Today Importance - 15th May
1374 BC Solar eclipse (2 minutes 07 seconds) observed by Mesopotamian astronomers at Ugarit "On the new moon day, in the month of Hira, the Sun turns red and sets in the presence of Mars during the day."
1382 Battle of Beverhoutsveld near Bruges, modern Belgium – Ghent's army defeats a drunken Bruges militia
1491 Kongo monarch Nkwu Nzinga is baptized by Portuguese missionaries, taking the baptismal name of João I.
1512 Pope Julius II opens the Fifth Council of the Lateran in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
1537 Strategic city of Santa Cruz de Mompox founded on the Magdalena River (modern Colombia) by Spanish conquistadors
1558 Ferdinand I is officially appointed Holy Roman Emperor when his brother Charles abdicates the throne in 1556.
1616 Treaty of Loudoun ends the French Civil War
1621 After confessing to corruption, Francis Bacon, Lord Chancellor of England, is sentenced to imprisonment in the Tower of London, a heavy fine of £40,000, and banishment from court, parliament, and public office.
1624 The Spanish Silver Fleet sets sail for Panama
YOU MAY LIKE THIS
Today Importance - 16th May
1629 French Huguenot leader Duke de Rohan signs treaty with Spain
1640 The English House of Lords passes the Act of Attainder to execute Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, a key advisor to Charles II.
1654 Bridge Rowley, Massachusetts begins charging tolls for livestock
1660 Sweden, Poland, Brandenburg and Austria sign the Oliva Peace Treaty
1661 Johannes Hevelius observes the third transit of Mercury
1662 Connecticut granted a royal charter
1678 French victory fleet in Curaçao, 1200 dead
1715 Edmund Halley observes the "Bailey's Beads" phenomenon of a total eclipse
1722 Pierre de Marivaux's play "La Double Inconstance" premieres in Paris.
1747 William IV is appointed Prince of Orange Holland and Stadtholder of Utrecht
1765 The first North American medical college opens in Philadelphia.
1791 On 3 May the Constitution was promulgated by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, becoming the first modern constitution in Europe.
1808 This day was depicted by the Spanish painter Francisco Goya in his "The Third of May", painted in 1814.
1808 Finnish War: Sweden loses the fortress of Sjöberg to Russia
1808 Peninsular War: Madrid rebels who rebelled on 2 May were shot near the hills of Príncipe Pio
1810 English poet Lord Byron swam across the dangerous Hellespont Strait (modern Dardanelles) in Türkiye.
1815 Battle of Tolentino: Austria defeats King Joachim of Naples
1822 Society for the Propagation of the Faith was established in Lyon, France.
1830 The first regular steam train passenger service in the United States begins in South Carolina with the American-built locomotive "Charleston Best Friend".
BED BATH & BEYOND DEALS
1837 University of Athens, founded by King Otto of Greece – the first modern university in the eastern Mediterranean
1841 New Zealand is declared an independent colony from New South Wales.
1845 The first African-American lawyer, Macon B. Admitted to the bar in Allen, Massachusetts
1845 - 1,600 people died in a fire at a popular theater in Canton, China.
1846 Mexican forces begin the siege of Fort Texas near Brownsville, Texas during the Mexican–American War.
1849 The May Uprising begins in Dresden – end of the German Revolution of 1848
1851 San Francisco's sixth great fire destroys 1500–2000 buildings.
1855 Antwerp–Rotterdam railway opened
1861 General Winfield Scott presents his Anaconda Plan pitting the North against the South in the American Civil War
1861 Lincoln requests 42,000 army volunteers and another 18,000 sailors.
1863 Battle of Salem Church, Virginia
1863 The Second Battle of Fredericksburg took place in Virginia, part of the Chancellorsville Campaign of the American Civil War.
