Daily Almanac for Saturday, December 23, 2023

By StephanieLee Elliott

Pearl Jam lead singer & guitarist Eddie Vedder, born in 1964, is 59 today. Here is Eddie Vedder in 2018. By Raph_PH – OhanaSep18-142, CC BY 2.0, https commons.wikimedia.org

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Eddie Jerome Vedder (born Edward Louis Severson III; December 23, 1964) is an American singer, musician, songwriter, and the lead vocalist and one of three guitarists for the rock band Pearl Jam. He previously was a guest vocalist for supergroup Temple of the Dog, a tribute band dedicated to the late singer Andrew Wood.

Vedder, who is known for his powerful baritone vocals, was ranked seventh on a list of “Best Lead Singers of All Time,” based on a readers’ poll compiled by Rolling Stone.

In 2007, Vedder released his first solo album as a soundtrack for the film Into the Wild (2007). His second album, Ukulele Songs, and a live DVD titled Water on the Road were released in 2011. His third solo album Earthling was released in 2022.

In 2017, Vedder was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam.

TODAY’S ALMANAC

Question of the Day

What’s the best way to start a coal fire?

To start a coal fire, get a good hot fire going with hardwood kindling. Then add a shovelful or two of coal. When this coal has begun to burn, add more coal. It will usually take about 10 minutes for the wood fire to get hot enough to ignite the coal, so be sure to use enough kindling to last that long. Leave any dampers open for a good 10 minutes or so to get rid of the gases. Anthracite coal will not light unless it has a bottom draft.

Advice of the Day

An early winter, a surly winter.

Home Hint of the Day

To discourage spiders, spray rubbing alcohol on windowsills or leave perfumed soap chips scattered about.

Word of the Day

Ancraophobia

Fear of wind

Puzzle of the Day

When does a caterpillar improve in morals?

When it turns over a new leaf.

Born

  • Axel Fredrik Cronstedt (Swedish scientist) – 
  • Joseph Smith (religious leader; organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – 
  • Madam C. J. Walker (entrepreneur, philanthropist, social activist) – 
  • Robert Bly (poet) – 
  • Eddie Vedder (musician) – 

Died

  • Jack Webb (actor) – 
  • Marjorie Child Husted (home economist, helped create Betty Crocker) – 
  • Victor Borge (comedian & pianist) – 

Events

  • Saturn’s moon Rhea discovered– 
  • George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army and retired to his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia, with no inkling that he would be drafted to President 6 years later– 
  • A Visit From St. Nicholas, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, first published– 
  • Part of Vincent Van Gogh’s left ear was cut off– 
  • Reginald Fessenden became the first person to transmit voice over a wireless radio– 
  • Transistor first demonstrated– 
  • Jeanne Sauvé was appointed governor-general of Canada– 
  • U.S. pilots, Dick Rutan and Jeanna Yeager, landed the experimental aircraft Voyager in California after a record 9-day 4-minute nonstop flight around the world without refueling– 

Weather

  • Ships were lost in a storm on Long Island Sound– 
  • Strong northerly winds generated a windchill of -100 degrees F in North Dakota– 
  • Williston, North Dakota, recorded a temperature of -50 degrees F– 
  • 9.6 inches of snow fell in Wilmington, North Carolina– 

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