Potato Chip Day
National Potato Chip Day is celebrated annually on March 14 to recognize one of the most popular snack foods in the United States. he potato chip is most often credited to George Crum, a chef at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1853. As the story goes, a customer complained that Crum’s fried potatoes were too thick and soggy. In response, Crum sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until crisp, and added salt. The result became a hit, later known as “Saratoga Chips.”
Dribble to Work Day
Dribble to Work Day is celebrated annually on March 14. This event encourages basketball enthusiasts and supporters of women’s sports to dribble a basketball during their commute, promoting physical activity and raising awareness for women’s athletics. Dribble to Work Day was established in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. The initiative was designed to generate excitement for Selection Monday, the day when the NCAA announces the top teams for the Women’s Final Four basketball tournament. Participants were encouraged to dribble basketballs to work and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #WFFDribble. The most creative submission earned the opportunity to take the first shot on the NCAA Women’s Final Four court at Amalie Arena.
PI Day
Pi Day is celebrated every year on March 14 (3/14), in recognition of the mathematical constant π (pi), which begins with the digits 3.14. Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and it’s a constant in mathematics regardless of the circle’s size. Approximate value: 3.14159. It’s an irrational number, meaning it has an infinite number of non-repeating digits beyond the decimal point. Pi has been known and used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Babylon and Egypt.
Here’s a list of significant historical events that occurred on March 14, in chronological order:
1590 – Battle of Ivry
King Henry IV of France defeated the Catholic League forces under the Duke of Mayenne. This battle was key in solidifying Henry’s path to the French throne during the Wars of Religion.
1794 – Eli Whitney receives patent for the cotton gin
The American inventor’s cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry by making it much easier to separate cotton fibers from seeds. This invention dramatically increased cotton production — and, controversially, also increased the demand for enslaved labor in the U.S. South.
1879 – Birth of Albert Einstein
German-born physicist Albert Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany. He developed the theory of relativity, received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, and became one of the most influential scientists in modern history.
1931 – First theater built for rear-projection movies opens in New York
This technological innovation changed the way films were produced and shown in theaters.
1950 – FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list debuts
The FBI published its first official Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, becoming a well-known tool for law enforcement and public awareness.
1964 – Jack Ruby sentenced to death
Jack Ruby, who killed Lee Harvey Oswald (the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy), was sentenced to death for murder. The conviction was later overturned, but Ruby died of cancer before a new trial could be held.
1990 – Mikhail Gorbachev becomes President of the Soviet Union
Gorbachev was elected as the first Executive President of the Soviet Union, as part of his broader reforms during the final years of the USSR.
2004 – Vladimir Putin wins re-election
Russian President Vladimir Putin was re-elected for a second term in a landslide victory, continuing his political dominance.
Notable Birthdays
Albert Einstein (1879–1955): Renowned German-born theoretical physicist known for developing the theory of relativity.
Michael Caine (born 1933): Acclaimed English actor with a career spanning over six decades.
Quincy Jones (1933–2024): Influential American music producer and composer.
Billy Crystal (born 1948): American comedian and actor known for his roles in films like “When Harry Met Sally.”
Aamir Khan (born 1965): Prominent Indian actor and filmmaker.
Stephen Curry (born 1988): American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors.
Simone Biles (born 1997): American gymnast and multiple Olympic gold medalist.
Ansel Elgort (born 1994): American actor known for roles in “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Baby Driver.”
Notable Deaths
Karl Marx (1818–1883): German philosopher, economist, and revolutionary socialist. He co-authored The Communist Manifesto and authored Das Kapital, laying the foundation for modern socialist and communist movements.
Juan Manuel de Rosas (1793–1877): Argentine military leader and politician who served as the Governor of Buenos Aires Province. He was a central figure in Argentine politics during the early 19th century.
George Eastman (1854–1932): American entrepreneur and founder of the Eastman Kodak Company. He played a pivotal role in popularizing photography by making it accessible to the general public.
Susan Hayward (1917–1975): Academy Award-winning American actress known for her roles in films like I Want to Live! and With a Song in My Heart.
Tony Benn (1925–2014): Prominent British politician and member of the Labour Party. He was known for his left-wing views and served in various ministerial positions.
Stephen Hawking (1942–2018): Renowned British theoretical physicist and cosmologist. He made significant contributions to the understanding of black holes and authored the best-selling book A Brief History of Time.
George Foreman (1949–2025): American professional boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion. Beyond boxing, he was known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including the George Foreman Grill.
Mia Love (1975–2025): American politician who made history as the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Utah’s 4th congressional district.
