May 6

Scott Winters May 6, 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:

1835 – James Gordon Bennett published the “New York Herald” for the first time.

1840 – The first adhesive postage stamps went on sale in Great Britain.

1851 – The mechanical refrigerator was patented by Dr. John Gorrie.

1851 – Linus Yale patented the clock-type lock.

1861 – Arkansas became the ninth state to secede from the Union.

1877 – Chief Crazy Horse surrendered to U.S. troops in Nebraska.

1889 – The Universal Exposition opened in Paris, France, marking the dedication of the Eiffel Tower. Also at the exposition was the first automobile in Paris, the Mercedes-Benz.

1915 – Babe Ruth, then a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, hit his first major league home run.

1937 – The German airship Hindenburg crashed and burned while attempting to dock in Lakehurst, NJ. Thirty-six people (of the 97 on board) were killed.

1941 – Bob Hope gave his first USO show at California’s March Field.

1946 – The New York Yankees became the first major league baseball team to travel by plane.

1954 – Runner Roger Bannister of Britain became the first man to break the four minute mile.

1957 – Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage”.

1959 – The Pablo Picasso painting of a Dutch girl was sold for $154,000 in London. It was the highest price paid (at the time) for a painting by a living artist.

1960 – President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1960.

1962 – The first nuclear warhead was fired from the Polaris submarine.

1982 – Diana Ross received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Supremes were not honored until 1994.

1965 – Keith Richards fell asleep while improvising with a new guitar. The next morning he couldn’t remember the riffs, but “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” had been preserved on a tape recorder.

1989 – Cedar Point, in Sandusky, OH, opened Magnum XL-200. It was the first roller coaster to break the 200 feet height barrier.

1990 – Dominic Cuzzacrea ran the 26.2-mile Buffalo, New York, marathon in 3 hours and 6 minutes, all while flipping a pancake.

1994 – The Pearl Jam vs. Ticketmaster fight began when the band canceled their summer tour and filed a complaint with the Justice Department, charging that the company had a monopoly on the concert ticket business.

1994 – The Channel Tunnel officially opened. The tunnel under the English Channel links England and France.

1994 – Former Arkansas state worker Paula Jones filed suit against President Bill Clinton. The case alleged that he had sexually harassed her in 1991.

1997 – Army Staff Sgt. Delmar G. Simpson was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping six trainees at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

1997 – Four health-care companies agreed to a settlement of $600 million to hemophiliacs who had contracted AIDS from tainted blood between 1978-1985.

1999 – A parole board in New York voted to release Amy Fisher. She had been in jail for 7 years for shooting (but not killing) her lover’s wife, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, in the face.

2001 – Chandra Levy’s parents reported her missing to police in Washington, DC. Levy’s body was found on May 22, 2002 in Rock Creek Park.

2002 – “Spider-Man” became the first movie to make more than $100 million in its first weekend.

2002 – Elon Musk founded SpaceX with the goals of making space flight cheaper and colonizing Mars.

2004 – NBC aired the final episode of “Friends”. 52.46 million viewers turned in to make it the 4th most watched TV series finale in U.S. history.

2005 – In Augusta, GA, a statue of James Brown was unveiled. The bronze life size statue was to commemorate Brown’s musical accomplishments.

2013 – Three women missing for more than a decade were found alive in Cleveland, OH. Ariel Castro was taken into custody.

2023 – The coronation of Charles III and Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms was held in Westminster Abbey, London.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jimmie Dale Gilmore – 80 years old (1945) – Singer, actor

Bob Seger – 80 years old (1945) – Musician, singer. Born in Detroit, MI.

Grier Jones – 79 years old (1946) – Golfer

Alan Dale – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (TV’s “The Young Doctors”, “Neighbours”)

Mary MacGregor – 77 years old (1948) – Singer (“Torn Between Two Lovers”)

Davey Johnstone – 74 years old (1951) – Musician (Elton John’s band)

Gregg Henry – 73 years old (1952) – Actor, musician (TV’s “The Riches”, “White Collar”, “Scandal”, “The Killing”, movie “Guardians of the Galaxy”)

Tony Blair – 72 years old (1953) – former British Prime Minister (1997-2007)

Tom Bergeron – 70 years old (1955) – TV Host (TV’s “Dancing with the Stars”, “Hollywood Squares”, “America’s Funniest Home Videos”)

Roma Downey – 65 years old (1960) – Actress (TV’s “The Bible”, “Touched by an Angel”)

Julianne Phillips – 65 years old (1960) – Model, actress (TV’s “Sisters”)

George Clooney – 64 years old (1961) – Actor (TV’s “The Facts of Life”, “E/R”, movies “Batman & Robin”, the “Oceans” movies, “Argo”, “Syriana”, “Good Night and Good Luck”, “Up in the Air”, “Michael Clayton”, “The Perfect Storm”, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, “Three Kings”, “Out of Sight”, “One Fine Day”)

Mark Bryan – 58 years old (1967) – Guitarist (Hootie and the Blowfish)

Chris Shiflett – 54 years old (1971) – Musician (Foo Fighters)

Adrianne Palicki – 42 years old (1983) – Actress (TV’s “Friday Night Lights”, movies “Legion”, “Red Dawn”, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”, “John Wick”)

Gabourey Sidibe – 42 years old (1983) – Actress (“Precious”, TV’s “The Big C”, “Empire”, “American Horror Story”)

TODAY IS:

National Nurses Day: National Nurses Day spotlights the vital role that nurses play in our healthcare system. It kicks off National Nurses Week, the end of which coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, a pioneering figure in nursing. The American Nurses Association and other organizations mark this period with activities and tributes...
World Asthma Day: Raise awareness and help improve the lives of the many people around the world who suffer from asthma, a common but potentially life-threatening ailment.
International No Diet Day: Drop your rules and restrictions around eating and join a movement of no-shaming body positivity and health-focused education on International No Diet day.
National Beverage Day: Try a liquid-only diet for a day to appreciate the versatility of beverages. Smoothies, juices, and other drinks can provide much of your needed nutrients.
National Tourist Appreciation Day: When tourists visit a new place, they bring new perspectives, a boost to the local economy, and a chance for locals to share their culture.
Poem on Your Pillow Day: Print or write out a poem to leave on the pillow of a loved one or guest. Maybe a funny poem for a child, or a love poem to make your special someone smile.
No Homework Day: Rejoice! Studies show that homework can be ineffective or even counterproductive to learning, so take the day off and enjoy other activities on No Homework Day.
National Foster Care Day: National Foster Care Day brings attention to the lives of children who enter foster care through no fault of their own. Each child carries a different story—some filled with sudden change, others shaped by years of uncertainty. Foster care steps in as a temporary home when families face serious difficulties...
Joseph Brackett Day: Joseph Brackett Day honors a man whose song still stirs hearts. Joseph Brackett, a Shaker elder from Maine, wrote "Simple Gifts" in 1848. This tune, with its clear melody and thoughtful lyrics, grew beyond its roots. Though once known mainly within Shaker circles, it gained wider attention when Aaron Copland...
National Crepe Suzette Day: Have you ever tasted the magic of a Crêpe Suzette? This classic French dessert combines delicate, thin pancakes with a rich, buttery orange sauce. Imagine warm crêpes soaking up a sweet blend of caramelized sugar, fresh citrus juice, and a splash of orange liqueur. The grand finale? A quick flambé...
Childhood Depression Awareness Day: Did you know that children can experience depression, just like adults? Childhood Depression Awareness Day shines a light on this serious issue. It's a time dedicated to increasing understanding and support for young ones struggling with depression. How to Observe Childhood Depression Awareness Day Try some of these suggestions on how to...
National Teacher Day: If children are the future, teachers are the ones making sure that future is a good one. Give thanks to and see how you can help these under-paid workers.
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.
National Lawyer Well-Being Week: Lawyers have high-stress jobs, and yet are often the punchline of jokes. Join the Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being to see how you can support these crucial workers.
Teacher Appreciation Week : The unsung champions shaping tomorrow, deserve our gratitude for guiding and inspiring young minds on their incredible learning journeys.
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.
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...
National Physical Education and Sport Week: National Physical Education and Sport Week kicks off a lively month dedicated to fitness and sports. It's a period that highlights the crucial roles health and physical education play in developing lifelong healthy habits! How to Celebrate National Physical Education and Sport Week Celebrating National Physical Education and Sport Week is...
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...
Air Quality Awareness Week: Without air, life on Earth would cease to exist! Clean air is necessary not only for humans and other animals, but also for plants and entire ecosystems to survive and thrive. When the quality of the air is compromised, it can affect the health of everyone – leading to health...