Hobbit Day 2010

For any Tolkien fans out there, today is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and hence has been declared Hobbit Day. Apparently, some fans celebrate by going barefooted in honor of the hobbits, because they do not wear shoes. The date of observance, however, is not without controversy. Some claim that it's a mistake to celebrate the birthday according to our Gregorian calendar. The "September 22nd" date used by Tolkien refers to the Shire Calendar, which was in advance of our's by some number of days (i.e., calculations indicate that September 14th would be more correct).

Today is the 265th day of the year. There are 100 days remaining until the end of the year (94 days till Christmas).

Republicans announced that they will unveil a 21-page "Pledge to America" tomorrow that presents a "governing agenda" for what they would do if they win control of Congress in the upcoming elections. Eight officials of Bell, California were arraigned today on charges of misappropriating more than $5.5 million in public funds. Approximately 5 million cans of certain Similac-brand powdered infant formula are being recalled due to the possibility of the presence of a beetle. Starbucks is raising its prices. David Hasselhoff was surprisingly the first contestant voted off of Dancing With the Stars last night.

Tonight at 11:09 EDT is the Fall Equinox. It will mark the beginning of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere and the the beginning of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, a phenomenon known as the "super harvest moon," where Jupiter and the moon appear next to each other in the night sky will occur. This is an situation that rarely happens, so check it out if you have a chance. Jupiter can be seen without the aid of binoculars
and should be the brightest, most visible star close to the moon.

New York Times - On this Day

Feature for September 22, 2010