In 1942 Frank Sinatra opens at New York's Paramount Theatre for an 8-week engagement. 400 policemen were used to control the crowds. In 1944 Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys make their debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1962 Brenda Lee is slightly injured when she runs into her burning Nashville home to rescue her poodle, Cee Cee. In 1966 The Beatles record "When I'm 64" at Abbey Road Studios in London. In 1966 Billboard magazine reports that the Beatles held the #1 position on the charts in 13 countries. In 1967 "Hello Goodbye" by the Beatles hits #1 on the U.S. top 40 chart and stayed there for 3 weeks. In 1969 "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul and Mary is certified gold. In 1972 Nilsson's album "Son Of Schmilsson" is certified gold. In 1972 "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" by the Spinners enters the U.S. top 40 chart. In 1974 The entity known as The Beatles legally comes to an end, four years after Pau...

In 1809 Wearing masks at parties and balls is banned in Boston, MA. In 1853 The U.S. bought some 45,000 miles of land from Mexico in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase (the southern part of Arizona and New Mexico). In 1894 Suffragist Amelia Jenks Bloomer dies. She was best known for wearing a short skirt and baggy trousers that became known as "bloomers." In 1903 602 people died when a fire broke out in the Iroquois Theater in Chicago. In 1911 Sun Yat-sen was elected the first president of the Republic of China after the fall of the Chinese dynasties. In 1916 Grigori Rasputin is assassinated in Russia. In 1922 Vladimir I. Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In 1924 Astronomer Edwin Hubble announced the existence of other Milky Way systems. In 1935 Italian bombers destroyed a Swedish Red Cross unit in Ethiopia. In 1936 A massive sitdown strike erupted at the Fisher Body Plant in Flint, MI, when workers learned 5 employees wer...

In 1850 Geologist, John Milne (invented the seismograph) In 1851 Businessman, Asa Griggs Candler (founded Coca-Cola Corp. in 1873) In 1865 English poet/short story writer Rudyard Kipling (Jungle Book) In 1867 American capitalist/philanthropist, Simon Guggenheim In 1869 Canadian economist/humorist, Stephen Leacock In 1876 Spanish violinist, Pablo Casals In 1883 Actress, Mary Forbes (The Picture of Dorian Gray, Les Miserables) In 1884 Japanese Prime Minister Tojo Hideki (World War II) In 1892 Actor, John Litel (Sam Aldrich-Henry Aldrich movies) In 1898 Actor, Tom Keene (Plan Nine From Outer Space) In 1910 Author, Paul Bowles (Sheltering Sky) [d: 11-18-99] In 1911 Actress, Jeanette Nolan (The Virginian) [d: 6-5-98] In 1912 Actress, Rosina Lawrence (Our Gang, Little Rascals) [d: 6-23-97] In 1914 Emcee/game show host Bert Parks (Miss America) [d: 2-2-92] In 1919 Actress, Jo Van Fleet (East of Eden) [d: 6-10-96] In 1920 Actor, Jack Lord (Det. Steve McGarrett-Hawaii Five-O) [d: 1-21-98] In 19...

In this week’s look around the Air Force, highlights the 71st annual Operation Christmas Drop, a humanitarian event that brings U.S. and partner nations together to provide food, tools and clothing to more than 56 remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.  

In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket is murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in England. In 1813 The British burned Buffalo, New York, during the War of 1812. In 1837 Canadian militiamen destroyed the Caroline, a U.S. steamboat docked at Buffalo, New York. In 1845 Texas became the 28th U.S. state. In 1848 Gas lights are installed at the White House for the first time. In 1851 The first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) chapter opened in Boston, MA. In 1890 The Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota. 300 Sioux Indians are killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them. In 1913 The first movie serial, "The Adventures of Kathlyn," premiered in Chicago, Illinois. In 1934 Japan renounced the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and the London Naval Treaty of 1930. In 1940 During World War II, Germany began dropping incendiary bombs on London, England. In 1949 The first UHF TV station began regular operations in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1952 The first transistorized hearing a...

