Today's Trivia and What Happened on September 8

J K over 10 Q A

J K over 10 Q A Close Large View

Hijacking

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
0

Quote: Tolerance will reach such a level that intelligent people will be banned from thinking so as not to offend the imbeciles. - Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)

Quote: Tolerance will reach such a level that intelligent people will be banned from thinking so as not to offend the imbeciles. - Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) Close Large View

Thumbs Up
16
Thumbs Down
0

Holidays

Feast Day of the Birth of Mary

Commemorating the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Thumbs Up
14
Thumbs Down
0

What Happened On

Star Trek

Star Trek Close Large View

Star Trek

September 8, 1966

Gene Roddenberry's space western Star Trek debuts on NBC, with the episode The Man Trap. The episode featured the creature that became known as the Salt Monster.
The original Star Trek pilot, The Cage, was deemed too cerebral and a new pilot was ordered. Footage from The Cage was edited into the two-part The Menagerie, which was aired later in the season. Except for a black and white 16mm version, the unused footage was lost until it was found in 1987. The rediscovered footage for the original pilot The Cage was restored and aired for the first time in 1988, almost 20 years after the series ended.

Thumbs Up
8
Thumbs Down
2

Psycho

Psycho Close Large View

Psycho

September 8, 1960

Official release of Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho.
This was Hitchcock's most financially successful film. Produced on a budget of about $800,000, it made over $32 million on its initial release. Paramount was reluctant to do the film, so Hitchcock financed it himself for 60% ownership of the film. To save money, Hitchcock filmed it in black and white and in a television studio. Chocolate syrup was used for the blood swirling down the drain in the famous shower scene.
Psycho is based on Robert Bloch's novel of the same name, which was loosely based on murderer and grave robber Ed Gein. Anthony Perkins' character Norman Bates and Ed Gein each had deceased, domineering mothers, had sealed off a room in their home as a shrine to their mother, and dressed in women's clothes.
Janet Leigh's character Marion Crane flushing her note down the toilet is the first time a toilet is shown flushing in U.S. cinema.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
1

V-2 test launch in 1943 V-2 test launch in 1943
Photo Credit: Bundesarchiv, Bild 141-1880

V-2 test launch in 1943 V-2 test launch in 1943
Photo Credit: Bundesarchiv, Bild 141-1880
Close Large View

V-2 Rocket

September 8, 1944

Germany launches its first V-2 guided rockets, striking London and Antwerp during World War II. Traveling at the speed of sound, they were virtually impossible to stop.

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
4

Join Us on Facebook

Huey P. Long Shot

Huey P. Long Shot Close Large View

Huey P. Long Shot

September 8, 1935

U.S. Senator Huey P. Long is shot at the Louisiana state capitol by Dr. Carl Austin Weiss, Jr. He died two days later. Long, known as the Kingfish, had just moments before pushed through a redistricting bill that would remove Weiss' father-in-law from the bench. Weiss was killed at the scene by Long's bodyguards, who shot him more than 60 times.
As with many high-profile murders, there are alternative versions of the events. Some speculate that Weiss only punched Long in the mouth causing the bodyguards to open fire and Long was killed by a stray bullet and that Weiss' gun was then retrieved from his nearby car and placed on the scene.

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
1

Pledge of Allegiance First Published

Pledge of Allegiance First Published Close Large View

Pledge of Allegiance First Published

September 8, 1892

The Pledge of Allegiance is first published, in The Youth's Companion. Francis Bellamy wrote the original 1892 version: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Changes were made to it over the years, including adding the words "Under God" in 1954. Bellamy, a devout Christian who believed in the absolute separation of church and state, did not include the phrase "under God" in his original pledge.
Bellamy also described what became known as the Bellamy Salute as the proper way to salute the flag while reciting the pledge. Due to its resemblance to the Nazi salute, this was replaced with the hand-over-heart salute in 1942.

Thumbs Up
9
Thumbs Down
0

Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper Close Large View

Jack the Ripper

September 8, 1888

Serial killer Jack the Ripper claims his second known victim. For three months he murdered and mutilated prostitutes in London's East End. He was never caught.

