On this day: January 31
POSTED: 10:08 PM PST Jan 30, 2013
UPDATED: 11:00 PM PST Jan 30, 2013
The first Social Security check is issued, America launches its first satellite into orbit, McDonald's comes to Moscow, and "Avatar" hits the $2 billion mark, all on this day.
Reuters
2000: Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker is suspended by Major League Baseball for disparaging foreigners, homosexuals and minorities in an interview published by Sports Illustrated. The suspension was originally for all of spring training and the first 28 games of the 2000 season, but an arbitrator later allowed Rocker to attend most of spring training while reducing the regular season suspension to 14 games.
