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 years old (1944) – Drummer

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

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

Pierce Brosnan – 72 years 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 years old (1955) – Former CEO of Universal, songwriter (“Whisper in the Dark”, “To Love You More”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Love a Tree Day: Did you know that trees provide countless benefits to both nature and people? On National Love a Tree Day, we recognize the invaluable gifts trees offer! They cool our neighborhoods with their shade, provide homes for wildlife, and purify the air by filtering out pollutants. Plus, their natural beauty brings...
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
Walk Safely to School Day: Walk Safely to School Day is an energetic and enthusiastic event that encourages children to walk to school with their families, friends, or community members. This annual event aims to make walking to school a fun and educational experience while also highlighting its benefits. Kids enjoy the fresh air and...
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...
Horse Rescue Day: Supporting equine welfare, contributing to the care and rehabilitation of horses in need, fostering a brighter future for them.
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...
International Boys’ Day: Embracing the uniqueness of boyhood, cherishing strengths, and celebrating the joy in every spirited moment of life.
International Day of Light: Harnessing light's prowess, unlocking technological marvels that redefine possibilities and propel innovation into an enlightened future.
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.
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.
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...
National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day: National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day celebrates one of the most elegant and beloved dishes in French cuisine. This day honors not only the dish but also the timeless traditions of French gastronomy. Whether enjoyed in a restaurant or made at home, Coquilles Saint Jacques invites food lovers to savor the...
International Invention Day: Transforming imaginative ideas into tangible reality can change lives, spark innovation, and drive human progress forward.
Wear Purple for Peace Day: Wear Purple for Peace Day is a unique observance that encourages people to embrace unity and peace. It invites individuals from all walks of life to don purple clothing as a symbol of harmony. This event serves as a gentle reminder of our collective power when standing together for peace! How...
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...
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...
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...
National Classic Movie Day: Longing for days past when movies were made on actual film reels and not over-produced with digitization and computers? Then this event is just for you! Join in on a day that takes a step into the past and celebrates the classic movies of the early 20th century. National Classic...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 -...
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 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...
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 Salvation Army Week: Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
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...