April 18

Scott Winters April 18, 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:

1775 – American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that the Regulars were coming out. The phrase “the British are coming” was attributed to Revere even though he probably never used that wording.

1838 – The Wilkes’ expedition to the South Pole set sail.

1846 – The telegraph ticker was patented by R.E. House

1877 – Charles Cros wrote a paper that described the process of recording and reproducing sound. In France, Cros is regarded as the inventor of the phonograph. In the U.S., Thomas Edison gets the credit.

1895 – New York State passed an act that established free public baths.

1906 – The Great San Francisco, CA, earthquake hit. The original death toll was cited at about 700. Later information indicated that the death toll may have been 3 to 4 times the original estimate.

1910 – Walter R. Brookins made the first airplane flight at night.

1923 – Yankee Stadium opened in the Bronx, NY. The Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. John Phillip Sousa’s band played the National Anthem.

1924 – Simon and Schuster, Inc. published the first “Crossword Puzzle Book.”

1934 – The first Laundromat opened in Fort Worth, TX.

1938 – Superman made his debut when he appeared in the first issue of Action Comics. (Cover date June 1938)

1938 – President Franklin Roosevelt threw out the first ball preceding the season opener between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics.

1950 – The first transatlantic jet passenger trip was completed.

1960 – The Mutual Broadcasting System was sold to the 3M Company of Minnesota for $1.25 million.

1977 – Author Alex Haley won the Pulitzer Prize for “Roots”.

1978 – The U.S. Senate approved the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama on December 31, 1999.

1979 – The television show “Real People” premiered on NBC.

1983 – TV’s The Disney Channel debuted.

1983 – The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, was blown up by a suicide car-bomber. 63 people were killed including 17 Americans.

1984 – Daredevils Mike MacCarthy and Amanda Tucker made a sky dive from the Eiffel Tower. The jump ended safely.

1984 – Michael Jackson underwent surgery in Los Angeles, CA. Doctors performed scalp surgery to repair damage done after Jackson’s hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial on January 27.

1985 – Ted Turner filed for a hostile takeover of CBS.

1991 – Charlie Kovacs of Seymour, Victoria, Australia, set the world camper speed record by towing his Roadster camper at a speed of 126.76 miles per hour.

1995 – Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers retired from football after 17 NFL seasons.

1999 – Wayne Gretzky, of the New York Rangers, played his final game in the NHL. He retired as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and holder of 61 individual records.

2000 – The Nasdaq had the biggest one-day point gain in its history.

2002 – Actor Robert Blake and his bodyguard were arrested in connection with the shooting death of Blake’s wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, who was shot in the couple’s car outside a Studio City, CA restaurant the previous May.

2003 – Etta James received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2008 – The movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Russell Brand, premiered.

2013 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2013. They inductees were Rush, Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, Albert King, Lou Adler and Quincy Jones.

2014 – Sixteen people were killed in an avalanche on Mount Everest.

2019 – A redacted version of the Mueller Report was released to the United States Congress and the public. The report found no collusion between Russian and President Donald Trump’s campaign, but numerous instances of possible obstruction of justice.

BIRTHDAYS:

Robert Hooks – 88 years old (1937) – Actor (“Star Trek III: The Search for Spock”, “Passenger 57”, “Trouble Man”, TV’s “N.Y.P.D.”)

Mike Vickers – 85 years old (1940) – Guitarist, saxophonist (Manfred Mann)

Hayley Mills – 79 years old (1946) – Actress (“The Parent Trap”, “That Darn Cat”, “The Trouble With Angels”)

Dorothy Lyman – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “All My Children”, “Another World”)

Cindy Pickett – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “Guiding Light”, “St. Elsewhere”)

James Woods – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (“The Onion Field”, “Casino”, “Salvador”, “Ghosts of Mississippi”, “Endgame”, “The Virgin Suicides”, “Once Upon a Time in America”, “Vampires”, “Nixon”, “The Getaway”, “Against All Odds”, TV’s “Shark”, “Ray Donovan”)

Geoff Bodine – 76 years old (1949) – Auto racer

Rick Moranis – 72 years old (1953) – Actor (“Parenthood”, “Ghostbuster” series, “Spaceballs”, “Honey I Shrunk” and “Blew Up the Kids”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Streets of Fire”, TV’s “Second City TV”)

John James – 69 years old (1956) – Actor (TV’s “Search for Tomorrow”, “As the World Turns”, “Dynasty”, “The Colbys”)

Eric Roberts – 69 years old (1956) – Actor (“Doctor Who”, “The Coca-Cola Kid”, “Runaway Train”, “The Pope of Greenwich Village”, “The Cable Guy”)

Melody Thomas Scott – 69 years old (1956) – Actess (TV’s “Young and the Restless”)

Kelly Hansen – 64 years old (1961) – Singer (Foreigner)

Jane Leeves – 64 years old (1961) – Actress (TV’s “Frasier”, “Hot in Cleveland”)

Eric McCormack – 62 years old (1963) – Actor, musician (TV’s “Will & Grace”, “Perception”)

Conan O’Brien – 62 years old (1963) – Television personality (“Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “The Tonight Show”, ‘Late Night”)

Maria Bello – 58 years old (1967) – Actress (“The Grown Ups” movies, “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”, “World Trade Center”, “Thank You for Smoking”, “A History of Violence”, “The Cooler”, “Coyote Ugly”, TV’s “Prime Suspect”, “ER”, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”)

Greg Eklund – 55 years old (1970) – Drummer (Everclear)

David Tennant – 54 years old (1971) – Actor (TV’s “Doctor Who”, “Gracepoint”)

Mark Tremonti – 51 years old (1974) – Guitarist (Creed). Born in Detroit, MI.

