GMT

Today in History: March 9

1788 Connecticut becomes the 5th state.

1820 Congress passes the Land Act, paving the way for westward expansion.

1959 The Barbie doll is unveiled at a toy fair in New York City.

1964 The first Ford Mustang rolls off the Ford assembly line.

1986 Navy divers find the crew compartment of the space shuttle Challenger along with the remains of the astronauts.

Born on March 9

1451 Amerigo Vespucci, Italian navigator.

1918 Frank Morrison Spillane [Mickey Spillane], crime writer (Kiss Me, Deadly, The Erection Set).

1943 Bobby Fischer, first American world chess champion.


JOTD
Alabama Pastor

An Alabama pastor said to his congregation, "Someone in this congregation has spread a rumor that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. This is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the party who said this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian family."
No one moved. The preacher continued, "Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression." Again, all was quiet.
Then, slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop a runaway train rose from the third pew. Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, "Reverend there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets."