Fact 1: World Plumbing Day
March 11 is celebrated as World Plumbing Day around the globe. This day is dedicated to recognizing the important role plumbers play in our health and safety, and to raise awareness about the global water and sanitation crisis. So, next time you take a shower or drink clean water, remember to thank your plumber!
Fact 2: The Fukushima Disaster
One of the worst nuclear disasters in history, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, occurred on March 11, 2011, in Japan. Following a huge 9.1-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant had core meltdowns, causing a massive release of radiation.
Fact 3: Birth of Rupert Murdoch
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, founder of News Corporation, was born on this day in 1931. Murdoch is one of the most influential and controversial figures in the global media industry, owning numerous newspapers, television stations, and publishing houses around the world.
Fact 4: Disney releases 'Cinderella'
The Disney classic "Cinderella" was first released in theaters on March 11, 1950. A masterpiece by Walt Disney, "Cinderella" is a well-loved animated musical romance that has truly stood the test of time.
Fact 5: 'The Rolling Stones' first concert
The Rolling Stones, one of the greatest rock bands in history, performed their first concert at London's Marquee Club on March 11, 1963. This marked the beginning of an incredible journey for the band, making rock and roll history.
Fact 6: Van Halen makes music history
On March 11, 1972, the American rock band Van Halen played their very first gig. This performance would serve as a launchpad for their illustrious career, making them one of the best-selling bands in history.
Fact 7: Bank of England is nationalised
On March 11, 1946, the Bank of England was nationalized by the UK government. This major economic shift ensured that the control of interest rates and monetary policy was placed in the hands of the government.
Fact 8: Birth of inventor Samuel Blodgett
March 11 marks the birth of Samuel Blodgett, an American inventor who was born in 1724. Blodgett is notoriously known for beginning America's industry in the field of mechanical calculation.
Fact 9: Columns of Hercules
In Columbus' Book of Privileges, March the 11th, 1493, is the date marked by Christopher Columbus when, after a night of sailing, he claimed to have seen the "Columns of Hercules" on the horizon, marking the end of the known world.
Fact 10: Lithuanian Independence Day
In Lithuania, March 11 is celebrated as Restoration of Independence Day, on which Lithuania declared itself independent from the Soviet Union in 1990. It's a national holiday filled with parties and parades.
Fact 11: Johnny Knoxville’s Birthday
The popular actor and daredevil, best known for his hilarious and often painful stunts in the television show ‘Jackass’, Johnny Knoxville, was born on March 11, 1971.
Fact 12: Last Execution in France by Guillo
The last execution by Guillotine was conducted in France on March 11, 1977. Hamida Djandoubi, convicted for torture and murder, was the last person to meet his end by this means.
Fact 13: Record-Breaking UFO Sightings
On March 11, 1997, thousands of people in Phoenix, Arizona witnessed one of the most infamous UFO sightings, known as the Phoenix Lights. Another notable sighting on March 11, 1989, took place in Belgium which drew in 13,500 witnesses, and 2,600 reports and statements.
Fact 14: Send a Card to a Friend Day
Recognized by the National Days Calendar, March 11 is also 'Send a Card to a Friend Day', aimed at maintaining and enhancing the connection people have with their friends, near and far.
Fact 15: Birth of Lawrence Welk
Lawrence Welk, the legendary musical artist, radio and television personality, was born on March 11, 1903. His career spanned over six decades and he hosted the longest-running television program in history, “The Lawrence Welk Show”.
Fact 16: The First Internet Transmission
On March 11, 1972, the first internet transmission was sent from UCLA to SRI. The transmission was successfully completed, marking a big step towards the digital age.
Fact 17: New Year’s Day (Old Style)
Before the Gregorian Calendar's widespread adoption, March 11 was New Year’s Day. From the 12th century until 1752, England along with its colonies celebrated the New Year on March 11.
Fact 18: Birth of Douglas Adams
Celebrated science fiction author Douglas Adams, best known for "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy", was born on this day in 1952. His works have sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of his genre.
Fact 19: Debut of ‘The Mikado’
The Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, "The Mikado", made its debut on March 11, 1885 in London at the Savoy Theatre. The opera, which satirizes British politics and institutions by setting them in a fictionalized Japan, has become one of the most frequently played musical theatre pieces in history.
Fact 20: Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s Graduation
On March 11, 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African American woman to earn a Medical Degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College, breaking important barriers for both gender and racial equality in the medical field.