SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008

Today is Saturday, August 23, the 236th day of 2008. There are 130 days left in the year.

1617 _ First one-way streets established (London)

1833 _ Britain abolishes slavery in colonies; 700,000 slaves freed

1872 _ First Japanese commercial ship visits S.F., carrying tea

1904 _ Automobile tire chain patented

1914 _ Japan declares war on Germany in World War I

1924 _ Mars' closest approach to Earth since the 10th century

1939 _ USSR and Germany sign a nonaggression pact

1944 _ Romania liberated from Nazi occupation (National Day 1944-1990)

1950 _ West Germany and Japan readmitted to International Amateur Athletic Federation

1966 _ Lunar Orbiter 1 takes first photograph of Earth from Moon