Henry Winkler was born on this day in 1945. While he may be known to young readers as the author of the Hank Ziper books, he is best known in pop culture for portrayal of Arthur Fonzarelli on Happy Days. “Fonzie” or “The Fonz” was a pop culture superstar during the 1970’s. Since then Winkler has appeared in wide variety of television, movie and stage roles. He has also been a director, producer and writer.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen was published on this day in 1811. The novel was published anonymously, “BY A LADY.” Few people knew the identity of the author, and she was never famous in her lifetime. However, over time her fame has grown and she has become one of the most beloved authors of all time.
Sense and Sensibility has been adapted many times for television and film, and has also been the subject of a “mash-up,” Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
Other novels by Austen include Emma, Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice (my personal favourite.)
On this day in 1968, one of the most iconic images in Olympic history was captured for all the world to see. As the US National Anthem played at the medal ceremony for the 200 Metre race at the Mexico City Olympics, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the Gold and Bronze Medalists, bowed their heads and each raised a single, black gloved fist. This gesture of protest has come to be known as the “Black Power Salute.” Smith and Carlos shocked many with this Silent Gesture, forcing the world to take note of the struggle against racism in the United States and around the world. The Silver Medalist, Peter Norman of Australia, joined the Americans in wearing an OPHR badge (Olympic Project for Human Rights.)
Reaction was very negative in the US and within the Olympic Community, including those who felt that the Olympics was not the place for such an overtly political gesture. Under pressure from the IOC, the men were expelled from the Olympic village and suspended from the US Olympic Team. Both men were forced to return home to heavy criticism and even threats of violence. Very few publicly lauded their courage and their willingness to make such a bold and profound statement, but over time public opinion has shifted dramatically in support for what Smith and Carlos did on the podium in 1968.
For more, check out these links:
On this day in 2003, the infamous “Bartman Incident” took place at Wrigley Field in Chicago during the National League Championship Series. As much as sport can bring out the best in us, it sometimes can bring out the worst. Lifelong Cubs fan Steve Bartman found himself fearing for his life after his interference in a play late in a Cubs’ playoff game. To learn more about this sad chapter in sports history, check out the amazing documentary, “Catching Hell,” part of an excellent series of sports films called “30 For 30.” Read more about the Bartman Incident.
On this day in 1900, actor Alistair Sim was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His greatest performance was in the role of Scrooge in the 1951 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. There have been many wonderful versions of Dickens’ classic holiday tale, but Sim’s portrayal of Scrooge is the best.
On this day in 1582, the Gregorian Calendar was adopted by the Catholic Church and the governments of the Catholic areas of Europe. It replaced the Julian Calendar which had been in use in Europe since Roman times. October 4 was the last day of the Julian 
Calendar, immediately followed by October 15 on the Gregorian Calendar.
Although the Protestant and Orthodox countries of Europe initially rejected the reforms of the Gregrorian Calendar, named after Pope Gregory the XIII, eventually all of Christendom would adopt it. In fact most of the world now uses the Gregorian Calendar as the Standard Calendar for matters of government and economics.
For more on the Gregorian Calendar and other calendar systems, visit the following:
Mohandas Gandhi was born on in this day in India in 1869. Gandhi led India to independence from the British Empire, primarily through non-violent protest and peaceful resistance. His ideas would inspire future movements from such people as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
For more on the life of Gandhi, click here.
On this day in 1966, the Republic of Botswana was formed, declaring its independence from the U.K.. You can learn more about this African land if you check out Alexander McCall Smith‘s series that begins with The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Life in Botswana is the backdrop to this gently humourous, sometimes sad but mostly delightful series. Come get it from your school library!
Jay Greenspan was born on this day in 1959. Greenspan would go on to become an actor who performed under the name Jason Alexander. He would land a spot on the television show “Seinfeld,” portraying what some consider to be the greatest comedy character of all time, George Costanza. For more on George Costanza and “Seinfeld”, check out WikiSein.
Jim Abbott was born on this day in 1967. Abbott debuted as a Major League Baseball pitcher in 1989 for the California Angels. He would go on to play for several other teams, including the New York Yankees. It was with the Yankees that he threw a No-Hitter on September 4, 1993.
Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. He would throw with his left hand while his glove would rest on the end of his right arm. To field the ball he would deftly slip his left hand into the glove. To throw, he would then tuck the glove between under his right arm, and get the ball into his left hand. Early in his career teams tried to exploit this apparent “weakness” by bunting on him, but he was an amazingly effective fielder.
Jim Abbott’s ability to thrive as a professional athlete despite his physical challenges is truly inspirational.
After retiring from professional baseball, Jim began to tour the world as a motivational speaker.
For more on Jim Abbott, check out his website, jimabbott.net
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On this day in 2003, David Lee Roth, best known as the lead singer of Van Halen, injured himself on stage with a fighting staff while performing a Samurai move.
This fascinating piece of history and much, much more is available from on-this-day.com. Check it out!
Anti-Apartheid and Black Consciousness leader Stephen Biko died on this day in 1977. He was killed by South African police who tortured and beat him while he was in custody. His story, told in the book Biko, and the film “Cry Freedom,” helped to expose the brutality of the Apartheid regime to the world.
Learn more about Stephen Biko.
Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School Library 