This Date in History - August 25

It's suddenly summer here in Los Angeles. I wonder if it was as hot on these August 25ths.

1580: BATTLE OF ALCANTARA. SPAIN DEFEATS PORTUGAL.

The score was 2-1 and the soccer match was just repeated on ESPN Really, Really Classic.

1609: GALILEO GALILEI DEMONSTRATES HIS FIRST TELESCOPE TO VENETIAN LAWMAKERS.

They practiced with him by spying on the naked chick in the next building. Eventually, this led to the invention of the Venetian Blinds.

1814: WASHINGTON, DC, IS BURNED AND THE WHITE HOUSE IS DESTROYED BY BRITISH FORCES DURING THE WAR OF 1812.

So, who was the knucklehead that bothered to rebuild it?

1830: THE BELGIAN REVOLUTION BEGINS.

If you ask me, it's pretty stupid to have a war solely based on chocolate.

1835: THE NEW YORK SUN PERPETRATES THE GREAT MOON HOAX.

No clue. But I dig the symmetry. Sun, moon. Get it?

1894: SHIBASABURO KITASATO DISCOVERS THE INFECTIOUS AGENT OF THE BUBONIC PLAGUE AND PUBLISHES HIS FINDINGS IN THE LANCET.

Years later, we can't eat eggs. We've come a long way, baby.

1910: THE YELLOW CAB COMPANY IS FOUNDED.

And how long did we have to wait for somebody to invent those beaded cushions that drivers sit on?

1916: THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS CREATED.

One day later, we see the invention of the litterbug.

1921: MONTY HALL IS BORN.

Still going strong at 89, he obviously picked Door #2.

1931: REGIS PHILBIN IS BORN.

Obviously, this is a popular date with game show hosts.

1944: DURING WORLD WAR II, PARIS IS LIBERATED BY THE ALLIES.

Now there's a day in history I wish we could do over.

1950: PRESIDENT HARRY TRUMAN ORDERS THE US ARMY TO SEIZE CONTROL OF THE NATION'S RAILROADS TO AVERT A STRIKE.

And they haven't run on time since.

ZIMBABWE JOINS THE UNITED NATIONS.

They must have lowered the annual dues.

2009: SENATOR TEDDY KENNEDY DIES.

Liquor stores all over Massachusetts dim their lights in his memory.

Dinner last night: Grilled sausage and beet salad.