VALENTINE’S Day in History has produced some interesting events and birthdays.

On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell is given the patent rights to his invention, the Telephone.

Other significant happenings include;

In 1076, Pope Gregory VII excommunicates Henry IV

In 1932, South Africa is all out for 36 in their first innings against Australia (those are cricket terms for those not familiar with the game);

In 1971, US President Richard Nixon installs secret taping equipment in the White House;

In 1989, the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issues a death sentence against author Salman Rushdie for his book, The Satanic Verses;

In 1991, Orion Pictures releases the smash hit, Silence Of The Lambs

Famous birthdays include:

1913: Jimmy Hoffa,  (Teamster Leader and trade unionist, disappeared 1975)

1942: Michael Bloomberg (US politician and financial media guru)

1962: Porsche Lynn (adult film actress and star of Return of Indiana Joan (88) and Felix The Lucky Slave # 5 (2002)

1988: Angel di Maria (Argentine and Manchester United Footballer);

and most famous of all:

1964: Michael F De Kock (International Racehorse Trainer).

Happy Birthday Mike!