Today in history

Today is the 83rd day of 2021 and the fifth day of spring.

Today’s history: In 1882, Robert Koch announced the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium.

▪ In 1958, Elvis Presley reported to the Memphis Draft Board and began service in the U.S. Army.

▪ In 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Alaska.

▪ In 1999, the NATO alliance began air strikes against Yugoslavia.

Today’s fact: The Exxon Valdez was returned to service following its 1989 oil spill. It continued in operation under different names and ownership before being beached for scrap in India in August 2012.

Today’s quote: “Instead of being someone who expects people to have all the strengths I think I need them to have, I resolved to try to become someone who focuses on the strengths they do have.” — Tig Notaro

Today’s number: 19 — minutes of footage broadcast to normal American televisions on this date in 1965 by the Ranger 9 lunar probe before its intentional impact with the moon’s surface.

Birthdays

Andrew W. Mellon (1855-1937), financier; Harry Houdini (1874-1926), magician; Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle (18871933), comedian/director; Thomas Dewey (1902-1971), politician; Joseph Barbera (1911-2006), animator; Steve McQueen (1930-1980), actor; R. Lee Ermey (1944-2018), actor; Tommy Hilfiger (1951- ), fashion designer; Star Jones (1962- ), TV personality; Tig Notaro (1971- ), comedian; Jim Parsons (1973- ), actor; Alyson Hannigan (1974- ), actress; Peyton Manning (1976- ), football player; Jessica Chastain (1977- ), actress; Lake Bell (1979- ), actress.