5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 18

1. Look! In the Sky! Doest Thou Seeist That Flaming Swine?  On this day back in 1639 Pilgrims in Boston allegedly spotted the first UFO in recorded U.S. history, that according to "The History of New England, 1630-1639" by John Winthrop:

"One night in March of 1639, James Everell ("a sober, discreet man"- Winthrop) and two companions boarded a little boat and set out for a trip on the Muddy River in Boston. They had been moving downstream for about a mile when the night's mysterious events began. The three men were suddenly confronted with the appearance of a huge, bright light hovering in the sky. The light "flamed up" as it hovered and appeared to be about "three yards square." As they watched, the light "contracted into the figure of a swine" and moved "swift as an arrow" in the direction of Charlton...

Anyway, today is therefore, UFO Day. Stay alert.

2. Can You Take the Heat? Yes, yes – we know it's cold outside. That's exactly why tonight's Fiery Feast at Wednesday Night Local at Amsterdam Bar and Grill makes perfect sense. Bartender Jared has some spicy cocktails lined up, and Great Harvest Bread Co. is cooking up some special treats, including a cheddar garlic loaf infused with habañero pepper-infused honey. And that's just to whet your appetite. Amsterdam will start cranking up the heat at 5 p.m., until 11:30 p.m.

3. Dinner for a Cause: There's still time to get your ticket for next week's  Jan. 23 at Saffron Bistro in downtown Nashua. Follow the link for all the information you need.

4. Speaking of Dinners for a Cause: We'd also like to call your attention to next month's big charity dinner, Empty Bowls, which is always a big event for one of Nashua's worthiest causes – the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter. Dinner is Feb. 22 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Nashua High School South (snow date Feb. 23). Tickets are $13 and just went on sale yesterday. More info here.

5. Born today: You share your birthday with American statesman Daniel Webster, born in 1782;  Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne, born in 1882; and Temptation David Ruffin born in 1941.