🗓️ On This Day - May 10th
Today we have the opportunity to learn more about lupus, tidy our rooms, celebrate groundbreaking leaders throughout history, and eat all the shrimp - providing you’re not allergic that is!
On this day
Early GPS was born.
On this day in 1765, the British Longitude Act awarded clockmaker John Harrison a huge prize sum for his invention of a marine chronometer! This was a super accurate timepiece that allowed sailors to determine their longitude at sea. Harrison's invention made long-distance sea travel safer and more efficient!
From Sea to Shining Sea!
On May 10th 1869, the Golden Spike was officially planted into the Earth, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the US down in Utah. The event connected the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, making it possible to travel by rail from the east to west coast for the first time.
Women led the way!
On May 10th, 1872, Victoria Woodhull became the very first woman to be nominated for the Presidency of the United States. Woodhull was a women's rights activist and suffragist - and her nomination was a groundbreaking moment in the history of women's rights and has helped paved the way for multiple generations of women in politics!
Mandela got sworn in.
On this day back in 1994, Nelson Mandela was iconically sworn in as South Africa's first black president, marking the end of apartheid and heralding a stunning beginning of a new era for the country. His inauguration represented a huge milestone in the struggle for democracy and human rights in South Africa!
The (no) ice age?
In 2017 on May 10th, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) released a shocking report stating that some glaciers in Montana had shrunk by as much as 85% over the last 50 years. The findings revealed an immediate need for global action to address the causes and effects of climate change - which millions continue to fight against to this day!
Special Days Falling on May 10th
As always, there are special occasions to celebrate today - and yes, there’s an odd food celebration in the ranks!
World Lupus Day
World Lupus Day is held every May 10th to raise awareness about the chronic autoimmune disease, lupus, an illness which affects millions of people worldwide. Today’s aim is to educate people about the symptoms and impact of lupus, improve diagnosis and treatment, and provide support for those living with the disease.
National Shrimp Day
Well, why not? Today is a great opportunity for lovers of this crescent-shaped seafood delicacy to pause and enjoy the delicious and versatile nature of shrimp. If you want to celebrate this holiday to the max, try serving your shrimp in a new way, how about grilled, fried, or even sprinkling these morsels of fishy perfection in a salad?
National Clean Up Your Room Day
This could just have been made up by parents to get their kids to tidy up - who knows? In any case, today we encourage people to tidy up and organize their living spaces. The day is the perfect opportunity for individuals to go all “Marie Kondo” and create a more comfortable and efficient living environment. Get tidying!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
It was May 1984 when Jack Tramiel founded his eponymous company - and two months after founding, he renamed it Atari. The company soon became a giant in the gaming industry and went on to launch numerous video gaming consoles, introducing homes to some of the most loved games of all time, including Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
Famous Birthdays on May 10th
John Wilkes Booth, American stage actor and assassin, born 1838
Fred Astaire, American stage and screen tap dancer, born 1899
Donovan, Scottish guitarist and singer-songwriter, born 1946
Sid Vicious, English musician and Sex Pistol, born 1957
Ellen Ochoa, American astronaut, born 1958
If you were born on May 10th…
You fall under the second zodiac sign, Taurus. The Taurus zodiac sign is heralded by the bull and is a grounded and balanced earth sign!
Tauruses are known for their work hard, relax hard personalities. They are highly practical, reliable, and have a love of luxury and comfort!
Want to know more about your life as a Taurus? Get some insight over at our Taurus fact page!
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