Almanac of Absurdities 10/30

H.G. Wells' “War of the Worlds” broadcast took place on this date in the year 1938. General panic is alleged, but historians differ on how many people really fell for it. On this date in 1945, Branch Rickey and Happy Chandler spring their conspiracy and announce the signing of Jackie Robinson, the first african-american professional major league baseball player, to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Birthdays: Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane, Cash Cab's Ben Bailey.