Good morning. Today is the 18th day of the year. It is the birth anniversary (1904) of 20th-century American actor Cary Grant. His persona was one of wit, charm and sophistication; and his films included Topper, The Awful Truth and Bringing Up Baby. When he first came to the U.S. from England, he worked temporarily as a barker in Coney Island.
 

Well-known people who were born today include actor-director Kevin Costner (Field of Dreams, Dances With Wolves, Bull Durham), actor Jesse Martin (“Law & Order,” “Ally McBeal”), former hockey player Mark Messier and actor Jason Siegel.
 

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This evening at 6:30 p.m., the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee of Community Board 6 will meet at the Cobble Hill Community Room, 250 Baltic St. The meeting will feature a presentation and discussion about the proposed dog run at Hicks Street near Hamilton Avenue and a presentation and review of plans to renovate the Gil Hodges Memorial Community Garden on Carroll Street and Denton Place.
 

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Today’s News
 

Councilman Lew Fidler (D-Canarsie/Mill Basin/Flatlands) on Monday kicked off his campaign in the special election to fill the state Senate seat of Carl Kruger, who resigned in disgrace. According to the Daily News, Fidler has already raised $400,000 for the March 20 contest. He will likely compete against David Storobin, the vice chairman of the Brooklyn Republican Party.

 

Authorities yesterday were still investigating to find out what caused an apartment fire in Bushwick Sunday that killed a 7-year-old boy and injured seven other people. Fire officials say the flames started in a rear bedroom on the first floor of a three-story building on Decatur Street in Bushwick, according to NY1. A 34-year-old man was hospitalized with severe burns, and six others suffered minor injuries.

 

In preparation for the Giants’ showdown with the San Francisco 49ers, Brooklyn pizza maker Jerry Finazzo of Giardini Gourmet Pizza has created a special “I Love New York” pie. According to the Daily News, Finazzo said, “There’s no such thing as California pizza. Even the tomato is no good.”

 

According to Crain’s New York Business, Charlie O’Donnell, a veteran high-tech investor, has announced the launch of Brooklyn Bridge Ventures, which will provide seed money to tech startups in the New York City area. The venture will focus on, but not be limited to, Brooklyn companies. “Over 50 percent of the people who work at venture-backed tech companies live in Brooklyn,” he says.