The cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks, killing 32. The ship's captain was later accused of imprudence, negligence, and incompetence.

An earthquake devastates El Salvador. This quake killed nearly 1000 people; at least 315 people feel victim to a second quake on February 13, 2001.

Bill Gates steps down as CEO of Microsoft. Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 together with Paul Allen.

Johnny Cash performs live at Folsom State Prison. The album “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” became a huge success.

The worst earthquake in Italian history kills 30,000. The quake hit the town of Avezzano, about 100 km (60 m) east of Rome.