27 fun facts for August, 8

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
August 8th boasts a collection of intriguing fun facts, including National CBD Day in the United States, the inauguration of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Switzerland, and the Beatles' iconic "Abbey Road" photoshoot. Other notable events include the discovery of Mars' Valles Marineris canyon system, the installation of the world's first electric traffic light, the creation of Corn Flakes, and the use of Louis Pasteur's rabies vaccine on the first human patient.
27 Fun facts
  1. August 8th is National CBD Day in the United States. This day is intended to create awareness about the potential health benefits of CBD, a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It is recognized by many to help with overall wellness.
  2. August 8th marks Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. It's a unique, whimsical event organized to bring laughter and surprise to communities, making use of the excess zucchini from gardens.
  3. On August 8, 1978, three members of the extremist group MOVE died in a shoot-out with the police in Philadelphia's Powelton Village. The tragic event highlighted the polarizing nature of extremist groups and the consequences of large-scale conflicts with authorities.
  4. The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, was inaugurated in Switzerland on August 8, 2017. This 494-meter bridge offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as it traverses the valley at a height of 86 meters.
  5. President Harry S. Truman signed the United Nations Charter on August 8, 1945. This legally binding international treaty outlines the formation and functioning of the United Nations, along with its role in promoting global peace and security, economic and social development, and human rights.
  6. On August 8, 1900, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, received their first U.S. patent for their invention of a "flying machine." This remarkable innovation in aviation would later become the airplane we know today.
  7. NASA announced the selection of 24-year-old Guy Bluford on August 8, 1979, as the first African American astronaut. Bluford would later fly missions aboard Space Shuttles Challenger and Discovery.
  8. August 8, 1929, was the day that the first-ever airship-to-aircraft refueling took place. The Graf Zeppelin and a Junkers G 24 aircraft completed this milestone achievement over Germany, enabling airships to stay airborne for longer periods of time.
  9. International Cat Day falls on August 8th. It promotes the love, appreciation, and care for domestic cats, celebrating the bond between humans and these fuzzy and charming pets.
  10. August 8, 1876, witnessed Thomas Edison’s American patent on the mimeograph, an invention that changed the way people duplicated documents. This revolutionary device enabled the mass production of written material before modern photocopying machines became available.
  11. The Valles Marineris canyon system on Mars, discovered by the Mariner 9 spacecraft, was declared on August 8, 1973. It is the largest canyon system in the solar system, spanning over 4,000 kilometers in length and 200 kilometers in width.
  12. On August 8, 1988, Edmonton Oilers hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, a move that would mark a new era in his career and the NHL.
  13. August 8, 1969, is remembered for the iconic photoshoot of The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover. The famous image shows the band members crossing Abbey Road's zebra crossing, an image that remains famous to this day.
  14. The lowest recorded temperature in the United States occurred at Fort Yukon, Alaska, on August 8, 1912, plummeting to -60°F. The area is known for its harsh weather conditions and extremely low temperatures.
  15. The BBC aired the first-ever episode of the science fiction series "Doctor Who" on August 8, 1963. This long-running show is a cornerstone of British television and boasts a dedicated following of fans.
  16. In 1969, on August 8th, the South Vietnamese National Police Chief of Saigon distributed memos announcing the first curfew-based driving restrictions. It was an effort to save fuel during the Vietnam War.
  17. On August 8, 1964, Michael Heseltine and Ian Gilmour founded the "Sunday Times" newspaper. This influential paper is one of the largest circulating newspapers in the UK and covers national and international news.
  18. The world's first-ever electric traffic light, designed by Lester Wire, was unveiled and set up on August 8, 1914, in Cleveland, Ohio. This technological leap would go on to revolutionize street safety and significantly improve traffic control.
  19. August 8, 1894, witnessed the signing of the "Yellowstone Park Protection Act" by President Grover Cleveland. This legislation aimed to safeguard the wildlife and natural resources found within Yellowstone National Park, the first such park in the world.
  20. On August 8, 1885, Louis Pasteur's rabies vaccine was successfully used for the first time on a human patient, 9-year-old Joseph Meister. This medical breakthrough saved the boy's life and revolutionized the treatment of rabies.
  21. August 8, 1983, saw the formation of the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) in Turkey. This Marxist-Leninist-inspired group has been fighting for Kurdish rights, autonomy, and independence.
  22. On August 8, 1954, the Michael Todd Theatre Corporation presented the first-ever TODD-AO 70mm widescreen film, "Oklahoma!" This groundbreaking launch greatly enhanced the movie-going experience by offering superior image quality and resolution.
  23. Canadian diver Sylvie Bernier captured her country's first-ever gold medal in diving on August 8, 1984, at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Bernier's exceptional performance played a significant role in shaping Canadian sports history.
  24. On August 8, 1898, Will Kellogg accidentally invented Corn Flakes while trying to create a healthier alternative to the traditional breakfast foods of that time. Today, Corn Flakes are a popular breakfast staple worldwide.
  25. August 8, 1972, marks the formation of Interpol's Environmental Crime Committee. The mission of this specialized committee is to promote the effective enforcement of environmental laws and policies on a global scale.
  26. On August 8, 1831, New York City's first municipal omnibus began operation. The vehicle was horse-drawn and was the forerunner to modern public transportation systems prevalent in cities across America and the world.
  27. August 8, 1986, saw the release of the popular science fiction film "The Fly" directed by David Cronenberg. The film, starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, went on to become a cult classic.

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