Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Dec. 9: In 1608, English poet John Milton was born in London. In 1755, the first post office in Canada opened in Halifax.

Today in Music History for Dec. 12: In 1792, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven paid the equivalent of 19 cents for his first lesson in music composition from Franz Joseph Haydn in Vienna.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 29: Actress Diane Ladd is 89. Musician Chuck Mangione is 84. Singer-keyboardist Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals is 82. Rock guitarist Barry Goudreau, formerly of the group Boston, is 73. Actor Jeff Fahey is 72.

Today in History for Nov. 29 On this date: In 1530, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, adviser to King Henry VIII of England, died.

Today in Music History for Nov. 29: In 1880, the 1,100-seat Grand Opera House opened in Hamilton, Ont. It gave the city a proper auditorium for theatrical and musical presentations, and attracted top North American touring companies.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 28: Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is 95. Gary Troxel of the '50s pop group The Fleetwoods is 85. Singer-songwriter Bruce Channel is 84. Singer Randy Newman is 81. Movie director Joe Dante is 78.

Today in Music History for Nov. 28: In 1902, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert at Tara Hall with violinist J. Alexandre Gilbert as soloist. The Quebec Symphony is Canada's oldest surviving major orchestra.

Today in History for Nov. 28: On this date: In 1520, the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait that now bears his name.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 27: Footwear designer Manolo Blahnik is 82. Rock and jazz saxophonist Randy Brecker is 79. Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker") is 73.

Today in History for Nov. 27 On this date: In 1095, in France, Pope Urban II solemnly proclaimed the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.