The Brooklyn Bridge, Mel Gibson and Cold

1. Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began on Jan. 3, 1870. It took 13 years to build. 

2. On this day in 1925, Benito Mussolini became the facist dictator of Italy - a position he would hold until deposed in 1943. He was executed in an attempt to flee Italy in the spring of 1945.  

3. Alaska became the 49th state in the Union on Jan. 3, 1959. 

4. Famous Birthdays: Roman philosopher Cicero (106 BC-43 BC), "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy author J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), American-Australian actor/director Mel Gibson (b.1956) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (b.1981). 

5. Brrrr! The weather today will be partly sunny with a high temperature of 32 degrees. The evening will be cloudily with a low of 17, according to the National Weather Service.  

6. Have an issue you want to bring up? The monthly Mason Neck Citizens Association Board meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Cranford United Methodist Church.