Today is Saturday, February 4, the 35th day of 2012. There are 331 days left in the year.

1794 ― French National Convention proclaims abolishment of slavery

1899 ― Revolt against U.S. occupation of Philippines

1936 ― First radioactive substance produced synthetically (radium E)

1938 ― Hitler seizes control of German army and puts Nazi in key posts

1971 ― British car maker Rolls Royce declared itself bankrupt

1972 ― Senator Strom Thurmond suggests John Lennon be deported

1985 ― 20 countries (but not U.S.) sign U.N. treaty outlawing torture

1991 ― Hall of Fame's board of directors vote 12-0 to bar Pete Rose

1997 ― O.J. Simpson found liable in murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Simpson

1998 ― Bill Gates gets a pie thrown in his face in Brussels Belgium