Other Holidays

October 1

"Kung Fu" TV Premiere: Anniversary - Who could forget David Carradine's starring role as Kwai Chang Caine, exiled martial arts master turned cowboy? (Lots of us!) The show ran for three years and followed with later movie versions and sequel syndication. Hey, (or make that "hi-YAA!") - here's an idea: make tonight the perfect night for a Kung Fu delight! Eat Chinese take-out and rent the movie.

UN: International Day of Older Persons - This day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1990 in its appeal for contributions to the Trust Fund for Aging, which supports projects in developing countries. Go ahead - take an older person to lunch! Recognize and celebrate the richness and wisdom of their contributions to your life. For information: UN, Dept. of Public Info., Public Inquiries Unit, Rm. GA-57, New York, NY 10017. (212) 963-4475. inquiries@un.org.

Disney World Opened - Disney opened its second theme park in Orlando, FL. Grab your mouse ears and dance on down to your video store to rent some of their classic flicks. Sounds like a party to me!

Vladimir Horowitz's Birthday - 1904. Who was he? One of the world's greatest pianists! The library's full of his CDs - get a little cuture in your life (and while you're at it, share it with some friends.)

Maris Hits His 61st Home Run - 1961. Roger Maris's homer broke Babe Ruth's record for the most home runs in a season and held until Sept. 8, 1998, when Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit his 62nd homer. Batting practice, anyone?

Babe Calls His Shot? Anniversary - It was 1932. In the fifth inning of game three of the World Series, with a count of two balls and two strikes and with hostile Cubs fans shouting epithets at him, Babe Ruth pointed to the center field bleachers in Chicago’s Wrigley Field and followed up by hitting a soaring home run high above the very spot to which he had just gestured."

World Vegetarian Day - Invite friends over for a vegetarian dinner and spout the wisdom of not eating anything with a face. For information: North American Vegetarian Society.

October 2 & 3

Oktoberfest - Ach du lieber! Celebrated in various locations throughout the country this weekend and throughout the month with German music, polkas, food, and parades, Oktoberfest is the perfect time to get a group together, sling back a couple of German brewskis, kick up your heels, and party your lederhosen off!

October 4

Fire Prevention Week - This is a good time to check your smoke detectors and run through fire drill procedures. To add a little excitement, hold a family fire drill - at midnight, topped off by a midnight snack, of course.

October 5

"Monty Python's Flying Circus" TV Premier - Who says the Brits don't have a sense of humor? US debut in 1974 of the BBC series, which originated in 1969. These comedy skits are still wacky and can be viewed from time to time on public network stations. Invite a group over to watch and heckle. Check your TV listings or rent one of their four movies.

October 7

Anniversary of "The Frank Sinatra Show" TV Premiere - In 1950 old "Blue Eyes" debuted his musical variety show. Grab a couple of Sinatra's old hits, do some lip-syncing, and spend the day "your way!"

National Frugal Fun Day - You don't need a ton of money to have a good time. Do something really fun that costs under $5 - rent a video, have a potluck, or take a hike and have everybody in for some hot cocoa (or something a little stronger), sit around and take turns telling what you'd do if you had a million dollars!

October 8

National Children's Day - Not that they don't demand your attention every other day of the year, but isn't it nice to have a special day for them? Remember…kids are people, too, so give your little ones an extra hug today, make them a crown, and have an indoor picnic in their honor.

Rona Barrett's Birthday - 1936. Gossip columnist. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. In Rona's honor, invite the gang over for snacks and gossip about all the people who refused the invitation.

R. L. Stine's Birthday - 1943. Author of the Goosebump series of books for children. (Grown-ups find them scary, too!) Have a Monster Party and invite your friends to dress up as their favorite scary characters and tell ghost stories. After all, ghouls just wanna have fun!

October 13

Paul Simon's Birthday - 1941. Born in Newark, NJ, this singer-songwriter performed with Art Garfunkel and is noted for such great hits as "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and his solo album "Graceland." Get out the oldies and have a Sing Along.

October 14

Be Bald and Be Free Day - As the saying goes, "bald is beautiful", so if you're bald, flip your lid. "This is the day to go shiny and be proud!" If you normally wear a toupe or hat, invite family and friends for the great unveiling. For information: Thomas or Ruth Roy, Wellcat Holidays, PO Box 774, Labanon, PA. (717) 279-0184. wellcat@supernet.com. www.wellcat.com.

Birthday of Dwight David Eisenhower - Born in Denison, TX in 1890, Eisenhower was a 5-star general, served as supreme commander of the Allied forces in western Europe during WWII, and went on to serve two terms as the 34th president of the US. He was the first president to become baptized after taking office. He died in Washington, DC on March 28, 1969. In memory of this American hero, have a "We Like Ike Party", have everyone dress in post-war fashions and bomber jackets, and spin a few of those old 50's tunes.

October 15