April 11

Scott Winters April 11, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1783 – After receiving a copy of the provisional treaty on March 13, the U.S. Congress proclaimed a formal end to hostilities with Great Britain.

1803 – A twin-screw propeller steamboat was patented by John Stevens.

1868 – U.S. Army Commander Ulysses S. Grant was stopped for speeding in his horse-drawn buggy. He was stopped again three months later and fined $5.

1876 – The stenotype was patented by John C. Zachos.

1882 – U.S. patent #256,265 was issued for the Block Clock — an alarm clock that was mounted over the bed. At a set time, the clocked dropped two dozen small wood blocks onto the sleeper.

1895 – Anaheim, CA, completed its new electric light system.

1921 – Iowa became the first state to impose a tax on cigarettes.

1921 – The first live sports event on radio took place this day on KDKA Radio. The event was a boxing match between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee.

1901 – Construction on the Empire State Building was completed. The building was dedicated and opened on May 1, 1931.

1936 – The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup for the first time.

1940 – Andrew Ponzi set a world’s record in a New York pocket billiards tournament when he ran 127 balls straight.

1947 – Jackie Robinson became the first black player in major-league history. He played in an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1952 – The movie “Singin’ in the Rain”, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, premiered in theaters in the United States.

1965 – The Palm Sunday tornado outbreak. Fifty-one tornadoes hit in six Midwestern states, killing 256 people. One of the tornadoes hit Comstock Park and Rockford, MI. It was the second worst tornado outbreak in the United States, striking from Iowa to Ohio. The worst damage was near the Indiana state line. Five people were killed in the tornado that went through Comstock Park.

1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1968 Civil Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.

1970 – Apollo 13 blasted off on a mission to the moon that was disrupted when an explosion crippled the spacecraft. The astronauts managed to return safely.

1974 – The Judiciary committee subpoenas President Richard Nixon to produce tapes for impeachment inquiry.

1976 – The Apple I was created.

1980 – The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations specifically prohibiting sexual harassment of workers by supervisors.

1981 – President Ronald Reagan returned to the White House from the hospital after recovering from an assassination attempt on March 30.

1985 – Scientists in Hawaii measured the distance between the earth and moon within one inch.

1986 – Dodge Morgan sailed solo nonstop around the world in 150 days.

1986 – Kellogg’s stopped giving tours of its breakfast-food plant in Battle Creek, MI. The reason for the end of the 80 year tradition was said to be that company secrets were at risk due to spies from other cereal companies. Read more about the tours here.

1990 – Elton John sang at the funeral of AIDS victim Ryan White.

1996 – Seven-year-old Jessica Dubroff was killed with her father and flight instructor when her plane crashed after takeoff from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Jessica had hoped to become the youngest person to fly cross-country.

1997 – The movie “Anaconda”, starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, premiered in theaters.

2000 – At Comerica Park in Detroit, the Tigers played their first home opener in their new ballpark. They beat the Seattle Mariners 5-2 in front of a crowd of 39,168 fans.

2001 – The movie “Joe Dirt”, starring David Spade, debuted in theaters.

2001 – Ending a tense 11 day standoff, China agreed to free the 24 crew members of an American spy plane after President George W. Bush apologized for the death of a Chinese fighter pilot whose plane had collided with the American aircraft.

2007 – Apple announced that the iTunes Store had sold more than two million movies.

2007 – MSNBC announced that it would stop simulcasting “Imus in the Morning” in the wake of controversial, racially charged comments made by Don Imus about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. His on air “nappy headed hos” comment got him fired from his radio gig a day later.

2009 – Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation after her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables on the British TV show “Britain’s Got Talent”.

2020 – Farm Aid was held virtually. Farm Aid “At Home” included artists Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Black Pumas, Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Edie Brickell, Jack Johnson, Jamey Johnson, and others.

2021 – Twenty year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed in Brooklyn Center, MN by officer Kimberly Potter, sparking protests in the city, when the officer mistook her pistol for her taser.

BIRTHDAYS:

Joel Grey – 93 years old (1932) – Singer, dancer, actor (“Cabaret”)

Louise Lasser – 86 years old (1939) – Actress (TV’s “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”, movie “Slither”)

John Milius – 81 years old (1944) – Director, screenwriter (“Dirty Harry” films, “Apocalypse Now”, “The Wind and the Lion”, “Conan the Barbarian”, “Red Dawn”)

Peter Riegert – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (“The Mask”, “Animal House”)

Carl Franklin – 76 years old (1949) – Actor, director, screenwriter (“High Crimes”, “One False Move”)

Bill Irwin – 75 years old (1950) – Actor (“Hot Shots!”, “Popeye”)

Sid Monge – 74 years old (1951) – Baseball player (Detroit Tigers 1984)

Vincent Gallo – 64 years old (1961) – Actor, director (“Buffalo ’66”, “The Brown Bunny”)