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
1

Hanged for Sex with a Turkey

Hanged for Sex with a Turkey Close Large View

Hanged for Sex with a Turkey

September 8, 1642

Pilgrim teenager Thomas Graunger is hanged after confessing to buggery with a mare, a cow, two goats, various sheep, two calves, and a turkey. In the Plymouth Colony, bestiality was a crime punishable according to the Bible's Leviticus 20:15 ("And if a man shall lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast"). Graunger was forced to watch while the animals involved were slaughtered and their bodies destroyed because they were considered unclean. Graunger was then hanged.
This was the Plymouth Colony's first recorded act of bestiality.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
1

St. Augustine - Oldest European Settlement Still in Existence in America Photo Credit: Excel23

St. Augustine - Oldest European Settlement Still in Existence in America Photo Credit: Excel23
Close Large View

St. Augustine - Oldest European Settlement Still in Existence in America

September 8, 1565

Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndes de Avilés founds St. Augustine, Florida.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
0

Tailhook Scandal

September 8, 1991

More than 100 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are accused of sexually assaulting women during the 35th Annual Tailhook Association Symposium at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
1

Dan Quayle - Republicans understand the importance of bondage between parent and child

Dan Quayle - Republicans understand the importance of bondage between parent and child Close Large View

Dan Quayle - Republicans understand the importance of bondage between parent and child

September 8, 1988

Future U.S. Vice-President Dan Quayle states, "Republicans understand the importance of bondage between parent and child."

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
3

Watergate - Ford Pardons Nixon

September 8, 1974

U.S. President Gerald Ford gives a full pardon to former U.S. President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while President.

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
2

Knievel's Skycycle X-2 and jumpsuit go to Video for Evel Knievel - Snake River Canyon
Knievel's Skycycle X-2 and jumpsuit
Photo Credit: Docob5

Knievel's Skycycle X-2 and jumpsuit Knievel's Skycycle X-2 and jumpsuit
Photo Credit: Docob5
Close Large View

Evel Knievel - Snake River Canyon

September 8, 1974

Evel Knievel attempts to jump Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho on his Skycyle X-2 steam-powered rocket motorcycle. Knievel's parachute prematurely deployed on launch, causing the jump to fail. He landed at the bottom of the canyon, suffering only minor injuries.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
1

Olympic Massacre Retaliation

September 8, 1972

Israeli jets bomb Lebanon and Syria in retaliation for the killing of 11 Israeli Olympic team members by Palestinian terrorists three days earlier.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
2

First U.S. Open Women's Singles Division

September 8, 1968

The tennis championship is won by Virginia Wade of England.

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

Tarzan

Tarzan Close Large View

Tarzan

September 8, 1966

The TV series Tarzan, starring Ron Ely, debuts on NBC. It was filmed in Brazil and Mexico.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
0

Southeast Asian Treaty Organization

September 8, 1954

SATO is established with the signing of a treaty between the U.S. and seven other countries.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
0

Japanese Peace Treaty

September 8, 1951

Japan, the U.S., and 47 other countries sign the treaty.

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
0

World War II

September 8, 1943

Italy makes an unconditional surrender to the Allies, although German troops there continue to fight.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
1

U.S. International Trade Commission

September 8, 1916

U.S. International Trade Commission is established.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
0

First Catholic Parish in What Is Now the U.S.

September 8, 1565

Fr. Don Martin Francisco Lopez de Mendozo Grajales founds a parish in St. Augustine Fla.

Thumbs Up
8
Thumbs Down
1

Birthdays

The Problem We All Live With - Norman Rockwell, 1964 The Problem We All Live With - Norman Rockwell, 1964

The Problem We All Live With - Norman Rockwell, 1964 The Problem We All Live With - Norman Rockwell, 1964
Close Large View
This is a birthday

Ruby Bridges

Born September 8, 1954

American activist. She was the first black child at the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana (1960). Many whites pulled their children from the school and all but one teacher refused to teach her. This event was the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
1

Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline Close Large View
This is a birthday

Patsy Cline (Virginia Peterson Hensley)

Born September 8, 1932 d. 1963

American Hall of Fame country singer. Music: I Fall to Pieces (1961, #1) and Crazy (1961). She was the first female solo performer elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1973). She died in a plane crash. Her pilot was not instrument rated and was trying to fly in heavy weather. She was returning home after performing at a benefit for the family of disc jockey "Cactus" Jack Call, who had died in an automobile crash a little over a month earlier.

Thumbs Up
6
Thumbs Down
0

Add Trivia to Your Web Page

Garfield (center right) leaning after being shot Garfield (center right) leaning after being shot

Garfield (center right) leaning after being shot Garfield (center right) leaning after being shot
Close Large View
This is a birthday

Charles J. Guiteau

Born September 8, 1841 d. 1882

American presidential assassin. Assassinated U.S. President James A. Garfield. Guiteau believed he deserved an appointed position due to his support of Garfield's presidential campaign, feeling that he was largely responsible for Garfield's victory. Angry that Garfield rejecting his requests, and believing that God told him to kill Garfield so that Chester A. Arthur would become president, Guiteau shot Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. on July 2, 1881. Garfield died two months later from infections related to the injury. Guiteau was hanged for his crime.
When Guiteau was purchasing the gun for the assassination he chose one with pearl handles, because he thought it would look better in a museum. Ironically, the gun has since been lost.

