Peek at the Past: Today in the nation's history

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004

Today is the 34th day of 2004 and the 44th day of winter.

TODAY'S HISTORY

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy banned trade with Cuba.

In 1966, an unmanned Soviet spacecraft landed on the moon.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton ended the 19-year-old trade embargo with Vietnam.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), composer; Horace Greeley (1811-1872), newspaper editor; Gertrude Stein (1874-1946), writer; Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), artist; James Michener (1907-1997), novelist; Blythe Danner (1943-), actress, is 61.

TODAY'S SPORTS

In 1990, legendary jockey Willie Shoemaker rode his last race (No. 40,350).

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense." --- Gertrude Stein

TODAY'S FACT

Juneau, Alaska, can be reached by cruise ship, ferry or air, but it is the only U.S. city that cannot be reached by road.

TODAY'S NUMBER

Minus 81.4 -- the coldest weather temperature in degrees Fahrenheit yet recorded in North America, at Snag in Canada's Yukon Territory, this day in 1947.

TODAY'S MOON

Between first quarter (Jan. 29) and full moon (Feb. 6).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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