SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2021

Today is the 10th day of 2021 and the 21st day of winter.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1776, Thomas Paine published his pro-independence pamphlet “Common Sense,” which quickly sold some 100,000 copies.

In 1863, the London Underground subway began operations.

In 1901, the Spindletop oil field was discovered in Beaumont, Texas, leading to the Texas oil boom.

In 2003, North Korea withdrew from the multination treaty barring it from developing a nuclear weapons program.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Ray Bolger (1904-1987), actor/dancer; Paul Henreid (1908-1992), actor; Stephen E. Ambrose (1936-2002), author/historian; Sal Mineo (1939-1976), actor; Jim Croce (1943-1973), singer-songwriter; Rod Stewart (1945- ), singer-songwriter; George Foreman (1949- ), boxer; Pat Benatar (1953- ), singer-songwriter; Jemaine Clement (1974- ), actor/comedian.

TODAY’S FACT: The 29 oil refineries located in the state of Texas can process more than 5.8 million barrels of crude oil per day, accounting for more than a quarter of the total U.S. refining capacity.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1982, Dwight Clark caught a Joe Montana pass for a touchdown with 51 seconds left on the clock, securing a 28-27 San Francisco 49ers victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC championship game.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “There are many rules of good writing, but the best way to find them is to be a good reader.” -- Stephen E. Ambrose

TODAY’S NUMBER: 9.3 million -- estimated population of London, England, in 2020.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (Jan. 6) and new moon (Jan. 12).

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021

Today is the 11th day of 2021 and the 22nd day of winter.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a national monument.ln 1922, insulin was administered to a diabetic patient for the first time; the extract would require further improvement before achieving success. In 1964, the U.S. surgeon general issued the first U.S. government report concluding that smoking could be hazardous to health. In 2003, departing Illinois Gov. George Ryan commuted the sentences of an unprecedented 156 death row inmates.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Alexander Hamilton (1755/57-1804), U.S. statesman; Ezra Cornell (1807-1874), businessman/philanthropist; William James (1842-1910), philosopher/psychologist; Rod Taylor (1930-2015), actor; Jean Chretien (1934- ), Canadian politician; Naomi Judd (1946- ), singer-songwriter; Mary J. Blige (1971- ), singer-songwriter; Amanda Peet (1972- ), actress.

TODAY’S FACT: Alexander Hamilton was born to a poor family on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Conflicting sets of records leave it unclear whether he was born in 1755 or 1757.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1973, Major League Baseball owners voted in approval of a 10th lineup position for American League rosters, allowing a “designated pinch-hitter” to bat for the pitcher while allowing the pitcher to stay in the game.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “My journey continues, because I’ve, you know, conquered a lot. And I know how to conquer the rest.” -- Mary J. Blige

TODAY’S NUMBER: 142,670 -- estimated number of American lung cancer deaths in 2019.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter moon (Jan. 6) and new moon (Jan. 12).