TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1859, Oregon entered the union as the 33rd state. In 1899, Congress passed legislation authorizing states to use voting machines in federal elections. In 1912, Arizona entered the union as the 48th state. In 1929, seven mobsters were killed in Chicago in the "Valentine's Day Massacre."
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Jack Benny (1894-1974), comedian; Jimmy Hoffa (1913-1975), labor leader; Mel Allen (1913-1996), sports broadcaster; Florence Henderson (1934- ), actress, is 74, Meg Tilly (1960- ), actress, is 48; Drew Bledsoe (1972- ), football player, is 36.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1988, Bobby Allison became the oldest driver (age 50) to win the Daytona 500, while his son Davey finished second. It was the race's first 1-2 father-son finish.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Jack Benny
TODAY'S FACT: Valentine's Day derives from a religious feast day celebrating two Christian martyrs by that name, but details of their lives are murky. Many say the feast day was instituted as a replacement for the pagan festival of Lupercalis.
TODAY'S NUMBER: 24 - number of times that Mel Allen announced Major League Baseball's All-Star game.
TODAY'S MOON: Between first quarter (February 13) and full moon (February 20).
