Fact 1: Not Your Usual Friday the 13th
We all know about the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, which occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday. Horror movies have even been made based around this day. However, fewer people know that January 13th has the least frequency of occurring on a Friday compared to any other month!
Fact 2: A Special Day For "Rubber Duckie"
January 13th is unofficially known as National Rubber Duckie Day in the United States. It's a day where this beloved bath time toy is celebrated. The origins of Rubber Duckie Day are unclear, however, it's definitely a day that's taken to heart by fans of these squeaky toys.
Fact 3: The Start of Public Radio Broadcasting
In 1910, on January 13, the first public radio broadcast took place. Lee De Forest, an American inventor, broadcasted the first live performance from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This event marked a significant development in the world of communication and entertainment.
Fact 4: The Frisbee was Born
On January 13, 1957, Wham-O toy company began producing what would later be known as Frisbees. Originally named "Pluto Platters", these flying discs have become a staple of outdoor fun worldwide.
Fact 5: The Arrival of the Beatles in America
On this day in 1964, the Beatles' first album in the United States, "Introducing... The Beatles", was released. The music world was never the same again.
Fact 6: Record-Breaking Cold in the USA
The coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States happened on January 13th, 1913 in Greenland Ranch, California, hitting a frigid -57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fact 7: Homing Pigeons Recognized
January 13, 2012, was declared "National Pigeon Day" by New York City's mayor Michael Bloomberg to commemorate the invaluable service of homing pigeons during war times, and to celebrate them as city dwellers.
Fact 8: A Day Celebrating Korea
In South Korea, January 13 is acknowledged as Korean American Day, commemorating the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903.
Fact 9: A Day for Skeptics
January 13 is celebrated as International Skeptics Day twice a year, once in October and then again in January. It is a day marked for doubters and disbelievers to question everything.
Fact 10: Stephen Foster Memorial Day
Recognized nationwide, January 13th is known as Stephen Foster Memorial Day in the United States. This day, so named in honor of the famous songwriter, recognizes his invaluable contributions to American music.
Fact 11: Birthday of Comedic Genius
One of the remarkable individuals born on January 13th was the comedic actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, best known for her roles in Seinfeld and Veep.
Fact 12: Start of the Anglo-Egyptian War
On January 13, 1885, the Mahdist War started. The joint forces of Egypt and Great Britain fought the army of Mahdiyyah for control of Sudan.
Fact 13: The Harlem Globetrotters' Debut
On January 13, 1927, the famous basketball exhibition team, the Harlem Globetrotters, played their first game in Hinckley, Illinois.
Fact 14: A Debacle for Apple Inc.
January 13, 2000, was not a good day for Apple Inc. as it marked the day their stock price fell a whopping 50%. This event led to a substantial financial restructuring of the company.
Fact 15: Allowing Women to Vote
On January 13, 1915, the House of Representatives rejected a constitutional amendment to give women the right to vote. Still, this was a pivotal day as it marked one of the first major congressional votes on women's suffrage.
Fact 16: Launching into Space
January 13, 1993, was a big day for space history when space shuttle Endeavor STS-54 launched into space with 5 astronauts on board.
Fact 17: The Viking Alignment
In 2005, the discovery of an apparent alignment of Viking grave sites with the sunrise on January 13 led to speculation of a religious significance among Scandinavian seafarers in the 10th century.
Fact 18: The Birth of Radio Novels
January 13, 1933, marks the day the first chapter of a serial radio novel was broadcast. While radio serials had been around for a while, this was the first serialized story to be referred to as a "radio novel."
Fact 19: Unlucky Accident
The Costa Concordia, an Italian cruise ship, sank near the Italian shore on this day in 2012. 32 people lost their lives in what is considered one of the biggest maritime disaster passenger accidents since the Titanic.
Fact 20: The Birth of Michael Bond
January 13, 1926, marks the birth of Thomas Michael Bond, a British author best known for his series of Paddington Bear children's books. His stories have been loved by generations and continue to enchant readers today.