Harry Houdini, the remarkable illusionist who stunned international audiences with his death-defying escape act, was shackled eternally by the Grim Reaper on this Halloween in history, Oct. 31, 1926. “As one of the outstanding personages of the American stage, [Houdini’s] popularity lasted for a quarter-century,” wrote the Los Angeles Times in its obituary of the…
One adorable cat is looking for its “fur-ever home.” Meet Baby Blue. Sweet Baby Blue is a seven-year-old female cat who calls Salt Lake City, Utah, home. The dilute calico cat was rescued from Magic Valley/Twin Falls Humane Society in Idaho in September 2021. DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR CAT RESCUED FROM KUWAIT IS UP FOR ADOPTION IN…
A black cat is looking for a forever home just in time for the spooky season. Shane, a domestic shorthair, is available for adoption at Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City. The nine-year-old kitty was first rescued by Ulster County SPCA in upstate New York before being taken in by Best Friends. HURRICANE…
If you thought “ghostbusters” were just a Hollywood invention — think again. New England Paranormal Investigators (PI-NE) are a team of nine people, headquartered in Vermont, who will come out and investigate if you call them with concerns about a resident ghost, spirit or apparition. In one instance, a New Hampshire homeowner, Theresa Chick of…
The headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow haunts the American imagination each autumn. New York City native Washington Irving breathed life into the galloping ghost in 1819, when he penned “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” one of his tales of life among Dutch settlers along the Hudson River. It stands 203 years later as one of…
The Statue of Liberty, one of America’s strongest symbols of unity and freedom, was unveiled on this day in history, Oct. 28, 1886. The rainy autumn day kicked off with festivities organized by the Franco-American Union and the City of New York, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The dedication ceremonies honored both the…
Theodore Roosevelt, a titan of political progressivism, war hero, champion of American exceptionalism, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and 26th president of the United States, was born in New York City on this day in history, Oct. 27, 1858. He left a massive imprint on both our national heritage and physical landscape and set in motion…
Cats of all sizes and colors may be super cute — and many will celebrate them on National Cat Day, on Oct. 29, 2022 — but they can also make it hard for some people to breathe. More than 15% of the U.S. population is allergic to pet dander, according to experts, which can make…
With the back-to-school season fully in the rearview mirror at this point in the fall, devotions that invite protection, good health and a studious frame of mind can continue to help set up our children, grandchildren and all other young ones in our lives for success this school year. Short, heartfelt prayers don’t take long…
The Erie Canal, a major achievement in transportation infrastructure that connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and ignited American economic development, was completed on this day in history, Oct. 26, 1825. “The Erie Canal played a major part in commerce in the history of the United States,” reports the Library of Congress. “Its…