Today is the Solar Eclipse! Today’s solar eclipse will captivate millions of sky watchers across the US as the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. Depending on your location, the eclipse will vary in its visibility and magnitude. In some regions, lucky spectators will witnessed a total eclipse, experiencing up to 4 minutes of darkness as the moon completely obscured the sun.
International Feng Shui Awareness Day is the perfect time to channel your inner Zen master while simultaneously rearranging your furniture to confuse your pets. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their environment to promote positive energy flow.
National Empanada Day celebrates the deliciousness of these filled pastries that come from Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries. Empanadas are typically made by folding dough over a filling, which can include meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of ingredients, then they’re either baked or fried.
Some Celebrities that influenced or entertained us Generation Xers celebrating April 8th birthdays include:
Jeffrey Dean Isbell who was born 62 years ago in Lafayette, IN. You may know him better as Izzy Stradlin the guitarist for Guns N’ Roses. Strandlin left Guns N’ Roses in 1992 after getting sober and has had an on and off relationship since.
Actor John Schneider is turning 64. Schneider appeared as an extra playing a cowboy in Burt Reynolds’ Smokey and the Bandit. Two years later he landed the role of Bo Duke opposite Tom Wopat in The Dukes of Hazzard TV series. After Dukes of Hazzard, Schnider had a notable role playing Jonathan Kent in Smallville.
Julian Lennon was born in Liverpool, England today in 1963. The son of John Lennon, Julian inspired the song Hey Jude by the Beatles. The young Lennon released an album in 1984 called Valotte that had two hit songs that would break the top 10.
Robin Wright was born in Dallas, Texas in 1966. Her movie roles include playing the title character in The Princess Bride, costarring with Robin Williams in Toys, and playing Tom Hanks’ love interest Jenny in Forrest Gump. More recently Wright has had a recurring role as Princess Diana’s mentor in the Wonder Woman and Justice League movies and playing Clair Underwood in Netflix’s House of Cards. The Princess Bride is streaming this month on Disney plus and Wonder Woman and Justice League is streaming now on MAX.
Actress Emma Caufield was born Emma Chukker in San Diego today in 1973. In 1995 she landed the recurring role of Brandon’s girlfriend Susan on Beverly Hills 90210. Caufield is probably best known though for her role as Anya on 85 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. More recently she can be seen on episodes of the Disney plus series WandaVision.
April 8th Generation X nostalgia:
2000 – Christopher Walken and Blue Oyster Cult are guests on Saturday Night Live when a new catchphrase that still makes people laugh today was spoken – more cowbell!
The TV show Twin Peaks premiered on ABC today in 1990. This quirky crime “comedy” is one that people either loved or hated. The show followed an FBI agent investigating a murder in the town of Twin Peaks. The show’s charm and comedy was in the town folk. The show Psych would do a tribute episode to Twin Peaks called Dual Spires that featured some of the actors from the original series. Twin Peaks is available now on Paramount plus.
The Offspring released their album Smash today in 1994. The album has two singles that do very well – Self Esteem and Come Out and Play. The Offspring are on tour now – The Offspring tickets via Ticketmaster.
The gritty comedy The Players Club debuted in theaters today in 1998. The movie was directed by Ice Cube who also had a role in the movie along with costars: Jamie Foxx, Bernie Mac, LisaRaye McCoy, and Monica Calhoun.
1977 – The Clash released their self-titled debut album in the UK.
On April 8th, 1994:
- Kurt Cobain, the lead singer for Nirvana, was found dead in his home;
- Diagnosis Murder, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr, and Picket Fences was on TV; and
- The Sign by Ace of Base was number one on the American Top 40.