Today is Thursday, January 17th, the 17th day of the year. There are 348 days until the end of the year.
On this day:
In 1871, the cable car was patented by Andrew Smith Hallidie of San Francisco, California.
In 1916, the Professional Golf Association was formed in New York City.
In 1928, the first fully automatic film developing machine was patented by A-M Josepho.
In 1977, convicted murderer Gary Gilmore was killed by firing squad in Utah.
In 2003, actor Richard Crenna lost his battle with cancer. The veteran actor's numerous credits included the 1950s sitcom "The Real McCoys," the three Rambo movies and "The Flamingo Kid." He was 75.
In 2004, film producer Ray Stark passed away at the age of 88. One of Hollywood's most influential independent film producers, Stark's numerous film credits included the films "Night of the Iguana," "Smokey and the Bandit," and "Peggy Sue Got Married."
In 2005, one-time blonde bombshell Virginia Mayo, a veteran of more than 40 films and numerous television shows died at the age of 84.
In 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could not stop Oregon's assisted suicide law. The court voted six-to-three that the government can't prevent doctors from helping terminally ill patients in Oregon end their lives.
In 2011, music industry pioneer Don Kirshner died of heart failure in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 76.