950, a woman named Mary Emma Allison organized neighbor children in Bridesburg, Pennsylvania to collect, instead of candy, donations in decorated milk cartons for UNICEF. The project became so acclaimed, by 1953 the concept of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was promoted nationally, and Halloween was officially declared by Presidential Proclamation to be known as UNICEF Day by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. Today the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF initiative continues through fund-raising Halloween parties, and has expanded beyond the United States, to offer an annual global contribution of over 500 million dollars towards continuing health care, clean water, nutrition, education, and emergency relief to victimized children around the world.
"Your UNICEF Trick or Treat Day has helped turn a holiday too often marred by youthful vandalism into a program of basic training in world citizenship." ~President Lyndon Johnson, 1965
Following the death of his mother in 1913, master magician Harry Houdini devoted his energies to exposing self-proclaimed mediums who had fooled many scientists and academics. Fearing that spiritualists would exploit his legacy by pretending to contact him after his death, Houdini left his wife a pre-arranged secret code which spelled out the word "Rosabelle." He believed if it were possible to cross over, he would find a way. Bess Houdini held séances on Halloween for 10 years after her husband's death, and with the exception of one year believed to have been a hoax, he never reappeared. It was Halloween night in 1936, on the roof of the Knickerbocker Hotel in Hollywood, she put out the candle that she had kept burning beside a photograph of Houdini since his death. This was the last séance she would participate in to try to contact her dead husband, although it is claimed she requested a family friend to continue the annual paranormal ritual. The tradition of holding a séance to contact the dead magician takes place throughout the world to this day, and is currently organized at the Houdini Museum in Scranton, PA.
After Bess blew out the candle signifying the end of her own quest, a sudden mysterious rain storm led some press to speculate this was Houdini's way of signaling from beyond the grave. A recording of the séance was made and issued as a record album.
National Magic Day started as "Houdini Day" in 1927, one year after the master magician's death, but it was not until 1938 that a Chicago member of the Society of American Magicians named Les Sholty obtained permission from Mrs Houdini to proclaim 31 October as National Magic Day in honor of Harry Houdini. Mrs Houdini did participate in the 1st radio broadcast announcing National Magic Day on 20 July 1938. Many newspapers carried the story, and it was not long before National Magic Day expanded to become National Magic Week.formulated at that time to have free performances for shut-ins and handicapped people. Successfully celebrating since 1927, the Society of American Magicians, with over 47 thousand members, sponsor magic exhibits which can be found at libraries, stores, and malls throughout the US and Canada during National Magic Week. There are public magic events, and performances by magicians for Senior Citizens in nursing homes, plus in VA Hospitals, and for schools and libraries for children who cannot afford the luxury of live entertainment.
Mary Shelley was age 21, in Geneva with her husband, Percy, and their friend Lord Byron, when they each agreed to write a story founded on some supernatural occurrence. Mary's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was the only result of this agreement. It was twice denied publication by both publishers involved with her husband's works, and Lord Byron, but was accepted by a small London publishing house, which released 500 copies without Mary's name as author on 1 January 1818. The 2nd edition, published on 11 August 1823 did credit Mary Shelley for its creation, then published again on this day in 1831 to include revision to the story by Mary Shelley, as well as an expanded preface explaining its origins. This 3rd edition has been the most lasting, although many scholars prefer the 1818 edition as containing the spirit of Shelley's original publication. A popular story involving profound insight to the ideals of beauty and goodness, science, and mortality, the story of Frankenstein continues to inspire creative imagination, and is considered the world's first science fiction novel.
Nevada became the 36th state in 1864
Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg 1517
"A tough lesson in life that one has to learn is that
not everybody wishes you well." ~Dan Rather (born 1931)
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