Book Review: There There by Tommy Orange

Here was another book which my mom recommended to me during my most recent visit to upstate New York. It was one of a couple, but I picked this book because it was thin and seemed like it might be read quickly. That helps when you are going through a reading swoon as I was at the time, and this book helped me get out of that. The other reason that I opted for this book first was that it was about contemporary Native American culture, which is something which you generally do not hear about much. So it felt like it could be an education in that regard.

Before I go any farther, however, let me give the usual warnings to stop reading if you intend to read this book, because there will be spoilers ahead.

SPOILER ALERT

SPOILER ALERT

SPOILER ALERT

Okay, so by now if you are still reading this, I have to imagine that you either are familiar with this story already, or perhaps you do not mind the spoilers. Please just don't say that you were not given advanced warning. 

This was the first book published by Tommy Orange. It was highly regarded and received considerable praise. After reading it, there really is no mystery why this is the case. It is powerful, intelligent, thought-provoking, and the characters and situations feel real. There are times when you feel that you can relate to some characters, and times when you feel horrified by the characters and their actions. Through it all, the suspense builds. An excellent novel, truly.

When I first started reading it - having deliberately avoided any kind of reviews or pretty much anything, so that I could get a fresh experience without any kind of expectations or foreknowledge - I assumed that this was a collection of more or less unassociated short stories. There are a bunch of characters, but they seem unrelated, with noting to do with one another. It seems like all that they have in common is Native American heritage.

However, that changes as you read on. Suddenly, you remember this or that character from earlier in the book. And you begin to see that, however much they seemed to be separate from one another, they are actually headed towards one final event, and one conclusion. What this book seems to be about, at least at first, gets challenged quite a bit by the end.

It is a book which explores so many of the issues facing the Native American community in the modern United States. The crushing poverty which almost every character is forced to endure bleeds through on almost every page. There are numerous people who never knew their parents, and many actively are searching for them. There is violence and substance abuse and crises with numerous characters feeling an absence of any real identity. This is especially true with a seeming disconnect from their own past, feeling like they are imposters, that their connection to Native culture and heritage is tenuous at best. 

Yet, we also glimpse some hopes and dreams. Glimpses of attempts at empowerment on a community basis, such as the brief takeover of Alcatraz Island, a brief chapter in history which I had heard of before, but was admittedly unfamiliar with. There are people in desperate situations who, nevertheless, are trying to find something from life to get meaning or even to give meaning to others.

All of it culminates with a huge powwow in Oakland, California. However, it turns tragic after a planned robbery turns into what looks and feels more like a random mass shooting. Tommy Orange manages to describe these experiences through the eyes of the characters with heart wrenching effect. In fact, this book ends on a highly emotional and an atypical unknown ending. We never do find out whether some of the shooting victims actually survive or not which, in and of itself, makes this unconventional ending feel like it adds somehow to the uncertainty evident throughout this book.

As mentioned already, this was an excellent read.

Highly recommended!

October 5th: This Day in History

 

Once again, it should be reiterated, that this does not pretend to be a very extensive history of what happened on this day (nor is it the most original - the links can be found down below). If you know something that I am missing, by all means, shoot me an email or leave a comment, and let me know!

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history 

On this day in 610, Heraclius' fleet captured Constantinople. In 869 on this day, the Fourth Council of Constantinople (8th ecumenical council) opened. King Alfonso VII of Leon recognised Portugal as a kingdom on this day in 1143. In 1349 on this day, Parisian theologist Jean de Fayt warned against the Flagellants at Avignon. On this day in 1430, Duke Philip the Good of Burgondy visited Brussels. Jews were expelled from Lower Bavaria by order of Ludwig IX on this day in 1450. On this day in 1465, French King Louis XI signed peace with Charles the Stout. Eedgenootschap signed anti-French Saint League on this day in 1511. Pope Julius II/Germany/Ferdinand of Aragon/Venice/Swiss on this day in 1511. This day in 1550 marked the foundation of the city of Concepción, in Chile. On this day in 1568, the Conference of York began, with the trial against Mary Stuart. William of Oranges army occupied Brabant on this day in 1568. In 1572 on this day, the Spanish army under Alva's son Don Frederik plunders Mechelen. On this day in 1582, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Italy, as well as other Catholic countries. Henry Casimir I was appointed viceroy of Groningen on this day in 1632. On this day in 1665, the University of Kiel was founded. In 1693 on this day, there was a Haarlem people's revolution due to food shortages. Carlo Goldoni's "Il teatro comica," premiered in Venice on this day in 1750. In 1762 on this day, the opera "Orfeo Ed Euridice" was produced in Vienna. On this day in 1789 during the French Revolution, women of Paris participated in the March on Versailles to confront Louis XVI about his refusal to promulgate the decrees on the abolition of feudalism, demand bread, and have the King and his court moved to Paris.

Here's a more detailed look at events that transpired on this date throughout history:

 

• On this day in 610, Heraclius' fleet captured Constantinople. 

In 869 on this day, the Fourth Council of Constantinople (8th ecumenical council) opened. King Alfonso VII of Leon recognised Portugal as a kingdom on this day in 1143. 

In 1349 on this day, Parisian theologist Jean de Fayt warned against the Flagellants at Avignon. 

On this day in 1430, Duke Philip the Good of Burgondy visited Brussels. 

Jews were expelled from Lower Bavaria by order of Ludwig IX on this day in 1450. 

On this day in 1465, French King Louis XI signed peace with Charles the Stout. 

Eedgenootschap signed anti-French Saint League on this day in 1511. 

Pope Julius II/Germany/Ferdinand of Aragon/Venice/Swiss on this day in 1511. 

This day in 1550 marked the foundation of the city of Concepción, in Chile. 

On this day in 1568, the Conference of York began, with the trial against Mary Stuart. 

William of Oranges army occupied Brabant on this day in 1568. In 1572 on this day, the Spanish army under Alva's son Don Frederik plunders Mechelen. 

On this day in 1582, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Italy, as well as other Catholic countries. 

Henry Casimir I was appointed viceroy of Groningen on this day in 1632. 

On this day in 1665, the University of Kiel was founded. In 1693 on this day, there was a Haarlem people's revolution due to food shortages. 

Carlo Goldoni's "Il teatro comica," premiered in Venice on this day in 1750. 

In 1762 on this day, the opera "Orfeo Ed Euridice" was produced in Vienna.

• On this day in 1789 during the French Revolution, women of Paris participated in the March on Versailles to confront Louis XVI about his refusal to promulgate the decrees on the abolition of feudalism, demand bread, and have the King and his court moved to Paris.

Le Drapeau Tricolore (Tricour Flag) which was a product of the French Revolution, and which remains the national flag of France to this day.

• 1793 - French Revolution: Christianity is disestablished in France.

