Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today is Feb. 29: Leap Year Birthdays: Former space shuttle astronaut Jack Lousma is 22 (88) (born 1936). Motivational speaker Tony Robbins is 16 (64) (born 1960). Actor Antonio Sabato Jr. is 13 (52) (born 1972).

Today in History for March 3: In 1801, David Emanuel, the first Jewish governor in the United States, took office in Georgia. In 1841, Sir George Simpson, governor of the Hudson's Bay Co., began a trip around the world. The trip would take 20 months.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 26: Actor-director Bill Duke is 81. Actress Marta Kristen ("Lost in Space") is 79. Singer Mitch Ryder is 79. British pop vocalist Sandie Shaw is 77. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain of Journey is 74. Singer Michael Bolton is 71.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 27: Actress Joanne Woodward is 94. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 90. Actress Barbara Babcock is 87. Actress Debra Monk is 75. Guitarist Neal Schon of Journey is 70. Guitarist Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden is 67.

Today in History for March 7: On this date: In 1274, Thomas Aquinas, considered one of the most significant theologians of all time, died. He's best known for his Summa Theologiae or A summation of Theological Knowledge.

Today in History for Feb. 23: In A.D. 155, Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (present-day Izmir, Turkey) and an early Church Father who was a disciple of the Apostle John, was martyred.

Today in Music History for Feb. 23: In 1685, George Frideric Handel, one of the greatest masters of baroque music, was born in Halle, Germany. He is best known for his majestic oratorio, ``The Messiah,'' which was first performed in Dublin in 1742.

Today in History for Feb. 22: In 1630, colonists in America got their first taste of popcorn. In 1732, George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born. He died in 1799. In 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the United States.

Today in Music History for Feb. 22: In 1952, bass singer Don Gerrard, a native of Vancouver, made his debut with the Canadian Opera Company as the Speaker in ``The Magic Flute.

Today in Music History for Feb. 21: In 1893, classical guitarist Andres Segovia was born in Spain. Through concerts and recordings, he was largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in classical guitar in the 20th century.