The NameDay Project

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of George Balanchine, a ballet choreographer who was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century! Known as the father of American ballet, George travelled from Russia, to Paris, to New York City, where he founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet. Credited with over 400 pieces, Balanchine changed and sculpted what we see performed today. Happy birthday, George!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

 Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Joy Adamson, a naturalist, artist, author, and a founder of the World Wildlife Fund! Awarded the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, Joy became known for her book Born Free, which describes her experience of raising a lion cub named Elsa. Joy spent her life involved in wildlife preservation activities, advocating against poaching and creating numerous funds for animal reserves and preservation. Happy birthday, Joy!

 If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

 In honor of Joy’s birthday, we’re asking our listeners to donate to one of Joy’s organizations! Below are links to the World Wildlife Fund and the Born Free foundation:

World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org
Born Free: https://www.bornfree.org.uk

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of A.A. Milne, the English author best known for his books about a teddy bear named Winnie-the-Pooh! Milne was a noted author and playwright, before the success of Christopher Robin’s tales, inspired by his own son, overshadowed his previous work. Today, the story of Christopher and Winnie-the-Pooh is considered one of the most beloved children’s tales. Happy birthday, Milne!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! An American Baptist minister and activist, M.L.K became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement, making public fame with his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. Happy, happy birthday, Dr. King!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Harry Gordon Selfridge, the American-British retail magnate who founded London-based department store Selfridges! Often called “The Earl of Oxford Street,” Selfridge’s success led to him becoming one of the most respected retail developers in the United Kingdom. Happy birthday, Harry!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Gypsy Rose Lee, the American burlesque entertainer, actress, and author whose life was adapted into the musical “Gypsy!” After a dramatic upbringing, she made a career for herself, and her life remains a force in American pop culture. Happy birthday, Gypsy!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the system of printing and writing known as Braille! Louis was a French educator who dedicated his life to devising a system for use by the blind and visually impaired. His system remains virtually unchanged to this day and is used worldwide. Happy birthday, Louis!

 If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

It’s a wrap! Today we are celebrating the end of Season 1 with a Top 20-episode list! We run through our top 20 episodes, suggested by our listeners, and discuss the people and stories we’ve highlighted throughout Season 1.

Thank you to ALL of our listeners, and look out for Season 2, starting January 4th, 2021!

 If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of NBA superstar, LeBron James! Widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, LeBron’s humble beginnings make him a true Cinderella story. Currently a player for the Lakers, LeBron has also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Miami Heat! Happy birthday, LeBron!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

 Today we’re celebrating the birthday of John von Neumann, regarded as one of the foremost mathematicians of the modern era! Known was his work in engineering, calculus, physics, computer science, and game theory, John contributed to almost all aspects of mathematics, building the foundation to many technologies and theories we use today. Happy birthday, John! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]