• 1796 - Spain declares war on England

• 1813 - Battle of Thames in Canada; Americans defeat British

Bust of iconic German composer and musician Ludwig van Beethoven

• 1823 - Weber visits Beethoven

1830 - King Willem I mobilizes Dutch army

British Botanist Charles Darwi

• 1833 - Charles Darwin moves with Parana to Santa Fe Bajada Argentina

1857 - The City of Anaheim was founded.

1862 - Battle of Big Hatchie River, MS

1862 - Federal fleet occupies Galveston, Texas

1863 - Confederate sub David damages Union ship Ironsides

1864 - Battle of Allatoona, 1/3 of Union troops die repulsing South

• 1864 - Most of Calcutta destroyed by cyclone (approx 60,000 die)

1867 - Last day of Julian calendar in Alaska

1869 - A strong hurricane devastates the Bay of Fundy region of Maritime Canada. The storm had been predicted over a year before by a British naval officer.

1875 - Palace Hotel on Market Street, SF opens

1877 - Chief Joseph surrenders, ending Nez Perce War

1892 - Dalton Gang ends in shoot-out in Coffeville, Kansas bank holdup

1895 - The first individual time trial for racing cyclists is held on a 50-mile course north of London.

1896 - William Gillette's "Secret Service," premieres in NYC

1897 - Solomon Andrees baloon/polar expedition reaches White Island

1903 - Sir Samuel Griffith is appointed the first Chief Justice of Australia and Sir Edmund Barton and Richard O'Connor are appointed as foundation justices.

1905 - Orville/Wilbur Wright's "Flyer III" flight 38.5 km in 38.3"

1906 - Henry Mathewson (NY Giants, Christy's brother) walks 14 men

1907 - Interprovincial Rugby Football Union plays 1st game (Mtl 17 Tor 8)

1907 - Phila A's Rube Vickers no-hits Wash Senators, 4-0 in 5 inning game

1908 - Bulgaria declares independence from Turkey, Ferdinand I becomes Tsar

1908 - White Sox Ed Walsh tops Detroit 6-1 for his 40th victory

1910 - Portugal overthrows monarchy, proclaims republic

1911 - Italian troops occupy Tripoli

1912 - Billy Mallett of Hamilton Tigers kicks 9 singles in a game

1912 - Red Sox defeat A's 3-0 for then AL record 105th win

1912 - Yanks win final game at Hilltop stadium

1914 - World War I first aerial combat resulting in a kill.

• 1915 - Bulgaria enters World War I as one of the Central Powers.

Dictator of Nazi Germany Adolf HitlerDictator of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler 1916 - Soldier Adolf Hitler is injured

1919 - Norwegian population agrees to prohibition

1921 - 1st World Series radio broadcast, Yanks beat Giants 3-0

• 1921 - Present constitution of Liechtenstein comes into effect

1922 - Yanks & Giants play an infamous 3-3 tie World Series game

1923 - Edwin Hubble identifies Cepheid variable star

1924 - 1st Little Orphan Annie-strip appears in NYC Daily News

1925 - WSM-AM in Nashville Tenn begins radio transmissions

• 1930 - British airship crashes in storm at Beauvais France, 48 die

1931 - 1st nonstop transpacific flight, Japan to Wash (Herndon & Pangborn)

1931 - Paul Green's "House of Connelly," premieres in NYC

1936 - The Jarrow March sets off for London.

1937 - Minister Romme says unemployment is 25% "quarter of Romme"

1941 - Mickey Owens drops a 3rd strike, Tom Hendrick reaches 1st safely - would have been last out, instead Yanks score 4 & win 7-4

1942 - 5,000 Jews of Dubno Russia massacred

Astronomer Edwin HubbleAstronomer Edwin Hubble 1942 - St Louis Cards beat NY Yankees, 4 games to 1, in 39th World Series

1943 - US air raid on Wake

1944 - Harold Arlen/ET Harburgs musical premieres in NYC

1944 - Kerkrade (Neth) liberated

1944 - Suffrage is extended to women in France.

1945 - "Meet the Press" premieres on radio

• 1945 - Indonesian army forms

1945 - Queen Wilhelmina visits Rotterdam

1945 - Hollywood Black Friday: A six month strike by Hollywood set decorators turns into a bloody riot at the gates of Warner Brothers' studios.

1946 - "Yours Is My Heart" closes at Shubert Theater NYC after 36 perfs

Bust of American President Harry Truman

• 1947 - 1st Presidential address televised from White House- Harry Truman

1947 - Al Gionfriddo makes a great catch off Joe Dimaggio in World Series

1948 - The 1948 Ashgabat earthquake kills 100,000.

1949 - WBNS TV channel 10 in Columbus, OH (CBS) begins broadcasting

1949 - WOR (now WWOR) TV channel 9 in NY-Secaucus, NY (IND) begins

Explorer of the New World Christopher ColumbusExplorer of the New World Christopher Columbus 1950 - "Pardon Our French" opens at Broadway Theater NYC for 100 perfs

1952 - 19th congress of Communist Party meets in Moscow

1952 - 6th NHL All-Star Game: 1st Team ties 2nd Team 1-1 at Detroit

1953 - Earl Warren sworn in as 14th chief justice of US

1953 - 50th World Series sees NY Yankees beat Dodgers, 4 games to 2, as NY Billy Martin's 12 hits set record; Yanks win record 5th consec WS

1953 - The first documented recovery meeting of Narcotics Anonymous is held.

1954 - Hurricane Hazel hits Eastern US

1956 - Yogi Berra becomes 4th Yank to hit a World Series grand slam

1957 - 11th NHL All-Star Game: All-Stars beat Montreal 5-3 at Montreal

1957 - 12th Ryder Cup: Britain-Ireland win, 7½-4½ at Lindrick Golf Club (Rotherham, Yorkshire, England)

• 1957 - Yugoslav dissident Milovan Djilos sentenced to 7 years

1958 - KRTV TV channel 3 in Great Falls, MT (CBS) begins broadcasting

1958 - US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

1958 - USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR

1960 - British Labour party demands unilateral nuclear disarmament

1960 - Eastern AL Electra turbo-prop crashed in Boston Harbor (61 die)

1960 - KEYC TV channel 12 in Mankato, MN (CBS) begins broadcasting

1961 - China & Nepal sign treaty

    

• 1962 - Beatles release their 1st record "Love Me Do"

1963 - 17th NHL All-Star Game: All-Stars beat Toronto 3-3 at Toronto

1963 - Hyde St Pier re-opens as State Historical Park

1963 - Little Richard joins Everly Brothers Tour

1964 - KIXE TV channel 9 in Redding, CA (PBS) begins broadcasting

1964 - SF Fire Department Museum is dedicated

1965 - Chuck Linster performs 6,006 consecutive push-ups

1965 - Dick McInnes stays aloft almost 12 hours in a kite

• 1968 - Battles between Catholic demonstrators & police in Londonderry

1968 - KPLM (now KESQ) TV channel 42 in Palm Springs, CA (ABC) begins

1969 - Carol Mann wins LPGA Mickey Wright Golf Invitational

1969 - Monty Python's Flying Circus begins airing on BBC

1969 - Tom Dempsey of New Orleans Saints kicks 55-yard field goal

1970 - John Creach, joins Jefferson Airplane

1970 - PBS becomes a network

• 1970 - Quebec separatists kidnap British trade commissioner James Cross

1970 - PBS became a television network.

