Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for May 15: On this date: In 1248, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the cornerstone for a cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

Today in History for May 16: On this date: In 587, Irish monk St. Bredan died. He's known for setting out in the Atlantic with two other monks in a skin boat and possibly travelling as far as North America.

Today in History for May 17: On this date: In 1630, the belts of the planet Jupiter were first observed.

Today in History for May 14: On this date: In 347, St. Pachomius, who was born in Egypt and founded the first monastery, died. In 1565, German Protestant reform theologian Nicolaus von Amsdorf died.

Today in History for May 12: On this date: In 1534, Wurttemberg, in Germany, became Lutheran. In 1588, the Catholic League under Duke Henri de Guise occupied Protestant controlled Paris.

Today in History for is May 13: On this date: In 1110, Crusaders captured Beirut, causing a bloodbath. In 1607, the English colony at Jamestown, Va., was settled. In 1881, a revised New Testament went on sale.

Today in Music History for May 3: In 1903, singer and actor Bing Crosby was born in Tacoma, Wash. He sang with dance bands from 1925-30, and in 1931 began work in radio and films.

Celebrity Birthdays for May 3: Singer Frankie Valli is 90. Bassist Peter Staples (The Troggs) is 80 Sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 78. Singer Mary Hopkin is 74. Singer Christopher Cross is 73. Drummer Cactus Moser (Highway 101) is 67.

Today in History for May 3: On this date: In 495, Pope St. Gelasius I decreed that his spiritual power as supreme pontiff was superior to the temporal power of Emperor Anastasius. It was called the Gelasian Decree. In 1074, St.

Today in Music History for May 2: In 1908, the original version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," with music by Albert Von Tilzer and lyrics by Jack Norworth, was copyrighted by Von Tilzer's York Music Company.