1859 – Charles Blondin the French acrobat crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope on the 30th June 1859.

1860 – The 1860 Oxford evolution debate at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History took place on the 30th June 1860.

1864 – U.S. President Abraham Lincoln granted Yosemite Valley to California for public use, resort and recreation on the 30th June 1864.

1882 – Charles J. Guiteau was hung in Washington, D.C. on the 30th June 1882, for the assassination of U.S. President James Garfield.

1886 – The 1st transcontinental train trip across Canada departed from Montreal on the 30th June 1886, and arrived in Port Moody, British Columbia on July 4 1886.

1905 – Albert Einstein published the article On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, on the 30th June 1905, in which he introduced special relativity.

1908 – The Tunguska event occurred in remote Siberia on the 30th June 1908.

1912 – The Regina Cyclone hit Regina, Saskatchewan on the 30th June 1912, killing 28. The Regina Cyclone remains Canada’s deadliest tornado event.

1937 – The world’s 1st emergency telephone number, 999, was introduced in London on the 30th June 1937.

1953 – The 1st Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the assembly line on the 30th June 1953, in Flint, Michigan.

1956 – A TWA Super Constellation and a United Airlines DC-7 collided above the Grand Canyon in Arizona on the 30th June 1956, killing all 128 on board both planes. It was the worst-ever aviation disaster at that point in time.

1959 – A United States Air Force F-100 Super Sabre from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, crashed into a nearby elementary school on the 30th June 1959, killing 11 students plus 6 residents in the local neighborhood.

1960 – Congo gained independence from Belgium on the 30th June 1960.

1963 – Ciaculli massacre: a car bomb, intended for Mafia boss Salvatore Greco killed 7 police officers and military personnel near Palermo on the 30th June 1963.

1966 – The National Organization for Women known as the United States’ largest feminist organization was founded on the 30th June 1966.

1971 – The crew of the Soviet Soyuz 11 spacecraft were killed on the 30th June 1971, when their air supply escaped through a faulty valve.

1972 – The 1st leap second was added to the UTC time system on the 30th June 1972.

1985 – Thirty-nine American hostages from the hijacked TWA Flight 847 were freed in Beirut on the 30th June 1985, after being held for 17 days.

1987 – The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the $1 coin, known as the Loonie on the 30th June 1987.

1990 – East Germany and West Germany merged their economies on the 30th June 1990.

1997 – The United Kingdom transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China on the 30th June 1997.

2006 ~ Mortified the Australian children’s television series was first broadcast on the 30th June 2006 (to the 11th April 2007).

2013 – 19 firefighters died while controlling a wildfire in Yarnell, Arizona on the 30th June 2013.

Today in History for June 30th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1888 – Squizzy Taylor the Australian gangster was born on the 29th June 1888 (died 1927).

1900 – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry the French writer was born on the 29th June 1900 (died 1944). Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was best known his novella The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) and also for writing Wind, Sand and Stars and Night Flight.

1953 – Colin Hay the Scottish-Australian singer and guitarist from Men at Work was born on the 29th June 1953.

1957 – Robert Forster the Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist from The Go-Betweens was born on the 29th June 1957.

1976 – The Seychelles became independent from the United Kingdom on the 29th June 1976.

1995 – Space Shuttle program: STS-71 Mission (Atlantis) docked with the Russian space station Mir on the 29th June 1995, for the first time.

2007 – Apple Inc. released its 1st mobile phone, the iPhone on the 29th June 2007.

Today in History for June 29th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1491 ~ Henry VIII of England was born on the 28th June 1491 (died 1547).

1577 – Peter Paul Rubens the Flemish painter was born on the 28th June 1577 (died 1640).

1859 – The 1st conformation dog show was held on the 28th June 1859, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England.

1880 – Ned Kelly the Australian bushranger was captured at Glenrowan on the 28th June 1880.

1900 – Bob Taggart the Scottish centenarian was born on the 28th June 1900 (died 2009).

1926 – Mel Brooks the American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter was born on the 28th June 1926.

1943 – Jens Birkemose the Danish painter was born on the 28th June 1943.

1964 – Malcolm X formed the Organization of Afro-American Unity on the 28th June 1964.

1966 – Peeter Allik the Estonian photographer was born on the 28th June 1966.

1971 ~ Elon Musk the South African born Canadian-American designer, business magnate and inventor was born on the 28th June 1971. Elon Musk co-founded PayPal (PayPal.com) and SpaceX, and is the CEO & CTO of SpaceX and CEO & Chief Product Architect of Tesla Motors. Elon Musk online: Twitter.com/ElonMusk (verified) | MuskFoundation.org | Spacex.com

1995 – Kåre Hedebrant the Swedish actor was born on the 28th June 1995. He is best known for playing the lead role of Oskar in Let the Right One In, a 2008 Swedish romantic horror film.

