21 fun facts for December, 13

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
December 13 unleashes a diverse range of fun facts, from the first NCAA basketball game broadcast on television to the discovery of HIV, the marking of the Swedish Saint Lucia Day, and Taylor Swift's birth anniversary. The day has witnessed numerous milestones in history, including the creation of the first motel, the first planetary flyby, and the establishment of the United States National Guard.
21 Fun facts
  1. On December 13, 1952, the first TV broadcast of an NCAA basketball game took place. It featured the Kentucky Wildcats vs. the Temple Owls and marked a significant milestone in sports broadcasting.
  2. December 13, 1925, saw the arrival of the Motel Inn, the world's first motel. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the motel brought new significance to the lodging industry.
  3. On December 13, 1962, Mariner 2 made history by becoming the first successful planetary flyby in space exploration. The spacecraft performed a flyby of Venus, transmitting data about its atmosphere.
  4. December 13 is the day we celebrate Saint Lucia in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden. Saint Lucia's Day is celebrated with family and public events involving songs, food, and candlelit processions.
  5. On December 13, 2003, the former Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein was captured near his hometown of Tikrit. This marked a pivotal moment in the Iraq War, leading to his trial and eventual execution.
  6. December 13, 1577, was the day Sir Francis Drake set sail on his historic round-the-world journey. Drake began his famous voyage from Plymouth, England, and would later become the first Englishman to circumnavigate the Earth.
  7. On December 13, 2015, the United Nations climate change summit (COP21) reached a global agreement in Paris. The summit led to the signing of the Paris Agreement, aiming to address the impacts of global warming.
  8. The movie "The Graduate," directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, premiered on December 13, 1967. The film was a cultural phenomenon and remains a classic piece of American cinema.
  9. On December 13, 1983, a joint team of French and American researchers discovered HIV. This remarkable finding has contributed to the ongoing scientific understanding and treatment of HIV and AIDS.
  10. December 13, 1903, marks the birthdate of Carlos Montoya, one of the most famous flamenco guitarists of all time. Montoya was a Spanish guitarist and composer who popularized flamenco music internationally.
  11. On December 13, 1964, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," a stop-motion animated television special, aired for the first time on NBC. The program has since become a beloved classic and a staple of holiday television.
  12. December 13 is National Cocoa Day in the United States. This day celebrates the warm and delicious drink made from cocoa powder, which is enjoyed by many during the colder months of the year.
  13. The birthplace of the Wright Brothers, Dayton, Ohio, was illuminated by electric lights for the first time on December 13, 1882. This technological advancement transformed the city and helped pave the way for greater innovation.
  14. On December 13, 2001, the Bollywood film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," directed by Karan Johar, was released. This Indian family drama became one of the highest-grossing films in the history of Indian cinema.
  15. December 13 is World Violin Day, a day to appreciate and celebrate the iconic stringed instrument. The violin has a long history and has played a crucial role in various music genres across cultures.
  16. December 13, 1642, marks the day Dutch navigator Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand. The discovery by Tasman forged an early connection between Europeans and the South Pacific island nation.
  17. On December 13, 1978, the TV show "Dallas" made its debut on CBS. This prime-time soap opera became a global phenomenon, launching the careers of several stars and popularizing the '80s television genre.
  18. December 13 is National Guard Birthday in the United States, commemorating the organization's establishment in 1636. The National Guard has played a vital role in protecting the country throughout its history.
  19. On December 13, 1988, the first telethon for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum took place. This event aimed to raise funds for the construction of the museum in Washington, D.C.
  20. American musician Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989. Swift is a multiple Grammy Award-winning artist known for her impactful songwriting and her influence on the modern music industry.
  21. On December 13, 1934, the film "Bright Eyes" premiered. It starred Shirley Temple, who became known as one of the most iconic child actors of all time, and the song "On the Good Ship Lollipop" became famous.

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