1972 - Herbert Mullin 1st kills, to prevent earthquakes

1973 - Signature of the European Patent Convention.

1974 - Guildford pub bombing by the IRA leaves 5 dead and 65 injured.

1975 - USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR

1976 - Seattle & Toronto picks 30 unprotected players on other AL rosters Ruppert Jones (Seattle) & Bob Bailor (Toronto) are picked 1st

1977 - "Hair" opens at Biltmore Theater NYC for 43 performances

1978 - Isaac Bashevis Singer wins Nobel Prize for literature

1978 - Sweden's Fälldin government falls

1978 - Over 30 major nations ratify the Environmental Modification Convention which prohibits environmental modification techniques

1980 - Formal opening of meditation hall of Zenshin Temple in Riverdale Bronx

1980 - Kathy Whitworth/Donna Caponi Young win Portland Ping Team Golf Champ

1980 - Yanks set AL attendance mark at 2,627,417

1981 - Dutch guilder/Deutsche mark revalued up 5.5%

1981 - Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg becomes an honarary American

1982 - 1st NJ Devils game, tie the Pitts Penguins 3-3 at the Meadowlands

1982 - China PR performs nuclear test at Lop Nor PRC

1982 - Hernan Siles Zuazo appointed president of Bolivia

1982 - Unmanned rocket sled reaches 9,851 kph at White Sands, NM

• 1983 - Lech Walesa wins Nobel Peace Prize

1984 - 13th Space Shuttle Mission (41-G)-Challenger 6-launched

1985 - Grambling's Eddie Robinson wins record 324th football game

1986 - London Sunday Times reports Israel is stocking nuclear arms

The flag of Brazil.

• 1988 - Brazil adopts its Constitution

Flag of Chile

• 1988 - Chilean population agrees at referendum against Pinochet regime

1988 - Israel bans Meir Kahane's Kach Party on grounds of racism

1990 - Cincinnati jury acquits art gallery of obsentity (Mappelthorpe photos)

1991 - Military transport plane crashes at Djakarta, 133 dies

1991 - NJ Devils begin their 10th Anniversary with a 7-2 win over the Blues

1991 - USSR reduces nuclear weapons arsenal

1991 - Carlos Huerta's NCAA record streak of successful points after a touchdown ends at 157

1991 - Fresno State ties NCAA record with 49 points in a quarter, as they route New Mexico 94-17

1991 - The first official version of the Linux kernel, version 0.02, is released.

US President George H. W. BushUS President George H. W. Bush 

• 1992 - 1st overturn of a George Bush veto (cable bill)

1992 - NY senator Alphonse D'Mato fillerbusters for 15 hours 20 mins

1992 - US Air goes on strike

1993 - China PR performs nuclear test at Lop Nor PRC

1993 - Last honor guard at Lenin's mausoleum

Sculpture of Pope John Paul II at the Salt Mines (Kopalnia soli Wieliczka) near Krakow, Poland

Picture of a bust of Pope John Paul II taken at the Basilique Saint-Sernin in Toulouse.

• 1993 - Pope John Paul II publishes encyclical Veritatis splendor

1994 - 28th Country Music Association Award

1994 - 52 members of Zonnetempel, murdered

1995 - "Company" opens at Criterion Theater NYC for 68 performances

1996 - Caroline Pierce wins LPGA JAL Big Apple Golf Classic

1996 - Cleve Indians strike out 23 Balt Orioles in 12 inn playoff game

1996 - NY Yankee Bernie Williams switch hits HRs in a post season game

1997 - 35th Tennis Fed Cup: France beats Netherlands in Den Bosch Neth (4-1)

1997 - Annika Sorenstam wins LPGA CoreStates Betsy King Classic

1997 - Davis Love III wins golf's Buick challenge, shooting a 267

264th Pope John Paul II264th Pope John Paul II 1997 - STS 86 (Atlantis 20) lands

1997 - Vantage Senior Golf Championship

1999 - The Ladbroke Grove rail crash in west London kills 31 people.

• 2000 - Mass demonstrations in Belgrade lead to resignation of Serbian strongman Slobodan Milošević. These demonstrations are often called the Bulldozer Revolution.

2001 - Robert Stevens becomes the first victim in the 2001 anthrax attacks.

2001 - Tom Ridge resigns as Governor of Pennsylvania to become President Bush's Homeland Security Advisor.

2012 - Anglo Platinum Limited fires 12,000 striking workers in South Africa

1813 - Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Indians was killed at the Battle of Thames when American forced defeated the British and the allied Indian warriors.   1877 - Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians surrendered to the U.S. Army after a 1,000-mile retreat towards the Canadian border.   1919 - Enzo Ferrari debuted in his first race. He later founded the Auto Avio Construzioni Ferrari, an independent manufacturing company.   1921 - The World Series was broadcast on the radio for the first time. The game was between the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.   1930 - Laura Ingalls became the first woman to make a transcontinental airplane flight.   1930 - "The Fighting Priest" began airing on CBS radio.   1931 - Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon landed in Washington after flying non-stop across the Pacific Ocean. The flight originated in Japan and took about 41 hours.   1934 - "Hollywood Hotel" became the first major network radio to originate from Hollywood, CA.   1937 - U.S. President Roosevelt called for a "quarantine" of aggressor nations.   1947 - U.S. President Harry S Truman held the first televised presidential address from the White House. The subject was the current international food crisis.   1952 - "Inner Sanctum" was heard for the last time on ABC radio.   1955 - The play "The Diary of Anne Frank" opened at the Cort Theatre in New York.   1969 - A Cuban defector landed a Soviet-made MiG-17 at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. The plane entered U.S. air space and landed without being detected.   1969 - "Monty Python's Flying Circus" debuted on BBC television.   1970 - Anwar Sadat took office as President of Egypt replacing Gamal Abdel Nassar. Sadat was assassinated in 1981.   1974 - American David Kunst completed the first journey around the world on foot. It took four years and 21 pairs of shoes. He crossed four continents and walked 14,450 miles.   1985 - An Egyptian policeman went on a shooting rampage at a Sinai beach. Seven Israeli tourists were killed. The policeman died in prison the following January of an apparent suicide.   1986 - "Business World" began airing on ABC-TV.   1986 - Sandinista soldiers captured American Eugene Hasenfus after shooting him down over southern Nicaragua.   1988 - In a debate between candidates for vice president of the U.S., Democratic Lloyd Bentsen told Republican Dan Quayle, "You're no Jack Kennedy."   1989 - The Dalai Lama (Lhama Dhondrub, Tenzin Gyatso) was named the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign to end the Chinese domination of Tibet. Gyatso was the 15th Dalai Lama.   1990 - The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall opened.   1991 - Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev announced that his country would cut its nuclear arsenal in response to the arms reduction that was initiated by U.S. President George Bush.   1993 - China set off an underground nuclear explosion.   1995 - A 60-day cease-fire was agreed upon by Bonsian combatants. The civil war had lasted 3 1/2.   1997 - In London, the Express Newspapers printed an article claiming that Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were homosexual and that their marriage was a sham to cover the truth. The paper paid damages in a settlement on October 29, 1998.   1998 - The U.S. paid $60 million for Russia's research time on the international space station to keep the cash-strapped Russian space agency afloat.   1999 - Kevin Spacey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.   1999 - MCI Worldcom Inc. and Sprint Corp. announced plans to merge.   2006 - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. rolled out its $4 generic drug program to the entire state of Florida after a successful test in the Tampa area.

