ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1693, the college of William and Mary was chartered in Williamsburg, VA.

• Everyone was thrilled about it except Mary... who wanted it called "Mary and William." 
• That year, their football team went undefeated. They were good, but it was mostly because there weren't any other colleges in the country. 

In 1778, France became the first country to officially recognize the United States.

• If nothing else, to tick off England. 
• When they presented us with their "Rudeness for Life" award. 
• That's why we don't mind them being so rude. 
• Up until that time, our disguise had worked perfectly. 

In 1788, Massachusetts became the 6th U.S. state. That was back when you yelled "Go Pats!" it had to do with the militia and not the football team.

On this date in 1933, the 20th Amendment to our constitution went into effect. That's the one that moved up Inauguration Day from March, to January. It's also called the "oh, let's just get this over with" amendment.

In 1952, Britain's King George VI died and was succeeded to the throne by his daughter, Elizabeth II. If you want to know anything more, Watch "The Crown." She's been Queen of England for 66 years.

On this date in 1968, Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower shot a hole in one. A secret service agent threw himself on the hole out of habit. It would be years later when Vice President Dick Cheney was out hunting with an attorney that he also shot a hole in one.

In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepherd hit three golf balls on the moon.

• That may sound impressive, but you should know it was in a par 2 crater. 
• And that was just to get out of the sand crater. 
• That sounds like a big deal, but the moon was par 2, so he was one over. 

TODAY IS

Reminder -- Valentine's Day is a week from tomorrow. Dinner reservations should have already been made.

Former U.S. gymnast Kim Zmeskal celebrates her 42nd birthday today. She's not expected to win any medals during this Olympics because a) she's not in them and b) they're the winter games. She competed in the summer. It was there she became famous as the athlete most often asked, "Is there a letter missing in your last name?"

 Rick Astley turns 52 today... together... forever... with you. Yes, he continues to celebrate birthdays. Never gonna give them up... never gonna let them down.

Axl Rose of Guns 'N Roses and, occasionally, AC/DC, turns 56 today.

• They named Guns 'N Roses after him, because Guns 'N Axles didn't have the same ring to it. 
• Nothing says, "What? I can't hear you!" like a Guns N' Roses song. 
• If you're thinking about getting him a gift, how about an "e" for that first name? 

Former teen heart throb Fabian turns 75. These days, he gets checked often for that heart throb. For goodness sake, Fabian, you're 71: get a last name!

Retired NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw turns 78 today.