Today is Dragobete, the traditional Romanian holiday. Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia, the main character in the pagan myth related to the end of winter

 and the arrival of spring. It is known as “the day when the birds are betrothed”.

In 532 – Byzantine emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a basilica in Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia.

Born in 1900 – Luis Buñuel, Spanish director and producer.

Above: The opening scene of Un Chien Andalou.

Born in 1933 – American singer-songwriter, Nina Simone.

Listen to Feeling Good.

Born in 1902 – Ansel Adams, American photographer.

“Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” 

Born in 1956 – Peter Holsapple, American singer-songwriter and guitarist of bands The dB’s and The Continental Drifters.

A year ago on this day, anti-government protesters clashed with riot police in Kiev, Ukraine. At least 76 were killed.

Born In 1920 – Federico Fellini, Italian film director.

Above: A shot from the opening sequence of Fellini’s 8 ½.

This day in 1961: In his farewell address, Dwight Eisenhower warns against  the military–industrial complex.

Today in 1991, the US announced the start of Operation Desert Storm.

George Bush declares: “We have no choice” and “We will not fail.”