TODAY IN HISTORY

FEB 21ST

1613-Michael Romanov was elected czar of Russia, beginning the Romanov imperial line.

1878-The first telephone book was issued (New Haven, Conn.).

1916-Battle of Verdun, the longest and one of the bloodiest engagements of World War I, began.

1965-Black nationalist leader Malcolm X was assassinated.

1972-President Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China.

1995-Steve Fossett became the first person to cross the Pacific Ocean solo in a balloon.

2002-It was confirmed that Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was dead, allegedly murdered by Islamic militants.