Running Oct. 17-21, 2011, Ally Week encourages students to be allies against anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.  Allies can help make learning environments safe for all students regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.  Ally Week began in 2005 by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network‘s Jump-Start National Student Leadership Team.

In 1958, State Farm Insurance Co. employee Patricia Haroski designated Oct. 16 as National Boss Day, a date chosen in honor of her father’s birthday.   Since the 16th falls on a Sunday in 2011, the holiday can be observed on the 17th this year.  Hallmark even offers 80 different cards for Boss Day.

Also on This Day:

1814 London Beer Flood

More than 1 million liters of beer flooded the impoverished St. Giles region of London when vats at the Meux & Company Brewery exploded.  Nine people were killed, including 14-year-old brewery employee Eleanor Cooper.  During a subsequent trial, the judge ruled that the accident was an “Act of God” and Meux & Company was not held liable.

1931 Al Capone Convicted on Tax Evasion

In Chicago, mobster Al Capone was found guilty of failing to file income taxes.  He was fined and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Capone served time at the U.S. penitentiary in Atlanta and California’s maximum security Alcatraz prison.

1979 Mother Teresa Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Mother Teresa of India was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of the poor, sick and orphaned.  In 1950, she received the Vatican’s permission to start the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India.

1979: Department of Education

President Carter signed the Department of Education Organization Act.

1989: San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake caused a section of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to collapse, gas leaks and fires.  Significant damage was also done to the marina and older buildings.

2006: U.S. Population Reaches 300 Million

Celebration or concern? The U.S. Census Bureau estimated U.S. population at 300 million in 2006.

Famous Birthdays

1903 Nathaniel West

1912 Pope John Paul I

1918 Rita Hayworth

1938 Evil Knievel

1959 Richard Roeper

1968 Ziggy Marley

1969 Wyclef Jean

1972 Eminem

1974 Ariel Levy

Jump back to Oct. 16: Day in History.

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