Good news out of New Jersey General George Washington rallied his troops and defeated Cornwallis and the British Regulars near the town of Princeton (1777). After losing three battles in ten days the British have left New Jersey. Three strikes and you're out.

In an attempt at immigration reform the Mexican government has issued a land grant in Texas to Stephen F. Austin (1823). Austin has assured the Mexican government that these are just hard working farmers who will obey all Mexican laws.

In Italy Benito Mussolini announced (1925) he is taking dictatorial powers. He has called for many social reforms and public projects to boost the Italian economy. He is also planning to modernize the Italian military. It has been reported that the trains are running on time.

There are disturbing reports coming out of the Pacific Theater that the popular leader of the famed 'Black Sheep squadron', Ace Major Greg "Pappy" Boyington's Corsair has been shot down(1944). Japanese Zero pilot Captain Masajiro Kawato is claiming the victory. The Japanese are claiming that they have captured the American war hero alive. Hope he makes it back for next season.

After a ten day stand off at the Vatican embassy in Panama City the deposed leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, surrendered to American forces (1990). The American Army had implemented a Psychological warfare campaign , including the blasting of rock music, against the embassy compound. Wonder how he would have reacted if Justin Bieber's 'Baby, baby' would have been available to play?

Happy birthday to,

106 BC - Cicero - The Roman statesman and philosopher is remembered by Historian Michael Grant who stated, "the influence of Cicero upon the history of European literature and ideas greatly exceeds that of any other prose writer in any language." - The man could really turn a phrase.

1892 - J. R. R. Tolkien - Time in the trenches can really give you an active imagination.

1939 - Bobby Hull - One of my heroes growing up, was disturbed when he started doing the hair plug commercials.

1956 - Mel Gibson - Made one of my favorite movies, but where was the Sterling Bridge in depiction of the battle for it?

Don't know what to do with that Fruitcake that you got this year? The answer; Today is Fruitcake Toss Day. Fruitcakes are the holiday gift that no one asks for, but many people receive. If you still haven't eaten or re-gifted your holiday fruitcake, today is the perfect excuse to toss it. Start the year with a clean pantry! Every year in Manitou Springs, Colorado, there is a Great Fruitcake Toss in which people compete to see how far they can throw or hurtle their fruitcakes. People also use the cakes at this event to make little cars to race during a Fruitcake Derby. The first Great Fruitcake Toss took place in 1995. The event has grown into a huge festival that attracts participants from across the country. (punchbowl.com)