In 1776 Inventor, Charles Macintosh (patented waterproof fabric) In 1800 Inventor, Charles Goodyear (vulcanization process for rubber) In 1808 Andrew Johnson, the 17th U.S. president (1865-69) In 1809 English statesman, William Ewart Gladstone In 1859 Venustiano Carranza, president of Mexico (1915-20) In 1876 Spanish cellist/composer, Pablo Casals In 1879 World War I aviation hero, Billy Mitchell In 1881 Heavyweight boxing champ Jess Willard (1915-19) In 1891 Businesswoman, Joyce Clyde Hall (founded Hallmark Cards) In 1894 Actor, Emory Parnell (The Life of Riley) In 1900 Jazz musician/singer Willie Humphrey [d: 6-7-94] In 1903 Jazz trumpeter, Clyde McCoy (wah wah sound) [d: 6-11-90] In 1907 Economist, Dr. Robert Clifton Weaver, (first U.S. Cabinet member) [d: 7-17-97] In 1909 Actor, Thomas Beck (Charlie Chan movies, Priest-Heidi) [d: 9-23-95] In 1917 Los Angeles mayor, Tom Bradley (1973-93) [d: 9-29-98] In 1919 Journalist, Jim Murray (founded Sports Illustrated) [d: 8-16-98] In 1920 Ac...

A tiny tattoo on a woman's shoulder She's funny and overtly sexy and loves to tease. A tattoo on the small of the back A woman who is secretly sexual. The sacrum is an overlooked but highly sensual spot where most women love to be touched. She's telling you to "press here." Body Glitter She's girlish, fun, curious, playful, and still believes in magic. She's looking for a prince charming to put some real twinkle on her finger. Check her ID, though; teens love this stuff. Nails Long, elaborately painted fingernails mean she's trying to create the illusion of class. She may be a supermarket cashier, a bank teller, or an assembly-line riveter trying to disguise the fact that she's a menial laborer. Think high-maintenance. Tongue stud This is the most in-your-face body art a woman can have. She's self-confident and values her tongue almost as much for sex as for talking. She says she has so much energy and is in such good health that she can cart a...

In 1928 Louis Armstrong recorded "West End Blues." In 1937 Composer Maurice Ravel died in Paris, France. 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 1957 Ricky Nelson was featured on the cover of TV Guide. In 1959 "Why" by Frankie Avalon was #1 on the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1962 The Beatles performed one of their last concerts at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany. In 1963 Bobby Vee ("The Night Has A Thousand Eyes") married Karen Bergen. In 1968 The Miami Festival featuring Steppenwolf, 3 Dog Night, Chuck Berry, Fleetwood Mac, Turtles, Canned Heat, and Joni Mitchell got underway in Hallandale, FL. 100,000 people show up at the 3-day event. In 1968 The Beatles' so-called "White Album" hit #1 on the U.S. albums chart and stayed there for 9 weeks (non-consecutive). In 1968 "Touch Me" by the Doors and "This Magic Moment...

In 1694 Queen Mary II of England died after five years of joint rule with her husband, King William III. In 1832 John Calhoun became the first U.S. vice president to resign, stepping down after differences with President Andrew Jackson. In 1846 Iowa became the 29th U.S. state. In 1869 A patent for chewing gum was granted to William Findley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio. In 1902 Trans-Pacific cable linked Hawaii to the mainland. In 1906 The NCAA was formed as the Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 1908 80,000 died when an earthquake struck Messina, Italy. In 1917 The New York Evening Mail published a fictitious essay by H.L. Mencken on the history of bathtubs in America. In 1939 The first B-24 bomber prototype (Liberator) was test flown. In 1945 The Pledge of Allegiance was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress. In 1945 Author, Theodore Dreiser died in Hollywood, California. In 1950 Chinese troops crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea. In 1954 Kansas' 24-hour snowfall...

