Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 6: In 1491 BC, it is said Moses began his ascent up Mount Sinai and his inevitable appointment with the Lord to receive the Ten Commandments.

Today in Music History for May 6: In 1859, John Bayley conducted the Victoria Philharmonic Society in the first concert given in what now is the British Columbia capital.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 5: Actor Michael Murphy is 86. World and Olympic champion pairs figure skater Barbara Wagner is 86. Actor Lance Henriksen ("Millennium," ''Aliens") is 84. Comedian-actor Michael Palin (Monty Python) is 81.

Today in Music History for May 5: In 1891, New York's Carnegie Hall, then called the Music Hall, had its opening night with a concert that included works conducted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Walter Damrosch.

Today in History for May 5: In 614, Persians seized Jerusalem and captured the True Holy Cross that St. Helena had placed there after finding it. It would be years before the Christians would recapture it.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 4: Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the Jackson musical family, is 94. Jazz bassist Ron Carter is 87. Pulitzer Prize-winning political commentator George Will is 83. Singer Peggy Santiglia Davison of The Angels is 80.

Today in Music History for May 4: In 1905, honky tonk singer Al Dexter was born in Jacksonville, Texas. He perfected his style in the oil-boom dance halls of East Texas.

Today in History for May 4: In 1493, Spanish-born Pope Alexander VI divided the non-Christian world between Spain and Portugal.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 10: Author Barbara Taylor Bradford is 91. Actor David Clennon is 81. Writer-producer-director Jim Abrahams is 80. Singer Donovan is 78. Singer Graham Gouldman of 10cc is 78. Singer Dave Mason is 78.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 11: Fashion designer Valentino (born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani) is 92. Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is 91. Singer Eric Burdon (The Animals, War) is 83.