1877 Chief Joseph surrendered to the U.S. Army. 1910 King Manuel II was overnthrown in a revolution and Portugal became a republic. 1921 The World Series was broadcast on the radio for the first time. 1947 In the first televised White House address, President Truman urged Americans to refrain from eating meat on Tuesdays and poultry on Sundays to help starving people in other countries. 1953 Earl Warren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. 1962 The Beatles released their first hit, "Love Me Do," in Britain. 1990 Cincinnati's Contemporary Arts Center and its director were acquitted of obscenity charges resulting from an exhibit of Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs. 2001 Barry Bonds broke Mark McGwire's record of 71 home runs in one season when he hit his 71st and 72nd homers.

The following links are to web sites that were used to complete this blog entry:

http://www.historyorb.com/today/events.php

http://on-this-day.com/onthisday/thedays/alldays/oct05.htm

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory

CFL Update for the First Weekend of October 2026

     

The CFL season is winding down. Teams are making a final push to try and qualify for the playoffs. Or, in Ottawa's case, to notch their first win of the season and eliminate the distinct possibility of going winless throughout the season.

Let's take a look at what happened on the first weekend of October in the CFL:

Hamilton 34, Ottawa 16 - During the first half, the Ottawa Redblacks appeared like they might finally win their first game of this 2026 CFL season, now in it's final weeks. The cursed start to the season might finally end with the Redblacks earning their first win of the season. But then Hamilton just took over all across the board in the second half. From outplaying the Tigercats and seemingly looking fired up enough to finally win, to watching it fall apart in the second half, with Hamilton going on a 24-0 run to completely dominate the second half and hand Ottawa yet another loss. It ended a six game losing streak on the road for the Tigercats, who improve to 5-11 this season overall. However, it also extended Ottawa's own losing streak, which now reaches 21 straight games. They also set a new modern CFL record for the worst start by any franchise, as they fall to 0-15 on the year. It's undeniably historic, although not the kind of history that any team wants to make. They have three more chances to try to notch their first win of the season. Let's see what happens.

"It marked Ottawa's 21st loss in a row dating back to last season, a modern-day CFL record. The latest loss also put the Redblacks in the record book for the worst start to a CFL season, overtaking the Shreveport Pirates' 0-14 start to the 1994 campaign."

Redblacks fall to Tiger-Cats for 21st loss in a row by Canadian Press October 03, 2026:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/redblacks-fall-to-tiger-cats-for-21st-loss-in-a-row/

Redblacks fall to Tiger-Cats for 21st loss in a row - Sportsnet.ca

Calgary 37, Saskatchewan 31 - This game had a lot of scoring in the first quarter, and a lot of scoring in the final quarter, but little scoring between the two teams in the quarters in between. In the end, however, the Stampeders played just well enough to escape with another win. It was the third straight win for the Stampeders, who clearly are making a push for the playoffs, having just swept two straight games against Ottawa. This win was far more important and impressive, coming against a West Division team with a winning record, and on the road, at that. Calgary improves to 8-8 on the season with the win, while the Riders fall to 8-7 on the year after this loss. The West remains very tight with the season winding down. 

BC Lions 24, Toronto 30, - The Lions feel like the hottest team in the league right now. However, the Argos feel like they might be the second hottest team. They have really been coming on as of late, as well, making a push for the playoffs and even trying to keep pace with Montreal. This might throw a monkey wrench into that, however, as the Lions stayed hot and managed to beat the Argonauts in Toronto, which is an impressive achievement. In the process, they improve to 9-6 on the year, and are in sole possession of second place in the West Division with their third straight win. Meanwhile, Toronto falls to 9-7, and no longer mathematically have a chance to winning the East Division, although they will surely head to the playoffs.

Montreal 37, Winnipeg 10- The Alouettes need to keep winning in order to keep ahead of Toronto, who were really coming on as of late, and making  a run not just for the playoffs, but potentially for the East Division title if the Alouettes slipped a little. So Montreal needs to keep winning, at least for now, as they have not quite clinched things just yet. This game helps. It was a decisive win over the Blue Bombers, which was necessary. Montreal improves to 12-3 on the year with this win, and now have clinched first place in the East Division. That means that they will enjoy a playoff bye. Meanwhile, the Blue Bombers are going in the opposite direction, suffering their second loss and falling to 7-8, now in sole possession of last place in the West.