In 1763 John Molson, founder of a Montreal brewery In 1856 Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president (1912-21) (Nobel-1919) In 1882 English astrophysicist, Arthur Eddington In 1882 Astronomer/physician, Sir Arthur Eddington In 1894 Football player Ed Healey (Bears) In 1896 Composer, Roger Sessions In 1900 Baseball Hall-of-Famer, Ted Lyons (White Sox) [d: 7-25-86] In 1905 Comedian/actor Cliff Arquette (Charlie Weaver) [d: 9-23-74] In 1905 Jazz pianist/bandleader Earl "Fatha" Hines [d: 4-22-83] In 1906 Baseball player Tommy Bridges (Tigers) [d: 4-19-68] In 1908 Actor, Lew Ayres (All Quiet On The Western Front) [d: 12-30-96] In 1909 Singer, Billy Williams (Your Show Of Shows) [d: 10-17-72] In 1913 Actor, Lou Jacobi (Irma La Douce, Arthur) [d: 10-23-09] In 1914 Actor, Lee Bowman (Ellery Queen, Miami Undercover) [d: 12-25-79] In 1915 Singer Roebuck "Pops" Staple (The Staple Singers) [d: 12-19-00] In 1920 Football Hall-of-Famer, Steve Van Buren (Eagles) [d: 8-23-12] In 1921...

In 1903 "Sweet Adaline," a barbershop quartet favorite, is first sung. In 1927 "Show Boat," one of the significant works of American musical theatre, opened at Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. In 1932 Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City. In 1940 "Stardust" by Tommy Dorsey debuts on the charts. In 1957 Elvis Presley received a temporary draft deferment that allowed him to finish filming "King Creole." In 1958 David & Ricky Nelson appeared on the cover of TV Guide. In 1958 John Lennon met his future wife, Cynthia Powell, in a class at the Liverpool College Of Art. In 1960 Smokey Robinson & The Miracles performed "Shop Around" on ABC-TV's "American Bandstand." In 1963 The London Times named John Lennon & Paul McCartney "Outstanding Composers" of the year. In 1964 The Supremes appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" for the first time. In 1968 Jimi Hendrix appeared on BBC's "The ...

In 1825 The first public railroad using steam locomotives opened in England. In 1831 Naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a voyage to the Pacific aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. Darwin's discoveries during the trip helped form the basis for his theories on evolution. In 1845 Anesthesia (ether) is first used for childbirth. In 1892 The cornerstone was laid for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Devine in New York City. In 1900 Militant prohibitionist Carry Nation performed her first public smashing of a bar at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. In 1927 Josef Stalin's faction won an All-Union Congress in the USSR. In 1941 During World War II, Japan bombed Manila even though it was declared an "open city." In 1945 28 nations signed an agreement creating the World Bank. In 1947 Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody debuted in "Puppet Playhouse" on NBC. In 1949 Queen Juliana of the Netherlands signed an act granting sovereignty to Indonesia after more than three centuries of ...

In 1571 Astronomer, Johannes Kepler (discovered elliptical orbits) In 1654 Mathematician, Jacques Bernoulli (probability and calculus) In 1773 Scientist, Sir George Cayley (the science of aerodynamics) In 1822 French bacteriologist Louis Pasteur (the science of immunology) In 1879 Actor, Sydney Greenstreet (The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca) In 1901 Actress, Marlene Dietrich (Blue Angel) [d: 5-06-92] In 1906 Pianist/composer Oscar Levant (An American In Paris) [d: 8-14-72] In 1915 Author/physician William Howell Masters (& Johnson) [d: 2-16-01] In 1917 Actress, Mary A. Korman (Our Gang) [d: 6-1-73] In 1921 Actress, Evelyn Payne Davis (Sesame Street) [d: 1-10-97] In 1926 Psychologist/columnist Dr. Lee Salk [d: 5-2-92] In 1930 Journalist, Meg Greenfield (Washington Post) [d: 5-13-99] In 1931 Guitarist, Scotty Moore (Elvis Presley) [d: 6-28-16] In 1934 Gymnast, Larisa Latynina (Olympic-Gold-1956, 60, 64) (88) In 1939 Actor, John Amos (Good Times, Coming To America, Die Hard II) (83) In 1...

