Fact 1: March 30 is known for making some sports history
On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by a deranged drifter named John Hinckley Jr. The news that day overshadowed another significant sports-related event – the end of the NCAA basketball tournament, where President Reagan's shooting delayed the championship game by a day.
Fact 2: It was the day the first pencil with an eraser was patented
Hymen Lipman received the first patent for attaching an eraser to the end of a pencil on March 30, 1858. This clever invention revolutionized the way we document thoughts, ideas, and doodles.
Fact 3: Thomas Rhett, a country music artist, was born on this day
Popular country musician Thomas Rhett celebrates his birthday on March 30. Born in 1990, Rhett is now well-known for his hit songs like "Die a Happy Man" and "Life Changes."
Fact 4: A legendary Star Trek installment premiered
On March 30, 1989, the Star Trek series "The Next Generation" aired the episode "The Best of Both Worlds Part 1," which many fans consider to be one of the greatest in all Star Trek history. This episode sees Captain Picard assimilated by the Borg, leaving audiences with a major cliffhanger.
Fact 5: It's the day that Vincent van Gogh was born
The world-renowned Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853. Van Gogh is famous for his masterpieces like "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers." Even though his work was not appreciated during his lifetime, he became an iconic figure in the history of Western art.
Fact 6: An iconic watchdog made its debut
The first watchdog cartoon, McGruff the Crime Dog, was released on March 30, 1980. This character, aimed at teaching crime prevention techniques, went on to become a national symbol for proactive safety measures.
Fact 7: Famous seductress, Madame de Pompadour, was born
History's most famous courtesan, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour and chief mistress to France's King Louis XV, was born on March 30, 1721. She was influential in art, literature, and politics during the 18th century.
Fact 8: Gandhi completed his Salt March
Mahatma Gandhi arrived at the Arabian Sea, completing the Salt March on March 30, 1930. This 241-mile march was in protest against the salt tax imposed by the British Raj in colonial India.
Fact 9: The deadliest tornado in Bangladesh history struck
On March 30, 1989, the Daulatpur–Saturia tornado, the deadliest tornado in world history, hit Bangladesh, killing approximately 1,300 people.
Fact 10: The capitol of Palau, Ngerulmud, was established
The city of Ngerulmud became the capital of Palau on March 30, 2006. Despite its status, Ngerulmud isn't the largest city in the country; that title belongs to Koror.
Fact 11: Mark Consuelos, an American actor, was born on this day
Mark Consuelos, known for his work in television series like "All My Children" and "Riverdale," was born on March 30, 1971. He is also known for his marriage to television host Kelly Ripa.
Fact 12: Alaska's Good Friday Earthquake triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami
Following the Good Friday Earthquake in Alaska on March 27, 1964, a Pacific-wide tsunami was triggered on March 30 of the same year.
Fact 13: MC Hammer celebrates his birthday on this day
On March 30, 1962, famous rapper and dancer MC Hammer was born. Known for his hit "U Can’t Touch This," MC Hammer is an iconic figure of the 90s era.
Fact 14: Russia launched GLONASS-M 21, a satellite
The Russian Global Navigation Satellite System launched the GLONASS-M 21 on March 30, 2008. This was a significant achievement for Russia in regard to their space exploration efforts.
Fact 15: Channel Tunnel boring completed
On March 30, 1991, the Service Tunnel of the Channel Tunnel, which connects the United Kingdom and France, was completed, marking a significant milestone in engineering advancement.
Fact 16: Wrestlemania held its first live event
The wrestling entertainment company, WWE, held its first live event of Wrestlemania on March 30, 1985, establishing a tradition that continues now for over three decades.
Fact 17: Former Indian Prime Minister, J. P. Narayan, received the highest civilian award
On March 30, 1999, J.P. Narayan was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for his social and political contributions to the country.
Fact 18: The American purchase of Alaska is remembered
Seward's Day, which commemorates the American purchase of Alaska from Russia, is observed in Alaska on the last Monday of March, occasionally falling on March 30.
Fact 19: Tracy Chapman, an award-winning singer, was born
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman, known for her hits such as "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason," was born on March 30, 1964.
Fact 20: The first motion picture camera was patented
On March 30, 1894, Thomas Edison and his team received a patent for the kinetoscope, essentially the first motion picture camera. This invention revolutionized not just the film industry, but also how society consumes entertainment.