Today is the 213th day of 2012 and the 42nd day of summer.
TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1914, trading on the New York Stock Exchange stopped upon the outbreak of World War I. It did not resume until December of that year.
In 1967, the American space probe Ranger 7 transmitted the first close-up photographs of the moon.
In 2006, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro underwent surgery and transferred presidential power to his brother Raul.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Milton Friedman (1912-2006), economist; Primo Levi (1919-1987), writer; Evonne Goolagong (1951- ), tennis player; Wesley Snipes (1962- ), actor; Fatboy Slim (1963- ), musician; J.K. Rowling (1965- ), author; Dean Cain (1966- ), actor; Zac Brown (1978- ), musician; DeMarcus Ware (1982- ), football player.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1990, Nolan Ryan won his milestone 300th game.
TODAY'S FACT: U.S. trademarks protect words, names, symbols, sounds or colors that distinguish goods and services. Unlike patents, they can be renewed forever as long as they are being used in business.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "Sooner or later in life everyone discovers that perfect happiness is unrealizable, but there are few who pause to consider the antithesis: that perfect unhappiness is equally unattainable." -- Primo Levi
TODAY'S NUMBER: 11.1 million -- estimated population of Cuba in 2012.
TODAY'S MOON: Between first quarter moon (July 26) and full moon (Aug. 1).