 

 

Taco Bell is said to be test-marketing a couple of different versions of their Mexican Pizzas. The Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Company has come out with a unique flavor: Onion Ice Cream. Would ya? If you're looking for a different restaurant, head to Rowland Heights, California, home of Mr. Frog. Their entire menu is all about frogs. Frog hot pots come in flavors like Signature Basil, Hot & Sour, and Extra Spicy. A woman is suing T.G.I. Friday's after the Mozzarella Sticks she ordered it arrived without any Mozzarella inside them. IHOP is getting into the cereal biz, offering up IHOP's Mini Pancake Cereal. I think sugar is involved.

In 1930 "You're Driving Me Crazy!" by Guy Lombardo was #1 on the charts. In 1957 Elvis Presley received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. He was ordered to report on January 20, but the date would later be deferred until March 24 to finish his latest movie, "Kid Creole." In 1962 The Osmond Brothers made their debut on NBC-TV's "The Andy Williams Show." In 1966 Johnny Horton's "The Battle Of New Orleans" was certified gold. In 1967 Jethro Tull was formed with Ian Anderson and Glenn Gornick. In 1969 "No Time" by the Guess Who and "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" by the Hollies entered the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1969 "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul & Mary was #1 on the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1971 George Harrison's album "The Concert For Bangladesh" was released. In 1973 Bobby Darin ("Splish Splash") died of heart failure while undergoing a second heart operation...

In 1699 Peter the Great ordered the Russian New Year to be changed from September 1 to January 1. In 1790 The first successful U.S. cotton mill opened at Pawtucket, RI. In 1803 The Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans. The U.S. paid the French $15 million for the land, doubling the size of the country. In 1820 Missouri imposed a $1 bachelor tax on unmarried men between the ages of 21 and 50. In 1860 South Carolina became the first state to secede from the union. In 1864 Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Georgia, as Union General William T. Sherman continued his "March to the Sea." In 1879 Thomas A. Edison privately demonstrated the incandescent light at Menlo Park, New Jersey. In 1922 The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed. In 1945 The Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing. In 1963 The Berlin Wall opened for ...

In 1805 Chemist, Thomas Graham (father of colloid chemistry) In 1833 Dr. Samuel A. Mudd (convicted of giving medical aid to J.W. Booth) In 1841 Educator, Ferdinand-Edouard Buisson (Nobel-1927) In 1868 Manufacturer, Harvey S. Firestone (Firestone Tire Company) In 1869 Actor, Charley Grapewin (Uncle Henry-The Wizard Of Oz) In 1876 Astronomer, Walter Sydney Adams (director of Mount Wilson) In 1881 Baseball Hall-of-Famer, Branch Rickey (minor league farm system) In 1886 Tennis Hall-of-Famer, Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman (50 national titles) In 1894 Australian statesman, Robert Gordon Menzies In 1895 U.S. Philosopher Susanne Langer (Philosophy in a New Key) In 1896 Engineer Leonard Hobbs (J-57 turbojet aircraft engine) In 1899 Norweigan explorer Finn Ronne (explored 3600 miles of Antarctica) In 1901 Actress, Irene Dunne (I Remember Mama, My Favorite Wife) [d: 9-4-90] In 1902 Columnist, Max Lerner (New York Post) [d: 6-5-92] In 1909 Composer, Vagn Holmboe [d: 9-1-96] In 1912 Actor, Ernie Morriso...

