Monday, December 28, 2009

Almanacs “The Almanac - Dec. 28 - Post Chronicle” plus 4 more

Almanacs “The Almanac - Dec. 28 - Post Chronicle” plus 4 more

The Almanac - Dec. 28 - Post Chronicle

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 05:02 AM PST

Today is Monday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2009 with three to follow.

The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Venus, Saturn and Mars. The evening stars are Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune.

Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the United States, in 1856; jazz pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines in 1903; actors Lew Ayres in 1908, Martin Milner in 1931 (age 78) Maggie Smith in 1934 (age 75); actor Denzel Washington in 1954 (age 55); rock musician Edgar Winter in 1946 (age 63); singer John Legend in 1978 (age 31) and comic book writer Stan Lee in 1922 (age 87).

On this date in history:

In 1732, the Pennsylvania Gazette carried the first known advertisement for the first issue of "Poor Richard's Almanack" by Richard Saunders (Benjamin Franklin).

In 1832, John Calhoun, at odds with U.S. President Andrew Jackson, became the first U.S. vice president to resign.

In 1846, Iowa was admitted into the United States as the 29th state.

In 1865, French film pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumiere showed the first commercial motion pictures at a Paris cafe.

In 1869, The Knights of Labor, a group of tailors in Philadelphia, staged the first Labor Day ceremonies in U.S. history.

In 1908, nearly 80,000 people were killed when an earthquake struck the ancient town of Messina, Sicily.

In 1945, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

In 1950, advancing Chinese troops crossed the 38th Parallel, dividing line between North and South Korea, to help the communist North Koreans fight U.S.-led U.N. forces.

In 1985, warring Lebanese Muslim and Christian leaders signed a peace agreement backed by Syria.

In 1992, in a violent day in Lima, Peru, car bombs exploded outside two embassies, police thwarted a bank raid and rebels launched a missile attack on a police station. Five people were killed, 24 injured.

In 1997, Hong Kong officials announced that all chickens in the territory would be killed in an attempt to eradicate carriers of the avian flu, which had killed several people.

In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau announced a total of 281,421,906 people in the nation. The figure was a 13.2-percent increase in the last 10 years.

In 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush granted permanent normal trade status to China, reversing a 20-year policy.

In 2003, officials in Iran's ancient city of Bam said perhaps half the city's population of 80,000 were killed or injured in the earthquake that struck the area.

In 2004, at least 18 Iraqi policemen were killed by insurgents in several attacks on police stations.

Also in 2004, record numbers of Britons turned out with horses and hounds for a fox hunt on what could be Britain's last legal Boxing Day hunt with a hunting ban scheduled to go into effect in two months.

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled that certain meat and milk produced by cloned animals are safe to eat.

Also in 2006, a Louisiana grand jury indicted seven New Orleans police officers on murder and attempted murder charges related to an alleged 2005 police ambush about one week after Hurricane Katrina struck.

In 2007, hundreds of thousands of mourners filled the streets of the Pakistani village of Garhi Khuda Baksh for the funeral of Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister. Tempers flared and nine people were killed in rioting before the start of the funeral procession.

Also in 2007, Nepal abolished its monarchy and became a federal democratic republic.

In 2008, two dozen officials from Saddam Hussein's government went on trial for their roles in the deaths of as many as 250,000 of Saddam's opponents in Iraq.

A thought for the day: it was Benjamin Franklin who said, "It is hard for an empty sack to stand upright." (c) UPI

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Premiere Pigskin Performers - Pennsylvania Almanac

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 06:35 AM PST


Premiere Pigskin Performers

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

While the 2009 scholastic football campaign featured no WPIAL champions or state finalists from the South Hills region, the season proved almost as magical for area clubs despite some heartbreaking defeats.

Bethel Park fell one kick away from an opportunity to defend its Quad-A title. Nevertheless, the Black Hawks had an outstanding year coming off their 15-1 record of 2008. The Black Hawks captured their second straight conference championship with an undefeated record. They finished 10-2 overall; their only defeats to eventual district champion Woodland Hills, including one of the most thrilling playoff games in WPIAL history. In that 38-35 overtime loss, three times the Black Hawks recovered from 14-point deficits, including one with under seven minutes to play.

South Fayette enjoyed an undefeated regular season. The Lions also claimed the Century Conference title and reached the Class AA quarterfinals before losing a thriller to Aliquippa, 47-34, to finish 10-1 overall.

While other clubs had standout performers, BP and SF dominated the gridiron so it comes as no surprise that these two clubs dominate the 28th edition of The Almanac's Premier Pigskin Performers.