Today in History for June 28th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

2013 ~ Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia for the 2nd time on the 27th June 2013.

Today in History for June 27th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1870 ~ CHRiSTMAS was declared a federal holiday in the United States on the 26th day of June in 1870.

1909 ~ COLONEL TOM PARKER best known as ELViS PRESLEY‘s manager was born on the 26th day of June in 1909 (died in 1997 aged 87)

1928 ~ YOSHiRO NAKAMATSU the Japanese inventor was born on the 26th day of June in 1928.

1929 ~ MiLTON GLASER the American designer was born on the 26th day of June in 1929.

1938 ~ BiLLY DAViS, Jr. the American singer from The 5th DiMENSION was born on the 26th day of June in 1938.

1956 ~ CHRiS iSAAK the American singer was born on the 26th day of June in 1956.

1957 ~ PATTY SMYTH the American singer from SCANDAL was born on the 26th day of June in 1957.

1961 ~ TERRi NUNN the American singer from the band BERLiN was born on the 26th day of June in 1961.

1963 ~ JOHN F. KENNEDY the U.S. President gave his “Ich bin ein Berliner“ on the 26th day of June in 1963. This underlined the support of the United States for democratic West Germany, shortly after Soviet-supported East Germany erected the Berlin Wall.

1974 – The UNiVERSAL PRODUCT CODE aka BARCODE was scanned for the first time on the 26th day of June in 1974. The barcode was used to sell a package of Wrigley’s chewing gum at the Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio in the United States.

1988 ~ iNTERNATIONAL DAY AGAiNST DRUG ABUSE & iLLiCiT TRAFFiCKiNG has been held annually since the 26th of June in 1988.

1997 ~ iSRAEL KAMAKAWiWO’OLE the Hawaiian singer died on the 26th day of June in 1997 aged 38 (born 1959).

1998 ~ iNTERNATiONAL DAY in SUPPORT of ViCTiMS of TORTURE was launched and held annually since the 26th of June in 1998.

2013 ~ KEViN RUDD returned as Prime Minster of Australia on the 26th June 2013, when he won the leadership ballot by 57 votes to Julia Gillard 45 votes. It all began after Julia Gillard called a leadership spill, intending to head off any challenge, Kevin Rudd then announced that he would challenge the Prime Minister, with Julia Gillard announcing that the loser of the ballot was to permanently resign from politics, and he agreed to this condition. Julia Gillard‘s key supporter Bill Shorten, who was one of the main figures responsible for Kevin Rudd‘s previous overturn as Prime Minister, this time announced his support for Kevin Rudd.

Today in History for June 26th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1741 ~ MARiA THERESA of AUSTRiA was crowned Queen of Hungary on the 25th day of June in 1741.

1852 ~ ANTONi GAUDí the Spanish architect was born on the 25th day of June in 1852 (d. 1926)

1903 ~ GEORGE ORWELL the British writer was born on the 25th day of June in 1903 (d. 1950)

1923 ~ HARRY SEiDLER (AC|OBE) the Australian architect was born in Vienna, Austria on the 25th day of June in 1923 (died 9th March 2006 aged 82). Harry Seidler And Associates ~ Architects & Planners ~ official website: www.seidler.net.au

1928 ~ PEYO the Belgian illustrator best known for the creation of The SMURFS was born Pierre Culliford on the 25th day of June in 1928 (died in 1992 aged 64).

1944 ~ The KRAZY KAT comic final page was published on the 25th day of June in 1944, exactly 2 months after the author George Herriman died.

1945 ~ CARLY SiMON the American singer and songwriter was born on the 25th day of June in 1945. Carly is best known for writing and performing “You’re So Vain” which was a hit song released in December 1972. Many people still think this song is about them…

1947 ~ The DiARY of a YOUNG GiRL also known as The Diary of Anne Frank was published on the 25th day of June in 1947.

1952 ~ TiM FiNN the New Zealand singer and songwriter was born on the 25th day of June in 1952.

1967 ~ OUR WORLD was the first live, international, satellite television production broadcast on the 25th day of June in 1967.

1978 ~ The RAiNBOW FLAG representing gay pride was flown for the first time in San Francisco for Gay Freedom Day Parade on the 25th day of June in 1978.

1981 ~ MiCROSOFT was restructured to become an incorporated business in its home state of Washington on the 25th day of June in 1952.

1991 ~ CROATiA & SLOVENiA declared their independence from Yugoslavia on the 25th day of June in 1991.

