On This Day August 17th

 OTD 

August 17th is the 227th Day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 136 days remain until the end of the year.

Events

1488 – Konrad Bitz, the Bishop of Turku, marks the date of his preface to Missale Aboense, the oldest known book of Finland.

1585 – A first group of colonists sent by Sir Walter Raleigh under the charge of Ralph Lane lands in the New World to create Roanoke Colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina.

1668 – The magnitude 8.0 North Anatolia earthquake causes 8,000 deaths in northern Anatolia, Ottoman Empire.

1784 – Classical composer Luigi Boccherini receives a pay raise of 12,000 from his employer, the Infante Luis, Count of Chinchón.

1807 – Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat leaves New York City for Albany, New York, on the Hudson River, inaugurating the first commercial steamboat service in the world.

1863 – American Civil War: In Charleston, South Carolina, Union batteries and ships bombard Confederate-held Fort Sumter.

1945 – The novella Animal Farm by George Orwell is first published.

1958 – Pioneer 0, America's first attempt at lunar orbit, is launched using the first Thor-Able rocket and fails. Notable as one of any country's first attempted launches beyond Earth orbit.

2008 – American swimmer Michael Phelps is the first to win eight gold medals at one Olympic Games.

Birthdays

1582 – John Matthew Rispoli, Maltese philosopher (d. 1639)

1753 – Josef Dobrovský, Bohemian philologist and historian (d. 1828)

1786 – Davy Crockett, American soldier, and politician (d. 1836)

1887 – Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican journalist and activist, founded Black Star Line (d. 1940)

1911 – Mikhail Botvinnik, Russian chess player, and engineer (d. 1995)

1918 – Ike Quebec, American saxophonist, and pianist (d. 1963)

1929 – Francis Gary Powers, American captain, and pilot (d. 1977)

1936 – Margaret Heafield Hamilton, American computer scientist, systems engineer, and business owner.

1963 – Jon Gruden, American football player, coach, and sportscaster.

Holidays & Observance

National Black Cat Appreciation Day

In the captivating tapestry of history, black cats have woven their enigmatic presence, often cloaked in mystery and superstition. With their velvety obsidian coats, these graceful felines have traversed through time, bearing the weight of unjust beliefs that cast them as symbols of bad luck and darkness. But let's pause to unravel the threads that compose this narrative and shed light on the truth that lies beyond the shadows.

Centuries ago, black cats found themselves entwined in folklore as companions of witches, painted with the brushstrokes of mysticism and magic. Their nocturnal escapades, so fitting for the shadows of the night, only fueled these perceptions. Yet, the tales that once whispered of their wickedness couldn't be farther from the truth.

The real story beneath the surface is one of grace, charm, and a gentle spirit that defies misconceptions. Like all their feline counterparts, black cats are creatures of instinct, love, and unique personality. Their fur, a velvety canvas of ebony, is merely a cloak that conceals hearts of gold.

Countless stories bear witness to the sweet nature of these dark-coated companions. With a loving demeanor that rivals the softest caress of moonlight, black cats have been cherished and adored by those who have shared their lives with them. In some cultures, these inky-hued felines are revered as harbingers of good fortune, symbols of positivity that bring joy and light.

It's time to unravel the tapestry of superstition and embrace the truth that black cats are not omens of misfortune but enchanting beings with a capacity for love that knows no bounds. As we peel away the layers of history, let's open our hearts to these beautiful creatures, celebrating their uniqueness and banishing unfounded fears. Ultimately, black cats shine as beacons of love and companionship, casting aside the shadows of baseless superstition to bask in the warm embrace of truth and affection.

Others Include

Gabon Independence Day

Indonesia Independence Day

National Massachusetts Day

Slovenians in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation Day

National Thrift Shop Day

National I LOVE My feet Day.

Baby Boomers Recognition Day

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