Today is the 117th day of 2014 and the 39th day of spring.
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TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines.
In 1805, U.S. Marines captured Derna, a city on "the shores of Tripoli."
In 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded in the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tenn., killing some 1,700 passengers.
In 2006, construction began on the Freedom Tower (later renamed One World Trade Center) at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), soldier/18th U.S. president; Rogers Hornsby (1896-1963), baseball player; Enos Slaughter (1916-2002), baseball player; Jack Klugman (1922-2012), actor; Coretta Scott King (1927-2006), activist; Casey Kasem (1932- ), radio/TV personality; August Wilson (1945-2005), playwright.
TODAY'S FACT: In 1667, blind and impoverished poet John Milton sold the copyright to his masterpiece, "Paradise Lost," for 10 pounds.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1956, 31-year-old boxer Rocky Marciano retired with a perfect record, the only heavyweight champion to do so.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who have helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity." -- Ulysses S. Grant
TODAY'S NUMBER: 1,776 -- planned height (in feet) of One World Trade Center when the skyscraper is completed.
TODAY'S MOON: Between last quarter moon (April 22) and new moon (April 28).