Rubber Eraser Day
National Rubber Eraser Day is celebrated annually on April 15th, not May 13. This day honors the invention of the rubber eraser, a simple yet revolutionary tool that has allowed generations to correct mistakes with ease. British engineer Edward Nairne accidentally discovered that natural rubber could effectively erase pencil marks. He began selling rubber erasers for three shillings per half-inch cube.
Anime Day
National Anime Day is celebrated annually on April 15th, honoring the rich history and global impact of Japanese animation. The day originated in 1975 when over 700 fans gathered in Tokyo for the first major anime convention, Comiket. Since then, anime has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and artistic styles.
That Sucks Day
National That Sucks Day is observed annually on April 15, serving as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of life’s misfortunes and frustrations. The day was created in 2005 by Bruce Novotny, founder of the website ThatSucks.net, who noted that April 15th has historically been marked by several unfortunate events. In the United States, April 15th is traditionally the deadline for filing federal income tax returns, a source of stress for many. Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln: President Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, after being shot the previous evening at Ford’s Theatre. Sinking of the RMS Titanic: The Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15th, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, leading to the loss of over 1,500 lives.
Tax Day
Tax Day in the United States is the deadline for individuals to file their federal income tax returns and typically falls on April 15th each year. If April 15th lands on a weekend or a federal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. IRS Form 1040 is the most common form filed by individual taxpayers. Extensions can be requested (usually until October 15), but taxes owed must still be paid by the original Tax Day to avoid interest and penalties. State tax deadlines often align with the federal deadline but may differ by state.
Major Historical Events on May 15
1800: President John Adams directed the U.S. government to move from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
1862: President Abraham Lincoln signed the act establishing the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1928: Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the animated short Plane Crazy.
1940: Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California.
1948: The 1948 Arab-Israeli War began as surrounding Arab nations invaded the newly declared state of Israel.
1970: Two students were killed by police at Jackson State College during anti-war protests, days after the Kent State shootings.
1972: Presidential candidate George Wallace was shot and paralyzed during a campaign stop.
1988: The Soviet Union began its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
1991: Édith Cresson was appointed as France’s first female Prime Minister.
2020: The U.S. launched “Operation Warp Speed” to accelerate the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
Notable Birthdays
1856: L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
1859: Pierre Curie, physicist and Nobel Prize winner.
1948: Brian Eno, musician and ambient music pioneer.
1953: George Brett, Hall of Fame baseball player.
1987: Andy Murray, professional tennis player and multiple Grand Slam winner.
Notable Deaths
Emily Dickinson (1830–1886): American poet known for her introspective and unconventional style.
Joe Malone (1890–1969): Canadian NHL star and early goal-scoring legend.
Edward Hopper (1882–1967): Realist painter known for Nighthawks and depictions of modern isolation.
Robert Menzies (1894–1978): Longest-serving Prime Minister of Australia.
Eric Porter (1928–1995): British actor famous for The Forsyte Saga.
Alexander Courage (1919–2008): Composer of the original Star Trek theme.
Jerry Falwell (1933–2007): Evangelical leader and founder of Liberty University.
Yolanda King (1955–2007): Civil rights activist and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
June Carter Cash (1929–2003): Country singer, member of the Carter Family, wife of Johnny Cash.
Carlos Fuentes (1928–2012): Mexican novelist and essayist.
Fred Willard (1933–2020): Comedic actor known for roles in Best in Show and Anchorman.
Garo Yepremian (1944–2015): NFL kicker, Super Bowl champion with the Miami Dolphins.
Chinx (1983–2015): Rapper associated with the Coke Boys; shot and killed in New York.
