Today in Nerd History | March 21

March 21 brings us a key member of the Green Lantern Corps, a Jim Carrey comedy classic, and the birth of one of the most influential social media platforms. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about Tomar-Re, Liar Liar, and Twitter!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

On March 21, 1961, Tomar-Re made his first appearance in Green Lantern #6, becoming one of the most well-known members of the intergalactic peacekeeping force.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Mentor to Hal Jordan: Tomar-Re, a Xudarian, was one of the first Green Lanterns Hal Jordan ever met and helped guide him in his early days as a Lantern.
• Guarding Krypton: Tomar-Re was tasked with watching over Krypton but failed to prevent its destruction—one of his greatest regrets.
• Live-Action Cameo: The character appeared in the 2011 Green Lantern movie, voiced by Geoffrey Rush.

On March 21, 1997, Liar Liar hit theaters, delivering one of Jim Carrey’s most hilarious performances as a fast-talking lawyer forced to tell the truth for 24 hours.

Nerdy Facts:

• Box Office Smash: The film was a massive hit, earning over $300 million worldwide and cementing Jim Carrey as one of Hollywood’s top comedic actors.
• Golden Globe Nod: Carrey’s performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, proving he could balance both physical comedy and heartfelt moments.
• Real-Life Influence: The script was inspired by the idea of a child wishing their parent would stop lying—something many kids could relate to.

On March 21, 2006, Twitter (now known as X) was officially founded, revolutionizing the way people communicate in just 280 characters.

Nerdy Facts:

• First Tweet: Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey sent the very first tweet: “just setting up my twttr.”
• A Social Media Giant: The platform quickly grew into one of the most influential social media sites, playing a major role in news, entertainment, and global discussions.
• Hashtag Revolution: Hashtags weren’t part of the original design, but they became a defining feature, helping users organize and follow conversations.

March 21 celebrates intergalactic heroism, uncontrollable truth-telling, and the rise of short-form social media. Happy Nerd History Day!