

August 24th in nerd history: Is that Pete Rose in a chicken suit?
Normally we start this newsletter in a celebratory mood, celebrating whatever oddball holiday we can dig up — but not today, friends. Why? Because today is Pluto Demoted Day. It’s a sad day for a lot of folks out there who are big fans of this astral object, which some (ahem, Neil deGrasse Tyson) claim is not a planet. Hang in there today, friends.

This is The Reset Button from Classic Nerd, resetting your day.
August 24 in Nerd History
Here are 5 things that happened on August 24th for those of us who say screw you, Neil deGrasse Tyson! (But actually, you’re great.)
I.
Birthdays of honor: Rupert Grint (1988), Rocky Johnson (1944), Stephen Fry (1957), Cal Ripken Jr. (1960), Steve Guttenberg (1958), Barret Oliver (1973), Craig Kilborn (1962).
II.
In 1995 it was a major moment for this whole computer thing when Microsoft released Windows 95. You might remember this, because Microsoft put forward what felt like one of the biggest marketing campaigns in history behind it, paying The Rolling Stones millions so they could use the song “Start Me Up” to promote the new Start button feature.

This was also the first version of Windows that allowed users to access the internet. Start Me Up, indeed!
III.
In 1979, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School was released in theaters, featuring The Ramones.
Produced by B-movie icon Roger Corman, it follows the exploits of students at the fictional Vince Lombardi High School, who are exceedingly unruly thanks to their love of rock music, culminating in the ultimate act of youth rebellion — the students burning down the school alongside The Ramones.

IV.
In 1932 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the United States nonstop, flying from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey. This prompted many to ask why the hell you’d leave L.A. to go to New Jersey.
V.
On this day in 1989, Pete Rose was officially suspended from baseball for life (at which time he was a manager). His offense? Betting on baseball, including his own team. He remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame despite still holding the all-time record for hits, at 4,256.
On the upside, he was invited to appear at Wrestlemania for a few years in the late ’90s — including, you guessed it, dressed in a chicken suit.

Share This Article
Related Topics
Read Next

The top 10 Nintendo GameCube games of all time
By Guest Contributor | November 20, 2019
The most valuable NES cartridges of all time
By Jesse Lennox | September 30, 2022
The worst gaming mascots of the '90s
By Jesse Lennox | July 24, 2022
The top 10 representations of nerds in cinema
By Guest Contributor | January 20, 2022
Every GoldenEye N64 single-player level ranked
By Classic Nerd | August 23, 2022
Popcorn and Patriotism: Your Ultimate Fourth of July Movie Marathon
By Guest Contributor | July 4, 2025
The Best 90s Snacks That Ruled the Lunchroom
By Jesse Lennox | August 29, 2024
September 5th in nerd history: It's time to play the music
By Classic Nerd | September 5, 2023Want More Nostalgia?
Check out our other quizzes and random trivia questions!