Celebration Excuse

1789

We’re tough: Congress establishes the U.S. Department of War.

1912

Taking a stand: the Progressive Party nominates Theodore Roosevelt for president.

1974

Nuts. Absolutely nuts. French stuntman Philippe Petit walked a tightrope strung between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center.

2004

Hey, batter, batter....: Greg Maddux became the 22nd pitcher in major league history to reach 300 victories as he led the Chicago Cubs to an 8-4 victory over San Francisco.

BIRTHDAY BOYS AND GIRLS

Make sure to send some birthday wishes to writer Garrison Keiller and rocker Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden fame.

And finally, we wish nothing but the best for beautiful screen gem Charlize Theron, who turns 31 years young today.

Daybook

It’s officially August. Like, officially.

2PM

AFL-CIO releases the preliminary results of its biannual survey “Ask a Working Woman”

5:30 PM

Senator George Allen hosts a reception in Tappahannock, VA.

ALL DAY

President Bush: war? What war? The POTUS enjoys his vacation in Crawford, Texas.

The National Governors Association holds its annual meeting in Charleston, SC.

N.Y. Governor Pataki speaks at the National Press Club.

Hittin’ the road: Senator Rick Santorum continues his bus tour around Pennsylvania.