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Red Cross: Helping in Wartime since 1863
Today is the 153rd anniversary of the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Here are some things you may not have known about the humanitarian organization. The founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, was inspired after witnessing the Battle of Solferino during the Franco-Austrian War in June…
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Canadian Flag: Symbol of a Nation Since 1965
Today is National Flag Day in Canada, in honor of the adoption of The Maple Leaf flag on this date in 1965. Here are some things you may not have known about the Canadian flag. The first recorded flag to fly over Canada was the St. George’s Cross flag of England, which is a red…
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Rhapsody in Blue: Gershwin’s Five-Week Miracle
On this date in 1924, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” premiered during a showcase concert in New York City. Here are some things you may not have known about Gershwin and one of his masterpieces. George Gershwin was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1898. He was the second of four children. His older brother,…
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Julia Child: Bon Appetit!
On this date in 1963, “The French Chef,” a cooking show starring Julia Child premiered on public television in the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about Julia Child and her television show. While her show was an early pioneer of the cooking-show format, it wasn’t the first one to…
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Presidential Succession: Who’s Next?
Today is the 49th anniversary of the ratification of the 25th amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about presidential succession. Before the 25th amendment was ratified, the U.S. Constitution was unclear regarding presidential succession in cases of death, resignation or inability to serve. The…
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Mardi Gras: Dancing in the Streets
Today is Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday and Carnival among other celebrations around the world. Here are some things you may not have known about the festivities. The day celebrates the final day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a Christian period of fasting, prayer and penance which starts 46…
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Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stars at Our Feet
On this date in 1960, construction began on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here are a few things you may not know about the famous sidewalks. There are dueling accounts as to who had the original idea for the walk of fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce says it was E.M. Smart, who was the…
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Roosevelt and His Court-Packing Plan
On this date in 1937, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a judicial reform bill that would have allowed him to appoint up to six new justices to the Supreme Court. Here are some things you might not know about what came to be known as Roosevelt’s Court-Packing plan. Roosevelt won the 1932 election on…
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Day the Music Died: A Rock and Roll Tragedy
Today is the 57th anniversary of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and the plane’s pilot. Here are some things you may not have known about The Day the Music Died. Buddy Holly and his band were playing a tour called the Winter Dance Party across the upper Midwest.…
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Groundhog Day: History Repeating
Today is Groundhog Day in North America. Here are some things you may not know about it. First the basics: Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2nd. Traditionally, if the groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, it means there will be six more weeks of winter. If the rodent does not see its shadow,…