Vinyl Record Day
Vinyl Record Day is celebrated on August 12th. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating the art, history, and culture of vinyl records. Vinyl records have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, valued for their analog sound quality and the tangible experience they offer compared to digital formats. Vinyl enthusiasts often use this day to celebrate by playing records, collecting rare finds, or exploring new releases. It’s also a great opportunity to visit record stores, attend events, or engage in discussions about the impact of vinyl on music history.
Bowling Day
National Bowling Day is observed on the second Saturday in August. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the sport of bowling, which has been a popular pastime for many people around the world. Bowling alleys and organizations often offer special events, promotions, and tournaments to mark the occasion. It’s a great time to hit the lanes, enjoy some friendly competition, and appreciate the fun and social aspects of the game.
August 12th has been a significant date in history, marked by various events across different centuries.
Historical Events
30 BC – Death of Cleopatra: The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Cleopatra VII Philopator, allegedly committed suicide by allowing an asp (Egyptian cobra) to bite her. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman Egypt.
1851 – Singer’s sewing machine patent: Isaac Singer was granted a patent for his sewing machine design, which included the up-and-down motion mechanism and the use of an overhanging arm. This invention revolutionized the textile industry and home sewing.
1877 – Edison’s phonograph: Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, the first device to both record and reproduce sound. This invention laid the foundation for the music recording industry.
1908 – First Model T: The Ford Motor Company built its first Model T car. This vehicle would go on to revolutionize the automotive industry with its assembly line production, making cars affordable for the average American.
1981 – IBM PC: IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC. This launch marked a significant moment in the history of computing, helping to standardize the PC industry and bring computers into homes and offices worldwide.
1990 – Discovery of Sue: The largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found was discovered in South Dakota by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson. The skeleton, named “Sue,” has greatly contributed to our understanding of T. rex anatomy and biology.
Birthdays
George IV (1762): King of the United Kingdom and King of Hanover, known for his extravagant lifestyle and patronage of the arts.
Cecil B. DeMille (1881): Influential American filmmaker who was a founding father of Hollywood. Known for epic films like “The Ten Commandments” and “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
Dale Bumpers (1925): American politician who served as Governor of Arkansas and later as a United States Senator, known for his oratorical skills.
Mark Knopfler (1949): British singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the rock band Dire Straits.
Pete Sampras (1971): American former world No. 1 tennis player, winner of 14 Grand Slam singles titles and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (1983): Dutch former professional footballer who played as a striker, known for his prolific goal-scoring record.
Notable Deaths
Cleopatra VII Philopator (30 BC): The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, famous for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
William Blake (1827): English poet, painter, and printmaker, now considered a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age.
Wilhelm Steinitz (1900): Austrian-American chess player who was the first undisputed World Chess Champion and is considered the “father of modern chess.”
Henry Fonda (1982): American film and stage actor with a career spanning five decades. Father of actors Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda.
John Cage (1992): American composer, music theorist, and artist, a pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments.
Lauren Bacall (2014): American actress known for her distinctive voice and sultry looks. She was a major star in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
