DAY IN HISTORY

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Today is the 142nd day of 2020 and the 64th day of spring.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1856, Lawrence, Kansas, was sacked by pro-slavery activists.

In 1881, the American Red Cross was established.

In 1901, Connecticut became the first state to enact a speed-limit law, limiting motor vehicle speeds to 12 mph in the city and 15 mph on country roads.

In 1979, former San Francisco city supervisor Dan White was convicted

of manslaughter in the deaths of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS:

Alexander Pope (16881744), poet; Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), artist; Fats Waller (1904-1943), pianist/songwriter; Raymond Burr (1917-1993), actor; Andrei Sakharov (1921-1989), physicist/ Russian dissident; Al Franken (1951- ), politician/ comedian; Laurence “Mr. T” Tureaud (1952- ), actor; Lisa Edelstein (1966- ), actress; The Notorious B.I.G. (1972-1997), rapper; Josh Hamilton (1981- ), baseball player.

TODAY’S FACT: In 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris after leaving Long Island, New York, the day before, completing the first solo nonstop trans-atlantic flight. On the fifth anniversary of the event in 1932, Amelia Earhart landed in Ireland after taking off from Newfoundland, completing the first solo nonstop trans-atlantic flight by a female.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1978, 21-year-old rookie professional golfer Nancy Lopez won her first Cocacola Classic, defeating Joanne Carner on the first hole of a suddendeath playoff.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “I find myself ... hoping a total end of all the unhappy divisions of mankind by party-spirit, which at best is but the madness of many for the gain of a few.” — Alexander Pope

TODAY’S NUMBER: 456 — height (in feet) of Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster. The ride opened at the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in Jackson, New Jersey, on this day in 2005.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (May 14) and new moon (May 22).