February 7th History, Trivia, and Fun Facts |
February 7th History Highlights |
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National Periodic Table Day |
On February 7, 1863, English chemist John Newlands published one of the first tables of elements. Newlands divided the known 56 elements into 11 groups based on the “Law of Octaves.” His table suggested that anyone element will have similar properties to elements eight places before and behind it on the table. While this theory was eventually disproven, it laid the groundwork for Dmitri Mendeleev’s periodic table, which is still in use today. The periodic table is one of the most important tools in chemistry. It allows scientists to group and compare elements, making it easier to study their properties. The first version of the table was developed by Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869. Mendeleev’s table was based on the idea that elements are not random, but have a patterned organization. He noticed that certain elements tended to occur together in nature and grouped them accordingly. Mendeleev’s Periodic Table soon became the standard for chemists all over the world. In fact, it was not until 1911 that another chemist, John Newlands, published his own version of the table. Newlands’ “Law of Octaves” proposed that each element has similar properties to the elements eight places before and behind it on the table. While this theory was eventually disproven, it laid the groundwork for Mendeleev’s periodic table, which is still in use today. The periodic table has come a long way since its inception over 150 years ago. It has been modified and updated many times, but it still remains one of the most important tools in chemistry. Thanks to Dmitri Mendeleev, John Newlands, and all of the other chemists who have contributed to its development, we now have a tool that makes studying atoms and molecules much easier. |
Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor DayWave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day, celebrated every February 7th, is a whimsical and heartwarming holiday with a charming origin. In the early 1980s, Tom Roy, a Minnesota radio station manager, created this playful occasion as a unique way to foster connections among neighbors and enhance community bonds. What started as a lighthearted concept has since evolved into an annual celebration encouraging people to embrace the simple yet powerful act of waving all five fingers at their neighbors (replacing the not-so-kind one-fingered gesture!) The essence of this special day lies in its simplicity. Instead of resorting to mundane and sometimes negative gestures, this day encourages individuals to smile and extend a friendly wave or a simple “hello” to their neighbors. This day is a gentle reminder of the importance of human connections in a world that often feels increasingly disconnected. In our fast-paced lives dominated by technology and virtual interactions, Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day encourages people to step outside their comfort zones and engage in genuine, face-to-face moments with other people. |
February 7th is… |
Clash Day “e” Day National Fettuccine Alfredo Day National Periodic Table Day Rose Day |
February 7th Birthday Quotes |
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way- in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” “I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from.” “It is a source of consolation to me to know that I never willfully wronged any man and that I never put on the market a poorly-made implement.” “I don’t believe that old cliche that good things come to those who wait. I think good things come to those who want something so bad they can’t sit still.” “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” “A man acts suitably to his nature, when he conquers his enemy in such a way as that no other creature but a man could be capable of, and that is by the strength of his understanding.” “I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life that are the real ones after all.” “I don’t get high, but sometimes I wish I did. That way, when I messed up in life I would have an excuse. But right now there’s no rehab for stupidity.” “Religion and philosophy, philosophy and religion – they’re two words which are both… different. In spelling.” “The trouble with organizing a thing is that pretty soon folks get to paying more attention to the organization than to what they’re organized for.” |
February 7th Birthdays |
1478 – Sir Thomas More, English Scholar (died in 1535) 1804 – John Deere, American blacksmith and businessman, founded Deere & Company (died in 1886) 1812 – Charles Dickens, English novelist and critic (died in 1870) 1837 – James Augustus Murray, English, 3rd editor for the Oxford English Dictionary (died in 1915) 1864 – Arthur Collins, American baritone singer (died in 1933) 1867 – Laura Ingalls Wilder, American writer (died in 1958) 1885 – Sinclair Lewis, American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1951) 1908 – Buster Crabbe, American swimmer and actor (died in 1983) 1920 – An Wang, Chinese-American engineer and businessman, founded Wang Laboratories (died in 1990) 1934 – King Curtis, American saxophonist and producer (died in 1971) 1955 – Miguel Ferrer, American actor and director (died in 2017) 1960 – James Spader, American actor 1962 – Garth Brooks, American singer-songwriter 1962 – Eddie Izzard, English comedian 1965 – Chris Rock, American comedic actor 1972 – Robyn Lively, American actress 1978 – Ashton Kutcher, American actor 1985 – Tina Majorino, American actress |
February 7th History |
1497 – The Bonfire of the Vanities occurred in which supporters of Girolamo Savonarola burned thousands of objects like cosmetics, art, and books in Florence, Italy. 1783 (Earthquake) Calabria, Italy 1827 – Ballet was introduced in America, in New York’s Bowery Theatre, The Deserter. 1904 – 1500 buildings, in an 80 block area of downtown Baltimore was destroyed in a fire. No one was killed. 1932 – The ‘neutron’ was mentioned in an article in the journal Nature by its discoverer, James Chadwick, 1935 – ‘Monopoly’ was first sold by Charles Darrow. In December he sold the patented (#2,026,082) game to Parker Brothers. 1940 – The second full-length animated Walt Disney film, Pinocchio, premiered. 1962 – The United States banned all Cuban imports and exports. 1964 – The Beatles first arrived in the United States. 1964 – Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow landed at New York’s Kennedy Airport, bring The Beatles to America for the first time. 1970 – #1 Hit February 7, 1970 – February 13, 1970: Shocking Blue – Venus 1976 – #1 Hit February 7, 1976 – February 27, 1976: Paul Simon – 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 1979 – Ex-planet Pluto moved inside real planet Neptune’s orbit for the first time since both planets were known to science. 1981 – February 7, 1981 – February 20, 1981: Kool & the Gang – Celebration 1982 – Superman: The Movie was broadcast on American television for the first time. It was in two parts, continued the following night. 1984 – STS-41-B Challenger Mission: Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart make the first untethered spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). 1985 – New York, New York became the official anthem of New York City. 1987 – #1 Hit February 7, 1987 – February 13, 1987: Madonna – Open Your Heart 1988 – America’s Most Wanted premiered on FOX. 1990 – Dissolution of the Soviet Union: The Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party agrees to give up its monopoly on power. 1997 – NeXT merged with Apple Computer, starting the path to Mac OS X. 2009 – #1 Hit February 7, 2009 – February 20, 2009: Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You |
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts |
Useless Pronunciation: Y as in you The Capital of Qatar is Doha Janelle “Penny” Commissiong was the first black woman to hold the Miss Universe title. She won the title in 1977 at the Miss Universe pageant, which was held in the Dominican Republic. Biggest film of 1993: Jurassic Park (Action) earned ~ $396,000,000 I could walk into Kohl’s and buy one pair of socks but my receipt would still say I saved like $40. Based On A True Story could be shortened to BOATS. #mynewacronym Just once before I die, I want to know what it feels like to steal a freshly baked pie from someone’s windowsill. Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, also narrated The Powerpuff Girls. Bender from Futurama was named after John Bender from The Breakfast Club. Wall Street is called Wall Street because the settlers erected an actual wall to defend against Native Americans. “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” – Bill Gates “Live your epitaph” – Zoe Weil Potato chips were invented in Saratoga Springs in 1853 by chef George Crum. Well… it’s a deep subject, isn’t it? “Just look at the face: it’s vacant, with a hint of sadness. Like a drunk who’s lost a bet.” – Dianne, in Shaun of the Dead A group of Midges is called a Bite. Fred Astaire – Real Name: Frederick Austerlitz |
More Pop Culture History Resources |
