The history of women in American politics is just as long as that of the nation as a whole. Even in the days before the Constitution guaranteed women the right to vote, many tried hard to make a difference as best they could — and succeeded, not only by breaking glass ceilings and proving that women could handle the job but also by introducing important legislation, standing up for their fellow citizens’ rights and much more.

Not every kid wants a superhero or Disney Princess birthday party theme. These children really broke the mold when they told their parents what theme they wanted for their celebrations. Themed birthday parties are a childhood rite of passage. You get to celebrate your special day with a celebration centered on your favorite obsession — what could be more fun? Typically, kids pick out themes based on their favorite movies, comic book heroes, or those universal childhood obsessions like dinosaurs, cowboys, and princesses.

Best remembered for her childhood role as Tallahassee McCoy in the ABC and CBS sitcom The Real McCoys, this actress also appeared in an episode of NBC's Big Town and in the Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby film High Society. Before Fame She began her acting career at the age of eight, appearing on NBC in both Robert Montgomery Presents and The Hallmark Hall of Fame. Trivia She played the role of Betsy Beecher in the horror movie The Vampire.

Margo J. Sylvia, 55, singer best known for her hit “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby” with the 1950s group the Tune Weavers, died Oct. 25 in San Diego of a heart attack and stroke.

Adrees Latif / ReutersNew York City Marathon runners carry relief supplies through a damaged neighborhood in Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2012. On Friday evening, with slightly more than 36 hours to go before the 2012 ING New York City Marathon, Mayor Michael Bloomberg canceled the annual event, amid criticisms the runners would be siphoning off valuable resources needed in the city’s recovery from Superstorm Sandy. But the decision hardly discouraged a group of nearly 1,300 runners from boarding the Staten Island Ferry toward the starting line.