May 16

Scott Winters May 16, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1861 – Michigan troops entered the Civil War as the 1st Michigan Infantry entered Washington, DC. President Abraham Lincoln exclaimed “Thank God for Michigan”.

1866 – The U.S. Congress eliminated the half dime coin and replaced it with the 5-cent piece, or nickel.

1866 – Charles Elmer Hires invented root beer.

1868 – President Andrew Johnson was acquitted during the Senate impeachment, by one vote.

1888 – The first demonstration of recording on a flat disc was demonstrated by Emile Berliner.

1891 – A riot broke out in Grand Rapids, MI after 4,000 furniture workers walked off their jobs at 35 plants.

1910 – The U.S. Bureau of Mines was authorized by Congress.

1912 – Peter Wege founded Steelcase as the “Metal Office Furniture Company”.

1914 – The American Horseshoe Pitchers Association (AHPA) was formed in Kansas City, KS.

1929 – The first Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood, CA.

1939 – The Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians met at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, PA, for the first baseball game to be played under the lights in the American League.

1946 – Jack Mullin showed the world the first magnetic tape recorder.

1960 – Theodore Maiman, at Hughes Research Laboratory in Malibu, CA, demonstrated the first working laser (a ruby laser).

1963 – After 22 Earth orbits Gordon Cooper returned to Earth, ending Project Mercury.

1965 – Spaghetti-O’s were sold for the first time.

1971 – U.S. postage for a one-ounce first class stamp was increased from 6 to 8 cents.

1972 – By a 2-to-1 margin, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing for a state lottery.

1975 – Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

1975 – Muhammad Ali TKO’s Ron Lyle in the 11th round of a bout in Las Vegas, NV, to retain the heavyweight boxing title.

1977 – Muhammad Ali wins a unanimous 15 round decision over Alfredo Evangelista to retain the heavyweight boxing title.

1980 – Dr. George C. Nichopoulos was indicted in Memphis on 14 counts of overprescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and nine other patients.

1983 – The television special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever” aired. It was a recording of the first time that Michael Jackson performed the moonwalk for a live audience.

1985 – Michael Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the NBA.

1986 – The movie “Top Gun”, starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt, premiered in theaters. The film had made approximately $171.1 million by the end of the year.

1987 – The Bobro 400 set sail from New York Harbor with 3,200 tons of garbage. The barge traveled 6,000 miles in search of a place to dump its load. It returned to New York Harbor after 8 weeks with the same load.

1988 – A report released by Surgeon General C. Everett Koop declared that the addictive properties of nicotine were similar to those of heroin and cocaine.

1988 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police do not have to have a search warrant to search discarded garbage.

1991 – Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress.

1991 – At Stanford University, fourteen students started leapfrogging. They would continue for 10 days and 999.2 miles, setting a Guinness world record.

1992 – The Endeavour Space Shuttle landed safely after its maiden voyage.

1999 – The Star Wars movie “Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” premiered in theaters in Los Angeles, CA.

2000 – Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated to run for U.S. Senator in New York. She was the first former First Lady to run for public office.

2001 – The first MacBook laptop was released.

2002 – Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) had a daughter with Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) on the eighth season finale of TV’s “Friends”.

2003 – Child actor Adam Rich was placed on three years probation after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was also ordered to take part in a 60-day treatment program and pay about $1,200 in fines.

2005 – Sony Corp. unveiled three styles of its new PlayStation 3 video game machine.

2010 – Sandra Diaz-Twine won TV’s “Survivor: Heroes Versus Villains”, defeating Parvati Shallow and Russell Hantz.

2011 – STS-134 launched from Kennedy Space Center on the 25th and final flight for Space Shuttle Endeavour.

2013 – Candice Glover won the 12th season of TV’s “American Idol”.

2014 – Barbara Walters retired from the ABC TV show “The View”.

2019 – DNA research showed that bedbugs are older than humans. They have been around for 115 million years and outlived dinosaurs.

2020 – JC Penney department store filed for bankruptcy after 118 years of business.

BIRTHDAYS:

Billy Cobham – 81 a old (1944) – Drummer

Robert Fripp – 79 a old (1946) – Guitarist (King Crimson)

Bill Smitrovich – 78 a old (1947) – Actor (TV’s “Crime Story”, “Life Goes On”)

Pierce Brosnan – 72 a old (1953) – Actor (“Dante’s Peak,” “Tomorrow Never Knows”, “The World Is Not Enough”, “Die Another Day”, “GoldenEye”, “The Ghost Writer”, “Mama Mia!”, “The Matador”, “The World’s End”, “The Thomas Crown Affair”, TV’s “Remington Steele”)

Edgar Bronfman Jr. – 70 a old (1955) – Former CEO of Universal, songwriter (“Whisper in the Dark”, “To Love You More”)

Olga Korbut – 70 a old (1955) – Olympic Gymnast

Debra Winger – 70 a old (1955) – Actress (“An Officer and a Gentleman”, “Terms of Endearment”, “Shadowlands”, “Urban Cowboy”, “A Dangerous Woman”, “Forget Paris”)

Mare Winningham – 66 a old (1959) – Actor (“Georgia”, “Turner & Hooch”, “St. Elmo’s Fire”)

Boyd Tinsley – 61 a old (1964) – Violinist, mandolinist (Dave Matthews Band)

Krist Novoselic – 60 a old (1965) – Bass guitarist (Nirvana)

Janet Jackson – 59 a old (1966) – Singer, actor (TV’s “Diff’rent Strokes”, “Good Times”, “Fame”, movies “Poetic Justice”, “Nutty Professor Two: The Klumps”)

David Boreanaz – 56 a old (1969) – Actor (TV’s “Bones”, “Angel”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)

Tracey Gold – 56 a old (1969) – Actress (Played Carol Seaver on TV’s “Growing Pains”)

Gabriela Sabatini – 55 a old (1970) – Tennis player

Rick Trevino – 54 a old (1971) – Country singer (“Just Enough Rope”)

Tori Spelling – 52 a old (1973) – Actress (TV’s “Beverly Hills 90210”)

Melanie Lynskey – 48 a old (1977) – Actress (TV’s “Two and Half Men”)

Joseph Morgan – 44 a old (1981) – Actor (TV’s “The Originals”, “The Vampire Diaries”)

Megan Fox – 39 a old (1986) – Actress (“Transformers” movies, “Jennifer’s Body”, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen”, TV’s “Hope & Faith”, “New Girl”)

Thomas Brodie-Sangster – 35 a old (1990) – Actor (“Game of Thrones”)

TODAY IS:

National Learn To Swim Day: Teach your kids to swim, or sign up for lessons yourself. It’s good for your health, and may save your life or the life of another from drowning someday.
National Mimosa Day: Sip on sunshine in a glass with a bubbly, citrusy Mimosa! Perfect for brunch or any celebration, this delightful drink brings a pop of fun to any gathering. Cheers to good times and good company!
National Sea Monkey Day: Sea monkeys, a type of brine shrimp, make a popular children’s pet that you can order, hatch, and raise at home, which helps kids learn responsibility.
World Whisky Day: Mix up a whisky sour, or pour your favorite whisky over some ice and enjoy. Gather some friends together to try out different brands and cocktails.
National Barbecue Day: From hot dogs and hamburgers to pineapple and vegetables, there’s something for everyone at a barbecue. Gather your friends and family and get grilling.
National Love a Tree Day: Did you know that trees provide countless benefits to both nature and people? On National Love a Tree Day, the spotlight lands on those quiet giants that make neighborhoods more livable, landscapes more resilient, and everyday life a little calmer. Trees do a lot of their best work without fanfare. Their...
Drawing Day: Break out your pencils, pens, crayons and create something, and support charities that ensure that children around the world have that same chance.
World Fiddle Day: Schedule a lesson or find a performance to enjoy one of the classic instruments of the working class, the fiddle. Or sit down to watch Fiddler on the Roof!
US Armed Forces Day: Armed Forces Day might be the best occasion to honor America’s finest men and women. But it’s bigger than just a day for Americans to pay homage to those serving in the Armed Forces. It is also a time of national pride. And it’s a day for appreciating the bravery...
National Piercing Day: With a variety of styles and colors, adding a touch of sparkle to your look has never been easier—express yourself with the perfect accessory.
Horse Rescue Day: Supporting equine welfare, contributing to the care and rehabilitation of horses in need, fostering a brighter future for them.
National Biographers Day: Biographers keep histories of important figures, often digging deep into their pasts to keep that part of history alive. Read about some popular biographers.
Plant a Lemon Tree Day: Lemon trees are good for the environment, and incredibly useful. Make lemonade, salad dressing, cocktails and more. Just plant a lemon tree and reap the benefits.
National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day: National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day celebrates one of the most elegant and beloved dishes in French cuisine, a baked scallop classic that feels equal parts comfort food and special-occasion splendor. This day honors not only the dish itself but also the careful, time-tested habits that make French cooking so satisfying: good...
International Day of Living Together in Peace: Every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This special day is about embracing our differences and coming together in unity and harmony. It's a day where we focus on listening, recognizing, and appreciating others. The aim is to build a sustainable world filled with peace...
National River Cleanup Day: National River Cleanup Day is all about rolling up sleeves and giving rivers a fresh start. It invites people to trade scrolling for strolling, head to the water’s edge, and do something wonderfully practical: remove the stuff that never belonged there in the first place. Gloves go on, bags open...
National Waiters Day: Did you know that the waitstaff plays a crucial role in our dining experiences? Waiters Day celebrates these hardworking professionals. It illuminates the dedication and skill required to deliver top-notch service in busy restaurants. It's a chance to appreciate the effort it takes to manage orders, remember details, and ensure each...
International Day of Light: Harnessing light's prowess, unlocking technological marvels that redefine possibilities and propel innovation into an enlightened future.
International Boys’ Day: Embracing the uniqueness of boyhood, cherishing strengths, and celebrating the joy in every spirited moment of life.
Wear Purple for Peace Day: Wear Purple for Peace Day invites people to do something wonderfully simple with a surprisingly big ripple effect: put on purple and use it as a cue to choose peace. It is playful on the surface, just a color-themed day, but the point runs deeper. Purple becomes a shared signal...
National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day: National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is all about building stronger bonds through simple acts of kindness. This special day encourages people to step out of their routines and connect with those who live nearby. Whether it's lending a helping hand, sharing a homemade treat, or simply saying hello...
National Classic Movie Day: Longing for days past when movies were captured on strips of film, lit with hot studio lamps, and projected with the soft clatter of a reel? National Classic Movie Day is made for anyone who loves the craft, charm, and sheer movie magic of earlier cinema. This day invites film fans...
Honor Our LGBT Elders Day: Honor Our LGBT Elders Day celebrates the lives and contributions of older LGBTQ+ individuals. These pioneers faced significant challenges, yet they stood firm, paving the way for the rights and acceptance many experience today. Their stories of courage and authenticity inspire us and remind us of the progress achieved through...
Culture Freedom Day: Culture Freedom Day celebrates the idea that art and knowledge should be open to everyone. It encourages creators to share their work freely, allowing others to use, learn from, and build upon it. This approach challenges traditional restrictions, promoting a more inclusive and collaborative cultural landscape. The day brings together...
Nickel Day: Crack open your change jar, and you’ll likely find the star of Nickel Day tucked among the coins. This modest five-cent piece may seem ordinary, but it has a unique place in daily life. Whether dropped into a parking meter or resting in your palm at a store counter, the...