1864 Third Day of Battle at Alexandria, Louisiana: Confederate attack
1867 Hudson's Bay Company abandons all claims to Vancouver Island.
1886 M.A. Maclean was elected the first mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia.
1887 Nanaimo mine disaster: 150 killed in mine explosion – British Columbia's worst mining disaster [1]
1898 Camp Merriman built Presidio San Francisco (see 0517)
1901 Jacksonville, Florida fire destroys 1,700 buildings
1906 British-controlled Egypt captures the Sinai Peninsula from Turkey.
1910 The United States Intercollegiate Athletic Association is renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
1916 Irish nationalists Patrick Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh and Thomas Clarke were executed by firing squad for their participation in the Easter Rising.
1917 Ernest Bloch's "Sholomo: Rhapsody Hebraic" and "Israel" Carnegie Hall, NYC MainsAt the "Symphony" premiere, Artur Bodanzky conducted the former and the composer conducted the latter.
1919 Emir Amanullah of Afghanistan starts war against Great Britain
1921 Northern Ireland was created under the UK Government's Ireland Act to divide the Protestant majority into six north-eastern counties.
RECOMMENDED POST
Today Importance - 17th May
1922 Mayor Hylan closes 2 streets to build Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NYC
1922 Salt layer found in Winterswijk
1923 The first nonstop North American transcontinental flight (NY-San Diego) is completed.
1924 Aleph Zadik Aleph was formed by Sam Baber in Omaha, Nebraska.
1926 Britain's Trade Union Congress calls the country's first general strike in support of striking coal miners, which runs from 1am to midnight and lasts for 9 days.
1926 Pulitzer Prize awarded to Sinclair Lewis (Aerosmith).
1926 US Marines land in Nicaragua (9 months after departure), staying until 1933
1928 Japanese atrocities in Jinan, China
1929 Prussia bans anti-fascism
1932 24 tourists embark on the first air-charter vacation from London, England, to Basel, Switzerland.
1933 Nellie T. Ross takes office as the first female Director of the U.S. Mint
1936 French People's Front wins the election
1936 NY Yankee Joe DiMaggio makes major league debut, gets 3 hits
1937 Margaret Mitchell wins the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "Song with the Wind."
1938 Flossenbürg concentration camp used
1938 Lefty Grove defeats the Tigers 4–3 at home at Fenway Park for a record 20th consecutive win; He did not lose there until 12 May 1941
1939 Formation of All India Forward Bloc by Subhash Chandra Bose
1941 German air raids on Liverpool
1941 WPAT-AM begins broadcasting in Paterson, New Jersey
1942 The German Luftwaffe bombs Exeter again, destroying its city center
1942 Japanese troops invade Tulagi, Gavutu and Tanambogo, Solomon Islands, during World War II.
BENTLEY LEATHERS DEALS
1942 The Nazis execute 71 Dutch resistance fighters in retaliation at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg, Germany.
1942 Nazis force Dutch Jews to wear the Jewish star
1943 Upton Sinclair is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "Dragon's Teeth", about the rise of the Nazis.
1943 Strike against forced labor camps ends after 200 people are killed
1943 US 1st Armored Division captures Manticore, Tunisia
"Going My Way", directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby, premiered in New York in 1944 (Academy Award for Best Picture, 1945)
1945 The 1st Polish Armored Division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West captured Wilhelmshaven in Germany.
1945 Allies arrest German physicist Werner Heisenberg
1945 The German liner SS Cap Arcona, carrying prisoners, is sunk by the Royal Air Force in the western Baltic Sea, killing 5,800. The largest naval loss in World War II.
1945, Dutch communist politician (CPN) Louis de Visser, aged 66, killed in Allied bombing of the German prison ship SS Cap Arcona.
1946 International Military Tribunal begins in Tokyo
1947 Japan's postwar Constitution comes into force, granting universal suffrage, stripping Emperor Hirohito of all but symbolic powers, and outlawing Japan's right to wage war.
