This week in history
Jan 28, 1393
King Charles VI of France is nearly killed when several dancers’ costumes catch fire during a masquerade ball.
Jan 29, 1980
The Rubik’s Cube makes its international debut at the Ideal Toy Corp. in Earl’s Court, London.
Jan 30, 1703
The Forty-seven rōnin, under the command of Ōishi Kuranosuke, avenge the death of their master.
Jan 31, 2012
The Toyota Corolla is known as the best-selling car of all time, selling more than 37.5 million units.
Feb 1, 2012
The Shard in London, standing 309.7 metres (1,016ft) high as the tallest building in the European Union and taking three years to build, is opened to the public.
Feb 2, 1887
In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day is observed. According to Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day to see its shadow, winter will persist for six more weeks, and if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.
Feb 3, 1971
New York Police Officer Frank Serpico is shot during a drug bust in Brooklyn and survives to later testify against police corruption.