It happened on a… February 12

XXI Winter Olympic Games open in Vancouver, Canada.

Mattel announced that “Barbie” and “Ken” were breaking up. The dolls had met on the set of their first television commercial together in 1961.

The trial of former President of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milošević begins at the United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague. He eventually dies four years later before its conclusion.

US President Bill Clinton acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial.

XVII Winter Olympic Games opens in Lillehammer, Norway.

The Police recorded their first single, ‘Fall Out' for £150 ($255) at Pathway Studios, London, England.

Soviets decides space center built in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Christian Dior unveils a “New Look”, helping Paris regain its position as the capital of the fashion world.

The first artificial ice rink opened in North America. It was at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY.

Frederick W. Thayer patented the baseball catcher's mask.