Lincoln, NE, police say it's looking for a group of car thieves who went on a crime spree this week. It began when the suspects stole a Jetta on Tuesday morning and drove the stolen vehicle to Ace Hardware, where a victim says one of the thieves hopped into their Acura, which was running and unlocked. But the suspect didn't get far as he immediately crashed into a pickup truck. Police say the thief then ran off and was picked up by the stolen Jetta to continue the crime spree. A pair of suspects then jumped into a running vehicle parked in front of a restaurant to find that a grandmother and three children were still inside. Police say the grandma began yelling at the thieves who crashed into the restaurant, causing $8,000 in damage. After fleeing on foot, a nearby shop owner reported seeing three hooded teenagers in the parking lot stealing his red Chrysler 200, which was also running. (KLKNTV)

A North Carolina family shared a video from the unusual festive scene that unfolded when a squirrel that entered their home tried to hide in the Christmas tree. Taylor Stading, who posted videos of the wildlife encounter to Facebook, said the squirrel entered her family's Waxhaw home through a loose roof shingle, climbed through a sink pipe opening, and emerged in an upstairs bathroom. Stading said the family dog, Dixie, chased the squirrel through the house until it hid in the Christmas tree. Stading's videos show her attempting to get the squirrel out of a nearby window while advice and commentary are offered by her kids, Colton, 11, Savannah, 8, and Caroline, 8. Stading eventually used a dust mop to push the squirrel out the window to return to the wild. Commenters online said the videos evoked memories of the famous Christmas tree squirrel from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. (UPI)

Police in Arizona said a driver was cited after being found driving in a carpool lane with an inflatable Grinch as the sole passenger. The Arizona Department of Public Safety tweeted a photo showing a vehicle with an inflatable Grinch in the passenger seat. The department said a trooper pulled the vehicle over on Interstate 10 in Avondale after noticing the car, which was traveling in the high-occupancy vehicle lane, was occupied only by the driver and the "Suspicious-looking passenger.'" The driver was cited for an HOV lane violation. (UPI)

As the invasion of Ukraine nears its 11th month, Russian troops' morale could be better, and the coming winter isn't likely to help. Russian military strategists, however, think they've hit upon a solution: singers, musicians, and circus performers. The BBC reports that the country's Defense Ministry on Sunday announced the formation of a pair of "frontline creative brigades," made of such performers who'll be dispatched to the war's front lines to raise soldiers' spirits. (Newser)

The Yes side won in Elon Musk's poll on whether he should step down as head of Twitter-and while he hasn't said who will replace him if he keeps his promise to abide by the results, another poll has suggested a candidate. Snoop Dogg tweeted a poll Sunday asking, "Should I run Twitter?" and lot of people liked the idea. With more than 2.1 million votes cast, 81% are in favor of the rapper replacing Musk at the helm of the site he has referred to as "Twizzle." Snoop Dogg-whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr.-has, like Musk, been involved in a variety of business ventures. Most of them are music, weed, or NFT-related, but he's also reportedly an investor in Reddit. (Newser)

A semi-truck driver in Oregon failed to stop despite learning that the liquid load he was hauling was leaking. The liquid splattered red-colored dye on multiple freeways and possibly other vehicles over several miles. County officials contacted the tractor truck driver, 40-year-old Junior Jean, who reported the load was a liquid used to dye mulch. Deputies learned he drove north on I-205, then took I-84 east. After another driver flagged him down, the driver stopped to inspect the leaking load. Despite the leak, the driver stated the company said to continue driving to the final destination. He traveled several miles while the liquid dye spilled out of the trailer. The Oregon DOT and State Police confirmed the spill stretched for miles on the two interstates. While the driver reported that the dye is liquid soluble (washes away when contacted by water), vehicles adjacent to or following the truck might have been impacted by the liquid. The driver received three citations. (Jamn1075)

