In the ancient Roman calendar, October was the name of the eighth month of the year. Its name comes from octo, the Latin word for “eight.” When the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, they tried to rename this month after various Roman emperors, but the name October stuck. In Old England, the month was called Winmonath, which means “wine month,” for this was the time of year when wine was made. The English also called it Winterfylleth, or “Winter Full Moon.” They considered this full Moon to be the start of winter. In weather lore, we note, “If October brings heavy frosts and winds, then will January and February be mild.”
Question of the Day
Do blackberry plants need full sun, and what would they like that I can add to the ground to amend the soil?
Blackberries need full sun for good production. They aren’t particularly fussy about soil, provided that it is well drained. Manure or compost mixed into the soil may be all the nutrition that they need. Add lime, if needed, to bring soil pH up to 5.5–7.5. A light layer of organic mulch will keep the soil moisture even. —Gardening experts George and Becky Lohmiller, Hancock, New Hampshire
Advice of the Day
When the donkey blows his horn, ‘Tis time to house your hay and corn.
Home Hint of the Day
If soft chewing gum is stuck in fabric, harden it before you try to remove it by placing the item in a plastic bag and putting it in your freezer. Then scrape off the residue and remove any leftover grease stain with dishwashing liquid or lighter fluid.
Word of the Day
Roman indiction
A number in a 15-year cycle, established January 1, a.d. 313, as a fiscal term. Add 3 to any given year in the Christian era and divide by 15; the remainder is the Roman Indiction. If there is no remainder, it is 15.
Puzzle of the Day
What kind of dog does a vampire have?
A bloodhound.
Born
Henry III of England–
James Lawrence(U.S. naval captain)–
William Boeing(airplane manufacturer)–
Faith Baldwin(author)–
Vladimir Horowitz(pianist)–
Rudy Bond(actor)–
Walter Matthau(actor)–
Jimmy Carter(39th U.S. president)–
William Rehnquist(Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court)–
Tom Bosley(actor)–
Sir Richard Harris(actor)–
Julie Andrews(actress)–
Mark McGwire(baseball player)–
Kevin Griffin(musician)–
Rosanna Tomiuk(water polo player/coach)–
Died
E. B. White(author)–
Margaret Gorman Cahill(first Miss America)–
Walter Annenberg(launched TV Guide magazine and ambassador to Britain)–
Joyce Jillson(astrologer)–
George Grizzard(actor)–
House Peters Jr.(actor; the original Mr. Clean”“)–
Nick Reynolds(founding member of the Kingston Trio)–
Tom Clancy(author)–
Tim Wakefield(baseball player)–
Events
The first agricultural fair in the U.S. was held in Pittsfield, MA –
Maria Mitchell discovered comet Mitchell 1847VI –
Game 1 in the first World Series played. Boston’s Cy Young threw the first pitch. –
Henry Ford’s Model T automobile was introduced at a price of $850 –
Sea Gull Monument was unveiled in Salt Lake City, Utah –
Pilot Lt. George Gorman pursued UFO over Fargo, North Dakota –
The Honeymooners makes its TV debut –
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) founded –
Johnny Carson first hosted The Tonight Show –
Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Florida –
Panama gained sovereignty over Canal, in adherence to treaty provisions –
Jimmy Carter became the first U.S. president to turn 100 years old –
Weather
Pilot Lt. George Gorman pursued a UFO over Fargo, North Dakota. The official explanation later stated that what he chased was a weather balloon - but many people remain unconvinced. –
Topeka, Kansas, had a low temperature of 32 degrees F –
