Enjoying this reminder from a N.J. personal injury attorney colleague on my American Association for Justice listserv –

Today is World Statistics Day by 10/20/10 UN Statistical Commission edict for worldwide celebration of statistics; Royal Statistical Society UK also launched its “get stats statistical literacy” campaign at 20:10 on 20.10.2010. And

1817: 1st Mississippi “Showboat” left Nashville, TENN on its maiden voyage;  it was NOT a steam powered paddle wheeler, but rather a keelboat purchased by 20 yr old actor named Noah Miller Ludlow for $200, and thus named “Noah’s Ark,” which passed down Cumberland, to the Ohio, then down Mississippi River to New Orleans – arriving 10 months later in NOLA; and

1873: P. T. Barnum’s “Great Roman Hippodrome” featuring “Greatest Show on Earth” opened in NYC (site of MSG today);

1924: 1st Negro League World Series game was played: KC Monarchs (Kansas City MO) shut out Hilldales (Darby, PA), 5-0.

1947: House Un-American Activities Committee began investigation into Communist infiltration of Hollywood, resulting in the infamous “Hollywood Blacklist” that prevented some from working in the industry for many years; and

1998: 1^st Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was awarded to Comedian Richard Pryor

2004: Pro Sports Comeback Record:  After losing the first three games of the ALCS, the Boston Red Sox won four consecutive games to win the AL pennant, beating NY Yankees in Bronx, 10-3. Johnny Damon’s 2 home runs, including a grand slam,  and Derek Lowe’s solid pitching help Boston join 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1975 NY Islanders, 2010 Philadelphia Flyers, and the 2014 LA Kings, as the only teams in professional sports history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win a seven-game series.

PS: KC won 1924 World Series vs “Darby Dandies” 4-1-1 (1 tie); and BoSox swept St. Louis Cards 4-0 games in 2004 Series.