Today in history

Today is Tuesday, March 14, the 73rd day of 2017 and the 84th day of winter.

On this date in the SCV: In 1919, The Signal reported that a number of Newhall boys went up Fremont Pass with the Universal Company to spend one whole day learning the movie business.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1794, inventor Eli Whitney received a patent for the cotton gin.

In 1900, the Gold Standard Act was signed into law by President William McKinley.

In 1950, the Federal Bureau of Investigation instituted the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list.

In 1990, General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the first (and last) president of the Soviet Union.

Today’s fact: Albert Einstein was offered the Israeli presidency after the death of the country’s first president in 1952, but Einstein declined, saying he was not suited for the position.

Today’s sports: In 1967, the AFL and NFL held their first common draft of college football players. The Baltimore Colts selected defensive tackle Bubba Smith of Michigan State with the first pick.

Today’s number: 79 – record number of Grammy nominations for producer Quincy Jones.

Today’s moon: Between full moon (March 12) and last quarter moon (March 20).