Molly’s Dad

A side note on actress Molly Ringwald: Turns out her dad is a ragtime pianist with a rather witty home page at www.ringwald.com.”Throughout Ringwald’s musical career, he has always subscribed to the motto: If my music does not come up to your standards, lower your standards.”

Molly Ringwald, Age-Appropriate Actress

Actress Molly Ringwald turns 40 today.Ringwald was born in 1968, so she really was 16 when she starred in her 1984 hit Sixteen Candles. That’s a rarity for Hollywood, which tends to cast older actors as its high-schoolers. (Most recently: Ellen Page doing a swell job playing 16 in Juno. Page turns 21 in three days.)

Munch on ‘The Wire’

Which TV detective has appeared on eight different series in the last decade?

Obituary First Lines: Steve Fossett

Steve Fossett was declared dead on Friday by Cook County (Illinois) Judge Jeffrey Malak. That allows Fossett’s widow, Peggy, to begin dealing with his estate.It also allows newspapers to print obituaries they’ve been holding since September. Here’s how Fossett is being described:

Fossett: Legally Dead

A Chicago probate court judge has declared adventurer Steve Fossett to be legally dead.Fossett disappeared in Nevada in September on what was supposed to be a brief flight in a single-engine plane. He and the plane have not been seen since.

Abraham Lincoln Topless!

The National Archives has uncovered a rare and rather shocking photo of Abraham Lincoln topless.The photo can be found here. (May not be suitable for all viewers.)The Archives also has a larger history of the photo. Happy Presidents’ Day!

Jimmy Hoffa +95?

Jimmy Hoffa may be 95 years old today.

Clemens Talks to Congress

Pitcher Roger Clemens, accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, testifies before Congress today.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2008

Marisa Miller is the cover girl for the magazine’s latest swimsuit issue.The issue also includes shots of Indy car driver Danica Patrick.For more on Miller (and previous cover girls), see our feature on The Models of Sports Illustrated.

Obama on a Tear

Whew: Barack Obama with 59% in Maryland, 75% in DC, and 64% in Virginia. Ongoing primary results from The Boston Globe and The Richmond Times-Dispatch.