May 15

Scott Winters May 15, 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:

1862 – The U.S. Congress created the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1905 – Las Vegas, NV, was founded when 110 acres, in what would later become downtown, were auctioned off.

1911 – The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of Standard Oil Company, ruling it was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

1912 – Ty Cobb, of the Detroit Tigers, rushed a heckler during a game and was suspended indefinitely.

1918 – Regular airmail service between New York (NY), Philadelphia (PA), and Washington, DC, began under the direction of the Post Office Department, which later became the U.S. Postal Service.

1926 – Roald Amundsen and Lincoln Ellsworth were forced down in Alaska after a four-day flight over an icecap. Ice had begun to form on the dirigible Norge.

1926 – The New York Rangers were officially granted a franchise in the NHL. The NHL also announced that Chicago and Detroit would be joining the league in November.

1928 – Walt Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse premiered in their first cartoon, “Plane Crazy”.

1930 – Ellen Church became the first female flight attendant, flying from San Francisco, CA to Cheyenne, WY on a United Airlines flight.

1940 – McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in San Bernardino, CA.

1940 – Nylon stockings went on sale for the first time in the U.S.

1941 – Joe DiMaggio began his historic major league baseball hitting streak of 56 games.

1942 – Gasoline rationing began in the United States. The limit was 3 gallons a week for nonessential vehicles.

1951 – AT&T became the first corporation to have one million stockholders.

1953 – Cubmaster Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, in Manhattan Beach, CA.

1957 – Elvis Presley inhaled a cap that was on one of his teeth. He had to be taken to a Los Angeles, CA, hospital to have it removed from his lung.

1958 – Sputnik III, the first space laboratory, was launched in the Soviet Union.

1963 – The final Mercury mission, Mercury-Atlas 9, with astronaut L. Gordon Cooper on board, was launched. He became the first American to spend more than a day in space and orbited the Earth 22 times in the Mercury spacecraft named Faith 7.

1970 – President Richard Nixon appointed Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington as America’s first two female generals.

1972 – Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot and paralyzed by Arthur Bremer in Laurel, MD, while campaigning for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

1980 – The first transcontinental balloon crossing of the United States took place.

1981 – Canadian TV’s “SCTV” debuted on NBC’s Friday late night schedule as “SCTV 90”.

1990 – Vincent Van Gogh’s “Portrait of Doctor Gachet” was sold for $82.5 million. The sale set a new world record.

1991 – President George Bush took Queen Elizabeth II to a baseball game played by the Oakland A’s and the Baltimore Orioles.

1997 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis blasted off on a mission to deliver urgently needed repair equipment and a fresh American astronaut to Russia’s orbiting Mir station.

1998 – Sonny and Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2010 – Jessica Watson became the youngest person (at the age of 16) to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo.

2014 – The National September 11 Memorial Museum was dedicated in New York, NY.

2020 – The White House introduced Operation Warp Speed to accelerate vaccine development for COVID-19.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jasper Johns – 95 a old (1930) – Artist

Wavy Gravy – 89 a old (1936) – Entertainer, peace activist

Lainie Kazan – 85 a old (1940) – Actress (“My Favorite Year”, “The Delta Force”, “Harry and the Hendersons”, “Beaches”, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”)

Graeham Goble – 78 a old (1947) – Singer (Little River Band)

Brian Eno – 77 a old (1948) – Musician (Roxy Music)

Chazz Palminteri – 73 a old (1952) – Actor (“Analyze This”, “The Usual Suspects”, “A Bronx Tale”, “Mulholland Falls”)

George Brett – 72 a old (1953) – Baseball player

Mike Oldfield – 72 a old (1953) – Musician, composer (“Tubular Bells”)

Lee Horsley – 70 a old (1955) – Actor (TV’s “Matt Houston”)

Dan Patrick – 69 a old (1956) – Former ESPN Sports Center anchor, syndicated radio program host

Giselle Fernández – 64 a old (1961) – TV host (TV’s “Access Hollywood”, “Weekend Today”, “CBS Morning News”, “Dancing With the Stars”)

Emmitt Smith – 56 a old (1969) – Football player (TV’s Season 3 of “Dancing With The Stars”, “All-Stars” season 15)

Desmond Howard – 55 a old (1970) – Football player (Detroit Lions 1999-2002), ESPN college football analyst.

David Charvet – 53 a old (1972) – Singer, actor (TV’s “Baywatch”, “Melrose Place”)

Ahmet Zappa – 51 a old (1974) – Musician

Amy Chow – 47 a old (1978) – Olympic gymnast

David Krumholtz – 47 a old (1978) – Actor (TV’s “Numb3rs”, movies “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”,”Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”, “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas”)

Jamie-Lynn Sigler – 44 a old (1981) – Actress (TV’s “The Sopranos”, “Entourage”)

TODAY IS:

National Bike to Work Day: Improve your health and help the environment at the same time by leaving the car at home and taking your bike to work for at least one day of the year.
National Chocolate Chip Day: Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookie dough pops…the possibilities are endless for tasty, irresistible treats on National Chocolate Chip Day.
National Pizza Party Day: Make your own pizza at home, order in, or gather some friends for a pizza crawl through town to enjoy the ever popular Pizza Party Day.
National NASCAR Day: Rev your engines for NASCAR! The high-speed thrills, heart-pumping action, and fierce competition make for an unforgettable experience. So strap in and hold on tight, it's going to be a wild ride!
National Endangered Species Day: Many magnificent species of animal and insect are at risk of going extinct, so join the cause by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness of these threats.
National Work From Home Day: Take your work home with you and do your job from the comfort of your home office, or even your couch and sweatpants, and see how your productivity changes.
National Nylon Stocking Day: Functional and classy, the nylon stocking is an outfit-completing accessory that has declined in popularity. Help bring it back, and feel classy and attractive.
International Day of Families: Get ready for a love-filled adventure with family! Spend time with your nearest and dearest, create memories, and make the most of life's precious moments.
Hats for Headway Day: Hats for Headway Day is a lively and impactful event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for brain injury support. This fun-filled day sees participants don their most creative and wacky hats, share selfies, and make donations. The initiative not only brings attention to brain injuries but also fosters community spirit...
National Straw Hat Day: National Straw Hat Day celebrates the easy charm and everyday usefulness of straw hats. Woven from plant fibers and shaped for comfort, they have long offered a simple combination of shade, airflow, and style. The day is a chance to lean into that warm-weather spirit, whether someone wears a well-loved...
International Virtual Assistants Day: Boost awareness about the role of virtual assistants in the world of business, a gig often taken by freelancers that keeps the business community running.
International Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day: Understand the origins of vascular birthmarks, and help get rid of any stigma and misunderstandings that have to do with these very common birthmarks.
Noise Action Week: Noise Action Week is an exciting event dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of noise pollution on our daily lives. This week-long initiative encourages everyone to think about the noise they create and how it affects others. It's a time for communities to come together, learn about noise reduction...
International Conscientious Objectors Day: Not everyone agrees to pick up a weapon. Some people say no, not out of fear, but because their hearts won’t let them fight. International Conscientious Objectors Day honors those who follow their conscience, even when it costs them their freedom. These are the folks who step away from war, who...
Do Lunch with Your Dog Day: It may sound a little unusual, but Do Lunch with Your Dog Day brings joy to both people and pups. The idea is simple—share a meal with your four-legged friend and take a break from the usual routine. Some folks pack a lunch and head to a park, while others...
Shades Day: Wear a stylish (or unstylish, you do you) pair of shades, post a pic, and help raise awareness about and aid for the many struggling families in the UK.
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who stood unwavering in the face of challenge, dedicating themselves to the safety of communities.
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day: International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day focuses on the power of skin-to-skin contact between parents and newborns. In its simplest form, kangaroo care means placing a diapered baby upright on a parent’s bare chest and covering them both with a blanket or shirt for warmth. It looks like a quiet cuddle...
National Defense Transportation Day: Trains rumble down the tracks, trucks roll across highways, and planes soar through the sky. All of this movement helps keep the country strong and ready. National Defense Transportation Day calls attention to the systems and people behind this nonstop motion. Every route matters—whether it's hauling supplies, moving equipment, or supporting...
National Safety Dose Day: National Safety Dose Day focuses on the safe use of prescription medications, particularly opioids, with a broader message that applies to any medicine that can help when used correctly and harm when used carelessly. It spotlights the real-world risks of misuse, such as dependence, dangerous side effects, and overdose, while...
TSC Global Awareness Day: A small patch on the skin. A seizure out of nowhere. A child not meeting milestones. At first, nothing seems connected. But for those with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, these scattered signs point to one silent force. TSC is a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow in organs like...
MPS Awareness Day: Mucopolysaccharidosis, often shortened to MPS, is not a single condition but a family of rare inherited disorders. In MPS, the body is missing or has very low activity of specific enzymes needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). When those GAGs are not processed correctly...
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day: Scams don’t always come with warning signs. One click, one call, and suddenly someone’s life savings disappear. National Senior Fraud Awareness Day shines a light on these silent attacks. It calls attention to the tricks, traps, and tactics that target older adults. These schemes are clever, sneaky, and often heartbreaking...
HG Awareness Day: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe pregnancy condition marked by relentless nausea and vomiting. Unlike typical morning sickness, HG can lead to significant weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition, often requiring hospitalization. This condition affects approximately 1% of pregnancies and can have serious implications for both mother and baby. HG Awareness Day...
Asphalt Day: Asphalt Day celebrates a material that quietly holds everyday life together. It is easy to overlook what is underfoot and underwheel, but asphalt shows up in some of the most relied-on places: streets, parking areas, bike paths, playground surfaces, airport runways, and even shingles and waterproofing systems that help protect...
International Casinos Day: International Casinos Day celebrates the energy and excitement that fills every corner of a casino. These places aren’t just about cards or spinning reels—they’re full of color, sound, and life. People gather for the thrill, but they stay for the fun, the music, the food, and the feeling of being...
Bring Flowers To Someone Day: Send a bouquet to someone (or someones) you care about, or go out and gather some wildflowers to show your affection on Bring Flowers to Someone Day.
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.
Water Saving Week: Conserving water, a precious resource, ensures sustainability for future generations while safeguarding ecosystems and promoting efficiency.
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 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 Hoarding Awareness Week: Hoarding can feel suffocating. It clutters not just rooms but also minds. National Hoarding Awareness Week brings this often-overlooked struggle to the forefront. Many people live with piles of objects that grow until they block doors and windows. This isn’t about mess or laziness—it’s a serious condition. This week, communities...
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...