Moments in Time

* On Jan. 9, 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet "Common Sense," setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries.

* On Jan. 12, 1926, the two-man comedy series "Sam 'n' Henry" debuts on Chicago's WGN radio station. Two years later, after changing its name to "Amos 'n' Andy," it became one of the most popular radio programs in American history.

* On Jan. 11, 1935, American aviatrix Amelia Earhart departs Wheeler Field in Honolulu on a solo flight to North America. Hawaiian commercial interests had offered a $10,000 award to whoever first accomplished the flight. The next day, after traveling 2,400 miles in 18 hours, Earhart landed safely in Oakland, California.

* On Jan. 10, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt introduces the lend-lease program to Congress to help Britain beat back Hitler's advance while keeping America only indirectly involved in World War II. By the end of the war, more than $50 billion in funds, weapons, aircraft and ships had been distributed to 44 countries.

* On Jan. 8, 1962, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, is exhibited for the first time in America.

* On Jan. 14, 1973, the Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Redskins 14-7 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Super Bowl VII, becoming the first team in NFL history to finish with an undefeated season.

* On Jan. 13, 1982, an Air Florida Boeing 727 plunges into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., killing 78 people. The crash, caused by bad weather, took place only 2 miles from the White House. Investigators said the plane had to wait too long after being de-iced before it could take off, allowing new ice to accumulate on the wings.