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