Latvia declared its independence after the occupation of Soviet Union.

Canadian actress, Carrie-Anne Moss, was born in Burnaby, British Columbia. She became famous for her role as Trinity in the 1999 box office success The Matrix.

American disc jockey, David Morales, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is considered as one of the best DJ's and remixers of all time.

Hawaii became the 50th state of US.

Italian automobile manufacturer, Ettore Bugatti, died at the age of 65. He was the founder of the Bugatti cars company, one of the most exclusive car brands in history.

During the course of the Second World War, the Battle of Stalingrad began. It lasted until February 2, 1943. It was the turning point of the Second World War and was one of the bloodiest battles in history.

American singer and actor, Kenny Rogers, was born in Houston, Texas.

American basketball player, Wilt Chamberlain, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is considered as one of the best basketball players of all time and one that revolutionized the game. Oddly enough he made far more money from his investments in real estate than he did when he was a basketball superstar.

The Mona Lisa painting was stolen from the Louvre by an employee. it was recovered two years later when the thief attempted to sell it to an art dealer in Florence, Italy.

American musician, William 'Count' Basie, was born in Red Bank, New Jersey. He is widely regarded as one of the most important jazz bandleaders of his time.

The city of Hobart, Tasmania, was founded. It had previously been a penal colony which had been established in 1803.

The Venetian blind was first patented in the United States.