November 2nd is the birthday

… of James Knox Polk, 11th president of the United States, born on this date in 1795.

… of Warren Gamaliel Harding, 29th president of the United States, born on this date in 1865.

Polk is generally rated among the “near great” presidents. Harding who died while president, is generally considered a “failure,” though he has moved up the ratings at least one slot during the past seven years.

k.d. lang is 46 today. David Schwimmer — “Ross” — is 41.

Burt Lancaster was born on November 2, 1913. Lancaster had four best actor Oscar nominations, winning for Elmer Gantry. Among his last performances was as Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham in Field of Dreams. Lancaster died in 1994.