This year's unit, as past selections, was chosen in cooperation with the area head coaches. All completed and submitted a survey. Their opinions, along with statistics and games witnessed throughout the season, were taken into consideration in picking the players who received Almanac recognition.

The Black Hawks copped the biggest prize as Adam Lazenga (see related story) earned Most Valuable Player laurels while Joe Rossi, in his third season at South Fayette, garnered Coach of the Year acclaim. Here's a look at those top selections that join the duo on the all-star list.

Christian Brumbaugh

6-3, 195 QB

This junior quarterback completed 153 of 241 passes for 2,183 yards. He led the WPIAL with 29 touchdown passes. He tossed only eight interceptions.

Named Century Conference MVP, Brumbaugh guided South Fayette to its first post-season victory since moving to Class AA when the Lions defeated Beaver. The Lions earned the No. 1 seed in the Class AA but lost to the Quips in the quarterfinals.

As a sophomore, Brumbaugh passed for over 1,300 yards.

"He's a natural quarterback," said Rossi. "He's able to beat everything. Whether it was a three-step drop or a five-step drop, a screen or a deep ball, he just throws everything so well.

"Teams would play man defense and rush and he'd complete the pass. Teams dropped eight people and rushed three and he'd complete the pass.

"His confidence is high but he's quietly confident. He studies the game and he understands it so well."

Jeff Davis

5-10, 165 RB

When Brumbaugh did not pass, this junior tailback ran with the pigskin. He led the team with 1,209 yards on 160 attempts. He rushed for 18 touchdowns.

A versatile back, Davis was among five receivers with at least 21 receptions. While his teammate, Ryan Ross led the squad with 41 grabs, Davis hauled in 22 Brumbaugh aerials for an additional 304 yards and three scores.

"Jeff was a perfect fit for our offense," said Rossi.

Nick Faraci

6-3, 250 OL

According to Rossi, Faraci was the Lions' "best overall lineman." And that's good news for both Brumbaugh and Davis, as the right guard, too, is a junior.

Faraci provided the protection that enabled Brumbaugh to pass for over 2,000 yards and Davis to rush for over 1,200.

Corey Spegal

6-3, 235 DL/OL

One of the strongest athletes on the team, this senior lineman was a force on both sides of the ball. When he lined up right beside Adam Lazenga on the offensive line, Bethel Park coach Jeff Metheny said the combination was "incredible." However, on defense, people did not know how good he was because last year he was overshadowed by Brian Vukela.

"Corey made a ton of plays. Plus," Metheny said, "he's just such a great kid. He's a great player and he's so coachable."

Named first-team all-conference as a defensive linemen, Spegal anchored a unit that allowed just 15.8 points per game and recorded one shutout, 25-0, over Penn Hills.

The 3.7 honors student is receiving interest from Division II schools, including Wagner, University of San Diego and Central Connecticut.

Bre Ford

5-10, 182 TB/SS

After gaining 728 yards on 129 carries his sophomore season, this junior topped the 1,200-yard rushing mark to earn all-conference honors. He also led Bethel Park in scoring with 21 touchdowns. Ford started at strong safety in the defensive secondary. His interception sealed BP's 16-14 win over rival Upper St. Clair.

"Bre did a great job for us," said Jeff Metheny. "He was bigger, stronger and faster and defensively, he played smarter. Run-wise, he was excellent. But he still can improve."

Ford has much potential. His relatives, Van and Wes Richardson, played football at WVU and another cousin, Uly Scott, played at the University of Richmond.

Jared Pratt

5-11, 210 LB/RB

This senior earned all-conference, first-team honors at linebacker. A two-year starter alongside Adam Lazenga, Pratt had one of his finest showings in stopping Shaler's Jesse Della Valle in BP's quarterfinal playoff win, 32-14.

While he averaged eight yards a carry on offense and scored eight touchdowns on offense, Pratt ranked among the team's toughest tacklers.

"Jared and Lazenga were two of the best in the WPIAL," said Metheny. "Jared can run and he can hit. He's just a tough kid."

Pratt is tough on the books too. His academics have endeared him to collegiate football programs such as Colgate, Lehigh, Dayton, Lafayette as well as Washington and Jefferson.

Matt Bliss

5-11, 175 DB/QB

This senior shifted to signal caller this year while continuing to start in the defensive secondary for the Black Hawks. For the second season in a row, he again gained all-conference laurels as a defensive back. While he did not intercept 11 passes as he did his junior season, Bliss led the team in picks. His interception for a touchdown ignited BP's comeback against Woodland Hills.

