Category Archives: MAY in HiSTORY

MAY 31 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

Today in History for May 31st ~ video presented by the Associated Press

1678 ~ The Godiva procession through Coventry began on the 31st day of May in 1678.

1790 ~ The Copyright Act of 1790 was enacted in United States on the 31st day of May in 1790.

1809 ~ Joseph Haydn the Austrian composer died on the 31st day of May in 1809 (b. 1732).

1813 ~ LawsonBlaxland & Wentworth reached Mount Blaxland, effectively marking the end of a route across the Blue Mountains in Australia on the 31st day of May in 1813.

1838 ~ Henry Sidgwick the English philosopher was born on the 31st day of May in 1838 (d. 1900).

1872 ~ W. Heath Robinson the English cartoonist was born on the 31st day of May in 1872 (d. 1944).

1923 ~ Rainier III, Prince of Monaco was born on the 31st day of May in 1923 (d. 2005).

1927 ~ The last Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line after a production run of 15,007,003 vehicles on the 31st day of May in 1927.

1929 ~  The Karnival Kid, the first talking cartoon of Mickey Mouse was released on the 31st day of May in 1929.

1930 ~ Clint Eastwood the American film director and actor was born on the 31st day of May in 1930.

1932Jay Miner the American microchip designer was born on the 31st day of May in 1932 (d. 1994).

1938 ~ Peter Yarrow the American folk singer from Peter, Paul and Mary was born on the 31st day of May in 1938.

1940 ~ Gilbert Shelton the American underground comics illustrator was born on the 31st day of May in 1940.

1955Tommy Emmanuel the Australian Guitarist was born on the 31st day of May in 1955.

1962 ~ Corey Hart the Canadian musician was born on the 31st day of May in 1962.

1965Brooke Shields the American actress and supermodel was born on the 31st day of May in 1965.

1988World No Tobacco Day was first celebrated on the 31st day of May in 1988, when it was passed by the World Health Assembly, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day every year.

 

 

MAY 30 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1631 – La Gazette, the first French newspaper was 1st published on the 30th May 1631.

1862Anton Ažbe the Slovene realist painter and teacher of painting was born on the 30th May 1862 (died August 1905).

1908 – Mel Blanc the American voice actor and singer was born on the 30th May 1908 (died 1989).

1909 – Benny Goodman the American clarinet player, songwriter, and bandleader was born on the 30th May 1909 (died 1986).

1928 ~ Pro Hart the Australian painter was born on the 30th May 1928 (died 28th March 2006 aged 77).

1959 – The Auckland Harbour Bridge over Waitemata Harbour in AucklandNew Zealand was officially opened on the 30th May 1959, by Governor-General Charles Lyttelton, 10th Viscount Cobham.

1966Surveyor 1 the 1st US spacecraft to land on an extraterrestrial body was launched on the 30th May 1966.

1971 – Mariner 9 was launched on the 30th May 1971, to study temporal changes in the atmosphere and map the surface of Mars.

1974 – The Airbus A300 passenger aircraft 1st entered service on the 30th May 1974.

1989 – Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 was on the 30th May 1989

2013 – Nigeria passed a law banning same-sex marriage on the 30th May 2013.

Today in History for May 30th ~ video presented by the Associated Press

MAY 29 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1860 ~ Isaac Albéniz the Spanish pianist and composer was born on the 29th May 1860 (died 1909).

1886 ~ The 1st COCA~COLA advertisement was placed by Chemist John Pemberton on the 29th day of May in 1886. The Coca~Cola ad appeared in the Atlanta Journal.

1903 ~ BOB HOPE the English born American comedian and actor was born born Leslie Hope on the 29th day of May in 1903 (died 2003 aged 100).

1917 ~ John F. Kennedy the American lieutenant and 35th President of the United States was born on the 29th May 1917 (died 1963).

1919 ~ ALBERT EiNSTEiN‘s theory of general relativity was tested on the 29th day of May in 1919.

1945 ~ Gary Brooker the English singer-songwriter and pianist from Procol Harum was born on the 29th May 1945.

1953 ~ EDMUND HiLLARY & TENZiNG NORGAY became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on the 29th day of May in 1953.

Mount Everest from Kalapatthar (photo by Pavel Novak)
Mount Everest from Kalapatthar (photo by Pavel Novak)

1953Danny Elfman the American singer-songwriter from Oingo Boingo was born on the 29th May 1953.

1961 ~ Melissa Etheridge the American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist was born on the 29th May 1961.

1967 ~ Noel Gallagher the English singer-songwriter and guitarist from Oasis was born on the 29th May 1967.

1975 ~ Mel B the English the singer-songwriter from Spice Girls was born Melanie Brown on the 29th May 1975.

1999SPACE SHUTTLE DiSCOVERY completed the first docking with the International Space Station on the 29th day of May in 1999.

Today in History for May 29th ~ video presented by the Associated Press

MAY 28 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

585BC – A solar eclipse occurred on the 28th May in the year 585 BC, as predicted by the Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes was battling Cyaxares in the Battle of Halys, which became a truce. This is one of the cardinal dates from which other dates are calculated.

1660 – George I of Great Britain was born on the 28th May 1660 (died 1727).

1837 – George Ashlin the Irish architect and co-designer of St Colman’s Cathedral was born on the 28th May 1837 (died 1921).

1837 – Tony Pastor the American businessman was born on the 28th May 1837 (died 1908).

1853 – Carl Larsson the Swedish painter was born on the 28th May 1853 (died 1919).

1858 – Carl Richard Nyberg the Swedish inventor, businessman and developer of the blow torch was born on the 28th May 1858 (died 1939).

1868Jean Schopfer the French tennis player competing for France, and a writer, known under the pseudonym of Claude Anet was born in Morges, Switzerland on the the 28th May 1868 (died 9th January 1931 aged 62).

1878 – Paul Pelliot the French sinologist and explorer was born on the 28th May 1878 (died 1945).

1883 – Clough Williams-Ellis the English-Welsh architect and designer of the Portmeirion Village was born on the 28th May 1883 (died 1978).

1892 ~ The Sierra Club was organized by John Muir on the 28th May 1892, in San Francisco, California. The Sierra Club is one of the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organizations in the United States. The Sierra Club official website: www.SierraClub.org | Sierra Club Twitter verified: www.twitter.com/SierraClub | Sierra Club Google Plus

1907 – The first Isle of Man TT race was held on the 28th May 1907.

1910 – T-Bone Walker the American singer-songwriter and guitarist was born on the 28th May 1910 (died 1975).

1911 – Fritz Hochwälder the Austrian playwright was born on the 28th May 1911 (died 1986).

1912 – Ruby Payne-Scott the Australian physicist and astronomer was born on the 28th May 1912 (died 1981).

1917 – Papa John Creach the American violinist from Jefferson Airplane was born on the 28th May 1917.

1923 – György Ligeti the Romanian-Austrian composer was born on the 28th May 1923 (died 2006).

1934 – The Dionne quintuplets were born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne on the 28th May 1934, becoming the 1st quintuplets to survive infancy. The 5 sisters; Yvonne Édouilda Marie Dionne (died 23rd June 2001 aged 67), Annette Lillianne Marie Dionne (Allard), Cécile Marie Émilda Dionne (Langlois), Émilie Marie Jeanne Dionne (died 6th August 1954 aged 20), Marie Reine Alma Dionne (Houle)(died 27th February 1970 aged 35) were born outside Callander, Ontario, Canada, near the village of Corbeil.

1935 – Anne Reid the English actress was born on the 28th May 1935.

1936 – Alan Turing submitted On Computable Numbers for publication on the 28th May 1936.

1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, was officially opened by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Washington, D.C. on the 28th May 1937.

1937 – Volkswagen (VW), the German automobile manufacturer was founded on the 28th May 1937.

1941 – Beth Howland the American actress was born on the 28th May 1941.

1944 – Billy Vera the American singer-songwriter and actor was born on the 28th May 1944.

1945 – Patch Adams the American physician, author and founder of the Gesundheit! Institute was born on the 28th May 1945.

1945 – John Fogerty the American singer-songwriter and guitarist from Creedence Clearwater Revival was born on the 28th May 1945.

1947 – Zahi Hawass the Egyptian archaeologist was born on the 28th May 1947.

1947 – Lynn Johnston the Canadian illustrator was born on the 28th May 1947.

1949 – Wendy O. Williams the American singer from the Plasmatics was born on the 28th May 1949 (died 1998).

1951 – The British radio comedy program The Goon Show was broadcast on the BBC for the first time on the 28th May 1951.

1952 – The women of Greece were given the right to vote on the 28th May 1952.

1954 – Townsend Coleman the American voice actor was born on the 28th May 1954.

1961 – Roland Gift the English singer-songwriter from Fine Young Cannibals was born on the 28th May 1961.

1961 – Michelle Collins the English actress was born on the 28th May 1961.

1962 – Brandon Cruz the American actor was born on the 28th May 1962.

 

1968 ~ KYLiE MiNOGUE the Australian singer and actress was born in Melbourne on the 28th May 1968. Kylie Ann Minogue (OBE) is simply known as Kylie, and began her career as a child actress on Australian television. Kylie originally achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before starting her career as a recording artist in 1987. Kylie Minogue online: official website: www.Kylie.com | www.FACEBOOK.com/KylieMinogue verified | www.TWiTTER.com/KylieMinogue verified | YouTube channel: www.YOUTUBE.com/KylieMinogue | www.MYSPACE.com/KylieMinogue | Kylie’s SPOTiFY | YouTube video: [HD] Kylie Minogue ~ Can’t Get You Out Of My Head (Blue Monday Mix Edit) official music video…

Kylie Minogue Cannes Film Festival 2008 black mercedes beautiful pretty sexy girl smiling blonde hair gold earings photo by Georges Biard
Kylie Minogue at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008 (Photo by Georges Biard)

1970 – Ian Cashmore the English paranormal investigator was born on the 28th May 1970 (died 2011).

1977 – In Southgate, Kentucky, the Beverly Hills Supper Club was engulfed in fire on the 28th May 1977, killing 165 people.

1979 – Monica Keena the American actress was born on the 28th May 1979.

1980 – Mark Feehily the Irish singer-songwriter and pianist from Westlife was born on the 28th May 1980.

1982 – Alexa Davalos the French-American actress was born on the 28th May 1982.

1985 – Colbie Caillat the American singer-songwriter and guitarist was born on the 28th May 1985.

1985 – Carey Mulligan the English actress was born on the 28th May 1985.

1999 – Cameron Boyce the American actor and dancer was born on the 28th May 1999.

 

1993 – Eritrea and Monaco joined the United Nations on the 28th May 1993.

2002 – The Mars Odyssey found signs of large ice deposits on the planet Mars on the 28th May 2002.

2003 – Peter Hollingworth became the 1st Governor-General of Australia to resign his office as a result of criticism of his conduct on the 28th May 2003.

2011 – Malta voted on the introduction of divorce on the 28th May 2011.

2012 – Flame, a complex malware program targeting computers in Middle Eastern countries, was discovered and announced on the 28th May 2012.

Today in History for May 28th ~ video presented by the Associated Press

MAY 27 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1923 – Henry Kissinger the German-American politician, 56th United States Secretary of State and Nobel Prize laureate was born on the 27th May 1923.

1927 – The Ford Motor Company ceased manufacture of the Ford Model T on the 27th May 1927, and began to retool plants to make the Ford Model A.

1933 – The Walt Disney Company released the cartoon Three Little Pigs on the 27th May 1933, with its hit song Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?.

1935Lee Meriwether the American actress, former model and winner of the 1955 Miss America pageant was born on the 27th May 1935. Lee Meriwether is best known for her role as Betty Jones in Barnaby JonesYouTube video: Barnaby Jones intro…

1945 – Bruce Cockburn the Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist was born on the 27th May 1945.

1957 – Siouxsie Sioux the English singer-songwriter from Siouxsie and the Banshees was born on the 27th May 1957.

1958 – The F-4 Phantom II made its 1st flight on the 27th May 1958.

1958 – Neil Finn the New Zealand singer-songwriter from Split EnzCrowded House and Finn Brothers was born on the 27th May 1958.

1965 – Pat Cash the Australian tennis player was born on the 27th May 1965.

1966 – Heston Blumenthal the English chef and author was born on the 27th May 1966.

1971 – Wayne Carey the Australian footballer and coach was born on the 27th May 1971.

1974George Clarke the British architect, television presenter, lecturer and writer was born on the 27th May 1974. George Clarke is best known for his work on the Channel 4 series The Home Show and The Restoration Man.

1975Jamie Oliver the British chef, restaurateur and media personality was born James Trevor Oliver on the 27th May 1975. Jamie Oliver’s official website: www.JamieOliver.com | Facebook verified: www.facebook.com/JamieOliver | Twitter verified: www.twitter.com/JamieOliver | www.instagram.com/JamieOliver | Google Plus | Pinterest | Jamie Oliver YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/JamieOliver

1975 – André 3000 the American rapper from OutKast was born André Benjamin on the 27th May 1975. YouTube video: OutCast: Hey Ya! (2003) song written and produced by André 3000 for The Love Below album. Hey Ya! was No.1 in North America in the Billboard Hot 100 for 9 weeks, also topping the Billboard Hot Digital Tracks for 17 weeks, No.1 in Australia, Norway, Sweden and in the Top 10 in the UK, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland. In 2005 the Recording Industry Association of America certified single platinum for shipping one million copies. At the 46th Grammy Awards the song won Best Urban/Alternative Performance…

Today in History for May 27th ~ video presented by the Associated Press 

MAY 26 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1602 ~ Philippe de Champaigne the French painter was born on the 26th May 1602 (died 1674).

1805 ~ Napoléon Bonaparte assumed the title of King of Italy on the 26th May 1805, and was crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy in the Duomo di Milano, the gothic cathedral in Milan.

1864 ~ Montana was organized as a United States territory on the 26th May 1864.

1865 ~ Robert W. Chambers the American artist was born on the 26th May 1865 (died 1933).

1873 ~ Olaf Gulbransson the Norwegian artist was born on the 26th May 1873 (died 1958).

1886 ~ Al Jolson the American singer, comedian and actor was born on the 26th May 1886 (died 1950).

1895 ~ Dorothea Lange the American photographer was born on the 26th May 1895 (died 1965).

1896 ~ Nicholas II became Tsar of Russia on the 26th May 1896.

1896Charles Dow published the 1st edition of the Dow Jones Industrial Average on the 26th May 1896.

1897 ~ DRACULA  the novel by Irish author Bram Stoker was published on the 26th May 1897. See Bram Stoker’s Dracula 1992 official movie trailer starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves and Tom Waits. This is director Francis Ford Coppola’s visually stunning, passionately seductive version of Bram Stoker’s classic legend.

Bram Stokers Dracula The Greatest Vampire haunted castle Full Moon horse carriage blood sucking fangs scary book cover artwork
Bram Stokers Dracula ~ The Greatest Vampire

1906 ~ Vauxhall Bridge was opened in London on the 26th May 1906.

1907John Wayne the American actor was born on the 26th May 1907 (died 1979).

1920 ~ Peggy Lee the American singer-songwriter and actress was born on the 26th May 1920 (died 2002).

1926Miles Davis the American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer from Miles Davis Quintet  was born on the 26th May 1926 (died 1991).

1940Levon Helm the American musician, songwriter, producer and actor was born on the 26th May 1940, best known as a member of The Band and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band (died 2012).

1945 ~ Garry Peterson the Canadian drummer from The Guess Who and Bachman–Turner Overdrive was born on the 26th May 1945.

1946Mick Ronson the English musician, songwriter and producer was born on the 26th May 1946, best known as a member of The Spiders from Mars and Mott the Hoople (d. 1993).

1948 ~ Stevie Nicks the American singer-songwriter and musician from Fleetwood Mac was born on the 26th May 1948.

1949 ~ Ward Cunningham the American computer programmer who developed the 1st wiki was born on the 26th May 1949.

1949Hank Williams Jr. the American singer-songwriter and musician was born on the 26th May 1949.

1951 ~ Sally Ride the American astronaut was born on the 26th May 1951 (died 2012).

1955Adam Curtis the English film maker was born Kevin Adam Curtis on the 26th May 1955. His best known work is The Century of the Self (2002), a film that examined how Freud‘s theories of the unconscious shaped the development of PR and advertising. He says, “My favourite theme is power and how it works in society”, with his works exploring areas of philosophysociology and political history

1962Bobcat Goldthwait the American actor was born on the 26th May 1962.

1964Lenny Kravitz the American singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and actor was born on the 26th May 1964.

1968 ~ Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark was born on the 26th May 1968.

1969 ~ Apollo 10 returned to Earth on the 26th May 1969, after a successful 8 day test of all the components needed for the forthcoming first manned Moon landing.

1972 ~ Willandra National Park was established in Australia on the 26th May 1972.

1977 ~ George Willig climbed the South Tower of New York City‘s World Trade Center on the 26th May 1977.

1981Isaac Slade the American singer-songwriter and musician from The Fray was born on the 26th May 1981.

1987Josh Thomas the Australian comedian, actor, and writer was born on the 26th May 1987.

1991Julianna Rose Mauriello the American actress best known as Stephanie in LazyTown was born on the 26th May 1991. Facebook.com/pages/Julianna-Rose-Mauriello

1998 – The 1st National Sorry Day was held in Australia on the 26th May 1998, and reconciliation events were held nationally, and attended by over a million people.

2005 ~ Eddie Albert the American actor died on the 26th May 2005 (born 1906).

2008 ~ Sydney Pollack the American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter died on the 26th May 2008 (born 1934).

2012Shaun Wilson-Miller the inspirational Australian teenage writer of An Awesome Ride book passed away at 1.40pm on the 26th May 2012. 17 year old Shaun Miller suffered from a chronic heart condition, and became very well known for his inspirational YouTube video: My Final Goodbye (see video below). The video went viral online, with over 3 million views, touching the hearts of many people around the World. Sadly, Shaun Miller passed away at 1.40pm on the 26th May 2012, from a terminal heart condition. An Awesome Ride by Shaun Miller is published by AKA Publishing & available at Booktopia. Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/groups/ShaunMillersFamilyandFriends & Tribute Facebook page: Shaun Wilson-Miller a Brave Young Man

Today in History for May 26th ~ video presented by the Associated Press

MAY 25 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1878 – The Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore opened at the Opera Comique in London on the 25th May 1878.

1898 – Bennett Cerf the American publisher and co-founder of Random House was born on the 25th May 1898 (died 1971).

1925 – John T. Scopes was indicted for teaching Charles Darwin‘s theory of evolution on the 25th May 1925.

1944 – Frank Oz the English-American puppeteer, voice actor, and director was born on the 25th May 1944.

1953 – KUHT officially began broadcasting as the 1st public television station in the United States, from the campus of the University of Houston, on the 25th May 1953.

1958 – Paul Weller the English singer-songwriter and guitarist from The Jam and The Style Council was born on the 25th May 1958.

1959 – Julian Clary the English comedian, actor, and author was born on the 25th May 1959.

1955 – The 1st ascent of Kangchenjunga (8,586m), the 3rd highest mountain in the world was led by Joe Brown and George Band on the 25th May 1955.

1961 –  U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced his goal to initiate a Apollo program project to put a “man on the Moon” before the end of the decade, on the 25th May 1961.

1963 ~ Valerie Clarke & Werner Kressnig were married on the 25th May 1963. Valerie & Werner  Kressnig are the parents of artist Anton K. Kressnig. Valerie and Werner celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on the 25th May 2013.

Newlyweds bride groom Valerie Werner Kressnig 25 May 1963 wedding reception St.Kilda black suit white bridal dress flowers sixties 60s
Newlywed couple Valerie & Werner Kressnig on Saturday 25th May 1963 at their wedding reception at Robert Maars Cabaret in St.Kilda, Victoria, Australia.

1963 – Mike Myers the Canadian-American actor, singer, screenwriter, and producer was born on the 25th May 1963.

1964 – Ray Stevenson the Irish-English actor was born on the 25th May 1964.

1977 – Chinese government removed a decade old ban on William Shakespeare‘s work, which effectively ended the Cultural Revolution started in 1966.

1977 ~ The 1st STAR WARS  film in the series was released on the 25th day of May in 1977. The film series was created by George Lucas under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide phenomenon, followed by 2 sequels. The revenue generated by the Star Wars films totaled $4.49 billion, making it the 3rd highest grossing film series, behind the Harry Potter and James Bond films.

1986 – Hands Across America took place on the 25th May 1986.

2011 – Oprah Winfrey aired her last show, ending her 25 year run of The Oprah Winfrey Show on the 25th May 2011.

2012 – The Dragon spacecraft became the 1st commercial spacecraft to successfully rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) on the 25th May 2012.

Today in History for May 25th ~ video presented by the Associated Press

 

MAY 24 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1686 ~ Gabriel Fahrenheit the German inventor and thermometer maker was born on the 24th day of May in 1686 (d. 1736).

1830 ~ Mary Had a Little Lamb by Sarah Josepha Hale was published on the 24th day of May in 1830.

1844 ~ Samuel Morse sent the message “What hath God wrought” (a biblical quotation, Numbers 23:23) from the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the United States Capitol to his assistant, Alfred Vail, in Baltimore, Maryland to inaugurate the first telegraph line on the 24th day of May in 1844.

1930 ~ Amy Johnson landed in Darwin, Northern Territory on the 24th day of May in 1930 becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia (she left on May 5 for the 11,000 mile flight).

1940 ~ Igor Sikorsky performed the first successful single rotor helicopter flight on the 24th day of May in 1940.

1941 ~ Bob Dylan the American singer and songwriter was born on the 24th day of May in 1941.

1944 ~ Patti LaBelle the American R&B singer, songwriter and actress was born on the 24th day of May in 1944.

1945 ~ Priscilla Presley the American actress was born on the 24th day of May in 1945.

1956 ~ The Eurovision Song Contest was held for the first time on the 24th day of May in 1956, in Lugano, Switzerland.

1956Larry Blackmon the American lead singer from Cameo was born on the 24th day of May in 1956.

1965Humphrey B. Bear the Australian children’s television series was 1st broadcast on Adelaide’s NWS-9 on Monday the 24th May 1965.

1969Anne Heche the American actress was born on the 24th May 1969.

1972Layne Beachley the Australian former professional surfer from ManlyNew South Wales was born on the 24th May 1972. Layne Beachley won the World Surfing Championship 7 times. Layne’ Beachley’s official website: www.LayneBeachley.com | verified Twitter.com/LayneCBeachley | Facebook.com/LayneBeachleyOfficial | Youtube.com/user/LayneBeachley/videos | YouTube video: Layne Beachley ~ Profile: One successful child from down Under is the original Aussie, surf animal and also 8-time world champ Layne Beachley from Sydney. She’s not only the reigning competition queen and big wave charger but also a business woman. She paved the way for women surfers and changed the way the world looks at woman in surfing…

1981Andy Lee the Australian comedian was born Andrew Lee on the 24th May 1981. Since 2003, Andy has worked live on television and radio with Hamish Blake as part of the comedy duo Hamish and Andy. Andy Lee is best known as the bloke who dates girls out of his league since his unexplainable 4 year relationship with model Megan Gale. Visit Andy @ www.HamishAndAndy.com

2001 ~ Temba Tsheri the 15 year old Sherpa became the youngest person to climb to the top of Mount Everest on the 24th day of May in 2001.

Today in History for May 24th ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

MAY 23 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1568 ~ The NETHERLANDS declared their independence from Spain on the 23rd day of May in 1568.

1707 ~ Carolus Linnaeus the Swedish botanist was born on the 23rd May 1707 (died 1778).

1734 ~ FRANZ ANTON MESMER the Austrian physician and hypnotist best known for naming the theory of animal magnetism (magnétisme animal) was born on the 23rd day of May in 1734 (d. 1815). Franz theorised that there was a natural energetic transference that occurred between all animated and inanimate objects, in which he called animal magnetism, and later referred to as mesmerism. His theory attracted a wide following  and influence until the end of the 19th century.

1795 ~ Charles Barry the English architect was born on the 23rd May 1795 (died 1860).

1810 ~ Margaret Fuller the American journalist was born on the 23rd May 1810 (died 1850).

1820 ~ James Buchanan Eads the American engineer, inventor and designer of the Eads Bridge was born on the 23rd May 1820 (died 1887).

1829 ~ The ACCORDiON patent was granted to Cyrill Demian in Vienna on the 23rd day of May in 1829. This video features some amazing Accordion skills by Alexander Hrustevich performing the Presto from Summer by Vivaldi..

1834 ~ Carl Heinrich Bloch the Danish painter was born on the 23rd May 1834 (died 1890).

1848 ~ Otto Lilienthal the German aviation pioneer and engineer was born on the 23rd May 1848 (died 1896).

1873 – The Canadian Parliament established the North-West Mounted Police on the 23rd May 1873, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

1910Hugh Casson the English architect, designer, and artist was born on the 23rd May 1910 (died 1999).

1911 ~ The New York Public Library was dedicated on the 23rd May 1911.

1933 ~ JOAN COLLiNS the English actress was born on the 23rd day of May in 1933. Joan Collins was best known as Alexis Colby on the long running 1980s television soap opera Dynasty

1934 ~ ROBERT MOOG the American inventor of the Moog synthesizer was born on the 23rd day of May in 1934 (d. 2005)

1934 ~ BONNiE & CLYDE the American bank robbers were ambushed by police and killed in Black Lake, Louisiana on the 23rd day of May in 1934.

1937 ~ JOHN D. ROCKELLER the American industrialist and philanthropist died on the 23rd day of May in 1937 (b. 1839).

1944 ~ JOHN NEWCOMBE the Australian former World No. 1 tennis player was born on the 23rd day of May in 1944.

1945 ~ HEiNRiCH HiMMLER the Nazi official and head of the SS committed suicide while in Allied custody on the 23rd day of May in 1945.

1949 ~ The FEDERAL REPUBLiC of GERMANY was established on the 23rd day of May in 1949, and known as West Germany until the German reunification on the 3rd day of October in 1990.

German soccer fans flying the German flag at the Worldcup (photo by Arne Müseler)
German soccer fans flying the German flag at the Worldcup (photo by Arne Müseler)

*German flags photo by Arne Müseler ~ see the full original image  

1951 ~ ANATOLY KARPOV the Russian chess grandmaster and former World Champion was born on the 23rd day of May in 1951.

1955 ~ LUKA BLOOM the Irish singer-songwriter was born on the 23rd day of May in 1955.

1958DREW CAREY the American actor, comedian and game show host was born on the 23rd day of May in 1958.

1958 ~ MiTCH ALBOM the American writer was born on the 23rd day of May in 1958.

1958 ~ Explorer 1 ceased transmission on the 23rd May 1958.

1967Phil Selway the English drummer from Radiohead was born on the 23rd May 1967.

1970Matt Flynn the American drummer from Maroon 5 was born on the 23rd May 1970.

1973Maxwell the American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer was born on the 23rd May 1973.

1974JEWEL the American singer was born on the 23rd day of May in 1974.

1983 ~ HEiDi RANGE the English singer from Sugababes and originally from Atomic Kitten was born on the 23rd day of May in 1983.

1995 ~ Java programming language (first version) was released on the 23rd May 1995.

2000 ~ WORLD TURTLE DAY started on the 23rd day of May in 2000. World Turtle Day is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue, to help increase attention, knowledge and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. American Tortoise Rescue online: Tortoise.com & American Tortoise Rescue Facebook  

A Sea Turtle at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Nebraska USA (photo by Algy O'Connell)
A Sea Turtle at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Nebraska USA (photo by Algy O’Connell) www.OmahaZoo.com

2013HAZEL HAWKE the Australian wife of 23rd Prime Minister Bob Hawke, author and amateur pianist died on the 23rd May 2013 (born 1929).

Today in History for May 23rd ~ video presented by the Associated Press… 

MAY 22 ~ ON THiS DAY in History

1724 – Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne the French explorer was born on the 22nd May 1724 (died 1772).

1733 – Hubert Robert the French artist was born on the 22nd May 1733 (died 1808).

1783 – William Sturgeon the English physicist and inventor of the Electromagnet and Electric motor  was born on the 22nd May 1783 (died 1850).

1807 – Most of the English town of Chudleigh was destroyed by fire on the 22nd May 1807.

1809 – On the 2nd and last day of the Battle of Aspern-Essling (near Vienna, Austria), Napoleon I was repelled by an enemy army for the first time on the 22nd May 1809.

1813 – Richard Wagner the German composer was born on the 22nd May 1813 (died 1883).

1819 – The SS Savannah left port at Savannah, GeorgiaUnited States on the 22nd May 1819, on a voyage to become the 1st steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The ship arrived at Liverpool, England on June 20 1819.

1826 – HMS Beagle departed on its 1st voyage on the 22nd May 1826.

1840 – The transportation of British convicts to the New South Wales colony was abolished on the 22nd May 1840.

1844 – Mary Cassatt the American artist was born on the 22nd May 1844 (died 1926).

1849 – President Abraham Lincoln was issued a patent for an invention to lift boats over obstacles in a river on the 22nd May 11849, the only patent ever issued to a U.S. President.

1864 – Willy Stöwer the German artist was born on the 22nd May 1864 (died 1931).

1897 – The Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames was officially opened on the 22nd May 1897.

1906 – The Wright brothers were granted U.S. patent number 821,393 for their Flying-Machine on the 22nd May 1906.

1907 – Hergé the Belgian writer and artist was born on the 22nd May 1907 (died 1983). Hergé was the pen name of Georges Prosper Remi, best known for The Adventures of Tintin comic book series, which he wrote and illustrated from 1929 until he died in 1983.

1907 – Laurence Olivier the English actor was born on the 22nd May 1907 (died 1989).

1936 – M. Scott Peck the American psychiatrist and writer was born on the 22nd May 1936 (died 2005).

1942 – Calvin Simon the American singer and musician from Parliament-Funkadelic was born on the 22nd May 1942.

1950 – Bernie Taupin the English singer-songwriter and poet was born on the 22nd May 1950.

1955Iva Davies the Australia frontman of Icehouse was born on the 22nd May 1955.

1957 – Gary Sweet the Australian actor was born on the 22nd May 1957.

1958 – Denise Welch the English actress was born on the 22nd May 1958.

1959 – Morrissey the English singer-songwriter and pianist from The Smiths was born on the 22nd May 1959.

1961 – An earthquake rocked New South Wales on the 22nd May 1961..

1962 – Continental Airlines Flight 11 crashed after bombs exploded on board on the 22nd May 1962.

1964 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the goals of his Great Society social reforms on the 22nd May 1964,  to bring an “end to poverty and racial injustice” in America.

1969 – Apollo 10 ‘s lunar module flew within 8.4 nautical miles (16 km) of the moon‘s surface on the 22nd May 1969..

1970 – Naomi Campbell the English model and actress was born on the 22nd May 1970.

1972 – Alison Eastwood the American actress and model was born on the 22nd May 1972.

1978Katie Price (previously known as Jordan) the English media personality, reality TV star, author, former glamour model and businesswoman was born on the 22nd May 1978. Katie Price was originally a topless Page Three female glamour model in The Sun newspaper, before expanding into television, books, fashion and music. Katie Price was once married to Australian singer Peter Andre from 2005 to 2009. Katie Price’s official website: www.KatiePrice.co.uk | Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatiePrice | verified Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MissKatiePrice

1980 – Namco released Pac-Man on the 22nd May 1980.

1982 – Apolo Anton Ohno the American speed skater was born on the 22nd May 1982.

1982 – Erin McNaught the Australian model, television host and Miss Australia 2006 was born on the 22nd May 1982.

1987 – First ever Rugby World Cup kicked off with New Zealand playing Italy at Eden Park in AucklandNew Zealand on the 22nd May 1987.

1990 – North and South Yemen were unified to create the Republic of Yemen on the 22nd May 1990.

1990 – Microsoft released the Windows 3.0 operating system on the 22nd May 1990.

1992 – After 30 years, 66-year-old Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show for the last time on the 22nd May 1992.

1992 – Bosnia and HerzegovinaCroatia and Slovenia joined the United Nations on the 22nd May 1992.

1998 – Lewinsky scandal: a federal judge ruled that United States Secret Service agents could be compelled to testify before a grand jury on the 22nd May 1998, concerning the scandal, involving President Bill Clinton.

2011 – An EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri on the 22nd May 2011, killing 162 people and wreaking $2.8 billion worth in damage, becoming the costliest and 7th deadliest single tornado in U.S. history.

2012 – Tokyo Skytree was opened to public on the 22nd May 2012. It became the tallest tower in world (634 m), and the 2nd tallest man-made structure on Earth, after Burj Khalifa (829.8 m).

2012 ~ The FALCON 9 launched the first commercial flight to space, with a cargo delivery to a space station by a private company on the 22nd day of May in 2012. The Falcon rocket was topped by an unmanned Dragon freight capsule, when it lifted clear of its Florida pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 03:44 EDT (07:44 GMT; 08:44 BST). The launch system has been built by California-based firm SpaceX. See Nasa’s news: SpaceX Launches Falcon 9/Dragon on Historic Mission 

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Falcon 9 launches with first Dragon spacecraft (Photo: NASA ~ National Aeronautics & Space Administration)
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft lift off from Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Falcon 9 launches with first Dragon spacecraft (Photo: NASA ~ National Aeronautics & Space Administration)

2012 ~ JAMES DOOHAN the Star Trek legend best known as Montgomery “Scotty” Scott was beamed up to space on the 22nd day of May in 2012. His ashes were blasted into space aboard the Falcon 9 Rocket (as seen above)the first commercial rocket launched into the space, along with Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper, and more than 300 other hardcore space fans. James Doohan died in 2005 at the age of 85, and the first attempt to send his ashes into the orbit in 2008 was unsuccessful after the rocket carrying them failed.

James Doohan aka Scotty at the first Swiss Star Trek Convention in Lucerne in 1997 (photo by Gestumblindi)
James Doohan aka Scotty at the first Swiss Star Trek Convention in Lucerne in 1997 (photo by Gestumblindi)
James Doohan aka Scotty visiting NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center with pilot Bruce Peterson on 13 April 1967 in front of the Northrop M2-F2
James Doohan aka Scotty visiting NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center with pilot Bruce Peterson on 13 April 1967 in front of the Northrop M2-F2

*see the full image at NASA and more info about this photo and project at this NASA page

Today in History for May 22nd ~ video presented by the Associated Press

International Day for Biological Diversity