1989 - Space Shuttle Columbia is sent on a five day secret military mission (STS-28) by the Shuttle Program
1988 - The 8888 Nationwide Protest begins in the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
1960 - Congo loses land as South Kasai secedes from it
1929 - A round-the-world flight is begun by the German airship Graf Zeppelin, which was designed (and named after) Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
1576 - Tycho Brahe's famous Uraniborg Observatory construction begins on the island of Haven near Denmark.
This Day In Business
1876 - Thomas Edison patents the mimeograph - the machine is still used today.
1960 - Brian Hyland's "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" hits number one
1605 - Charles IX of Sweden found the city of Oulu, Finland.
1990 - Pete Rose begins serving a 5 month prison term for filing false income tax forms.
August 8th Holiday
Farmers Day (Tanzania) - Celebrates and honors farmers, which are a key part of the Tanzanian economy.
Today's Birthday Trivia
She has claimed to be a big fan of the shows Gossip Girl, House, and The Office. Who is she?
Today's Birthday Horoscope
Learn about people born on this day by reading the August 8 Birthday Horoscope.
Famous Birthdays iPhone App
Are you an iPhone user? Get the fun and free Famous Birthdays iPhone app.