May 10

Scott Winters May 10, 2025 1 Comment

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:

1508 – Michelangelo officially started painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The 5,000 square feet of frescoes with over 300 figures took him four years to complete.

1773 – The English Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed all tea in the U.S. colonies.

1865 – Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured by the 4th Michigan Cavalry, commanded by Col. Prichard (of Allegan, MI), near Irvinville, GA.

1869 – Central Pacific and Union Pacific Rail Roads met at Promontory Summit, UT. A golden spike was driven in at the celebration of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.

1872 – Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for the U.S. Presidency.

1877 – Telephones were installed at the White House in Washington, D.C.. Our 19th President, Rutherford B. Hayes, becomes the first President to use a phone in the White House.

1893 – The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Nix vs. Hedden that a tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit, under the Tariff Act of 1883.

1898 – A vending machine law was enacted in Omaha, NE. It cost $5,000 for a permit.

1908 – The first Mother’s Day observance took place during a church service in Grafton, WV.

1924 – J. Edgar Hoover became the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and remained so until his death in 1972.

1927 – The Hotel Statler in Boston, MA. became the first hotel to install radio headsets in each of its 1,300 rooms.

1930 – The Adler Planetarium opened to the public in Chicago, IL.

1954 – Bill Haley & His Comets released “Rock Around the Clock”, the first rock and roll record to reach number one on the Billboard charts.

1960 – The U.S.S. Triton completed the first circumnavigation of the globe entirely underwater. The trip started on February 16.

1962 – Marvel Comics published the first issue of “The Incredible Hulk.”

1969 – The National and American Football Leagues announced their plans to merge for the 1970-71 season.

1972 – 12 year old Carolyn King took the field to play as the first girl in the United States to play Little League Baseball.

1975 – Sony introduced the Betamax videocassette recorder in Japan.

1983 – The last episode of TV’s “Laverne and Shirley” was broadcast on ABC.

1994 – The state of Illinois executed convicted serial killer John Wayne Gacy for the murders of 33 young men and boys.

1996 – The movie “Twister”, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as storm chansers, premiered in theaters.

1999 – The Cezanne painting “Still Life With Curtain, Pitcher and Bowl of Fruit” sold for 60.5 million.

2000 – Seven years after questioning the safety of saline breast implants, the FDA allowed the two largest manufacturers to market the devices despite the new evidence of serious health risks.

2000 – 11,000 residents were evacuated in Los Alamos, NM, due to a fire that was blown into a canyon. The fire had been deliberately set to clear brush.

2001 – Boeing Co. announced that it would be moving its headquarters to Chicago, IL.

2001 – After losing roughly $70 million, the XFL, co-sponsored by NBC and the World Wrestling Federation, shut down operations after just one season.

2001 – The FBI discovered several thousand pages of documents related to the Oklahoma City bombing that the agency never turned over to the lawyers for Timothy McVeigh.

2002 – Robert Hanssen was sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole. Hanssen, an FBI agent, had sold U.S. secrets to Moscow for $1.4 million in cash and diamonds.

2002 – Dr. Pepper announced that it would be introducing a new flavor, Red Fusion, for the first time in 117 years.

2005 – The iTunes Music Store reached 400 million songs sold.

2011 – It was announced that Microsoft had closed a deal to purchase the internet phone service Skype for $8.5 billion.

2013 – In New York, NY, crane operators hoisted the final pieces of the spire atop One World Trade Center (formerly called the Freedom Tower), making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

2024 – Start of the May 2024 Solar Storms, the most powerful set of Geomagnetic storms since the 2003 Halloween solar storms.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jim Abrahams – 81 a old (1944) – Writer, director (“Airplane!”, “Hot Shots!”, “Hot Shots! Part Deux”)

Donovan – 79 a old (1946) – Singer

Graham Gouldman – 79 a old (1946) – Musician (10cc)

Dave Mason – 79 a old (1946) – Guitarist (Traffic)

Chris Berman – 70 a old (1955) – ESPN sportscaster

Bono – 65 a old (1960) – Singer (U2)

Linda Evangelista – 60 a old (1965) – Model

Jason Brooks – 59 a old (1966) – Actor (TV’s “Days of our Lives”, “Baywatch Hawaii”)

Young MC – 58 a old (1967) – Rapper

Erik Palladiono – 57 a old (1968) – Actor (TV’s “ER”, “Joan of Arcadia”, “NCIS: Los Angeles”)

Helio Castroneves – 50 a old (1975) – Race car Driver (TV’s “Dancing With the Stars: Season Five”)

Amanda Borden – 48 a old (1977) – Olympic Gymnast

Kenan Thompson – 47 a old (1978) – Actor (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”, “Kenan and Kel”, movie “Snakes on a Plane)

TODAY IS:

Mother Ocean Day: Pay homage to the incredible force of nature that is the ocean, which houses over a million different species, many of which are endangered or threatened.
World Lupus Day: Learn the symptoms so you can act fast against the life-threatening autoimmune disease known as Lupus, which effects at least five million people globally.
National Shrimp Day: Celebrate the taste of the sea! Indulge in delicious shrimp dishes, discover new recipes, and gather with friends and family.
Trust Your Intuition Day: Trust Your Intuition Day encourages us to embrace our inner voice and instincts. It's a special occasion that highlights the value of trusting our gut feelings when making decisions. Our intuition often guides us towards better choices, helping us navigate life's complexities with confidence. On this day, we remind ourselves...
International Day of Argania: Every year during this time of year, people worldwide celebrate the International Day of Argania. This special day celebrates the argan tree, an ancient species that has grown in Morocco for about 80 million years. These trees are not just old; they play a crucial role in the local economy and...
National German Shepherd Day: National German Shepherd Day celebrates one of the most admired dog breeds in the world. These dogs are known for their sharp minds, steady focus, and strong work ethic. You’ll often see them in uniforms or helping people with daily tasks. But they’re more than just workers—they’re loyal companions too. Their...
O. Henry Pun‑Off Day: The O. Henry Pun‑Off Day is a lively celebration of pun lovers gathering to enjoy clever wordplay. It brings people together in a fun setting to savor humor based on shared love for twists in language. Contestants step up, ready to trade groan‑worthy jokes and clever lines. A judging panel...
National Veal Ban Action Day: National Veal Ban Action Day gets people thinking about something often hidden behind closed doors—the lives of baby calves. It’s not just about cutting out a type of meat. It’s about understanding what those animals go through before they end up on someone’s plate. Many are confined in small crates...
National Washington Day: National Washington Day celebrates the state named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. Known as the "Evergreen State," Washington offers lush forests, majestic mountains, and a vibrant cultural scene. From the bustling streets of Seattle to the serene landscapes of Olympic National Park, the state showcases a blend of...
National Lipid Day: National Lipid Day shines a spotlight on the vital role lipids play in our bodies. Lipids, including fats and cholesterol, are essential for energy storage, hormone production, and cell structure. However, when lipid levels become imbalanced, health issues can arise. This day emphasizes understanding and managing lipid levels to maintain...
National Ship Via Rail Day: National Ship Via Rail Day celebrates the importance of transporting goods by rail. This day focuses on the benefits of rail transport, which include efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Railroads have played a crucial role in moving goods across the country, helping to build and sustain industries. Trains continue to...
Children’s Day in the UK: Children's Day in the UK is a special event that highlights the importance of childhood. It is a day filled with activities and celebrations focused on the well-being and happiness of children. Families, schools, and communities come together to create a fun and supportive environment for kids. The day is...
National Small Business Day: National Small Business Day is celebrated annually to honor small businesses and their impact on local economies. These businesses provide unique products and services and are crucial in creating jobs and fostering innovation. The day highlights the creativity and resilience of small business owners who often work tirelessly to support their...
National Clean Your Room Day: National Clean Your Room Day, celebrated annually, is a refreshing chance to transform your living space. This day isn't just about regular cleaning. It focuses on creating a happier, more organized environment. People take this opportunity to clear out clutter, donate unused items, and feel good about their space! How to...
Mother’s Day: Call, visit, or plan an outing to show your mom you appreciate her, or share memories of your mother if you’ve lost that important figure in your life.
One Day Without Shoes Day: Reconnect with the Earth (literally) and go one day without shoes, dig up old shoes to donate, or donate to foundations that give shoes to children in need.
National Nurse’s Week: Give a big thank-you to the hard-working, often under-paid medical professionals who keep hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and hospice care running.
Screen-Free Week: Have you ever tried turning off your screens for a whole week? Imagine a week without your phone, computer, or TV. This is what Screen-Free Week is all about. It happens every year during the first week of May. During this time, people across the globe power down their devices...
Deaf Awareness Week: Deaf Awareness Week is the one week when society can really make an effort to raise public awareness of the issues that can affect deaf people and their culture. Society and its development are entwined with the growth of deaf communities and deaf education this week. It’s when we can...
Children’s Book Week : Spark the joy of exploration in young minds through tales that open doors to realms of endless fascination and growth.
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 Mills Weekend: National Mills Weekend is a vibrant event in the UK, where hundreds of windmills and watermills open their doors to the public. How to Celebrate National Mills Weekend Visit a Local Mill Start your adventure by visiting a nearby windmill or watermill. Many open their doors to the public during National Mills...
Dying Matters Awareness Week: Dying Matters Awareness Week is a vibrant annual event in the UK. This week encourages open conversations about death, dying, and bereavement. It invites communities to break the silence around these often-taboo subjects to foster a more supportive environment for everyone facing these realities. How to Observe Dying Matters Week Host a...
Dog Anxiety Awareness Week: Dog Anxiety Awareness Week spotlights a common but often overlooked issue affecting our canine companions. This special week encourages dog owners to recognize and address the signs of anxiety in their pets, promoting a happier, healthier life for them! How to Celebrate Dog Anxiety Awareness Week Be a Detective for the...
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 -...
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...
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 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...
Somerset Day: Somerset Day turns the spotlight on the stunning county of Somerset in southwest England. This day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a heartfelt tribute to Somerset's rich tapestry of life! From its historical battles to modern-day festivals, Somerset has carved its niche as a place of beauty...
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...