1948 First broadcast of the "CBS Evening News" – the longest-running network news show in the United States
The 1948 Pulitzer Prize was awarded to James Michener for his novel "Tales of the South Pacific" and to Tennessee Williams for his play "A Streetcar Named Desire".
1949 First launch of an American Viking rocket; reached 80 kilometers
1951 Gil McDougald sets major league record with 6 RBI in 1 inning
1951 NY Yankees Gil McDougald 5th (9th) for 6 RBI in an inning
1951 Royal Festival Hall opens in London
1951 Festival of Britain begins
1952 First landing by airplane at the geographic North Pole
The 1953 Westchester Conference of the American Library Association proclaimed "Freedom to Read".
1953 WTVO TV channel 17 Rockford, IL (NBC) begins broadcasting
1954 KTEN-TV channel 10 in Ada-Ardmore, Oklahoma (ABC) begins broadcasting.
1954 WHA TV Channel 21 Madison, Wisconsin (PBS) begins broadcasting.
1956 A new mountain range (over 13,000') is discovered in Antarctica.
Disc jockey Allen fired for inciting riot at Boston concert at 1958 Victory Day, resigns, charges dropped
1959 Tigers' Charlie Maxwell hits 4 consecutive HRs in doubleheader
1960 Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones' musical "The Fantasticks" opens in Greenwich Village, NYC, based on "
![]() |
90% COMMISSIONS - Stress Annihilator Video Series |
*****************************************
DAY OF THE YEAR
International Family Day, National Nylon Stocking Day
National Straw Hat Day, Buddha Day
International Vascular Birthmarks Awareness Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day
World Product Day, International Customer Support Day
National Chocolate Chip Day, Bring Flowers To Someone Day
Bike to Work Week, Christian Aid Week
National Women’s Health Week
*****************************************
Exploring the Mayan Calendar System
The Mayan civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BCE to the 16th century CE, is renowned for its advancements in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and writing. Among these, the Mayan calendar system stands out as one of their most fascinating and complex achievements. This calendar system is not merely a method for tracking time but is deeply intertwined with the Mayan understanding of the universe, their religious beliefs, and their agricultural practices.
Overview of the Mayan Calendar System
The Mayan calendar system is composed of multiple interlocking cycles, the most important of which are the Tzolk'in (divinatory calendar), the Haab' (civil calendar), and the Long Count (a linear calendar). Each of these calendars serves different purposes and functions, but together, they create a comprehensive framework for understanding time and its cyclical nature.
The Tzolk'in: The Sacred Round
The Tzolk'in, or the Sacred Round, is a 260-day calendar used primarily for divinatory purposes. This calendar is deeply rooted in Mayan cosmology and spirituality, and it is used to determine the timing of religious ceremonies, agricultural cycles, and other important events.
The Tzolk'in is composed of two interlocking cycles: a cycle of 20 named days (each represented by a unique glyph) and a cycle of 13 numbers. Each day in the Tzolk'in calendar is represented by a combination of a number (from 1 to 13) and a day name (one of the 20 named days), creating 260 unique days. For example, a day might be represented as "1 Imix," followed by "2 Ik'," "3 Ak'b'al," and so on.
The origins of the 260-day cycle are not definitively known, but several theories exist. Some scholars suggest that the cycle corresponds to the human gestation period, making it a natural basis for a calendar used in divination and the planning of life events. Others propose that it might be linked to agricultural cycles or the movements of celestial bodies.
The Tzolk'in is considered a sacred calendar because each day is believed to have a unique spiritual significance and influence. Mayan priests, known as shamans or daykeepers, would interpret the energies of each day to guide decision-making and rituals. The Tzolk'in calendar was also crucial in naming individuals, as the day of birth was thought to imbue a person with certain characteristics and a destiny influenced by the day's associated deities and symbols.