1997 ~ The SOUFRièRE HiLLS volcano in Montserrat erupted and resulted  in the death of 19 people on the 25th day of June in 1997.

2009 ~ FARRAH FAWCETT the American actress died on the 25th day of June in 2009 aged 62 (born 1947)

2009 ~ MiCHAEL JACKSON died on the 25th day of June in 2009 aged 50 (born 1958)

Today in History for June 25th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1949 – The 1st television western, Hopalong Cassidy, was aired on NBC on the 24th day of June in 1949.

1923 – Margaret Olley the Australian painter was born on the 24th day of June in 1923 (died in 2011 aged 88). Margaret Hannah Olley was born in Lismore, New South Wales. She had more than 90 solo exhibitions, with most works concentrating on still life. Margaret Olley received the inaugural Mosman Art Prize in 1947. In 2006 she donated more works to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, her donations included more than 130 works worth $7 million. 

1944 – Jeff Beck the English singer, songwriter and guitarist best known from The Yardbirds, and The Jeff Beck Group, was born on the 24th day of June in 1944.

1946 ~ Robert Reich the American political economist, professor, author, and political commentator was born on the 24th day of June in 1946. He served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and was Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. Robert Reich was formerly a professor at Harvard University‘s John F. Kennedy School of Government.  He has been a contributing editor of The New Republic, The American Prospect (chairman / founding editor), Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He has published 14 books, including the best-sellers, The Work of Nations, Reason, Supercapitalism, Aftershock: The Next Economy and America’s Future, and e-book Beyond Outrage. Robert Reich is also chairman of Common Cause and writer on his blog about the political economy at RobertReich.org. The Robert Reich – Jacob Kornbluth film Inequality for All won a U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Achievement in Filmmaking at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

1947 – Mick Fleetwood the English drummer from Fleetwood Mac was born on the 24th day of June in 1947.

1957 – Astro the English rapper and musician  from UB40 was born on the 24th day of June in 1957.

1961 – Curt Smith the English singer, songwriter, musician, and producer fromTears for Fears was born on the 24th day of June in 1961.

1963 – Mike Wieringo the American illustrator was born on the 24th day of June in 1963 (d. 2007).

2005 ~ Naturally, Sadie the Canadian television sitcom was first broadcast on the 24th August 2005, until the 26th August 2007.

2010 ~ Julia Gillard became the 1st Prime Minister of Australia on the 24th June 2010, until the 26th June 2013.

Today in History for June 24th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1456 – Margaret of Denmark, Queen of Scotland was born on the 23rd June 1456 (died 1486).

1711 – Giovanni Battista Guadagnini the Italian instrument maker was born on the 23rd June 1711 (died 1786).

1750 – Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu the French geologist was born on the 23rd June 1750 (died 1801).

1860 – The United States Congress established the Government Printing Office on the 23rd June 1860.

1860 – The United States Congress established the Secret Service on the 23rd June 1860.

1868 – Christopher Latham Sholes received a patent for the Typewriter on the 23rd June 1868.

1887 – The Rocky Mountains Park Act became law in Canada on the 23rd June 1887, creating the nation’s first national park, Banff National Park.

1894 – Alfred Kinsey the American entomologist and sexologist was born on the 23rd June 1894 (died 1956).

1894 – The International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris on the 23rd June 1894, at the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

1929 – Donn F. Eisele the American colonel, pilot, and astronaut was born on the 23rd June 1929 (died 1987).

1936 – Richard Bach the American author was born on the 23rd June 1936. Richard Bach is best known as the author of the 1970s best-seller Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah.

1940 – Stuart Sutcliffe the Scottish-English bass player from The Beatles was born on the 23rd June 1940 (died 1962).

1941 – Robert Hunter the American singer-songwriter and guitarist from The Grateful Dead was born on the 23rd June 1941.

1948 – Myles Goodwyn the Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist from April Wine was born on the 23rd June 1948.

1956 – Randy Jackson the American bass player and producer was born on the 23rd June 1956.

1958 – The Dutch Reformed Church accepted women ministers on the 23rd June 1958.

1961 – Zoran Janjetov the Serbian illustrator was born on the 23rd June 1961.

1965 – Paul Arthurs the English guitarist from Oasis was born on the 23rd June 1965.

1966 – Chico DeBarge the American singer and pianist from DeBarge was born on the 23rd June 1966.

1969 – Software Industry IBM announced on the 23rd June 1969 that they would price its software and services separately from hardware thus creating the modern software industry, effective from January 1970.

1972 – Selma Blair the American actress was born on the 23rd June 1972.

1972 – Ron Corning the American journalist was born on the 23rd June 1972.

1974 – Joel Edgerton the Australian actor, producer, and screenwriter was born on the 23rd June 1974.

1975 ~ KT Tunstall (Kate Tunstall) the Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist was born on the 23rd June 1975. KT Tunstall’s official website: www.KtTunstall.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ktTunstall | Twiter: www.Twitter.com/KtTunstall | instagram: www.instagram.com/KtTunstallFace | YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/user/KtTunstallOfficial | YouTube video: KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See (2005) (Larger Than Life Version)…

1976 ~ Joe Becker the American guitarist and composer was born in Chicago, Illinois on the 23rd June 1976. Joe Becker started playing guitar at the age of 4 years old, and has recorded with Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman and Richie Sambora. Joe Becker’s official website: www.JoeBeckerMusic.com

1976 ~ Joe Hildebrand the Australian journalist was born in Melbourne on the 23rd June 1976. Joe Hildebrand is known for his work with The Daily Telegraph, The Punch, The Morning Show, Dumb, Drunk and Racist and Studio 10. Joe Hildebrand official verified Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Joe_Hildebrand | Facebook: www.facebook.com/Joe.Hildebrand | Daily Telegraph Joe Hildebrand Blog | The Punch.com.au Joe Hildebrand Bio

1980 ~ Becky Cloonan the American author and illustrator was born on the 23rd June 1980. Becky Cloonan is a comic book creator and known for her work published by Tokyopop and Vertigo. In 2012 Becky Cloonan became the 1st female artist to draw the main Batman title for DC Comics. Becky Cloonan official website: www.BeckyCloonan.net | Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeckyCloonanArt | Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BeckyCloonan | instagram: www.instagram.com/BeckyCloonan | Tumblr: www.BeckyCloonan.Tumblr.com

1981 – Antony Costa the English singer-songwriter from Blue was born on the 23rd June 1981.

1984 – Duffy the Welsh singer-songwriter and actress was born on the 23rd June 1984. Duffy official website: www.iamDuffy.com

1985 – A terrorist bomb aboard Air India Flight 182 brought the Boeing 747 down off the coast of Ireland effective January 1985, killing all 329 people aboard.

1989 – Lauren Bennett the English singer and dancer was born on the 23rd June 1989.

2013 – Nik Wallenda became the 1st man to successfully walk across the Grand Canyon on a high wire on the 23rd June 2013.

Today in History for June 23rd ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1633 – The Holy Office in Rome forced Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the Sun, not the Earth, was the center of the Universe in the form he presented it in, after heated controversy on the 22nd June 1633.

1906 – The flag of Sweden was adopted on the 22nd June 1906.

1907 – The London Underground‘s Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway opened on the 22nd June 1907.

1932 – June Salter the Australian actress was born on the 22nd June 1932 (died 2001).

1936 – Kris Kristofferson the American singer-songwriter, musician, and actor was born on the 22nd June 1936.

1948 – Todd Rundgren the American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer was born on the 22nd June 1948.

1949 – Meryl Streep the American actress was born on the 22nd June 1949.

1949 – Lindsay Wagner the American actress was born on the 22nd June 1949.

1953 – Cyndi Lauper the American singer-songwriter, producer, and actress was born on the 22nd June 1953.

1953 – Bruce McAvaney the Australian sportscaster was born on the 22nd June 1953.

1957 – Garry Gary Beers the Australian musician from INXS was born on the 22nd June 1957.

1960 – Erin Brockovich the American lawyer and environmentalist was born on the 22nd June 1960.

1964 – Dan Brown the American author that wrote The Da Vinci Code novel was born on the 22nd June 1964.

1970 ~ Jessica Rowe the Australian television news presenter was born on the 22 June 1970. Jessica Rowe is known for her work on Ten News at Five bulletin with Ron Wilson (1996 ~ 2005), the Today show with Karl Stefanovic (2006), In late 2010, Weekend Sunrise (2010 ~ 2013) and Studio 10 (2013 ~ ). Jessica Rowe was also a contestant on the 7th series of Dancing with the Stars in 2007. Jessica Rowe’s official website: www.JessicaRowe.com.au | Jessica Rowe’s verified Twitter: www.twitter.com/MsJRowe | YouTube video: (BeyondBlueOfficial) Jessica Rowe’s story: Jessica Rowe, TV Presenter and Beyond Blue Ambassador, talks about growing up caring for a mother who has bipolar disorder. Visit www.BeyondBlue.org.au for more information and resources… 

1984 – Virgin Atlantic Airways launched with its 1st flight on the 22nd June 1984, from London Heathrow Airport.

