1954: RCA Makes Color TV Possible

While Jan Szczepanik, a Polish inventor patented a color television system in 1897, it wasn’t until 1954 before most people could see it. And while RCA’s new set that debuted on this day in 1954 wasn’t the first color TV set, it was the first for the masses. After the Federal Communications Commission accepted the company’s “compatible color system” that allowed for color broadcasting without blocking the transmission for black-and-white TV sets, RCA released the CT-100 color TV. At just twelve-and-a-half inches wide, the TV began to make people’s dreams come true. However, with few color broadcasts available and the hefty $1,000 price tag, there were few takers at first. It is estimated that only 4,000 sets were produced. (Image: Wikimedia)

31: The First Easter

Easter and its’ surrounding holidays are considered to be “moveable feasts” in that they do not adhere to a fixed date like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. It is believed that the very first Easter was held on this day in the year 31 AD according to calendar-maker Dionysius Exiguss. In Western Christianity, using the Gregorian calendar, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Some countries celebrate “Easter Monday,” the day after Easter. (Image: Pixabay)

1869: National Waffle Day

While waffle irons have been around since the 1400’s, it wasn’t until this day in 1869 when Cornelius Swartwout patented the first stove-top waffle iron. Today, the National Waffle Day is celebrated in his honor.

1939: Billboard’s Hillbilly Hits

Billboard magazine began publishing its first country music chart, then known as “Hillbilly Hits” on this day in 1939. Popular artist back then were Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys and Roy Acuff. Over the years it metamorphosed into “Most Played Juke Box Folk Records” and eventually it became the “Hot Country Songs” chart.

Movies Released

• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
• D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)
• Sucker Punch (2011)
• The Lost City (2022)
• The Outsiders (1983)

TV Series Debuts

• Barry (2018)
• Krypto the Superdog (2005)
• Little Women: NY (2015)
• Nine Perfect Strangers (1986)
• The Bachelor (2002)
• Trust (2018)

Famous Birthdays

• 1942: Aretha Franklin (singer)
• 1947: Elton John (singer)
• 1962: Marcia Cross (actress)
• 1982: Jenny Slate (actress)
• 1984: Katharine McPhee (singer)
• 1989: Aly Michalka (singer)

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