The Haab': The Vague Year
The Haab', or the Vague Year, is a 365-day solar calendar that approximates the solar year. Unlike the Tzolk'in, the Haab' was used primarily for civil and agricultural purposes, organizing the cycle of seasons and agricultural activities. The Haab' is composed of 18 months of 20 days each, plus an additional short month of 5 days called Wayeb'.
The 18 months each have unique names and associated glyphs, such as Pop, Wo, Sip, Sotz', and Sek. Each of these months consists of 20 days, numbered from 0 to 19, resulting in 360 days. The final 5 days of the year, known as Wayeb', were considered a dangerous and unlucky period, a time when the boundaries between the mortal and supernatural worlds were believed to be particularly thin. During Wayeb', the Mayans would perform special rituals to ward off evil and protect themselves from misfortune.
The Haab' calendar was essential for regulating agricultural activities, marking the times for planting and harvesting crops. It also played a crucial role in organizing the civic and ceremonial life of the community. While the Haab' did not perfectly align with the solar year (it was short by about a quarter of a day), the Mayans were aware of this discrepancy. Unlike the Julian or Gregorian calendars, which add a leap day every four years, the Mayans did not have a system to correct this drift within the Haab' calendar itself. READ MORE
*****************************************
![]() |
Earn cash back, get working promo codes, and browse millions of deals with Fat Coupon. Fat Coupon.com, Fat Coupon for iOS, and Fat Coupon for Google Chrome. We're the ultimate |
*****************************************
ODE À LA ROSE DEALS
What to Do in Miami in May: A Comprehensive Guide
Miami, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife, is a fantastic destination any time of year. However, May offers a unique blend of pleasant weather and exciting events, making it an ideal month to explore this dynamic city. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do in Miami in May, covering everything from outdoor activities and cultural experiences to food festivals and nightlife.
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Miami’s beaches are renowned worldwide, and May is an excellent time to visit them. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive.
South Beach: Famous for its Art Deco architecture and vibrant atmosphere, South Beach is a must-visit. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or just people-watching along the iconic Ocean Drive.
Crandon Park Beach: Located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach offers a more tranquil experience. It’s perfect for families, with its shallow waters, picnic areas, and beautiful nature center.
Haulover Beach: Known for its pristine sands and clear waters, Haulover Beach also has a designated clothing-optional section. It’s a favorite among those seeking a more liberal beach experience.
2. Explore Art and Culture
Miami’s cultural scene is as diverse as its population. In May, several events and venues offer a glimpse into the city’s artistic soul.
Art Deco Historic District: Take a guided walking tour of the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach to learn about the city’s architectural heritage.
Wynwood Walls: This open-air street art installation features vibrant murals by artists from around the world. It’s a colorful, dynamic area perfect for an afternoon stroll and some Instagram-worthy photos.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Located in Museum Park, PAMM showcases contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum's waterfront location also offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay.
Little Havana: Experience Miami’s Cuban culture in Little Havana. Walk along Calle Ocho, visit the Domino Park, and enjoy Cuban coffee and cigars.
3. Attend Festivals and Events
May is a month packed with exciting events and festivals in Miami.
Miami International Wine Fair: This event is a must for wine enthusiasts, featuring hundreds of wines from around the world. It includes tastings, seminars, and gourmet food pairings.
Miami Fashion Week: Showcasing the latest in resort wear, Miami Fashion Week attracts designers, models, and fashionistas from around the globe. It’s an excellent opportunity to see cutting-edge fashion and attend glamorous parties.
Urban Beach Week: Held during Memorial Day weekend, Urban Beach Week is a massive hip-hop festival that takes over South Beach with concerts, parties, and cultural events.
4. Outdoor Adventures
Miami’s natural beauty and warm climate make it perfect for outdoor activities in May.
Everglades National Park: Just a short drive from Miami, the Everglades offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, airboat tours, and hiking. May is a great time to visit before the summer heat sets in.
