February 2nd

1709 - Alexander Selkirk is rescued after being stranded on a desert island for five years. His story inspires Robinson Crusoe'.

1801 - The first parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland assembles.

1990 - An omelette-making record is set at the International Poultry Trade Show in Atlanta, when 427 omelettes are made in 30 minutes.

2001 - The last Robin Reliant comes off the production line - after 65 years of manufacture.

2001 - John Freyer from Iowa becomes the first person to sell his life on the internet. Allmylifeforsale.com has got rid of everything from an x-ray of his leg to dates with his girlfriend.

2004 - Brazilian football referee Carlos Jose Figueira Ferro is facing divorce after he pulls a lacy pair of red knickers from his pocket instead of a red card.