Happy Birthday, Benny Goodman (1909 - 1986) The "King of Swing," Benjamin David Goodman, would have been 106 years old if he were still alive today. The American jazz musician grew up in Chicago as one of twelve children. He…
Today in History: First Summit Ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 62 years ago today, at 11:30 a.m., Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Nepali Sherpa mountaineer become the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount…
Happy Birthday, David Lance Goines The American artist, calligrapher, and book printer turns 60 today. Goines lives and works in Berkeley, California.
Today in History: Volkswagen is founded in 1937 78 years ago today, the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen was established. The idea for a small, affordable family car was introduced years earlier by engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, who wanted to create an…
Today in History: Golden Gate Bridge opens in 1937 San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is a spectacular technological and artistic achievement. 78 years ago, on opening day, some 200,000 pedestrians crossed the bay between San Francisco and Marin County. The…
Happy Birthday, Eugene Grasset (25 May 1845 – 23 October 1917) The acclaimed Swiss decorative poster artist would turn 170 years old if he were still alive today. Grasset studied drawing and architecture and worked as a painter and sculptor before…
Happy Birthday, Bob Dylan! The American music icon is celebrating his 74th birthday today.
Today in History: The Greyhound Bus Company 100 years ago today, the Greyhound Bus Company began its operations in Hibbing, Minnesota. Its Swedish founder, Carl Eric Wickman, had moved to the United States in 1905. After being laid…
Happy Birthday, Pete Townsend The London-born guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who is celebrating his 70th birthday today.
Today in History: Kentucky Derby 140 years ago today, on May 17, 1875, a cheering crowd of 10,000 people watched the horse, Aristides, a Thoroughbred named after an ancient Greek general, and his rider, Oliver Lewis, cross the finish…