Ghosts of Good News Past: Feb 22-28

There's no need to be afraid of these ghosts. They're good! We promise! Tonic likes to liven up your weekend with a handful of historical landmarks that helped to shape our world and culture, all for the better. It's nice to see that this day spawned not one but two nature preserves, not to mention the founding of a club intended to do good things for others. Sing a song of anything's possible and crank up your NPR. Here's this week in history, according to Tonic.

Feb. 22, 1732: Our country's seminal leader, George Washington, is born.

Feb. 27, 1885: American Telephone and Telegraph company is incorporated, and communication is revolutionized.

Feb. 23, 1905: The International Rotary Club is founded, and service becomes a social event.

Feb. 25, 1925: Glacier Bay national monument established in Alaska.

Feb. 26, 1929: More land preservation! Grand Teton National Park is formed.

Feb. 25, 1940: Dreamers have their anthem — Disney's "When You Wish Upon A Star" is recorded.

Feb. 23, 1945: Now iconic American flag is raised (and photographed) in Iwo Jima.

Feb. 25, 1964: Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) becomes heavyweight champion of the world.

Feb. 26, 1970: National Public Radio becomes a real nonprofit and gives people the free info they deserve.

Feb. 28, 1991: Ceasefire called in the first Gulf War, raising hopes of peace in the Middle East.