Today's Almanac: September 18th, 2024

A glimpse into this date in history

First female Prime Minister of Pakistan takes office

On September 18, 1988, Benazir Bhutto made history by becoming the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country when she took office as Prime Minister of Pakistan. Her election marked a significant milestone in the country's political landscape.

Father of the modern computer is born

Charles Babbage was an English inventor and mechanical engineer born on September 18, 1791. He is considered the "Father of the Computer" for his pioneering work on the difference engine and the analytical engine, laying the foundation for modern computing.

Unveiling the secrets of the Rosetta Stone

On September 18, 1822, Jean-François Champollion, a French Egyptologist, achieved a major breakthrough in deciphering the Rosetta Stone. This discovery provided key insights into understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and opened up a world of knowledge about the civilization.

Notable Birthdays

• John Ritter, American actor (born 1948)
• Alice Sebold, American author (born 1963)
• Keanu Reeves, Canadian actor (born 1964)
• David Schwimmer, American actor (born 1966)
• Pink, American singer-songwriter (born 1979)

On this Day in History: Global Events

• 1850: California officially becomes the 31st state of the United States.
• 1947: The United States Air Force becomes an independent branch of the military.
• 1994: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect.

Today's Holidays and Observances

• National Cheeseburger Day
• International Day of Peace
• Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish holiday)

Famous Quotes for the Day

• "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela
• "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
• "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson