Community Corner

Five Things to Know About Jan. 30

What will today bring?

Welcome to Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013! Here are some interesting facts about today: 

1. The first-ever attempt to assassinate a president occurred on Jan. 30, 1835. President Andrew Jackson was at a funeral in South Carolina, when Richard Lawrence tried to shoot him in the back. His gun misfired, and Lawrence took out a second pistol, which also misfired (due to the moisture of that particular day).

Several people tackled Lawrence, and President Jackson reportedly struck the would-be assassin a number of times with his cane. Lawrence was later defended by lawyer Francis Scott Key (who wrote our national anthem) and he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He spent the rest of his days under observation at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in the District, and died in 1861. 

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2. On Jan. 30, 1969, the Beatles held their final public performance. The concert took place on the roof of Apple Records in London, and it was broken up by police. 

3. Famous birthdays: Russian chess master Boris Spassky is 76; British actress Vanessa Redgrave is 76; former vice president Dick Cheney is 73 and British actor Christian Bale is 39. 

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4. You may still need a jacket. The weather today will be rainy with a high temperature of 71 degrees.  The evening will see a low temp of about 40, and there is a 100 percent chance of rain, according to the National Weather Service

5. The beginning stages of Alzheimer's are seldom detected. There's a course today in Woodbridge that can help you determine if a loved one is experiencing symptoms. Learn more here. 


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