72 years ago today, Chicago’s first subway line opened to commuters. A product of President Roosevelt’s Public Works Administration program, the subway line featured modern escalators and soundproof telephone booths. The original State Street Subway line (now the Red Line) featured a 3,300 foot platform that contained many stations along the path.

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Read more about Chicago’s State Street Subway

Actor Craig Robinson, best known for his role as Darryl Philbin on “The Office,” was born in Chicago on October 25, 1971. He was raised on the South Side of Chicago and attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. After graduating, he went on to get his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University in 1994 and obtained his graduate degree in education from Saint Xavier University.

His stand-up career began at The Second City in Chicago, and in 2005, he took on the role of Darryl Philbin on “The Office.” Following this role, Robinson appeared on “Arrested Development,” “Lucky,” “Friends,” “Halfway Home,” “Eastbound and Down” and “Last Comic Standing.” In addition to acting, Robinson has dabbled in music, both as a comedy act in L. Witherspoon & Chucky and with his band The Nasty Delicious.

He has played a role in over 40 different films and television series since 2001, and has worked on multiple movies that are soon to be released. Robinson remains a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears.

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Read more Robinson’s work on IMDb

Did you know today is National Dessert Day? In celebration of all things tasty, here is a bit of fun Illinois history.

Evanston, or as some locals would say, “Chicago's Godly neighbor, Heavenston," was home to the first Ice Cream Sundae. Originally known as the “Ice Cream Sunday,” the spelling was later changed to “Sundae” after residents complained about the dessert being named after the Sabbath.

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Looking for places in Chicagoland to satisfy your dessert cravings?
Learn more about the Illinois connection to the origins of the Ice Cream Sundae

Stanley Mazor was born on October 22, 1941, in Chicago. Mazor started his studies with a keen interest for helicopter design and construction. He became interested in computers and took a position as a professor’s assistant.

In 1969, Mazor joined the newly formed Intel Corporation to invent the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004.

Microprocessors are the “brains” of computers and other household electronic devices. The original Intel 4004 wasn’t powerful, however. It was primarily used to complete simple mathematical operations in a calculator.

Just like microwaves and telephones, electronic devices with microprocessors have become a part of our everyday lives.  Over the last 40 years, microprocessors have evolved into smaller and more affordable devices that make our daily tasks easier.

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Read more on the invention of the Microprocessor on PBS

John Prine was born in Maywood on October 10, 1946. He is a prolific singer and songwriter and is renowned as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. His songs have been covered by music icons such as Johnny Cash and Bonnie Raitt.

Before his success as a musician, Prine served in the military, stationed in Germany, as well as worked at the U.S. Postal Service. It was Kris Kristofferson who found Prine at an open mic night at a bar in Chicago, which jump-started his career.

John Prine’s self-titled album was released in 1971 on Atlantic Records. Since then, he has released 25 albums. His 2006 album Fair & Square won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Learn more:
Visit the official John Prine website and learn more about this folk legend