On October 21, 1980, a baby was born in Los Angeles, California, who would go on to redefine pop culture: Kim Kardashian. Raised in a well-known family, Kim’s influence stretched far beyond her initial fame, shaping reality TV, fashion, social media, and business. Today, her name is synonymous with modern celebrity, and her birthday marks the rise of a global phenomenon.
On October 20, 1962, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s spooky novelty hit, “Monster Mash,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts. What began as a playful tribute to the classic monster movies of the 1950s quickly became a Halloween anthem that has endured for over five decades. Combining fun lyrics with a catchy beat, the song immortalized Pickett’s impersonation of horror movie star Boris Karloff. It was the perfect recipe for a pop culture phenomenon.
On October 19, 1985, the entertainment world changed forever with the opening of the first Blockbuster Video store in Dallas, Texas. Blockbuster quickly became synonymous with movie rentals, offering a unique experience for film lovers. Unlike its smaller competitors, Blockbuster stores were spacious, well-organized, and stocked with thousands of movie titles.
On October 18, 1867, the United States formally took possession of Alaska, marking the completion of the Alaska Purchase from Russia. This significant event, often referred to as “Alaska Day,” reshaped the geographical and economic landscape of the U.S., adding over 586,000 square miles to its territory. The acquisition of Alaska, initially considered “Seward’s Folly,” proved to be one of the most valuable land purchases in American history, given the region’s vast natural resources.