While Bliss passed for over 1,000 yards, he was particularly impressive during BP's playoff run. After completing 5 of 9 aerials for 93 yards for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion in a 49-21 win over Penn-Trafford, he completed 13 of 16 passes for 177 yards and two TD strikes in a 32-14 win over Shaler. He also had an interception on defense. In the semifinal loss to Woodland Hills, 38-35, Bliss connected on 17 passes for 218 yards.

"During the playoffs, Bliss played out of his mind," said Metheny. "While he led us in interception, he did not have as good a year on defense as last year but that could have been because he went both ways, starting at quarterback.

"He was outstanding though, particularly once he got his receiver (Alex Baraffio) back. That revitalized him. For sure, Bliss was one of our best athletes."

Nick Kwiatkowski

6-0, 177 FS/RB

Recruiters will have to wait on this standout as he is just a junior. Named first-team all-conference at defensive back, Kwiatkowski filled the shoes vacated by Lyle Marsh, now at Princeton.

Not only did Kwiatkowski rank in the top three among the team's rushers, he started at free safety and played on all the special teams. His breakout game came in a 27-14 win over Mt. Lebanon. In the contest, he rushed for 93 yards, returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown and scored another time on a 1-yard plunge.

For the season, he ranked second on the team in scoring with 11 touchdowns.

"Nick's very coachable," said Jeff Metheny. "He's got some pretty good moves and he can hit. He makes a lot of plays, especially on defense. Nick's the whole package."

Michael Hull

6-1, 220, LB/RB

Illness prevented this senior from showcasing his true talent. A four-year starter, Hull played in just seven games. Yet, he managed 97 tackles, 71 of them unassisted.

Offensively, he led the team with nine touchdowns. Plus, he rushed for 384 yards and gained 239 yards receiving.

A three-sport standout for much of his high school career--he wrestles and plays baseball--Hull will play football at Penn State University. Before next fall, however, Hull will appear in two all-star football games next month.

Ranked among the top 10 linebackers in the country, he will compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 9 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and in the first Team USC vs. The World game set for Jan. 30 in Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium.

Chad Hagan

6-2, 227 MB/DB

This Ohio State recruit overcame Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome--a condition that can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat--to play in six games this season for the Big Macs, who finished 3-6 on the year.

A standout defensive back--a position at which he'll play in college--Hagan also excelled on the offensive side of the ball. He rushed for 497 yards on just 87 carries. In addition to a 5.7 average-per-carry, he scored seven touchdowns.

A two-year starter, Hagan is also a standout on the Canon-McMillan basketball team.

Alex Park

6-2, 190 QB

This senior registered first-team all-conference honors. In quarterbacking Upper St. Clair to a 6-4 season that featured a runner-up showing to rival Bethel Park in the Great Southern Conference and a playoff appearance, Park completed 81 of 156 passes for 1,207 yards. He tossed 11 touchdown strikes. In addition, he rushed for 363 yards and three more scores.

As a junior, he passed for 1,589 yards and 13 touchdowns.

"We've had a lot of great quarterbacks here at USC," said Jim Render, "but Alex may be the most accurate passer we have had. He has a lot of special gifts."

In the classroom, he is gifted, maintaining a 4.0 QPA. Before the start of the season, New Hampshire had offered him a scholarship.

Connor Scott

6-0, 170 DB/RB

This junior thrilled the Panther partisan with his returns on kick-offs. Plus, he played so well as a defensive back, he earned All-Conference, first-team acclaim.

Scott returned 12 kick-offs for 443 yards for two touchdowns. Plus, he returned two interceptions for 67 yards. With one rushing touchdowns and three TD receptions, he ranked tied for second on the squad in scoring with 36 points.

He rushed for 153 yards on 83 carries. He also contributed 89 yards on five catches.

"Not only was Connor a great kick retun man," said Render, "he was a great defensive back for us."

Joe Laukaitis

6-2, 280 T

This senior started two years on both the offensive and defensive lines for Upper St. Clair. As a tackle, he earned All-Conference, first-team honors.

Offensively, he paved the way for the Panthers to roll up 1,691 yards on the ground. He provided the protection for Alex Park to pass for 1,207 yards. Defensively, the Panthers surrendered 171 points in producing a 6-4 record that included a playoff appearance.

Matt McCann

5-11, 185

This junior powered Keystone Oaks to its first semifinal appearance in the WPIAL playoffs. The Golden Eagles finished 10-2 overall after falling to Greensburg Central Catholic. GCC eventually won the WPIAL title and finished as PIAA runners-up last weekend in Hershey.

McCann led the Golden Eagles, who finished runner-up to South Fayette for the Century Conference title, in rushing with 1,801 yards. He scored 23 touchdowns.

McCann, who plays basketball, earned first-team all-Century Conference honors as a running back and as a linebacker. He helped spearhead a defense that allowed just 11.4 points per game. KO averaged 31.8 points per game on offense, second only to South Fayette at 33.9 ppg.

Bill Whitaker

6-5, 315 OG

After suffering knee injuries his sophomore and junior seasons, this senior closed out his varsity career with a standout year that featured his name on the Great Southern Conference's all-star list. He gained first-team honors at offensive guard.

Whitaker anchored a line that paved the way for the Blue Devils rush their way into the playoffs. Lebo finished 5-5 overall and competed in the Quad-A playoffs, falling to Shaler in the first round.

Lebo powered its way to 2,675 yards of offense, 1,856 of that on the ground.

Mike Martin

6-4, 195 WR

This senior gained first-team all-conference honors at wide receiver. He led Lebo with 32 receptions for a team-high 387 yards. Plus, he scored three touchdowns.

Another of Lebo's talented athlete, he is also a starter on a very successful basketball team. Martin is a forward on a team that is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL. He started last year for the Blue Devils, who reached the district finals and the state semifinals.

Sean Veights

6-1, 225 LB

This senior earned All-Conference, first-team honors at linebacker.

Veights led the team in tackles and interceptions with two, including one for a touchdown during Lebo's upset win over Central Catholic early in the season.

Also, Veights recorded three sacks. Plus, he recovered three fumbles for the Blue Devils.

Veights saw action on offense and was utilized as both a runner and a receiver.

Luke Alberts

6-0, 184 DB/RB

For the second straight season, this season claimed All-Conference honors as a defensive back. Alberts ranked second on the team in tackles. Plus, he had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Alberts also combined with Luke Hagy in the backfield on offense. He ranked second on the team in rushing. He rolled up 675 yards on 127 carries. He scored seven touchdowns. Alberts also grabbed three passes for 16 yards.

Brian Hoffman

6-1, 215 WR

This senior was on the receiving end of more than half of Austin Hancock's 92 completions. He led Peters Township with 36 receptions for 546 yards. He ranked No. 7 in the WPIAL among receivers. Hoffman hauled in seven of Hancock's 14 touchdown strikes.

Hoffman's play earned him all-conference, first-team acclaim. Additionally, he helped the Indians to one of their best starts before finishing 5-4 overall.

Evan Kelly

6-2, 275 OG/DT

This senior dominated both sides of the line and gained all-Century Conference honors on offense and defense. As an offensive guard, he provided the protection that enabled his quarterback to lead the WPIAL in passing. A three-year starter on defense, he play gained him rave reviews from opposing coaches.

"Evan Kelly was phenomenal," said SF skipper Joe Rossi. "He was one of the best lineman in the league."

Anthony Rizza

6-2, 195

This senior quarterback was the best in the WPIAL during the regular season. He completed 126 passes for 1,654 yards. He tossed 11 touchdown strikes against just two interceptions. Plus, he led Seton-La Salle in rushing with 537 yards. He led the Rebels with nine rushing TDs, four more than any other teammate.

Defensively , he scored twice, too. Plus, he gained all-conference, first-team honors for his play at linebacker.

"Rizza is the real deal," said opposing coach Joe Rossi. "He game teams more problems, particularly when he ran."

In a long list of standout quarterbacks at SLS, Rizza might have been the most versatile. "He was a dual threat," said SLS skipper Greg Perry. "We've never had that, someone who can run and throw."

A two-year starter, who passed for nearly 3,000 yards, Rizza is a 4.5 honors student, who plans to play in college while majoring in engineering. CMU, Dartmouth, Wooster, Case Western and John Hopkins are interested in Rizza, whose cousin Matt Rodgers plays for Akron.

Cory Rekasie

6-2, 255 DL/C

This senior earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Big 7 Conference. Additionally, he earned first-team honors for his play at center as well as on the defensive line.

A rock for the Colts during his career, Rekasie helped CV to an 8-2 mark, the school's second best record. The program was 9-2 in 1981. Additionally, he's part of a senior class that produced the best three-year record in the program's history.

CV finished runner-up to Thomas Jefferson with a 5-1 record in the conference.

Drake Greer

6-4, 188 K/P

This senior earned first-team all-Century Conference honor for his kicking. A team captain, Greer connected on six field goals. His longest measured 45 yards. He has kicked 12 field goals during his career.

In addition to handling the placekicking and extra points, Greer handled the punting duties for Bishop Canevin, which finished 4-5 overall.

Greer's longest kick measured 57 yards during a summer camp he attended in North Carolina. He has also showcased his skills at the Ray Guy Camp, drawing attention from some major Division I colleges such as North Carolina, Ohio State, Minnesota and Pitt.

Luke Hagy

6-0, 181 RB

This sophomore burst onto the scene and became Mt. Lebanon's leading rusher. He rolled up 907 yards on 183 carries at the Quad-A level. He also led the Blue Devils in scoring with 14 touchdowns.

Hagy, who excelled on Lebo's undefeated freshman squad last season, earned first-team all-conference acclaim this autumn.

Hagy excels on the basketball court. He is in his second season as a starter for the Blue Devils, who are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL. He started as a freshman on Lebo's WPIAL runner-up and PIAA Final Four team.

For his efforts in helping the Blue Devils reach the WPIAL football playoffs this fall, Hagy garners Almanac Rookie of the Year laurels.

Joe Rossi

Coach of the Year

In 2007, Joe Rossi took over the football program at South Fayette after five successful campaigns at Riverwiew. In three seasons, the former Chartiers Valley standout molded the varsity into one of the school's best.

Not only did the Lions roll to an undefeated conference championship they completed an undefeated regular season. The Lions finished 10-1 overall after dropping a thrilling contest with Aliquippa in the Class AA quarterfinals.

For his efforts this season, Rossi has been named Almanac Coach of the Year.


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Center of attention – BP's Lazenga earns MVP - Pennsylvania Almanac

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 06:06 AM PST


Center of attention – BP's Lazenga earns MVP

By Eleanor Bailey The Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

 In college football, the Outland Trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America while the Butkus and Lambert Awards signify the best of the best linebackers in the nation.

This year, Nebraska tackle Ndamukong Suh claimed the Outland while Alabama junior Rolando McClain rated as the top linebacker.

If The Almanac divvied out such distinctions to a local high school player, the honors would go to only one player--Adam Lazenga from Bethel Park. For Lazenga has been signaled out by opposing coaches as the best center not to mention a standout linebacker.

Among The Almanac schools participating in the Great Southern Conference, all the coaches voted for Lazenga on their all-star ballot. Most indicated he was the best center. Some even offered his name as MVP.

And for good reason.

A three-year starter and a four-year varsity letterwinner, Lazenga anchored the offensive line at center and the defensive unit at linebacker for the Black Hawks. In fact, he's been the driving force behind their rise to WPIAL power.

During Lazenga's junior year, BP won a district title and reached the state finals. This fall, as a captain, Lazenga led the Black Hawks back to the playoffs after some heavy losses to graduation. In fact, BP claimed its second straight undefeated conference championship, posted a 10-2 record--the only blemishes, two losses to Woodland Hills--and reached the Final Four in the WPIAL playoffs. Only a missed field goal attempt in overtime prevented the Black Hawks from making a second straight trip to the Quad-A finals.

"No question," said BP skipper Jeff Metheny, "Adam has been our leader. He helped everybody out. He made everybody around him better."

On defense, he combined with Jared Pratt to become what Metheny claimed was the best linebacking


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Look, a blue moon. And there, an asterisk - CharlotteObserver.com

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 04:40 AM PST

On New Year's Eve, when merrymakers crowd the streets, a blue moon will shine over their festive heads - bringing to the holiday both a night-sky rarity and a decades-old quibble.

Most plainly, a blue moon means seldom. Practically never. It's shorthand for an event that happens so infrequently you might as well wait for the big white pumpkin in the sky to change color.

But the meaning and roots of the phrase are tangled up in error and dispute. Pick your own explanation and raise a glass to Earth's lonely satellite.

The most common explanation, accepted by both NASA and the American Heritage Dictionary, defines a blue moon as two full moons in a single month - a phenomenon that occurs every 2.5 years on average. This month, the big round orb appears on Dec. 2 and Dec. 31, making this the first blue moon on New Year's Eve since 1990.

Trouble is, this definition stems from a mistaken report in Sky & Telescope magazine, printed in 1946. In that article, the writer attributed the two-full-moon story to the Maine Farmers Almanac. More than 50 years later, the magazine owned up to the error and corrected it, but the story endures.

Here's what that farmers almanac meant to say: Normally, you get 12 full moons a year. A blue moon means a 13th full moon - or the third full moon in any particular season that includes four. Naming the third moon blue, rather than the fourth, would help keep the farmers from getting their seasons out of whack. September, for example, brings what is sometimes called the corn moon.

This echoed the ancient practice of using the appearance of full moons to set the date of important religious observances, such as Easter. Designating the additional full moon as "blue," kept the ecclesiastical calendar on track.

Confused? Don't fret. For a physics professor, Thursday night's blue moon doesn't even count.

Volcano dust

A real blue moon means the moon actually turns blue, and there is such a phenomenon, said Michael Paesler, head of the physics department at N.C. State University.

For this to happen, he explained, the air must contain particles that are larger than usual; the particles scatter red light and give the moon a bluish tint. But they must be between 0.5 and 0.7 microns in size, or about millionth of a meter - an incredible rarity.

So a true blue moon doesn't come around every other year. It happened when Krakatoa erupted in 1883 and killed 36,000 people. As for this New Year's Eve moon, Paesler said with a touch of disdain, "This is a numerological blue moon."

Don't like it? Take a flying leap. At a blue moon.

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On Dec. 28 in NEPA - Scranton Times-Tribune

Posted: 28 Dec 2009 01:06 AM PST

On this date in NEPA

50 years ago, two bandits armed with sawed-off shotguns robbed the Signature Finance Co. in Dunmore. They entered the business at about 2 p.m. and said, "This is a holdup; we want money; do as we say and you won't get hurt." The pair made off with $478.95.

25 years ago, a member of Scranton City Council expressed concern over the lack of lighting on the Central Scranton Expressway. On a recent evening, 25 street lights were not lit on the entrance to the Electric City.

10 years ago, Six companies bid for the Scranton towing contract since the bidding was opened the day before. The top bidder was DeNaples Auto Parts with a $1.006 million bid for a 10-year exclusive contract. Almanac

Today is Monday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2009. There are 3 days left in the year.

In 1694, Queen Mary II of England died after more than five years of joint rule with her husband, King William III.

In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson.

In 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union.

In 1856, the 28th president of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, was born in Staunton, Va.

In 1897, the play "Cyrano de Bergerac," by Edmond Rostand, premiered in Paris.

In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people.

In 1917, the New York Evening Mail published "A Neglected Anniversary," a facetious, as well as fictitious, essay by H.L. Mencken recounting the history of bathtubs in America.

In 1944, the musical "On the Town," with music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, opened on Broadway.

In 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 1973, Alexander Solzhenitsyn published "Gulag Archipelago," an expose of the Soviet prison system.

In 1989, Alexander Dubcek, the former Czechoslovak Communist leader who was deposed in a Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968, was named president of the country's parliament.

Ten years ago: Clayton Moore, television's "Lone Ranger," died in West Hills, Calif., at age 85.

Five years ago: The U.S. Agency for International Development said it was adding $20 million to an initial $15 million contribution for Asian tsunami relief as Secretary of State Colin Powell bristled at a U.N. official's suggestion the United States was being "stingy." Activist and author Susan Sontag died in New York at age 71. Actor Jerry Orbach died in New York at age 69.

One year ago: A bomb-loaded SUV exploded at a military checkpoint in Afghanistan, claiming the lives of 14 schoolchildren in a heartbreaking flash captured by a U.S. security camera. The Detroit Lions completed an 0-16 season - the NFL's worst ever - with a 31-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Today's Birthdays: Comic book creator Stan Lee is 87. Former United Auto Workers union president Owen Bieber is 80. Actor Martin Milner is 78. Actress Nichelle Nichols is 77. Actress Dame Maggie Smith is 75. Rock singer-musician Charles Neville is 71. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 65. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 63. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 63. Rock singer-musician Alex Chilton (The Box Tops; Big Star) is 59. Actor Denzel Washington is 55. Country singer Joe Diffie is 51. Country musician Mike McGuire (Shenandoah) is 51. Actor Chad McQueen is 49. Country singer-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 49. Actor Malcolm Gets is 45. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 40. Comedian Seth Meyers is 36. Actor Brendan Hines is 33. R&B singer John Legend is 31. Actress Sienna Miller is 28. Actor Thomas Dekker is 22. Actress Mackenzie Rosman is 20. Pop singer David Archuleta ("American Idol") is 19.

Thought for Today: "Our chief defect is that we are more given to talking about things than to doing them." - Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian statesman (1889-1964).

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