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 years old (1944) – Writer, director (“Airplane!”, “Hot Shots!”, “Hot Shots! Part Deux”)

Donovan – 79 years old (1946) – Singer

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

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

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

Bono – 65 years old (1960) – Singer (U2)

Linda Evangelista – 60 years old (1965) – Model

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

Young MC – 58 years old (1967) – Rapper

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

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

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

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

TODAY IS:

World Fair Trade Day: Make conscientious shopping choices and research which companies use child labor, unsafe practices, and more to cut corners, so you can avoid them.
National Train Day: Go out and take a ride on a train, or watch them go by from a comfortable vantage point, whether fast, sleek commuter trains or large, loud steam engine transporters.
National Windmill Day: Drive out to windmill country, or read up about the history of windmills and how they can provide clean, sustainable energy by harnessing Earth’s natural power.
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.
Archery Day: Channel your inner Robin Hood with a sport that's equal parts precision and athleticism, and requires quick reflexes and a sharp eye.
National Shrimp Day: Celebrate the taste of the sea! Indulge in delicious shrimp dishes, discover new recipes, and gather with friends and family.
World Belly Dance Day: Take a Bellydancing class, or go see a professional to enjoy this ancient and mesmerizing form of expression commonly associated with the Middle East.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day: With projections that up to 200 million people will experience food insecurity across the globe, the concerns about people being able to feed their families are very real! As food prices and the overall cost of living continue to spike across the US and in many other places, this leaves many...
World Buckfast Day: Buckfast Tonic Wine is a Scottish invention that the rest of the world needs to catch up on: a wine that contains as much caffeine as eight cans of Coke.
Stay Up All Night Day: Stay Up All Night Day is a special day that celebrates the thrill and challenge of staying awake through the night. This day is dedicated to fun, encouraging people who want to engage in various activities they enjoy, from watching movies to spending time with friends and family -- all...
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...
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...
World Migratory Bird Day: Every year, birds travel thousands of miles to find warmer climates, food and nesting grounds — a sign of the changing seasons.
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.
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...
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...
World Collage Day: Unleash creativity by weaving diverse elements into a visual symphony that speaks volumes without uttering a word.
National Babysitter’s Day: A trusted support system for the little ones, enabling moms and dads to have a break while knowing their children are in safe, capable hands.
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...
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 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...
Birth Mother’s Day: Recognizing the love and sacrifice, embracing a choice that shapes lives, honoring courage and compassion unconditionally.
CdLS Awareness Day: Shedding light on CdLS, fostering understanding and support for those navigating this unique journey of resilience and strength.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day: Martin Z. Mollusk Day brings smiles to Ocean City’s beach. People gather early, waiting to see a little hermit crab. This isn’t just any crab. Martin is the town’s mascot, dressed in a bright, silly costume. He shuffles along the sand, searching for his shadow. If he sees it, summer...
National Dog Mom’s Day: There are certain times of year that parents of canines may not get as much attention as parents of other types of children – for instance, those of the human variety. But on this day they do! Because it’s time to show appreciation for these puppy parental figures on National Dog...
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.
Children’s Book Week : Spark the joy of exploration in young minds through tales that open doors to realms of endless fascination and growth.
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...
National Pet Week: National Pet Week is a celebration of the special connection we share with our pets. It's a time to honor the animals that fill our lives with joy, whether they're loyal dogs, playful cats, or even fish or birds. Throughout this week, pet owners are encouraged to consider ways to...
Public Service Recognition Week: Public Service Recognition Week celebrates the dedicated work of public servants across the United States. These individuals include federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees. They play vital roles in our daily lives, from delivering mail and teaching children to ensuring public safety and managing resources. This week is...
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...
National Tourism Week: Embark on journeys that unfold stories, connecting cultures, creating memories, and weaving the tapestry of global exploration.
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...
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...
National Wildflower Week : The opportunities for enjoying and celebrating National Wildflower Week are probably as vast and fascinating as the number of wildflower species there are in the world. And since there are at least 20,000 species of wildflowers in the US alone, that’s definitely a lot to celebrate! How to Celebrate National...
National Correctional Officer’s Week: National Correctional Officer's Week is a dedicated time to recognize the essential work correctional officers do every day. These officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and order in our nation's prisons and jails. Their work often goes unnoticed by the public, but it is vital for the security...
Drinking Water Week: Water is an essential resource that supports every aspect of our lives. Drinking Water Week highlights its importance, emphasizing how clean water is vital for health and community growth. This celebration educates the public on how water reaches our taps and the rigorous processes ensuring its safety. Communities celebrate this week...
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 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...