2026 NFL Season Week 4 Preview

     

Below is my preview of the upcoming games for NFL 2026 week 4:

Indianapolis vs. Washington in London, UK - Both of these teams won last weekend to avoid that disastrous 0-3 start to this season. Now, however, they will face once another. One team will manage a second straight win, but the other will fall to 1-3. It could go either way, because this one is a tough call. For now, I will go with the Commanders, but this really is a tough game to pick. My pick: Washington

Arizona at NY Giants- Not sure how effective the Giants offense will be this week. Despite winning last weekend, they hardly looked like an offensive juggernaut, failing to score a touchdown and producing four field goals. It was enough against Tennessee, but it will not be enough most weekends. The good news is that the Cardinals are also struggling. That said, the G-Men will likely need more on offense than 12 points to earn the win this time. This one feels like a toss up, but I will go with the home team, for now. My pick: NY Giants

New England at Buffalo - This is a big divisional showdown, even though it's only Week 4. Also, the Patriots are struggling so far at 1-2. Remember, they went 14-3 during the entirety of last regular season, but face the possibility of matching the three losses after four games, should they lose this one. Not going to be easy for the Bills, but they are playing well, and I do expect them to come away with the win in this one. My pick: Buffalo

NY Jets at Chicago - The Jets cannot catch a break. They looked good in Week 1, then kind of blew a sure win in Game 2. A tough loss last weekend at Detroit is followed by another tough NFC North road trip. This time at Soldier Field against the Bears. Granted, they are not at full strength, but Gang Green will still struggle. If Da Bears play anywhere near the level they played against the Eagles, they should be able to produce the "W.". My pick: Chicago

Jacksonville at Cincinnati - Both of these teams are 2-1 and locked in for a battle for their respective division titles. you have to figure that Cincy has a tougher road, as all three of the other teams in their division look decent at this point in the season. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have to worry about the Texans, but they are winless right now. Otherwise the Colts may be tough, but they also are struggling. And the Titans are awful. So Jacksonville does not even have to be great in order to make the playoffs or even win their division. All of that translates to a greater sense of urgency for the home team. Look for the Bengals to bounce back from a disappointing loss last weekend and take this win. My pick: Cincy

New England at Buffalo - Two teams figuring to be prominent playoff powers meet up in Foxboro. I liked how both teams played last season. So far this season, the Pats look stronger and better to me. Plus, with home field advantage, it seems like the Pats should be able to win a second in a row in this one. My pick: Buffalo

Dallas at Houston - This is the battle of Texas. both teams have gotten off to disappointing starts. The 'Boys are 1-2 after that loss to the Ravens in Rio last weekend. Still feel it's surprising that they are playing the very next Sunday after that game. But the Texans are far more disappointing, having gotten off to another disastrous 0-3 start. It's October again, and again Houston is looking for their first "W" of their season. Figure that they have to win a game at some point, and this feels like a winnable game for them.  My pick: Houston 

LA Rams at Philadelphia - Quite the intriguing matchup here. The Rams are struggling and already need to play with a sense of urgency, not wanting to fall even farther behind Seattle or especially undefeated San Francisco. Meanwhile, Philly looked great at 2-0, but that loss last weekend to the Bears was humbling. Frankly, the Eagles looked bad all around. This is as a big game with a lot riding on it for both teams. Figure the Rams will find a way. My pick: LA Rams

Tennessee at Baltimore - The Ravens came from behind to earn a huge win in Rio last week against the Cowboys. Had assumed that they would get more rest, that this might be their bye week. Apparently not. Still, I expect them to get past their fatigue enough to beat the Titans in this game.. My pick: Baltimore    

Green Bay at Tampa Bay - Yes, I am thinking that the winless Bucs will pull off the upset in this one. Why? Because both of these teams have serious issues which they need to iron out. But Tampa Bay cannot afford to remain winless. Sooner or later they are going to win, and it feels like this week, against an also compromising Packers team, could be a good opportunity. My pick: Tampa Bay   

Miami at Minnesota- So let me just say right off the bat that I do not think that the Vikings will remain undefeated for too long. That said, it is also very difficult imagining them losing to the Dolphins at this point. The Fins are winless for a reason. Plus, this game will be played at Minnesota, so that would be even more difficult for Miami. Look for the Vikings to win this one convincingly. My pick: Minnesota

Kansas City at Las Vegas - The battle of the unbeatens. Who would have imagined that this would be the game between two undefeated, 3-0 teams. I mean, the Chiefs are hardly a surprise. But the Raiders, on the other hand, are a shock.  However, the Silver & Black also have not played anyone on the caliber of the Chiefs yet. Believe it or not, I expect this to be relatively close, but for the superior experience and poise of KC wo win out in the end. My pick: Kansas City  

Denver at San Francisco - The Niners look like quite possibly the best team in the league to this point. They are running on all cylinders and, at least right now, own sole possession of first in the NFC West. Meanwhile, the Broncos are looking good at 2-1, but already behind not one but two teams in the AFC West. So there will be some urgency with them this weekend. Still, San Francisco just seems like the better overall team in this one. My pick: San Francisco

LA Chargers at Seattle - Seattle finally proved that they are human last week in the loss at Washington. However, they return home to host the still winless, 0-3 Chargers. The Bolts certainly should be better than they have been to this point in the season. But it looks like a disastrous start will compromise their chances for recovery. Sooner or later, they will earn some wins this season. But it does not seem likely to happen on the road in Seattle, a notoriously difficult place for road teams to play. My pick: Seattle

Sunday Night Football: Detroit at Carolina - While I believe that the Lions are the better overall team in this one, it is not an easy game. Home field advantage should help to provide the Panthers with a real chance at earning the "W." Yet, as already mentioned, it seems to me that the Lions are the better overall team and, thus, should escape with a narrow win. My pick: Detroit

Monday Night Football: Atlanta at New Orleans - The Falcons earned a big, convincing win over the Packers last weekend. Plus, they should be well rested. That is enough to give them a shot here in this game. However, the Saints feel better than their 1-2 record suggests. This is the game where they begin to prove that, and start maybe taking over the NFC West. My pick: New Orleans

October 4th: This Day in History

  

Once again, it should be reiterated, that this does not pretend to be a very extensive history of what happened on this day (nor is it the most original - the links can be found down below). If you know something that I am missing, by all means, shoot me an email or leave a comment, and let me know!

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history 

Here's a more detailed look at events that transpired on this date throughout history:

• On this day in history in 1209, Pope Innocent II crowned German King Otto of Wittelsbach. 

• The assassination of Caliph al-Adil fell on this day in 1227. 

• This day in 1363 marked the end of the Battle of Lake Poyang, when the Chinese rebel forces of Zhu Yuanzhang defeated that of his rival, Chen Youliang, in one of the largest naval battles in history. 

• On this day in 1535, the first complete English-language Bible (known as the Matthew Bible) was printed in Zurich, Switzerland, with translations by William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale.  

• Synod of Emden was on this day and lasting until October 13th back in 1571. 

• This day in 1582 marked the last Julian calendar day in Spain/Portugal/pontifical states. 

• The Battle at Wittstock was fought on this day in 1636 in Brandenburg, with Sweden ultimately beating Ferdinand III. 

• On this day in 1636 in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, the first law was drafted. 

• Peter Stuyvesant established America's first volunteer fire department in New Amsterdam (present day New York City) on this day in 1648. 

• Christian Huygens patented the pocket watch on this day in 1675. 

• The Battle of Marsaglia was fought on this day in 1693, when Piedmontese troops were defeated by the French.

• 1712 - Utrecht banishes poor Jews

• 1725 - Foundation of Rosario in Argentina.