Kansas universities may scrap their algebra graduation requirement because too many students fail the course. One in three students fails college algebra the first time, with many dropping out from pursuing a degree through Kansas University in frustration over the irrelevant algebra requirement. As a result, the Kansas Board of Regents is considering alternative requirements such as statistics and quantitative reasoning under a Math Pathways program. The pathways program aims to accelerate "students' path through developmental math and enables them to take different ways through the math curriculum depending on their course of study. (NPR)

Cincinnati Art Museum's chief conservator Serena Urry was conducting a routine inspection of the institution's prized Paul Cézanne painting "Still Life with Bread and Eggs" when she noticed something "odd." For an artwork dating back to 1865, the appearance of small cracks was no surprise. But they revealed tiny flashes of white that stood out in contrast to the brooding palette of the French painter's so-called "dark" period. The conservator asked a local medical company to bring a portable X-ray machine to the museum, where a technician scanned the 2.5-foot-wide oil painting in several parts. As the museum chief conservator stitched the images digitally using Photoshop, she saw "blotches of white," indicating more white lead pigment. Then she rotated it 90 degrees and said WOW aloud to her herself. When the scan was turned vertically, an image of a man emerged, his eyes, hairline, and shoulders appearing as dark patches. Given the f...

What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective? Santa clues. Which reindeer is the neat freak? Comet. He cleans sinks. If athletes get athlete's foot, what do astronauts get? Missile-toe. What nationality is Santa? North Pole-ish. What do elves learn in school? The Elf-abet.

In 1933 "Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?" by Eddy Duchin was #1 on the charts. In 1960 George Harrison, 17, was deported from Germany because he was too young to perform there. In 1965 "Woman," written by Paul McCartney under the pen name Bernard Webb, was recorded by Peter & Gordon at the Abbey Road studios in London. In 1966 The first Jimi Hendrix single, "Hey Joe," was released in the U.K. In 1967 The American Breed ("Bend Me, Shape Me") made their first T.V. appearance on ABC-TV's "American Bandstand." In 1967 "Green Tamborine" by the Lemon Pipers entered the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1968 Creedence Clearwater Revival's debut album was certified gold. In 1970 "Knock Three Times" by Dawn, and Creedence Clearwater Revival's single "Bad Moon Rising" were certified gold. In 1971 The 8-minute-plus version of Don McLean's "American Pie" was released. In 1971 Melanie received a gol...

In 1653 Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In 1773 The Boston Tea Party took place when American colonists disguised as Indians boarded a British ship and dumped tea into Boston harbor. In 1809 Napoleon Bonaparte was divorced from Empress Josephine by an act of the French Senate. In 1811 A 12.0 earthquake on the Richter scale shook America in Missouri. In 1905 Entertainment trade magazine "Variety" publishes its first issue. In 1907 The Great White Fleet sailed from Hampton Downs on its World Cruise. In 1916 Gregory Rasputin, the monk who had decisive influence over the Russian court, was murdered by a group of noblemen. In 1944 The Battle of the Bulge began in Belgium as German forces launched a surprise counter-attack against Allied forces during World War II. In 1945 The Cleveland Rams won the National Football League championship at home by defeating the Washington Redskins, 15-14. In 1950 President Truman declared a national emergenc...

In 1485 Queen Catherine of Aragon (the first wife of Henry VIII) In 1770 German composer, Ludwig von Beethoven In 1775 English novelist Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice) In 1857 Astronomer, Edward Barnard (discovered Jupiter's fifth satellite) In 1863 Philosopher/poet, George Santayana In 1872 General Anton Denikin (Russian Civil War, 1918-20) In 1882 Sir John Berry Hobbs (the greatest cricket batsman of his time) In 1899 Playwright/composer, Sir Noel Coward In 1900 Literary critic/author V.S. Pritchett [d: 3-20-97] In 1901 American anthropologist Margaret Mead [d: 11-15-78] In 1917 Author/scientist Arthur C. Clarke (2001) [d: 3-19-08] In 1920 Director George Schaefer (Hallmark Hall of Fame) [d: 9-10-97] In 1931 Football player/announcer Tom Brookshier (CBS Sports) [d: 1-29-10] In 1937 Actress, Joyce Bulifant (Marie-Mary Tyler Moore Show) (85) In 1937 Country singer Jim Glaser (Tompall & the Glaser Brothers) [d: 4-6-19] In 1938 Actress, Liv Ullmann (Cries & Whispers, 40 Car...

The Transportation Security Administration reminds passengers of the proper protocol for traveling with pets after a dog accidentally went through a security X-ray at a Wisconsin airport. TSA Great Lakes revealed in a Twitter post that a small dog was accidentally sent through the X-ray when it was left inside a traveler's carry-on bag. The X-ray operator discovered the animal. The passenger should have removed the animal at the checkpoint and sent the pet carrier through the empty X-ray tunnel. The passenger said that the dog, unharmed, was a little skittish afterward. (UPI)

Weighted vests and blankets have been used for decades to induce calm. But how do they work? Researchers may now have part of the answer. A Swedish associate professor of pharmacology asked 26 young men and women to sleep in a lab for two nights, one night with a light blanket (equal to 2.4% of the participant's body weight) and one night with a weighted one (equal to 12.2%), which none of the participants had used before. Saliva samples taken from the patients between 10pm and 11pm showed a 32% greater increase in a melatonin-the hormone produced by the brain's pineal gland in response to darkness as a central part of the sleep-wake cycle-on average when weighted blankets were used. (Newser)

A 22-year-old Oregon horse with no eyes broke three Guinness World Records: highest free jump by a blind horse, most flying changes by a horse in one minute and fastest time for a blind horse to weave five poles. The horse, Endo, started having eye problems when he was 8 years old, and he was diagnosed with equine recurrent uveitis, which eventually led to his eyes having to be removed. It took some time for him to regain his confidence. He learned to jump again after going blind because he competed in a discipline that required upper-level riding and obstacle work, and in that discipline, he became national champion at the highest level. The now-22-year-old horse showed he still has skills by taking on the trio of records. (UPI)

While 87 percent of students said the college is "too difficult," the same percentage are studying less than 10 hours per week, a new survey found. Intelligent.com, which regularly surveys college students, gathered data from 1,000 respondents, all of whom attend four-year colleges. However, 71 percent of students spend fewer than 10 hours per week studying, and a total of 87 percent of students spend fewer than 15 hours per week hitting the books. The survey found that about one-third of students who think they work hard fail to put more than five hours a week into schoolwork. (TheCollegeFix)

A Virginia man loaded his four children into a stroller and ran a 10k race in 48 minutes and 1 second, earning a Guinness World Record. Steven Christopher, an active-duty Air Force pilot from Sterling, participated in the Run the Greenway race while pushing a four-seat stroller containing his 4-year-old, 2-year-old and two 10-month-old children. Christopher finished with a time of 48 mines and 1 second, becoming the first Guinness World Record holder in the category of fastest 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) pushing a quadruple pram (male). Christopher said that a lot of people think the running piece is the hard part, but that the hard part is actually the logistics of the kiddos, because making them happy is far more difficult than running 10 kilometers. (UPI)

New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission voted on Tuesday to designate Julius' Bar in the Village as an individual landmark. The bar on 10th Street has been in business since the 1860s and played an important role in the fight for civil rights for the LGBTQ community. In the 1960s, the state liquor authority did not allow people to be served alcohol if they were openly gay. The manager explains that in 1966, the state liquor authority didn't allow homosexuals to be served alcohol if they were openly gay. So, they staged the sip-in there, and there was a lawsuit. The sip-in and lawsuit would help change New York law. (ABC7NY)

It's quickly becoming a winter tradition in Minnesota: The "Name a Snowplow" contest is back. The contest, held by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, has returned for its third year. Past winners include Betty Whiteout, Polowy McPlowFace, Ctrl Salt Delete, Snowbi Wan Kenobi, and The Truck Formerly Known As Plow. Minnesotans are encouraged to submit their creative names on MnDOT's website. This year's contest includes rules, including one name submission per person, names limited to 30 characters, and past winners not considered. (CBSNews)

More than a year and a half after its first flight on Mars, the Ingenuity helicopter has set a new record. The little 4-pound (1.8-kilogram) chopper completed its 35th flight on December 3 and reached a new altitude record of 46 feet. Ingenuity was initially designed as a technology demonstration that would only pursue five flights on Mars after hitching a ride to the red planet with the Perseverance rover, which has been exploring the Martian landscape since February 2021. Instead, the chopper has proven itself time and time again and become the rover's aerial scout, flying over areas deemed too dangerous for the rover and surveying potential future destinations. (CNN)

Archaeologists who inspected a large and mysterious wooden object partially unearthed by hurricane erosion on a Florida beach say it appears to be a shipwreck from the 1800s. Ten archaeologists examined the 80-foot-long structure in Daytona Beach Shores. The arrangement of the massive timbers indicated the structure of a ship. The wooden frame was discovered last month following heavy erosion from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. (UPI)

In 1926 17-year-old Benny Goodman played in his first recording session. He played clarinet with the Ben Pollack Orchestra on "Downtown Shuffle." In 1950 "Frosty The Snowman" by Gene Autry debuted on the charts. In 1957 "At The Hop" by Danny & The Juniors entered the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1964 The John Coltrane Quartet recorded the jazz classic "Love Supreme." In 1964 Paul McCartney was quoted by British newspapers about his plans to marry Jane Asher, although Paul said nothing was imminent. In 1965 TV's "Shindig" aired part 2 of its visit to London with performances from Manfred Mann, the Yardbirds, and the Who. In 1967 The Doors' Jim Morrison was arrested during a concert in New Haven, CT, for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. In 1967 "Chain Of Fools" by Aretha Franklin and "Nobody But Me" by the Human Beinz entered the U.S. top 40 charts. In 1968 The special "TCB (Takin' Car...

In 1793 Noah Webster established New York's first daily newspaper. In 1854 Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was published in England. In 1884 Roller skates with ball bearings are patented in Chicago. In 1892 "Widowers' Houses," George Bernard Shaw's first play, opened at the Royalty Theatre in London. In 1907 The first Christmas Seals were sold in a Wilmington, Delaware, post office to fight tuberculosis. In 1940 British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II. In 1941 China declared war on Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II. In 1942 The Aram Khachaturian ballet "Gayane," featuring the surging "Saber Dance," was first performed by the Kirov Ballet. In 1948 The UN General Assembly unanimously approved Convention on Genocide. In 1958 Robert H.W. Welch Jr. and 11 other men met in Indianapolis to form the anti-communist John Birch Society....

In 1561 English statesman Sir Edwin Sandys (founded Virginia Colony) In 1594 King Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden (1611-32) In 1608 English poet John Milton (Paradise Lost) In 1848 Writer, Joel Chandler Harris (Uncle Remus stories) In 1886 Businessman, Clarence Birdseye (frozen vegetables) In 1897 Actress, Hermione Gingold (Gigi, The Music Man, Munster Go Home!) In 1898 Circus clown/comedian Emmett Kelly (Weary Willie) In 1899 Children's author Jean de Brunhoff (Babar the Elephant) In 1902 Actress, Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch of the West) [d: 5-16-85] In 1908 Actor, Robert R. Livingston ("Unmasked" Lone Ranger) [d: 3-7-88] In 1909 Actor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (Prisoner of Zenda) [d: 5-7-00] In 1911 Actor, Broderick Crawford (Chief-Highway Patrol) [d: 4-26-86] In 1912 Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill [d: 1-5-94] In 1913 Actress, Frances Reid (Alice Horton-Days of Our Lives) [d: 2-3-10] In 1915 Soprano, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf (Der Rosenkavalier)...