Thursday, August 27, 2026 — National Just Because Day

A hole mocked as foolish, an explosion heard across an ocean, and a beloved nanny whose creator wanted part of her movie removed.

Today we explore Edwin Drake’s commercially successful oil well, discover how Krakatoa rang the atmosphere like a bell, and follow Mary Poppins to its Hollywood premiere.

Along the way, we celebrate the birthday of Martha Raye, the comedian and singer whose service to American troops took her far beyond the stage.

Some beginnings travel farther than anyone who started them could have imagined.