Equestrian statue of George Washington near his headquarters at Morristown, New Jersey.

• The Battle of Germantown was fought on this day in 1777, as General George Washington led his troops in the attack. However, they were ultimately defeated by the British in the battle.

• 1779 - The Fort Wilson Riot takes place.

Flag of Mexico

• On this day in 1824, Mexico became a republic. The Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States was enacted, thus establishing Mexico as a representative federal republic following the end of the Mexican Empire. 

1830 - Provisional government declares secession of Belgium from Netherlands

1834 - Franz Grillparzer's "Der Traum ein Leben," premieres in Vienna

Lincoln Memorial Sculpture by Daniel French i Washington, D.C.

• In 1854 on this day, future American president Abraham Lincoln made his first political speech at the Illinois State Fair.

1862 - Battle of Corinth ends

1864 - National black convention meets (Syracuse NY)

• 1864 - New Orleans Tribune, 1st black daily newspaper, forms

1873 - Toronto Argonaut Football Club forms

• 1880 - University of California founded in Los Angeles

1881 - Edward Leveaux patents automatic player piano

• 1883 - Orient Express' 1st run, linking Turkey to Europe by rail

1883 - First meeting of the Boys' Brigade in Glasgow, Scotland.

1895 - Horace Rawlins wins 1st US Open golf tournament (Newport RI)

1897 - George Bernard Shaw's "Devil's Disciple," premieres in NYC

1900 - Start of Sherlock Holmes adventure "Problem of Thor Bridge" (BG)

1901 - Columbia (US) beats Shamrock II (England) in 12th America's Cup

1904 - 1st day of NYC subway, 350,000 people ride 9.1 mile tracks

1906 - Chicago Cubs win their 116th game (116-36 .763) of year

1910 - Portugal becomes a republic, King Manuel II flees to England

Playwright George Bernard ShawPlaywright George Bernard Shaw 

1910 - Adoption of the Flag of Bermuda.

• 1911 - 1st public elevator (London's Earl's Court Metro Station)

1913 - Bkln Dodger Jake Daubert earns a new Chalmers auto as NL MVP

1913 - Freddy Wilson of Regina Roughriders kicks 10 singles in a game

• 1914 - Dardanellen (French & English) fleet bombs Ottoman forts

• 1915 - Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado & Utah is established

1916 - Market Street's "Path of Gold" lit for 1st time

1917 - British assault on Broodseinde, France

1918 - Musical "Sometime" with Mae West premieres in NYC

• 1921 - League of Nations refuses to assist starving Russians

• 1921 - Riccardo Zanella becomes first elected president of Free State of Fiume.

1922 - For 1st time, entire World Series broadcast over radio (WJZ & WGY)

• 1922 - Protocol of Genevia signed: Austria gains independence

1923 - Young Stribling held light-heavyweight boxing championship for shortest amount of time (3 hrs). Referee overturns decision

1924 - NY Giants become 1st team to appear in 4 consecutive World Series

Actress Mae WestActress Mae West 1925 - Harry Heilmann's 6 hits edges Ty Cobb .393 to .389 as batting champ

1926 - Dahlia is officially designated as SF city flower

1927 - Gutzon Borglum begins sculpting Mt. Rushmore.

1928 - 25th World Series begins, NY Yankees vs St Louis Cardinals

1928 - KPD begins petition against Germany building a battle fleet

1930 - A's Jack Quinn, 46, pitches 2 inn, is oldest to play in World Series

1931 - Dick Tracy comic strip by Chester Gould debuts

1931 - Juan Esteban Montero becomes president of Chile

• 1932 - Anti-semite Julius Gombos forms new government in Hungary

1932 - Clark Griffith announces Walter Johnson will be manager of Senators

1933 - Esquire magazine is 1st published

• 1936 - Italian lire devalued

1936 - Record 66,669 at Yankee Stadium for 4th game of World Series

• 1939 - Last Polish troops surrender

1940 - 12 German aircrafts shot down above England

Dictator of Nazi Germany Adolf HitlerDictator of Nazi Germany Adolf Hitler 

• Adolf Hitler & Benito Mussolini conferred at the Brenner Pass in the Alps on this day in 1940 during World War II. 

• In 1940 on this day during the Occupation, the Vichy France regime of Henri-Philippe Pétain proclaimed an end of the "Statut of the Juifs" with La loi du 4 octobre 1940 (The Law of 3 October 1940). This law provided a racial definition of Jews, allowing the Vichy government to persecute Jews by focusing on the status of what it described as "foreign Jews," effectively providing local authorities a carte blanche to arrest and detain "foreign Jews" at will. It was promulgated simultaneously with the Jewish status laws which were then going into effect without any prompting by the occupying Nazi German forces.

1940 - Wrestling returns to Madison Sq Garden after 12 year lay off

1942 - German assault on Tractor factory in Stalingrad

1943 - Corsica freed by Free French

1943 - German occupiers forbid flying of kites (6 month jail sentence)

1944 - British troops land on Greek continent

1944 - 1st All St Louis World Series, all games played at Sportsman's Park

1944 - St Louis Browns win 1st World Series game in their only appearance

1947 - Negro League World Series, NY Cubans beat Cleveland Buckeyes, 6-5

1948 - Indians beat Red Sox, 8-0, in 1st AL playoff game

1948 - World Council of Churches forms under W Fisherman It Hooft)

1949 - American Contract Bridge League votes 58½% to keep blacks out

1949 - United Nations' permanent NYC headquarters is dedicated

• French troops vacate Cla Afraid Vietnam On this day in 1950 during the First Indochina War, French forces suffered a defeat at the Battle of Route Coloniale 4. The French Lepage column regrouped at the Coc Xa Basin after being repelled, while French column led by Charton had been diverted to a damaged route. The Battle of Route Coloniale 4 proved to be a decisive defeat for the French against the Việt Minh and led to an escalation of the Cold War, with increased international attention and support for both sides.  

1951 - In opening World Series game, Giant Monte Irvin steals home in 1st inn

1952 - "Top Banana" closes at Winter Garden Theater NYC after 356 perfs

1953 - Jim Peters runs world record marathon (2:17:39.4)

1953 - Mickey Mantle hits a grand slam in World Series

1955 - Brooklyn Dodgers only World Series victory, beating Yankees in 7

1955 - Rev Sun Young Moon leaves prison in Seoul

1956 - Great Britain performs nuclear test at Maralinga Australia

1957 - "Leave It to Beaver," debuts on CBS

1957 - USSR launches Sputnik I, 1st artificial Earth satellite

1957 - Avro Arrow roll-out ceremony at Avro Canada plant in Malton, Ontario.

1958 - 12th NHL All-Star Game: Montreal beat All-Stars 6-3 at Montreal

• The Fifth French Republic was established on this day in 1958.

