Today is the 22nd day of 2009 and the 33rd day of winter.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1901, Britain’s Queen Victoria died at age 82, after a record 64-year reign.

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on abortion in the Roe v. Wade case.

In 1997, Madeline Albright was confirmed as the first female U.S. Secretary of State.

In 1998, “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski pleaded guilty in Sacramento, Calif., and was sentenced to life without parole.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Francis Bacon (1561-1626), philosopher/essayist; Lord Byron (1788-1824), poet; August Strindberg (1849-1912), playwright; D.W. Griffith (1875-1948), film director; George Balanchine (1904-1983), choreographer; Steve Perry (1949-), singer, is 60; Linda Blair (1959-), actress, is 50; Diane Lane (1965-), actress, is 44.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 2006, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors; the second-most points scored in a regular-season NBA game.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Opinions are made to be changed — or how is truth to be got at?” — Lord Byron

TODAY’S FACT: The tradition of performing Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season began with George Balanchine and the New York City Ballet in 1954.

TODAY’S NUMBER: 16 — number of bombings attributed to Ted Kaczynski over his 17-year spree.

TODAY’S MOON: Between last quarter (Jan. 17) and new moon (Jan. 26).