Kala Dunn

The Gunpowder Plot was a failed assassination attempt against Protestant King James I of England on November 5, 1605. Conspirator Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives beneath the House of Lords. People lit bonfires and made an annual celebration in remembrance of the survival of the king.

It’s Monday, November 5

“Farming in the Black Patch” premieres tonight at Murray State University’s Curris Center.  The new documentary explains the process of tobacco cultivation and outlines the task of running and operating a modern tobacco farm.  Doors open at 6, and the film begins at 6:45.

The Hughes H-4 Hercules, aka the "Spruce Goose," made its first and only flight on this day in 1947. Due to wartime restrictions and weight, it was built out of wood (though it was built with birch not spruce). It's the largest flying boat ever built and has the largest wingspan of any aircraft in history. But the food on board is terrible.

It’s Friday, November 2

Broadway Church of Christ in Paducah gives away free clothing tomorrow from 10 until 1.  Those in need can visit the Family Life Center, located at 2855 Broadway.  For more information, call the church at (270) 443-6206.

Michelangelo's 5,000 square feet of elaborate frescoes depicting biblical scenes were seen by the public for the first time on this day in 1512. Johann Wolfgang Goethe said, "Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving."

It’s Thursday, November 1

The Murray State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble gives its annual President’s Concert tonight at 7:30 in Lovett Auditorium.  Dr. Jonathan Whitaker of the University of Alabama is the guest soloist on trombone.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Halloween was first used in the 16th century as a Scottish variant of All Hallow's Even. It began as linked to the Celtic festival Samhain, marking preparations for winter. The souls of the dead were said to revisit their homes on Samhain, feasting at the table with the living... Mwahahaha!

It’s Wednesday, October 31

KeeFORCE collects used computer equipment for orphanages and schools in Third World countries.  Desktop, laptop, and notebook units are accepted at the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce on Friday from 7:30 to 3.  For more information, call David Morse at (270) 366-0551.

Hurricane Sandy is the largest Atlantic tropical system on record, stretching from the Caribbean to Canada. She flooded heavily populated areas, left millions without power, claimed 87 lives overall (so far), and closed Wall Street. Sandy is now a post-tropical cyclone moving northwest. See our Sandy Tracker.

It’s Tuesday, October 30

Today’s the last day of the Make A Difference Community Food Drive in Paducah.  The food drive stocks the pantry at Paducah Cooperative Ministry to help local households in need. Bring nonperishable food items to the Paducah Cooperative Ministry at 402 Legion Drive.  For more information, call 442-6795.

Bob Ross would be 70 today! Best known as an the host of The Joy of Painting on PBS,  he introduced millions to painting by breaking down the process of oil painting in to simple steps, often transforming "happy little accidents" into trees and bushes. How about sending some happy little clouds to the northeast? Have you seen our hurricane tracker?

It’s Monday, October 29

The Yeiser Art Center invites its members to submit artwork for the upcoming Members’ Show.  Enter one piece for $15, or two pieces for $25.  Non-members are invited to join now for inclusion in the exhibit.  Saturday is the submission deadline.  For details, visit theyeiser.org and click on Call for Entries.

The controversial Patriot Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on this day in 2001. A response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, the act reduced restrictions in the gathering of intelligence, expanded Sec. of Treasury's authority over transactions, and broadened discretion over deportation. In 2011, President Barack Obama used an auto-pen to extend some key provisions.

It’s Friday, October 26

Make A Difference Day is tomorrow from 9 to 1 at the Murray State University Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot.  Recyclables to be collected include paper, cardboard, eyeglasses, aluminum cans, cell phones, ink jet cartridges, plastics, tin cans, glass, used motor oil, batteries, and books.  For more information, call 759-9592.

Happy 100th birthday to country comedienne Minnie Pearl, who appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years, and on Hee Haw for 22 years! Thanks for decades of laughs from Nashville and for contributing so much to breast cancer awareness. Howww-DEEEEE!

It’s Thursday, October 25

There’s a Zombies vs. Superheroes 3-mile walk and fun run Saturday morning at Kentucky Dam Village State Park.  Prizes are awarded for scariest, most creative, cutest, and all-around best costumes.  Registration starts at 10 at the Kentucky Dam Village Beach Parking Lot, and the run/walk starts at 11. Proceeds support CASA of Calloway and Marshall Counties.

Famous escape artist Harry Houdini arrived at the Garrick Theater on this day in 1926 with a fever of 104, and despite being diagnosed with appendicitis, and having been punched in the stomach several times by an over-eager art student, he took to the stage. He died of peritonitis due to a ruptured appendix a week later, on Halloween.

It’s Wednesday, October 24

The Murray State University Symphony Orchestra presents its first full concert of the fall semester tomorrow evening at 7:30 in Lovett Auditorium.  The program features compositions by Holst, Gordon Jacob, and Tchaikovsky.  For more information, call 809-4288.

On this day in 1958, those loveable blue dwarves appeared for the first time in La flute à six schtroumpfs, a Belgian comic by cartoonist Peyo. Standing three-apples high, the smurfberry munching creatures often smurfed to the smurf to smurf the smurfing Gargamel and his cat Azrael. Some critics have called the cartoon an example of socialism or totalitarianism in Europe. We call it a smurfing good time.

It’s Tuesday, October 23

Market House Theatre in Paducah offers Oak Grove Cemetery Tours this weekend.  Take a guided tour of the cemetery and hear stories of triumph and tragedy told by those who dwell there.  Tours leave from the cemetery office at 7 and 8 o’clock on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.  For reservations, call 444-6828.