Today is the 211h day of 2012 and the 40th day of summer.
TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1907, Sir Robert Baden-Powell formed the Boy Scouts in England.
In 1958, President Eisenhower signed legislation creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In 1981, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859), writer/historian/political scientist; Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), Italian dictator; Elizabeth Dole (1936- ), U.S. senator; Peter Jennings (1938-2005), TV news anchor; Ken Burns (1953- ), documentary filmmaker; Tim Gunn (1953- ), TV personality; Martina McBride (1966- ), singer; Josh Radnor (1974- ), actor.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 2003, Bill Mueller of the Boston Red Sox became the first major league batter in history to hit grand slams from both sides of the plate in a single game. The Red Sox defeated the Texas Rangers 14-7.
TODAY'S FACT: The Boy Scouts of America organization was founded in 1910, and the American Girl Guides (later changed to Girl Scouts) was founded two years later.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "In order to enjoy the inestimable benefits that the liberty of the press ensures, it is necessary to submit to the inevitable evils which it engenders." -- Alexis de Tocqueville
TODAY'S NUMBER: 700 million -- estimated number of people worldwide who watched the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer on television.
TODAY'S MOON: Between first quarter moon (July 26) and full moon (August 1).