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
1

This is a birthday

Heather Thomas

Born September 8, 1957

American actress. TV: The Fall Guy (Jody).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

Mitch Robbins

Mitch Robbins Close Large View
This is a birthday

Mitch Robbins

Born September 8, 1952

fictional character. Played by Billy Crystal in the movie City Slickers (1991). "Hi, Curly, kill anyone today?"

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
0

This is a birthday

Darwood Kaye (Darwood Kenneth Smith)

Born September 8, 1929 d. 2002

American actor. The rich and scholarly Waldo of The Little Rascals, he appeared in 21 Our Gang films (1937-40). He went on to become a Seventh Day Adventist Pastor until he was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
2

This is a birthday

Peter Sellers

Born September 8, 1925 d. 1980

British actor. Film: The Pink Panther (1964, Inspector Clouseau) and Being There (1979, Chance the gardener).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

Sid Caesar

Sid Caesar Close Large View
This is a birthday

Sid Caesar

Born September 8, 1922 d. 2014

American actor, comedian. TV: Your Show of Shows (1950-54, host). Film: Grease (1978, Coach Calhoun).

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
0

This is a birthday

Hillary Brooke (Beatrice Peterson)

Born September 8, 1914 d. 1999

American actress. TV: My Little Margie (1952-55, Roberta). Film: Sci-fi B-movie classic Invaders from Mars (1953).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

This is a birthday

Euell Gibbons

Born September 8, 1911 d. 1975

American naturalist. Proponent of natural diets and eating wild foods, such as lamb's quarters (a type of weed), rose hips, dandelion shoots, stinging nettle, and cattails. Writings: Stalking the Wild Asparagus (1962). He was the spokesman for Post Grape-Nuts.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
0

Austin Briggs

Austin Briggs Close Large View
This is a birthday

Austin Briggs

Born September 8, 1908 d. 1973

American cartoonist. Drew Secret Agent X-9 (1938-40) and Flash Gordon dailies (1940-44) and Sundays (1944-48).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

This is a birthday

Richard I

Born September 8, 1157 d. 1199

King of England (1189-99), known as Richard the Lion-Hearted.

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
1

Deaths

Percy Spencer Photo Credit: Daniel Christensen

Percy Spencer Photo Credit: Daniel Christensen
Close Large View
This is a death

Inventor of the Microwave Oven

Percy Spencer

Died September 8, 1970 b. 1894

American scientist. While working for the Raytheon company, he stopped for a minute in front of a magnetron, a vacuum tube that generates high-frequency radio waves for use in radar, and noticed that the chocolate bar in his pocket was melting, which inspired him to invent the microwave oven (1946). He named his invention the "Radarange", a combination of the words "radar" and "range".
An orphan at age eight who never graduated from grammar school, he became Senior Vice President at Raytheon and received 150 patents.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
0

Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II Close Large View
This is a death

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary)

Died September 8, 2022 b. 1926

Queen of the United Kingdom (1952‑2022). Although born in April, she celebrates her birthday in June. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch.

Thumbs Up
0
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Brad Davis

Died September 8, 1991 b. 1949

American actor. Film: Midnight Express. He died of AIDS.

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Willard Frank Libby

Died September 8, 1980 b. 1908

American Nobel-winning chemist, inventor of radiocarbon dating (1949).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof

Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof
Close Large View
This is a death

Zero Mostel

Died September 8, 1977 b. 1915

American actor, singer. Stage: Fiddler on the Roof (1964, as Tevye singing If I Were a Rich Man).

Thumbs Up
5
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Richard Strauss

Died September 8, 1949 b. 1864

German composer. Music: Also sprach Zarathustra (1896), the theme of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

Thumbs Up
4
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Jack the Ripper's Second Known Victim

Annie Chapman

Died September 8, 1888 b. circa 1841

English crime victim. She is the second known victim of Jack the Ripper.

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
1

This is a death

Joseph Liouville

Died September 8, 1882 b. 1809

French mathematician. He discovered the first proof of transcendental numbers (1844).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Ann Lee

Died September 8, 1784 b. 1736

English mystic, religious leader. Founded Shakerism in America (1774).

Thumbs Up
2
Thumbs Down
0

This is a death

Saint Sergius I

Died September 8, 701 b. circa 650

religious leader, 84th Pope (687-701).

Thumbs Up
3
Thumbs Down
0