Fact 1: Happy Birthday, Maria Callas!
One of the greatest soprano opera singers of all time, Maria Callas, was born on December 2nd in 1923. Callas was famous for her passionate performances and ability to connect with the audience emotionally. She revolutionized the opera world not only with her impressive vocal range but also with her dramatic interpretations.
Fact 2: December 2nd is National Mutt Day!
The celebrated charity dedicated to bringing attention to the plight of mixed breed dogs and cats, many of whom end up in shelters purely because they're not purebred, observes National Mutt Day on December 2nd. This day encourages people to celebrate, save, and embrace the uniqueness and versatility of mixed breed dogs.
Fact 3: The Birth of a Monopoly
On December 2, 1942, the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, the Chicago Pile-1, achieved criticality. This marked one of the most significant milestones in the nuclear age, leading to the development of nuclear power and atomic weapons.
Fact 4: The UAE was Formed on this Day
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven states, was established on December 2nd, 1971. This union was established following the termination of British protection of the seven sheikdoms, which had been in place since 1892.
Fact 5: The Birth of Britney Spears
Pop music phenomenon Britney Spears was born on December 2nd in 1981. With her catchy music and distinct voice, Spears soon became one of the genre’s most successful stars, influencing pop culture massively in the 2000s.
Fact 6: Successful Launch of SpaceX
On December 2, 2013, SpaceX successfully launched its first satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket was used to launch the SES-8 communications satellite.
Fact 7: Wear Brown Shoes Day
On December 2nd, it's officially "National Wear Brown Shoes Day." So, join the iconic fashion trend by putting on your finest brown shoes!
Fact 8: Napoleon Crowned Himself Emperor
Napoleon Bonaparte, the French general who became First Consul of the French Republic, declared himself Emperor on December 2nd, 1804. He took the crown from Pope Pius VII and placed it on his own head, symbolizing that his power was derived not from the Church, but from the people.
Fact 9: The Frozen Ark Project Started
The global conservation project known as the Frozen Ark was launched on December 2, 2004. Its mission is to collect, preserve and store the DNA and living cells of endangered species, with the goal of preventing their extinction.
Fact 10: Lucy Liu's Birthday
Popular actress Lucy Liu, famous for her roles in 'Charlie's Angels' and 'Kill Bill,' was born on December 2nd, 1968. She's also the voice behind Master Viper in the 'Kung Fu Panda' movies.
Fact 11: Aerosmith's "Draw The Line" Album Release
On December 2nd, 1977, the American rock band Aerosmith released their fifth studio album "Draw The Line". The title song became a top 40 hit and remains a fan favorite today.
Fact 12: Birth of Georges Seurat
Georges Seurat, a prominent post-Impressionist and pioneer of the Neo-impressionism movement, was born on December 2nd, 1859. He's best known for innovating chromoluminarism and pointillism in the art world.
Fact 13: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The United Nations observes December 2 as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery which is a yearly campaign to end slavery around the world.
Fact 14: Moulin Rouge Premieres in Paris
The famous and popular cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, had its opening night in Paris on December 2, 1899.
Fact 15: Lethal Injection First Used
On December 2, 1982, in Texas, Charles Brooks Jr. became the first person to be executed by lethal injection in the United States.
Fact 16: Enrico Fermi's Nuclear Achievement
On December 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi, the Italian-American physicist, initiated the first controlled nuclear chain reaction.
Fact 17: The First Wireless Broadcasting
Guglielmo Marconi announced the invention of a "black box" that could receive radio waves wirelessly on December 2, 1896. This breakthrough invention marked the dawn of the wireless telegraphy age.
Fact 18: First Heart Transplant
On December 2nd, 1967, South African cardiac surgeon Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first human heart transplant operation.
Fact 19: The Hoover Dam's Generators Started Operation
On December 2nd, 1935, two generators at Hoover Dam, then known as Boulder Dam, began transmitting electricity to Los Angeles - marking the first time the dam's huge generators went into full operation.
Fact 20: The Discovery of NX Puppis
On December 2nd, 1980, the pulsating variable star known as NX Puppis was discovered. Located in the Puppis constellation, this star is a unique type of transforming variable that is particularly bright in visible light.