Biscayne National Park: Explore the underwater world of Biscayne National Park through snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a boat tour. The park's coral reefs and marine life are spectacular.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Miami’s waterways. Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands offer scenic routes for paddlers of all skill levels.
Jungle Island: This eco-adventure park is home to exotic animals and offers interactive experiences like zip-lining, animal encounters, and nature trails.
5. Culinary Delights
Miami’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage. May is an excellent time to explore the city’s gastronomic offerings.
Seafood: Visit the historic Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market for fresh seafood dishes. The outdoor seating offers lovely views of the Miami River.
Cuban Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Cuban food at Versailles in Little Havana. Try classics like ropa vieja, lechón asado, and a cafecito.
Food Halls: Explore Time Out Market Miami or The Citadel for a variety of food options under one roof. These food halls feature local chefs and offer a range of cuisines from sushi to tacos.
Farmers Markets: Check out the Coconut Grove Farmers Market on Saturdays for organic produce, fresh juices, and artisanal goods.
![]() |
Astro Drive |
6. Nightlife and Entertainment
Miami’s nightlife is legendary, and May offers a range of options from laid-back bars to high-energy nightclubs.
LIV at Fontainebleau: One of Miami’s most famous nightclubs, LIV is the place to dance the night away with top DJs and celebrities.
Ball & Chain: Located in Little Havana, this historic bar offers live music, salsa dancing, and a lively atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s Miami.
Rooftop Bars: Enjoy a cocktail with a view at rooftop bars like Sugar at EAST Miami or Juvia in South Beach. These spots offer stunning vistas of the city skyline and the ocean.
The Adrienne Arsht Center: For a more refined evening, catch a performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The center hosts ballet, opera, theater, and concerts.
7. Shopping
Miami is a shopper’s paradise with options ranging from high-end boutiques to quirky local markets.
Lincoln Road Mall: This pedestrian shopping street in South Beach is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s perfect for an afternoon of leisurely shopping.
Design District: Known for its upscale boutiques and contemporary art galleries, the Design District is ideal for luxury shopping and dining.
Bayside Marketplace: Located on the waterfront, Bayside Marketplace offers a mix of shops, live entertainment, and dining options. It’s a fun place to explore and enjoy the views of Biscayne Bay.
Brickell City Centre: This modern shopping complex in downtown Miami features a range of stores, from high-end fashion to everyday essentials, along with numerous dining and entertainment options.
8. Sports and Recreation
Miami’s sports scene is vibrant, with opportunities to watch professional games or participate in recreational activities.
Miami Marlins Baseball: Catch a Miami Marlins game at loanDepot Park. The stadium’s retractable roof ensures a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.
Golf: Play a round of golf at one of Miami’s renowned courses, such as the Trump National Doral Miami or the Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne.
Tennis: If you’re a tennis fan, visit the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, which has hosted professional tournaments and offers excellent facilities for recreational play.
Yoga in the Park: Many parks in Miami, including Bayfront Park and Margaret Pace Park, offer outdoor yoga classes. It’s a relaxing way to start the day with views of the city or the bay.
9. Family-Friendly Activities
Miami offers plenty of activities that are perfect for families visiting in May.
Miami Children’s Museum: This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for children.
Zoo Miami: One of the best zoos in the country, Zoo Miami is home to a wide variety of animals and offers interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and camel rides.
Frost Science Museum: Located in Museum Park, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science includes a planetarium, aquarium, and numerous interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages.
Venetian Pool: This historic public pool in Coral Gables is a beautiful and unique place to take a dip. It’s designed to resemble a Venetian grotto and features waterfalls and cave-like formations.
Conclusion
Miami in May is a vibrant and diverse destination offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore cultural landmarks, enjoy exciting festivals, or savor culinary delights, Miami has it all. The pleasant weather and array of activities make it an ideal time to visit. By immersing yourself in the rich experiences Miami has to offer, you’ll create unforgettable memories and perhaps even find yourself planning a return visit to this dynamic city.