International Invention Day: Transforming imaginative ideas into tangible reality can change lives, spark innovation, and drive human progress forward.
Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day: Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day is here to promote, advocate, educate, and validate those living with Tarlov cyst disease. How to Observe Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day Looking for ideas to get involved with this important day? Check out some of these ideas to get started: Become an Advocate According to the...
Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes, staged at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore each year, sits at the heart of American thoroughbred racing tradition. It is the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, which means it carries all the pressure of a “what happens next?” chapter: contenders arrive with big reputations, some chasing...
Cannes Film Festival: The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous and important events in the film industry. Held annually in the beautiful city of Cannes on the French Riviera, this festival draws the biggest names in cinema, from directors to actors. The red carpet is a dazzling display of style...
National Stationery Week: Sharpen your pencils and break out your fine pens, and take this excuse to use some fancy stationery. Write a loved one, find a pen pal, or even make your to-do list.
American Craft Beer Week: Exploring diverse flavors and styles, American craft beer showcases innovation and craftsmanship, delighting enthusiasts worldwide.
Foster Care Fortnight: Foster Care Fortnight, an annual event in the UK, typically happens in the first two weeks of May. This initiative is driven by The Fostering Network, a leading charity that promotes foster care awareness and recruitment. The event raises awareness about the growing need for foster carers and their vital...
National Salt Awareness Week: National Salt Awareness Week is a timely reminder to understand better and manage our salt intake. Of course, we all recognize salt as a staple on the dinner table. It’s an essential seasoning for our daily meals. However, fewer people realize how it also plays a crucial role in our...
Bike to Work Week: Bike to Work Week is a special time celebrated each year across the United States. This event encourages people to ride their bikes to work or anywhere else they need to go as part of a larger movement to promote cycling and its benefits. How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week Embracing...
Learning at Work Week: Learning at Work Week is a special time dedicated to boosting learning culture within the workplace. Celebrated annually, this initiative encourages all types of organizations to engage in activities that foster learning among their teams. The goal is to make learning an integral part of working life, benefiting individual growth and...
Be Nice to Nettles Week: Be Nice to Nettles Week is a vibrant annual event that shines a spotlight on the humble nettle plant. Celebrated in mid-May, this period encourages us to appreciate the ecological and health benefits of nettles. How to Celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week Here are five quirky and playful ways to dive...
Christian Aid Week: Christian Aid Week is an important time that provides urgent humanitarian relief to the less fortunate and urges long-term programs to help. It calls out the plight of the suffering, giving immediate aid. But it does more; it stands up for the rights of - and demands justice for -...
Sun Awareness Week: Did you know that the damaging effects of the sun can be prevented with proper awareness? Sun Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of sun safety. It's celebrated every year in early May, reminding us of the dangers of UV exposure and ways to protect ourselves. With summer just...
Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...
National Salvation Army Week: Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
M.E. Awareness Week: M.E. Awareness Week, celebrated annually, highlights the struggles of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). The week encourages empathy for those affected and serves as a time for people to learn more about this condition. The campaign is organized by various charities, patient groups, and healthcare professionals working together to increase...
National Public Gardens Week: National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...
National Hospital Week: Whether performing a small elective procedure or treating a life-threatening illness, hospitals are critical places that make a huge difference in the health of individuals, families and communities across the nation. National Hospital Week is here to celebrate and show appreciation for all of the different people who are integral...
National Doughnut Week: National Doughnut Week is a fun and delightful time that invites everyone to indulge in one of the most beloved treats: doughnuts. During this week, people are encouraged to enjoy these tasty confections while also contributing to a good cause. Many bakeries across the country participate by offering special doughnuts, and...
National Mental Health Awareness Week: National Mental Health Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of mental health and aims to break the silence around these issues. During this week, people come together to acknowledge the impact mental health has on all aspects of life. Conversations encourage individuals to share experiences, seek help, and recognize signs of...
National Stuttering Awareness Week: National Stuttering Awareness Week focuses on understanding stuttering and supporting those who live with it. Stuttering is a speech condition that affects the flow of speaking, and it touches millions of people worldwide. This week encourages open conversations and helps break the silence around a challenge many face every day. It...
I Love My State Parks Week: The United States defines up to 10,000 different areas as state parks. State parks protect more than 14 million acres of landscape, ranging from coastal beaches to forests, sandy deserts to swampland. In addition, state parks provide local residents with opportunities for recreation, access to clean and safe green spaces...