Fact 1: The Back to The Future Day
October 21 is considered as the Back to The Future Day because this was the day when Marty McFly traveled to the future in the movie "Back to the Future Part II." He left 1985 and landed on October 21, 1955, which makes this day special for lovers of American culture and time-travel enthusiasts.
Fact 2: Fruit Day in China
In China, October 21 is celebrated as Fruit Day. This concept started in 1991, and the goal is to increase awareness and consumption of fruits for a healthier diet. This is a beautiful tradition where friends exchange fruits as gifts for their wellbeing.
Fact 3: Apple Day in the UK
October 21 is known as Apple Day in the United Kingdom. Established in 1990, it is a day to celebrate the richness and variety of apples as a national fruit. Events such as apple bobbing and juicing are common, manifesting a day of fun and health.
Fact 4: A Day of Historic Battles
Two major battles occurred on October 21. In 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar happened, where British naval forces led by Horatio Nelson defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's combined French and Spanish fleets. The second was the Battle of Balaklava in 1854 during the Crimean War, remembered for the suicidal “Charge of the Light Brigade.”
Fact 5: First Light Bulb to Shine
On October 21, 1879, Thomas Edison successfully installed the first practical electric light bulb. This milestone eventually altered and improved the way the world functions, leading to almost every invention and utility we use today.
Fact 6: Celebration of Poetry
In Colombia, October 21 is celebrated as National Poetry Day. It acknowledges the beauty and emotional journey that poets take us on through their thoughts converted into words, thereby appreciating the art and its creators.
Fact 7: Thomas Edison's Patent
Another fact of October 21 associated with Thomas Edison is that he was granted U.S. patent number 223,898 for his electric lamp on this day in 1880, confirming his 1879 invention of a practical electric light bulb.
Fact 8: "Astounding Stories" First Published
Astounding Stories, the American science fiction magazine, which later became known as Analog Science Fiction and Fact, was first published on October 21, 1930. The magazine became known for its rigorous fact-checking and insistence on scientific accuracy.
Fact 9: The Birth of Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie, widely known for his bent trumpet and cheek-puffing, was born on October 21, 1917. An iconic figure in the world of music, Gillespie was instrumental in the development of ‘bebop’ and modern jazz.
Fact 10: World War II Ended in China
On this day in 1945, World War II finally came to an end in China after the Chinese Nationalist Government accepted an offer from the Chinese Communist Party for a ceasefire.
Fact 11: Guggenheim Museum opened
On October 21, 1959, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City opened its doors to the public for the first time, thereby offering an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Fact 12: North Korea's Kim Jong Un takes Power
On October 21, 2011, Kim Jong-un was appointed the Supreme Leader of North Korea following the death of his father Kim Jong-il, marking a new era in North Korea's history.
Fact 13: Hawaiian Airlines First Flight
October 21, 1929, marks an important day in aviation history as Hawaiian Airlines operated its first flight, connecting the Hawaiian Islands with the rest of the world.
Fact 14: Apple Macintosh TV's Release
October 21, 1993, saw the release of the Apple Macintosh TV, the first computer-slash-television hybrid ever offered by the tech giant. Only 10,000 were made, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Fact 15: Ursula K. Le Guin's Birthday
Prolific science fiction and fantasy author, Ursula K. Le Guin, was born on October 21, 1929. She was famous for her works like 'A Wizard of Earthsea' and 'The Left Hand of Darkness.'
Fact 16: Girl Scout Founders Day
October 21st is observed as Girl Scout Founders Day. Juliette Gordon Low established the Girl Scouts in the US on this day in 1912, and now it's a day to celebrate the organization and its volunteers.
Fact 17: Sweetest Day Celebration
In parts of the US, October 21 is celebrated as Sweetest Day. The first Sweetest Day was celebrated in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1921. It’s a day to share romantic cards and gifts, and it often involves candy.
Fact 18: Canadian Authors for Indies Day
In Canada, indie bookstores and Canadian books are highlighted on this day. Authors associate with local booksellers on this day and interact with customers.
Fact 19: Pablo Picasso's Blue Period Begins
On October 21, 1901, Spanish painter Pablo Picasso started his blue period, which lasted until 1904. This phase was defined by the predominance of the color blue in his paintings.
Fact 20: Alfred Nobel's Death
October 21, 1896, is the day Alfred Nobel died. After his death, his will resulted in the establishment of the Nobel Prizes, celebrating achievements in various fields, including peace, literature, chemistry, physics, medicine, and economic sciences. So, despite his passing, his legacy continues to inspire to this day.