Melissa Joan Hart – 49 years old (1976) – Actress (TV’s “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”, “Clarissa Explains It All”, “Melissa & Joey”)

Sean Maguire – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (TV’s “Eve”, “The Class”, “Once Upon a Time”)

Reeve Carney – 42 years old (1983) – Actor (TV’s “Penny Dreadful”)

America Ferrera – 41 years old (1984) – Actress (“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”, “Real Women Have Curves”, “Gotta Kick It Up!”)

Alia Shawkat – 36 years old (1989) – Actress (TV’s “Arrested Development”)

Britt Robertson – 35 years old (1990) – Actress (“Sheena”, “Power Rangers Time Force”)

TODAY IS:

National Animal Crackers Day: A classic favorite snack for children of generations, simply take some time to enjoy some sweet, fun animal crackers on National Animal Crackers Day.
International Amateur Radio Day: The “International” in “International Amateur Radio Day” honors how amateur radio-ers pioneered fast, immediate global connection in the 20th century.
National Exercise Day: Engaging in physical activity invigorates the body, fostering vitality and well-being with each rhythmic movement and breath.
World Marbles Day: If you have at least once played marbles, you'll know the thrill of knocking them out of a ring. World Marbles Day celebrates this excitement, bringing together enthusiasts from around the world. People of all ages gather to share their skills and enjoy the friendly competition. This vibrant event turns...
National Piñata Day: Get a bat, get a piñata, and whack away! It doesn’t have to be a birthday or other occasion to treat yourself to a cathartic piñata—or try making your own.
International Jugglers Day: International Jugglers Day, celebrated annually, is a vibrant occasion that unites jugglers and enthusiasts from around the globe. It highlights the skill, creativity, and joy that juggling brings to both performers and audiences. The day serves as a reminder of the rich cultural significance of juggling, a practice that spans over...
Adult Autism Awareness Day: Adult Autism Awareness Day, celebrated annually, is a vibrant event that shines a light on the lives of adults with autism. This day is dedicated to increasing recognition of the challenges they face daily and the diversity within the autism community. By focusing on adult autism, the day helps promote a...
National Columnists’ Day: Peruse your paper for the often entertaining, often sage advice of a columnist like Dear Abby, or write in to see if they have some insight into your own problems.
National Lineman Appreciation Day: Many of us take electricity for granted, but we wouldn’t have it at all if it weren’t for the men and women who risk their lives to maintain it every day.
National Velociraptor Awareness Day: What would you call a sleeping dinosaur? A dino-snore. National Velociraptor Awareness Day is here! It’s time to bust out your dino-mite puns. Celebrated annually, it pays homage to favorite prehistoric creatures: velociraptors. It’s a fun day of education. So, the day might not involve the heart-stopping excitement of dodging...
Pet Owners Independence Day: For one day, flip the script on that furry freeloader and make them take care of you. Lie on the carpet, kick your ear, don’t go to work and taste the freedom.
National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day: Tidying up the medicine stash ensures safety, preventing mishaps and creating a healthier environment at home.
World Heritage Day: Visit and support your local cultural icons and monuments, or travel to see some of the remarkable cultural heritage sites from all over the wide world.
Good Friday: Observed in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus, this significant event is usually marked by church services and solemn reflections.
Orthodox Good Friday: Orthodox Good Friday is a deeply revered day among Orthodox Christians, observed to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This solemn day falls on different dates each year, adhering to the Julian calendar, unlike many Western Christian churches that use the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, for example, it will be...
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...
Orthodox Holy Week: Orthodox Holy Week is a deep and meaningful journey leading up to Easter, which celebrates Christ's resurrection. This sacred week starts with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, greeted as a king. Each day then carries unique themes and moments of reflection. Early in the week, the parable of...
Passover Begins: Among the most solemn and meaningful observances in the Jewish calendar, Passover marks the beginning of an eight-day journey. This holiday, known as Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The term "Passover" refers to the divine act of sparing the Israelites during the final plague...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...
Money Smart Week: Being smart with money isn't just about saving; it's also about making informed decisions and enjoying the process. Money Smart Week offers the perfect opportunity to dive into financial literacy and reconsider financial habits. In its essence, Money Smart Week is a lively event held annually to boost financial literacy...
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...
Time Of Remembrance And Reconciliation: The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation begins with a simple idea—remembering those who never returned from war. Behind every loss is a face, a voice, a life cut short. This day invites us to slow down and think about those people. Not as soldiers in a history book, but as someone’s...
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: From 9-1-1 emergency call operators and alarm systems to answering other non-emergency forms of communication such as texts, emails and social media contacts, public safety telecommunicators have a lot on the line every day when they show up for work! As technology rapidly advances and evolves, so do the opportunities for...
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.