TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1862, the U.S. treasury issued its first paper money. In 1864, Ulysses S. Grant became commander of the Union armies. In 1972, the U.S. Senate approved lowering the minimum voting age to 18.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908), violinist/composer; Albert Fraenkel (1848-1916), physician; Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987), playwright/politician; Chuck Norris (1940- ), actor, is 68; Sharon Stone (1958- ), actress, is 50; Rod Woodson (1965- ), football player, is 43.

TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1978, the Boston Bruins acquired veteran Dennis O'Brien on waivers from the Cleveland Barons, making him the first player to be with four different NHL teams in one season.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting." - Tom Stoppard

TODAY'S FACT: The first paper money to circulate in the United States was issued in 1690 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

TODAY'S NUMBER: 122,295,645 - number of popular votes cast in the 2004 presidential election--the highest eligible-voter turnout since 18 to 20-year-olds were enfranchised.

TODAY'S MOON: Between new moon (March 7) and first quarter (March 14).