May 25

Scott Winters May 25, 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:

1787 – The Constitutional convention opened in Philadelphia, PA, with George Washington presiding.

1822 – The first steam powered boat arrived in Detroit, MI. The “Superior” carried 94 passengers from Buffalo, NY.

1844 – The gasoline engine was patented by Stuart Perry.

1844 – The first telegraphed news dispatch, sent from Washington, DC, to Baltimore, MD, appeared in the Baltimore “Patriot.”

1895 – James P. Lee first published “Golf in America — A Practical Manual.”

1927 – Ford Motor Company announced that the Model A would replace the Model T.

1927 – The “Movietone News” was shown for the first time at the Sam Harris Theatre in New York, NY.

1935 – Babe Ruth, then playing for the Boston Braves, hits the 714th and final home run of his career. A record that would stand for 39 years.

1935 – In Ann Arbor, MI, at a Big Ten Conference Track and Field Championship, Jesse Owens tied the world record for the 100-yard dash. He ran it in 9.4 seconds. He also broke three other world track records.

1953 – The first public television station in the U.S. officially began broadcasting as KUHT from the campus of the University of Houston.

1953 – In Nevada, the first atomic cannon was fired.

1961 – John F. Kennedy promised to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade, which did happen.

1965 – Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston just one minute and 42 seconds into their heavyweight championship fight at Lewiston, ME.

1968 – The Gateway Arch, part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, MO, was dedicated.

1969 – The X-rated film “Midnight Cowboy”, starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, opened in theaters.

1970 – Boeing Computer Services was founded.

1977 – The movie “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” opened and became the largest grossing film to date.

1978 – The first bomb of a series of bombings orchestrated by the Unabomber detonated at Northwestern University resulting in minor injuries.

1979 – An American Airlines DC-10 crashed during takeoff at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, killing all 258 passengers and 13 crew on board and two people on the ground. It is the deadliest aviation accident to have occurred in the United States.

1981 – Daredevil Daniel Goodwin scaled the Sears Tower, in Chicago, IL. It took him 7 1/2 hours. He was dressed as Spiderman and used suction cups.

1983 – Michael Jackson stole the show with his moonwalk in the NBC television special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. Other stars of the broadcast include Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, The Four Tops, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson reuniting with The Miracles.

1983 – The movie “The Return of the Jedi” opened nationwide. It set a new record in opening day box office sales, selling $6,219,629 worth of tickets.

1985 – Bangladesh was hit with a hurricane and tidal wave that killed more than 11,000 people.

1986 – Approximately 7 million people participated in “Hands Across America” to make a human chain across the U.S. to raise money for the hungry and homeless. The event raised over $15 million.

1988 – Debbie Gibson’s song “Foolish Beat” hit #1 on the charts, making her the youngest artist (at age 17) to write, sing and produce a #1 hit.

1992 – Jay Leno debuted as the new permanent host of NBC’s “Tonight Show”.

1992 – In Manilla, Pepsi announced that “349” was the winning number for a $37,000 grand prize in its “Number Fever” contest. Unfortunately, due to what Pepsi called a computer software glitch, 800,000 people had bottle caps with that winning number. In this public relations nightmare, violence erupted as angry consumers attacked bottling plants and delivery trucks.

1997 – Senator Strom Thurmond became the longest-serving senator in U.S. history. He served 41 years and 10 months.

2000 – The Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Inc. signed a long-term deal that ended a dispute over the airing policies of Time Warner. Time Warner had blacked out Disney programs for a 39 hour period the previous month due to the lack of an agreement.

2001 – Erik Weihenmayer, 32, of Golden, CO, became the first blind climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

2001 – Sherman Bull, 64, of New Canaan, CT, became the oldest climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

2001 – The movie “Pearl Harbor”, starring Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Colm Feore, and Alec Baldwin, premiered in theaters. The film presented a heavily fictionalized version of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

2005 – Carrie Underwood won TV’s “American Idol”.

2006 – In Houston, TX, former Enron Corp. chiefs Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were convicted of conspiracy and fraud for the downfall of Enron.

2007 – The movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” opened in theaters, with Keith Richards as the father of Johnny Depp’s character, Captain Jack Sparrow.

2007 – ABC announced that Rosie O’Donnell had been released from her contract and would not be returning to TV’s “The View”.

2008 – NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander landed in the arctic plains (Green Valley region) of Mars.

2010 – Nicole Scherzinger won “Dancing With the Stars”, beating skater Evan Lysacek and sportscaster Erin Andrews in the finale.

2011 – Oprah Winfrey aired her last show, ending her 25 year run of TV’s “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

2011 – In Tucson, AZ, Jared Lee Loughner, charged with various federal and state crimes for shooting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and murdering six others on January 8th, was found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial.

2011 – At the age of 16, Scotty McCreery won the tenth season of TV’s “American Idol”, the youngest man ever to do so.

2012 – The SpaceX Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully rendezvous with the International Space Station.

2020 – In Minneapolis, MN, George Floyd was killed after a police officer kneeled on his neck for an extended period of time, setting off worldwide protests.

BIRTHDAYS:

Ron Nessen – 91 years old (1934) – White House Press Secretary for President Gerald Ford 1974-1977

Sir Ian McKellen – 86 years old (1939) – Actor (“Gods and Monsters”, “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, “Apt Pupil”, “Last Action Hero”, “Richard III”, “Six Degrees of Separation”)

Jessi Colter – 82 years old (1943) – Country singer (“I’m Not Lisa”)

Leslie Uggams – 82 years old (1943) – Actress, singer (“Roots”, “Deadpool”, TV’s “Empire”)

Frank Oz – 81 years old (1944) – Actor, puppeteer

Karen Valentine – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “Room 222”, “Karen”, movies “Hot Lead and Cold Feet”, “The North Avenue Irregulars”)

Jacki Weaver – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (“Animal Kingdom”, “Silver Linings Playbook”)

Klaus Meine – 77 years old (1948) – Lead singer (Scorpions)

Patti D’Arbanville – 74 years old (1951) – Actress, model (TV’s “New York Undercover”, “The Guiding Light”)

Connie Sellecca – 70 years old (1955) – Actress, model (TV’s “Hotel”, “Flying High”, “The Greatest American Hero”)

Mike Myers – 62 years old (1963) – Actor, comedian (“Austin Powers” movies, “Wayne’s World”, “Shrek”, TV’s “Saturday Night Live”)

Jamie Kennedy – 55 years old (1970) – Actor, comedian (“Malibu’s Most Wanted”, “Son of the Mask”, TV’s “Heartbeat”)

Justin Henry – 54 years old (1971) – Actor (“Kramer vs. Kramer”)

Octavia Spencer – 53 years old (1972) – Actress (“The Help”, “Hidden Figures”, “Fruitvale Station”, “Allegiant”, “Snowpiercer”, TV’s “Red Band Society”, “Mom”)

Molly Sims – 52 years old (1973) – Actress, model (TV’s “Las Vegas”)

Cillian Murphy – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (“Breakfast on Pluto”, “Red Eye”, “The Wind That Shakes the Barley”, “Peacock”, TV’s “Peaky Blinders”)

TODAY IS:

Geek Pride Day: Meet fellow geeks at Geek Pride events and celebrations, or simply show your pride and interest by talking about the geeky things you love most.
Indianapolis 500: Get yourself some tickets to the Indy 500 and see some of the fastest racing in-person. Otherwise, get your friends together and watch the broadcast.
National Wine Day: If only every day was Wine Day. Gather some friends together and splurge on some fancier wines, or visit a vineyard to try out your local selections.
National Tap Dance Day: Take a tap dance class, see a show, or watch a tap film to appreciate this form of rhythmic dancing that has its roots in 19th Century slave communities.
Global Africa Day: Global Africa Day, observed annually, brings attention to Africa's unity and development. Originating from the first meeting of the Organization of African Unity, the day emphasizes collaboration among nations! How to Celebrate Global Africa Day People worldwide celebrate African culture, achievements, and potential as an important part of this event. Check...
Towel Day: No matter what you do on Towel Day, the number one thing to remember is: DON’T PANIC. Honor the legacy of Douglas Adams by carrying a towel with you.
International Skin Pigmentation Day: Every year on this day, people around the world mark International Skin Pigmentation Day. This day shines a light on a common skin condition called hyperpigmentation, where some areas of the skin become darker than others. How to Celebrate International Skin Pigmentation Day Dive Into Dermatology Why not start your day with...
National Sing Out Day: National Sing Out Day is a special day celebrated each year to remember the joy and fun of singing out loud, no matter where you are or how well you can carry a tune. It's a day for everyone to embrace their unique voices and share their love of music...
National Brown-Bag-It Day: Crafting a satisfying midday meal, pack it thoughtfully for a daily boost, enhancing your lunchtime experience.
International Plastic Free Day: Imagine a world where our landscapes and oceans are free from plastic bag litter. International Plastic Bag Free Day invites us to envision such a place. This day encourages everyone to rethink their daily habits, especially their reliance on single-use plastic bags. By choosing reusable alternatives, we take small steps...
National Missing Children’s Day: When a child goes missing, time slows, and every second feels heavy with worry. National Missing Children’s Day emphasizes these moments, urging people to stay watchful and aware. Families facing this nightmare need support, and this day reminds everyone to pay attention. It’s not just about statistics—it’s about real kids...
World Thyroid Day: A tiny gland in the neck controls energy, weight, and body temperature. World Thyroid Day raises awareness about its importance and the risks of thyroid disorders. When this gland doesn’t function properly, it can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and serious health concerns. Many people experience symptoms without knowing the...
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...
Dementia Action Week: Dementia Action Week is a key time of action. It’s time to step up your game on behalf of those who live with the disease. This event means different things while being significant to many different people. But one thing about it is the same -- it should bring us all...
National Safe Sun Week: National Safe Sun Week is a special time dedicated to educating people about the dangers of too much sun and how to stay safe. Held in the last week of May, right before the Memorial Day holiday, it marks the beginning of summer. This is when folks often start spending...
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 Children’s Gardening Week: Did you know that children who spend time in gardens often grow up to be more environmentally conscious? National Children’s Gardening Week aims to inspire a love for gardening among kids. Held annually in the late spring, this event is a great opportunity to encourage children to explore nature! How to...
Italian Beef Week: What's better than sinking your teeth into a juicy sandwich piled high with tender beef, topped with sweet peppers?