Nigel Pulsford – 64 years old (1961) – Guitarist (Bush)

Lucky Vanous – 64 years old (1961) – Actor (Diet Coke commercials)

Steve Azar – 61 years old (1964) – Country singer (“I Don’t Have To Be Me, Til Monday”)

Lisa Stansfield – 59 years old (1966) – Singer, songwriter (Winner of TV’s “Star Search” in 1980)

Jennifer Esposito – 52 years old (1973) – Actress (“Crash”, “Breakin’ All the Rules”, TV’s “Samantha Who?”, “Spin City”)

TODAY IS:

National Barbershop Quartet Day: Every year, on this day, people celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day, which focuses on this unique style of cappella music known for its harmonious melodies. It’s a special time for music lovers and singers alike to appreciate this traditional form of musical expression. The celebration is rooted in the founding of...
National Pet Day: Give a little extra love and pampering to your pet, or if you can, take the plunge to enrich your life and the life of a smaller friend by adopting a pet.
National Poutine Day: Savoring a delightful combination of crispy fries, savory gravy, and gooey cheese curds in this Canadian classic dish.
World Parkinson’s Day: On the birthday of Dr. J. Parkinson, the first to describe and diagnose the disease, learn about Parkinson’s, donate or volunteer, and raise awareness.
National Cheese Fondue Day: Melt together fine cheeses, butter, and wine and enjoy with your choice of breads, meats, or even veggies on the delicious National Cheese Fondue Day.
National Ranch Water Day: Refreshing blends of tequila, fizzy water, and zesty citrus create invigorating beverages perfect for laid-back moments or gatherings.
National Submarine Day: Pay tribute to the many souls lost beneath the ocean, and consider the game-changing effects of the invention of the Submarine on our technology, warfare, and more.
National Marketing Operations Appreciation Day: National Marketing Operations Appreciation Day is a special day to recognize the hard work and success of those in marketing operations. Celebrated annually, it's a time to spotlight the people and technology that keep marketing teams running smoothly. This day is important because it acknowledges the behind-the-scenes heroes of the marketing...
International Louie Louie Day: International Louie Louie Day is a lively celebration honoring one of rock and roll's most iconic songs, "Louie Louie." This day is all about appreciating the song's lasting impact and its fun, party-like vibe. Fans and music lovers come together to revel in the joy that this timeless track brings...
National Eight-Track Tape Day: Remember those chunky cartridges that clicked into your car's dashboard, delivering your favorite tunes? Eight-track tapes, popular from the mid-1960s to early 1980s, were once the pinnacle of portable music. They offered continuous play without the need to flip the tape, making road trips more enjoyable. Their unique design featured magnetic...
Poet in a Cupcake Day: Bake a cupcake that reflects your favorite poet. Pick the flavor, colors, and appearance, and add a poem on a popsicle stick to celebrate two of life’s great joys.
National Living Donor Day: While many life-saving organ donor situations take place after the donor has deceased, in certain medical situations, it is possible for an organ to be donated by a person who is living and healthy. National Living Donor Day seeks to improve public awareness about the possibility and process of living donors...
National Donate Life Blue & Green Day: Donate some blue and green and get on board and support the efforts of Donate Life America’s cause during National Donate Life Month! With more than 100,000 men, women and children who are on the national transplant waiting list, the need for hope is great. This event offers an excellent opportunity...
National Library Week: Silent realms of knowledge, these havens harbor stories and wisdom, inviting exploration beyond the whispers of time.
Discover National Parks Fortnight: Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure - exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year. This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within...
Community Garden Week: Community Garden Week comes around each year vibrant spring flowers begin to light up the landscape. This special week-long observation highlights the many worthy community and school gardens that dot our landscapes. These gardening efforts do more than add beauty (although they undoubtedly do!). Indeed, they serve as hubs for...
Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week: "Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week is so much more than just a catchphrase. Indeed, it is a call to action. This week, founded by The Running Bee Foundation in Manchester, United Kingdom, is an effort to help reduce childhood obesity. Their goal is to help children learn the...
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
The Masters Tournament: Golf's elite gather, showcasing unparalleled skill and sportsmanship in a prestigious event that captivates fans worldwide.
Blue Ribbon Week: Blue Ribbon Week is a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse, symbolized by the blue ribbon. Across communities, people come together to support efforts that protect children from harm. During this week, the focus shifts to understanding the serious impact of abuse and neglect, which often goes unnoticed...
World Music Therapy Week: Helping people of all ages accomplish individualized goals, music therapy is a healthcare process that can take all sorts of forms based on the needs of the client. Approaches might include making music, listening to music, writing songs, improvisation, group discussion, or even meditation. Trained therapists use different forms of...
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
National Public Health Week: The well-being of communities — disease prevention, and better living through knowledge and action, towards a healthier world.