10 | May | 2014 | M'chelsMusings

Saturday, the 10th of May, 2014 is the 130th day in 2014 and in the 19th calendar week.

Birth Mother’s Day
May 10, 2014 in the World

Birth Mothers Day recognizes the biological mothers of adopted children. It is celebrated primarily by mothers who for whatever reason, gave up their child to be raised by someone else.

If ever there was a controversial holiday, this is it. The day was established by birth mothers to educate, to remember, and to cope. But, many mothers who gave up their children have feelings of remorse, and often guilt. Many don’t want a special day. And, of those mothers who want to be remembered, they don’t necessarily want a special day, aside from Mother’s Day. They feel they should remember, and be remembered, on Mother’s Day.

From the child’s perspective, adopted children understandably have a high level of anxiety over this topic. A fair number of them don’t want a relationship with their birth mother, adding more controversy to this day.

If you do celebrate this day, we suggest you use it to promote education of the issues, and to show compassion and understanding to birth mothers.

Where is Birth Mother’s Day?
Worldwide

Clean up Your Room Day
May 10, 2014 in the World

It’s Clean Up Your Room Day! Have you been avoiding your spring-cleaning this year? Today is the day to get motivated! Whether you decide to tackle a messy closet, a mounting pile of laundry, a whole room, or even the entire house, it’ll be well worth the effort.

The tradition of spring-cleaning dates back to the days when people relied on fire to light and heat their homes through the winter. After months of being shut up with no fresh air, everything in the house would be covered in soot and ash. Spring-cleaning traditionally took place on the first warm day of the season. The entire family would roll up their sleeves and move all the furniture and linens outdoors. They would then clean the house from top to bottom, scrubbing down the walls, beating the dirt out of the carpets, and dusting everything in sight.

Begin your spring-cleaning by putting things away in their proper places and creating piles for trash and donations. Once you’ve decluttered it will become much easier to do the actual vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing. When you’ve completed your project, remember to reward yourself for all your hard work! Happy Clean Up Your Room Day!

Where is Clean up Your Room Day?
Worldwide

International Migratory Bird Day
May 10, 2014 in the Americas

International Migratory Bird Day is observed on May 10, 2014. It celebrates bird migration in America. Bird Day is celebrated in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It takes place on the second Saturday in May in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean it is celebrated in October.

Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway between breeding and wintering grounds, undertaken by many species of birds. The timing of migration is controlled primarily by changes in day length. Migrating birds navigate using celestial cues from the sun and stars, the earth’s magnetic field, and probably also mental maps. Human activities have threatened many migratory bird species.

The distances involved in bird migration mean that they often cross political boundaries of countries and conservation measures require international cooperation. Hunting along the migratory route can take a heavy toll. Structures such as power lines, wind farms and offshore oil-rigs have also been known to affect migratory birds.

Habitat destruction by land use changes is the biggest threat, and shallow wetlands that are stopover and wintering sites for migratory birds are particularly threatened by draining and reclamation for human use.

International Migratory Bird Day:
http://www.birdday.org/birdday

Where is Migratory Bird Day?
Nationwide the Americas

National Train Day
May 10, 2014 in the USA

National Train Day is a holiday started by Amtrak in 2008 as a method to spread information to the general public about the advantages of rail travel and the history of trains in the United States. It is held each year on the Saturday closest to May 10, the anniversary of the pounding of the Golden Spike in Promontory, Utah which marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Events are held at Amtrak stations as well as railroad museums across the country and often have passenger cars and model railroad layouts on display. The largest events usually take place in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, PA, Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles.

National Train Day 2014:
http://www.nationaltrainday.com/s/

Where is National Train Day?
Nationwide USA

National Astronomy Day
May 10, 2014 in the USA

National Astronomy Day, part of Astronomy Week, is aimed at connecting the public to astronomers and astonomy enthusiasts. It was started by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California in 1973. He had the idea to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that passersby could enjoys views of the stars. His idea took off and the event has grown to include several sponsoring organizations associated with astronomy.

Astronomy Day changes every year based appropriately on the first quarter moon, which is generally between mid-April and mid-May. Check with you local science museum or planetarium to see if they have any special events to celebrate National Astronomy Day!

Where is National Astronomy Day?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events:

1278 – Jews of England imprisoned on charges of coining

1291 – Scottish nobles recognize authority of English king Edward I

1534 – French navigator Jacques Cartier reaches Newfoundland

1559 – Scottish Protestants under John Knox uprise against queen-mother Mary

1752 – Benjamin Franklins 1st tests the lightning rod

1752 – Ben Franklin’s performs his kite-flying experiment

1801 – First Barbary War: The Barbary pirates of Tripoli declare war on the United States of America.

1857 – Indian Mutiny begins with revolt of Sepoys in Meerut

1869 – Golden Spike driven, completes Promontory Pt Ut-Transcontinental RR

1871 – Peace of Frankfurt-am-Main concluded between France & Germany ends Franco-Prussian war