Today is the 315th day of 2012 and the 50th day of autumn.
TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1775, the Continental Congress created the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 1969, "Sesame Street" premiered on PBS.
In 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a storm over Lake Superior, killing all 29 on board.
In 1977, the first human was conceived through in-vitro fertilization.
In 2001, China was approved for membership in the World Trade Organization.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Martin Luther (1483-1546), leader of the Protestant Reformation; William Hogarth (1697-1764), painter/engraver; Claude Rains (1889-1967), actor; Ennio Morricone (1928- ), composer; Tim Rice (1944- ), lyricist; Sinbad (1956- ), actor/comedian; Tracy Morgan (1968- ), comedian; Ellen Pompeo (1969- ), actress; Brittany Murphy (1977-2009), actress; Miranda Lambert (1983- ), singer.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1990, the NBA's Phoenix Suns scored a record 107 first-half points in their 173-143 win over the Denver Nuggets.
TODAY'S FACT: In 2011, the U.S.-China trade deficit was $295.4 billion.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." -- Martin Luther
TODAY'S NUMBER: 21 -- consecutive weeks Gordon Lightfoot's 1976 hit "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" spent on the pop charts, reaching No. 2 at its highest point.
TODAY'S MOON: Between last quarter (Nov. 6) and new moon (Nov. 13).