1958 - Transatlantic coml jet passenger service began (BOAC)

1959 - 1st World Series game played west of St Louis (in LA)

1959 - Cleveland Browns' Jim Brown makes club record 37 rushing attempts

• 1959 - Dmitri Sjostakovitch 1st Cello concert premieres in Leningrad

1959 - LA Dodgers set World Series attendance record at 92,394

1959 - Netherlands beats Belgium 9-1

• 1959 - USSR Luna 3 sent back 1st photos of Moon's far side

• 1960 - Courier 1B Launched; 1st active repeater satellite in orbit

1961 - USSR performs nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR

1961 - Whitey Ford's 3rd straight World Series shutout

1962 - USAF Maj Robert A Rushworth takes X-15 to 32,300m

1962 - Whitey Ford's World Series 33 2/3 scoreless inning streak ends

1963 - -8] Hurricane Flora, kills 6,000 in Cuba & Haiti

1963 - Gambia achieves full internal self-government

1964 - -7] Hurricane Hilda, kills 38 in La, Miss & Ga

1964 - 10th LPGA Championship won by Mary Mills

1964 - 3 cars of a commuter train derails in South Africa killing 81

1964 - Italian Autostrada del Sol opens at Milan-Naples

1964 - Patriots' Gino Cappelletti kicks 6-of-6 field goals against Broncos

1964 - Phils bomb Reds 10-0 as both teams finish one game behind St Louis

1965 - "Pickwick" opens at 46th St Theater NYC for 56 performances

1965 - Pope Paul VI becomes 1st Pope to visit Western Hemisphere (UN)

• 1965 - USSR launches Luna 7; crash lands on Moon

1966 - Dutch Cardinal Alfrink presents New Catechism

1966 - France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island

• 1966 - Lesotho (Basutoland) gains independence from Britain (National Day)

1967 - 1st World Series since 1948 not to feature Yanks, Giants or Dodgers

• 1967 - Omar Ali Saifuddin III of Brunei abdicates in favour of his son, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

• 1969 - Last wooden passenger subway cars retired at Bkln Myrtle Beach el

• 1969 - UN starts issuing postage stamps at Geneva headquarters

1969 - Baseball's 1st divisional playoff games, Mets beat Braves 9-5 & Orioles beat Twins 4-3 in 12 innings

1970 - KC Chiefs Jan Stenerud kicks 55-yard field goal

1970 - Umps return after 1-day walkout in quest of higher wages

1970 - WFYI TV channel 20 in Indianapolis, IN (PBS) begins broadcasting

1970 - Herbert Schmidtz makes highest parachute jump from a tower by leaping from a 1,984 ft TV mast in Tulsa, Oklahoma

1971 - Borden's opens a turn-of-century ice cream parlor at Disney World

1971 - KMPH TV channel 26 in Visalia-Fresno, CA (IND) begins broadcasting

1971 - USSR performs underground nuclear test

Baseball Player Ted WilliamsBaseball Player Ted Williams 1972 - Ted Williams manages his final game as Rangers lose to Royals, 4-0

1973 - Hans of Manens ballet "Adagio Hammerklavier" premieres in Amsterdam

 Ran into this image of John Lennon while in Syracuse to see a Paul McCartney concert. 

• Former Beatle John Lennon released the "Walls & Bridges" album on this day in 1974.

1975 - A Cessna 310Q airplane crashes over Wilmington, North Carolina, killing the pilot and severely injuring several pro wrestlers affiliated with the NWA's Mid-Atlantic promotion. One of the survivors is the legendary Ric Flair.

1976 - Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz resigns due to telling a racial joke

• On this day in 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a 1972 ban on the death penalty for convicted murderers.

1976 - Official launch of the Intercity 125 High Speed Train (HST).

1977 - Pier 39 opens in SF

1978 - Funeral services held for Pope John Paul I

1979 - Hugh Leonards "Life," premieres in Dublin

1979 - USSR performs nuclear test

1980 - Mike Schmidt's 2-run HR clinches NL East title for Phillies

1981 - Donna Caponi Young/Kathy Whitworth wins Portland Ping Team Golf Champ

1981 - Meadowlands Arena opens in NJ

1981 - Pasakevi Kouna of Greece (9) is youngest intl gymnastics participant

Musician and Beatle John LennonMusician and Beatle John Lennon 

• In 1982 on this day, Helmut Kohl was elected chancellor of the German Federal Republic (often better known as West Germany). 

1983 - Richard Noble reaches record 1019 kph in jet-powered car

1984 - US government closes down due to budget problems

1984 - Detroit Tigers clinch AL East

1985 - Henry G Perry completes 157 day, 14,021 mile bicycle tour of Australia

• 1985 - Shite Moslems claim to have killed hostage William Buckley

1985 - Free Software Foundation is founded in Massachusetts, USA.

1986 - NY Yank Dave Righetti saves doubleheader for then record 46 saves

1986 - Queen Beatrice installs dam at Oosterschelde

1986 - Rachel Oliver (Mass), 20, crowned 19th Miss Black America

1987 - 1st "Scrub Sunday" of NFL football with replacement players

1987 - Blues Jays lose final 7 games allowing Tigers to win AL pennant

1987 - James Jefferson of Winnipeg scores 2 TDs on interception returns without making an interception. (He scored on laterals)

1988 - Pillsbury stock soars $18.37 to $57.37 on takeover bid

1989 - Giants Will Clark hits 1st NLCS grand slam since 1977

1989 - USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR

1990 - "Stand Up Tragedy" opens at Criterion Theater NYC for 13 performances

Flag of Germany (formerly West Germany during the Cold War)

• On this day in 1990, just after official Germany reunification the previous day, regional elections were held in what had formerly been, just days before, East Germany.

1991 - Delta Center in Salt Lake City Utah

1991 - NHL NY Rangers trade Bernie Nichols to Edmonton for Mark Messier

1991 - San Jose Sharks lose 4-3 to Vancouver Canucks in their 1st NHL game

1991 - Whiteland Janice, driven by Mike Lachance, wins Kentucky Futurity

• 1991 - The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty is opened for signature.

1992 - "Anna Karenina" closes at Circle in Sq Theater NYC after 46 perfs

1992 - "Real Inspector Hound" closes at Criterion Theater NYC after 61 perfs

1992 - 1st time AL East & West champs have same record (96-66)-Tor & Oak

1992 - 2nd Solheim Cup: Europe beats US, 11½-6½ at Dalmahoy CC Scotland

1992 - El Al cargo plane crashes at Amsterdam Bijlmer, 43 die

1992 - Miami Dolphin Louis Oliver returns record tying interception 103 yards

• 1992 - The Rome General Peace Accords ends a 16 year civil war in Mozambique.