1990 – Checkpoint Charlie was dismantled in Berlin on the 22nd June 1990.

2009 – Eastman Kodak Company announced that it will discontinue sales of the Kodachrome Color Film, concluding its 74-year run as a photography icon.

2001 ~ The Fast and the Furious first film in The Fast and the Furious film series was released on the 22nd June 2001. The American street racing action film starred Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster and was directed by Rob Cohen. YouTube video: The Fast and the Furious Official Trailer #1 – (2001) HD…

Today in History for June 22nd ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

1528 ~ Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress was born on the 21st June 1528 (died 1603).

1749 ~ Halifax in Nova Scotia was founded on the 21st June 1749.

1854 ~ The Victoria Cross was awarded for the 1st time on the 21st June 1854, during the bombardment of Bomarsund in the Åland Islands.

1859 ~ Henry Ossawa Tanner the American painter was born on the 21st June 1859 (died 1937).

1905 ~ Jean-Paul Sartre the French philosopher and author was born on the 21st June 1905 (died 1980).

1942 ~ Tobruk fell to Italian and German forces on the 21st June 1942, during World War II.

1944 ~ Ray Davies the English singer-songwriter and guitarist from The Kinks was born on the 21st June 1944. YouTube video: The Kinks ~ Sunny Afternoon (1966) written by Ray Davies, this song was No. 1 on the UK singles charts and No. 1 in Ireland in July 1966… 

1948 ~ LiONEL ROSE (MBE) the Australian bantamweight boxer was born on the 21st June 1948 (died 8th May 2011 aged 62). Lionel Rose was the 1st Indigenous Australian to win a world title. Lionel was born and raised in hardship at Jacksons Track and Warragul, where learned to box from his father, Roy. When he was 10 his teacher Ian Hawkins gave Lionel a pair of boxing gloves when he saw him shadow boxing. When he was about 15, he trained under Frank Oakes a Warragul trainer, whose daughter Jenny he later married). Lionel won the Australian amateur flyweight title at 15.

On the 26th February 1968 in Tokyo, Lionel Rose made history by becoming the 1st Aboriginal Australian to be a world champion boxer when he defeated Masahiko Harada aka Fighting Harada. YouTube video: Lionel Rose vs Fighting Harada (Colour) 27 Feb 1968 Tokyo, Japan (see the whole fight on video)…

The world title win made Lionel Rose an instant national hero and icon in Australia, with more than 100,000 people coming to see him at a reception at Melbourne Town Hall. In 1969 Elvis Presley requested to see Lionel Rose. (see photo below)…

Lionel Rose started a singing career during his time off boxing, and had a nationwide hit in 1970 with I Thank You (1969) (written by Johnny Young). Lionel also recorded Please Remember Me (1970) and Good Old Country Song (1970). YouTube video: Lionel Rose singing I Thank You…

YouTube video: Lionel (2008) Lionel Rose Documentary…

1950 ~ Joey Kramer the American drummer and songwriter from Aerosmith was born on the 21st June 1950.

1951 ~ Nils Lofgren the American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was born on the 21st June 1951. Nils Lofgren is best known for his 25 years as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, as well as a former member of Crazy Horse. YouTube video: Because The Night Nils Lofgren and Bruce Springsteen at Asbury Park 12 July 2003…

1959 ~ Marcella Detroit the American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Shakespears Sister was born on the 21st June 1959. Official website: www.ShakespearsSister.co.uk |YouTube video: Shakespears Sister ~ Stay (1992)…

1967 ~ Pierre Omidyar the French-American businessman and founder of eBay was born on the 21st June 1967.

1979 ~ Chris Pratt the American actor was born Christopher Michael Pratt in Virginia, Minnesota on the 21st June 1979. Chris Pratt’s verified Twitter: www.Twitter.com/PrattPrattPratt 

1981 ~ Brandon Flowers the American singer-songwriter from The Killers was born on the 21st June 1981. YouTube video: The Killers ~ When You Were Young (2006)…

1982 ~ Prince William, Duke of Cambridge was born on the 21st June 1982.

1982 ~ Rob Mills the Australian singer-songwriter and actor was born on the 21st June 1982.

1986 ~ Lana Del Rey the American singer-songwriter was born on the 21st June 1986. YouTube video: Lana Del Rey ~ Summertime Sadness (2012)…

2004 ~ SpaceShipOne became the first privately funded spaceplane to achieve spaceflight on the 21st June 2004..

2006 ~ Pluto’s newest discovered moons were officially named Nix & Hydra on the 21st June 2006.

2009 ~ Greenland assumed self-rule on the 21st June 2009.

Today in History for June 21th ~ video presented by the Associated Press…