This Day in History
Happy Birthday
Two U
Birthday facts and figures
Bizarre Historical Events That Actually Happened
100
1917
Although President Wilson initially pledged neutrality for the United States, a position that the vast majority of Americans favored, the US Congress officially voted to enter this armed conflict.
What is World War 1?
100
1937
His breakout acting role was as football star Gale Sayers in the acclaimed TV film "Brian's Song", but he is likely best known as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars and for his ads for Colt 45.
Who is Billy Dee Williams?
100
adjective
habitually or typically occurring or done; customary.
What is USUAL?
100
Since 2015, the song "Happy Birthday to You" is now considered part of "this", meaning anyone can use it without needing a license or paying royalties
What is the public domain?
100
1932
Farmers in this country were growing more wheat to survive the depression. This attracted more than 20,000 migrating emu birds. The Army was called in, starting the War vs. the Emu.
What is Austrailia?
200
1930
Looking for a way to keep his company’s shortcake-baking machinery busy when strawberries are out of season, James Dewar tries injecting one of the cakes with cream filling, creating the first of this snack cake.
What is a Twinkie?
200
1964
The Governor of Minnesota and the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee.
Who is Tim Walz?
200
noun
a slimy substance secreted by membranes and glands for lubrication, protection, etc.
What is MUCUS?
200
Upwards of two billion dollars are spent in the US on these birthday items every year; save some money and make your own to attach to the gift!
What are birthday cards?
200
In 1989, this country offered Pepsico a trade: billions of dollars worth of Pepsi in exchange for submarines, military ships, and a significant amount of vodka. This made Pepsi the sixth most powerful military in the world for a brief period. Pepsi later sold its fleet to a Swedish company that scrapped it.
What is Russia?
300
1980
3M begins sales of these canary yellow sticky pads. They would quickly become one of the best-selling office supply products in history
What are Post-it Notes?
300
1483
Together with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci he is one of the 'trinity' of great masters of that period. Here is his Madonna della Seggiola
Who is Raphael?
300
noun
a quick-growing eastern Asian climbing plant with reddish-purple flowers, used as a fodder crop and for erosion control.
What is KUDZU?
300
The first of these birthday party staples were made out of animal intestines filled up with water.
What are balloons?
300
1876
In this bluegrass state, the morning weather was rain of what appeared to be chunks of red meat. Most pieces that appeared to be beef were around 2 inches long, and some were as big as 4 inches.
What is Kentucky?
400
1830
In Fayette, New York, this founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) organizes the Church of Christ during a meeting with a small group of believers.
Who is Joseph Smith?
400
1928
American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist. He is co-credited with the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, along with Francis Crick.
Who is James Watson?
400
noun (British)
a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.
What is QUEUE?
400
In a room with THIS MANY people, there is a 50/50 chance that someone else in the room will share your birthday. If you increase the number of people to 70, your chances increase to 99%.
What is 23?
400
456 BC
Aeschylus, known as the father of tragedy in ancient Greece, met an extraordinary death: legend has it that a tortoise fell from the sky after being dropped by this type of bird, who mistook Aeschylus’ bald head for a rock and dropped the tortoise intending to crack open its shell.
What is an eagle?
500
1841
He was sworn in as the 10th President, suddenly thrust into the role of president when Harrison died one month into office.
Who is John Tyler?
500
1942
He directed the critically acclaimed film Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The movie went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director
Who is Barry Levinson?
500
noun. Anatomy
a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat.
What is UVULA?
500
The 5th of this month is the most common birthday. For those of you backtracking, that’s some New Year’s Eve fun!
What is October?
500
Raised by soldiers of THIS COUNTRY, Wojtek the bear grew to participate in their daily routines. He would carry ammunition, wrestle them and even joined them smoking cigarettes and drinking beer. When a British transport ship refused him to let him get onboard, the army made him an official army member, earning the rank of private.
What is POLAND?