1993 - Troops of pres Yelsin occupy Russian White House (parliament)

1994 - 7.9 earthquake strikes Koerilen, flood kills 18+

1994 - Keith Moore is charged with stealing $5,000,000 from Sting

1994 - Soyuz TM-20 launches

1995 - 29th Country Music Association Award: Krauss Jackson win

1995 - Jim Leyritz homers with a man on in 15th inning to give Yankees 2-0 Division Series lead over Mariners

1996 - BPAA US Bowling Open by Dave Husted

1996 - BPAA US Women's Bowling Open won by Liz Johnson

1996 - Shahid Afridi scores century in 37 balls for Pakistan v Sri Lanka

1997 - Farm Aid 10 concert cancelled due to weak ticket sales

• 1997 - The second largest cash robbery in U.S. history occurs at the Charlotte, North Carolina office of Loomis, Fargo and Company. An FBI investigation eventually results in 24 convictions and the recovery of approximately 95% of the $17.3 million in cash which had been taken.

2001 - Siberia Airlines Flight 1812: a Sibir Airlines Tupolev TU-154 crashes into the Black Sea after being struck by an errant Ukrainian S-200 missile. 78 people are killed.

2003 - Maxim restaurant suicide bombing in Haifa, Israel: 21 Israelis, Jews and Arabs, are killed, and 51 others wounded.

2004 - SpaceShipOne wins Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight.

2009 - George Papandreou's Panhellenic Socialist Movement defeats Greece's governing New Democracy party in an electoral landslide.

• 2012 - Turkey’s parliament approves cross-border military operations in Syria

2012 - 19 people are killed after being buried by a landslide in Yunnan, China

• 2012 - Jordan’s King Abdullah dissolves parliament in preparation for new elections

Formula 1 Racing Driver Michael SchumacherFormula 1 Racing Driver Michael Schumacher 2012 - Formula One legend, Michael Schumacher, retires

1535 - The first complete English translation of the Bible was printed in Zurich, Switzerland.   1648 - The first volunteer fire department was established in New York by Peter Stuyvesant.   1777 - At Germantown, PA, Patriot forces and British forces both suffer heavy losses in battle. The battle was seen as British victory, which actually served as a moral boost to the Americans.   1876 - The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas formally dedicated by Texas Gov. Richard Coke. It was the state's first venture into public higher education. The college opened for classed two days earlier.   1881 - Edward Leveaux received a patent for the player piano.   1887 - The Paris Herald Tribune was published for the first time. It was later known as the International Herald Tribune.   1893 - The first professional football contract was signed by Grant Dibert for the Pittsburgh AC.   1895 - The first U.S. Open golf tournament took place in Newport, RI. Horace Rawlins, 19 years old, won the tournament.   1909 - The first airship race in the U.S. took place in St. Louis, MO.   1915 - The Dinosaur National Monument was established. The area covered part of Utah and Colorado.   1927 - The first actual work of carving began on Mount Rushmore.   1931 - The comic strip "Dick Tracy" made its debut in the Detroit Daily Mirror. The strip was created by Chester Gould.   1933 - "Esquire" magazine was published for the first time.   1940 - Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met in the Alps at Brenner Pass. Hitler was seeking help from Italy to fight the British.   1948 - The Railroad Hour" debuted on ABC radio.   1953 - "I Led Three Lives" was first seen in syndication. The TV show was never on network.   1954 - "December Bride" debuted on CBS-TV.   1956 - "Playhouse 90" debuted on CBS-TV.   1957 - "Leave it to Beaver" debuted on CBS-TV.   1957 - The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I into orbit around the Earth. Sputnik was the first manmade satellite to enter space. Sputnik I fell out of orbit on January 4, 1958.   1958 - British Overseas Airways Corporation became the first jetliner to offer trans-Atlantic service to passengers with flights between London, England and New York.   1959 - The first World Series to be played west of St. Louis began in Los Angeles, CA.   1965 - Pope Paul VI addressed the U.N. General Assembly and became the first reigning pontiff to visit the Western Hemisphere.   1976 - Barbara Walters joined Harry Reasoner at the anchor desk of the "ABC Evening News" for the first time.   1981 - Bruce Jenner and Harry Belafonte debuted in their first dramatic roles in NBC-TV's "Grambling's White Tiger".   1987 - NFL owners used replacement personnel to play games despite the player's strike.   1990 - The German parliament had its first meeting since reunification.   1992 - The 16-year civil war in Mozambique ended.   1993 - Russian Vice-President Alexander Rutskoi and Chairman Ruslan Khasbulatov surrendered to Boris Yeltsin after a ten-hour tank assault on the Russian White House. The two men had barricaded themselves in after Yeltsin called for general elections and dissolved the legislative body.   1993 - Dozens of Somalis dragged an American soldier through the streets of Mogadishu. A videotape showed Michael Durant being taken prisoner by Somali militants.   1994 - South African President Nelson Mandela was welcomed to the White House by U.S. President Clinton.   1997 - Hundreds of thousands of men attended a Promise Keepers rally on the Mall in Washington, DC.   1998 - The Vincent Van Gogh exhibit opened in Washington, DC. The exhibit featured 70 paintings.   1998 - Davis Gaines performed as the Phantom in the show "Phantom of the Opera" for the 2,000th time.   2001 - NATO granted the United States open access to their airfields and seaports and agreed to deploy ships and early-warning radar planes in the war on terrorism.   2001 - Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) hit his 70th home run of the season to tie Mark McGwire's major league record. Bonds also moved past Reggie Jackson on the all-time list with his 564th career home run.   2001 - Rickey Henderson (San Diego Padres) scored his 2,246th career run to break Ty Cobb's major league record.   2001 - In Washington, DC, Reagan National Airport re-opened. The airport had been closed since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.   2004 - SpaceShipOne reached an altitude of 368,000 feet. It was the first privately built, manned rocket ship to fly in space twice within a two week window. The ship won the Ansari X Prize of $10 million dollars for their success.

1887 The International Herald Tribune was published for the first time. 1895 The first U.S. Open Golf tournament was held in Newport, Rhode Island. 1957 The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into orbit around the earth, ushering in the Space Age and Space Race. 1965 Pope Paul VI made the first visit to the Western Hemisphere by a reigning pope. He came to New York to address the UN General Assembly. 1970 Rock singer Janis Joplin was found dead of a drug overdose at age 27. 1990 The German parliament met for the first time since the reunification of Germany. 2001 Authorities confirmed a tabloid editor in Florida had contracted anthrax. He died the next day. 2002 John Walker Lindh, the "American Taliban," received a 20-year sentence.

The following links are to web sites that were used to complete this blog entry:

http://www.historyorb.com/today/events.php

http://on-this-day.com/onthisday/thedays/alldays/oct04.htm

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory