20 August - Benjamin Harrison birth anniversary

 

Benjamin Harrison, born on 20 August 1833, in North Bend, Ohio, was an American statesman and the 23rd President of the United States. Here are key points about Benjamin Harrison:

1. Family Background: Benjamin Harrison came from a prominent political family; his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was the ninth President of the United States.

2. Education and Military Service: Harrison studied law at Miami University and worked as a lawyer. During the Civil War, he served in the Union Army, eventually attaining the rank of brigadier general.

3. Political Career: Harrison entered politics after the war and served as the reporter for the Indiana Supreme Court. He was later elected as a U.S. Senator from Indiana, serving from 1881 to 1887.

4. Presidential Election of 1888: In 1888, Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, won the presidential election against the incumbent, Grover Cleveland. Harrison lost the popular vote but won in the Electoral College.

5. Sherman Antitrust Act: During his presidency, Harrison signed the Sherman Antitrust Act into law in 1890. The act aimed to curb monopolistic business practices and promote fair competition.

6. McKinley Tariff: Harrison also signed the McKinley Tariff Act in 1890, which raised tariffs on imported goods. The legislation was intended to protect American industries but contributed to the economic downturn.

7. Election of 1892: Harrison sought re-election in 1892 but lost to Grover Cleveland in a rematch of their previous contest.

8. Later Years: After leaving the presidency, Harrison returned to his law practice. He remained active in Republican politics and supported the U.S. entry into World War I.

9. Death: Benjamin Harrison passed away on 13 March 1901, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

10. Legacy: Harrison's presidency is often associated with economic issues, including tariff policies and antitrust measures. His tenure marked a transitional period in American politics as the country grappled with industrialization and economic challenges.

Benjamin Harrison's contributions to American law and politics, along with his military service during the Civil War, are notable aspects of his legacy. Despite his accomplishments, Harrison is often overshadowed by the more prominent presidencies of the late 19th century.

20 August - Yellowstone Fires of 1988 know as “Black Saturday"

 

One of the most notable fire events occurred in 1988, commonly known as the "Yellowstone Fires of 1988."

During the summer of 1988, multiple fires ignited and spread across the park due to a combination of factors, including drought, dry conditions, and lightning strikes. These fires eventually merged into large and intense wildfires. The fires burned through a significant portion of the park's landscape, including forests and grasslands.

The exact number of acres destroyed can vary based on the specific sources and timeframes considered, but it is widely reported that more than 793,000 acres (approximately 36% of the park's total area) were affected by the fires in 1988. The fires prompted a significant response effort involving firefighting teams from various agencies.

The 1988 Yellowstone fires had ecological impacts and led to discussions about fire management policies in national parks. Despite the destruction caused by the fires, they also played a role in natural regeneration and ecosystem renewal. Over time, the park's landscape has shown signs of recovery, with new growth and ecological changes taking place.

On the most significant single day, Saturday, August 20th, to be known thereafter as “Black Saturday,” tremendous winds pushed fire across more than 150,000 acres.

20 August - Roger Wolcott Sperry birth anniversary

 

Roger Wolcott Sperry (August 20, 1913 – April 17, 1994) was an American neuroscientist who is best known for his groundbreaking research on the functional specialization of the brain's hemispheres. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for his split-brain research, which provided significant insights into the organization of the brain and its role in cognition.

Sperry's split-brain experiments involved studying patients who had undergone a surgical procedure called corpus callosotomy, which involved severing the corpus callosum—a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. His research showed that the two hemispheres of the brain could function independently in certain tasks and had different specialized functions.

This work led to a better understanding of lateralization of brain function—how different functions are localized in specific brain regions—and the concept that the left and right hemispheres of the brain could have distinct cognitive abilities and processes. Sperry's research had significant implications for fields such as psychology, neurology, and cognitive science.

Roger Sperry's contributions to neuroscience and our understanding of the brain's complex organization have had a lasting impact on the field. His work challenged conventional wisdom and paved the way for new avenues of research into brain lateralization and cognition.

20 August - Salvatore Quasimodo birth anniversary

 

Salvatore Quasimodo (August 20, 1901 – June 14, 1968) was an Italian poet, essayist, and translator. He is known for his significant contributions to Italian literature and his engagement with themes of existentialism, spirituality, and the human experience in his poetry.

Quasimodo's poetry is characterized by its lyricism and introspective exploration of emotions. He was deeply affected by the social and political events of his time, including World War II and its aftermath, and these themes often found their way into his works.

In 1959, Salvatore Quasimodo was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his "lyrical poetry, which with classical fire expresses the tragic experience of life in our own times." He was one of the leading figures of 20th-century Italian literature and played a significant role in shaping the post-war Italian literary scene.

Beyond his poetry, Quasimodo was also involved in translating works from other languages into Italian and promoting cultural exchange. His writings continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth, sensitivity, and intellectual engagement with the complexities of human existence.

 

20 August - Sir Ronald Ross identified the Anopheles mosquito ,the malaria parasite in 1897

 

Sir Ronald Ross (May 13, 1857 – September 16, 1932) was a British physician who is best known for his groundbreaking work on the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes. His discovery of the role of mosquitoes in transmitting the parasite responsible for malaria marked a significant breakthrough in understanding the disease's lifecycle and opened the door for effective methods of control and prevention.

In 1902, Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery, becoming the first British person to receive a Nobel Prize in a scientific field. His work laid the foundation for further research into mosquito-borne diseases and contributed to the development of strategies to combat malaria.

Ronald Ross was not only a scientist but also a prolific author and poet. His contributions to medicine and public health have had a lasting impact on global efforts to control and eliminate malaria, a disease that has historically been a major public health concern in many parts of the world.

 Sir Ronald Ross identified the Anopheles mosquito as the vector responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite on August 20, 1897. This discovery was a significant milestone in understanding the transmission of malaria and has had a profound impact on the field of medicine and public health.

18 August - International Bow Day

 

International Bow Day is celebrated annually on August 19th, dedicated to the iconic and fashionable bow. This day honors the bow's versatility as a stylish accessory that has been a part of fashion history for centuries. Bows have been used in various forms, from decorative ribbons in hair to elegant bow ties and chic accessories on clothing and gifts. They symbolize everything from elegance and sophistication to playfulness and creativity.

On International Bow Day, people around the world celebrate by wearing bows, incorporating them into their outfits, or even using them in crafts and decorations. It's a fun and fashionable way to express personal style and creativity. Whether it's a simple hair bow, a fancy bow tie, or a decorative ribbon, this day is all about appreciating the charm and timeless appeal of bows in all their forms.

19 August - Bill Clinton birthday

 

William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, born on August 19, 1946, is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States. He was in office from 1993 to 2001. Clinton, a Democrat, was known for his economic policies that contributed to a period of strong economic growth and job creation in the United States during the 1990s. His presidency also saw significant domestic and international events, including the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Oslo Accords, and the Dayton Agreement, which helped end the Bosnian War.

However, his presidency was also marked by controversies, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998. Clinton was ultimately acquitted by the Senate and completed his second term in office.

After leaving the presidency, Clinton remained active in public life through his philanthropic work, particularly through the Clinton Foundation. He's also been involved in various diplomatic and humanitarian efforts around the world.

 

19 August - G. K. Moopanar, birth anniversary

 

Gopalaswamy Kasturirangan Moopanar, commonly known as G. K. Moopanar, was an Indian politician and a prominent leader in the state of Tamil Nadu. He was born on 19 August 1931, and he passed away on 30 August 2001.

Moopanar was associated with the Indian National Congress and was known for his principled politics and commitment to social justice. He served as a Member of Parliament and held various important positions within the party. He was also a close associate of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

One of Moopanar's significant contributions was his role in forming the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) in 1996. The TMC was formed as a breakaway faction of the Indian National Congress and aimed to address regional issues and concerns in Tamil Nadu. Moopanar's efforts to create a strong regional alternative in Tamil Nadu's politics had a notable impact on the state's political landscape.

Moopanar's death in 2001 marked the end of an era in Tamil Nadu politics. His legacy continues to influence the political discourse in the state, particularly in the context of regional parties and their roles in national politics.

 

19 August - Sanskrit Day

 

Sanskrit Day, also known as Vishva Samskrita Dinam, is celebrated annually to promote and honor the ancient language of Sanskrit. It typically coincides with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan and falls on the Shraavana Purnima day, which varies according to the Hindu lunar calendar but usually occurs in August.

The day is marked by various events and activities, including:

• Lectures and Seminars: Scholars and enthusiasts gather to discuss the significance of Sanskrit, its contributions to literature, philosophy, and science.
• Cultural Programs: Recitations of Sanskrit poetry, dramas, and musical performances highlighting the richness of Sanskrit literature.
• Workshops: Language workshops to promote learning and usage of Sanskrit.
• Competitions: Various competitions, such as essay writing, recitations, and debates, are organized in schools and colleges.

Sanskrit Day aims to revive interest in this classical language and preserve its cultural heritage.

19 August - National Aviation Day (United States)

 

National Aviation Day in the United States is celebrated annually on August 19th. This day was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to honor the development of aviation and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of those involved in the field. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Orville Wright, one of the pioneering Wright brothers, who, along with his brother Wilbur, is credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane.

Orville Wright was still alive when the proclamation was made, and National Aviation Day served as a tribute to the Wright brothers' groundbreaking work that revolutionized transportation and changed the world. The day is often marked by activities related to aviation, such as air shows, aviation museum events, and educational programs about flight. It's a time to reflect on the advancements in aviation technology, honor the history of flight, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.

The celebration of National Aviation Day recognizes not only the Wright brothers but also the countless engineers, pilots, and innovators who have contributed to the field of aviation over the years, helping to make air travel a central part of modern life.