Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Aug. 19: On this date: In 1099, the armies of the First Crusade defeated the Saracens at the "Battle of Ascalon," a historic Palestinian city on the Mediterranean coast, one month after they had captured Jerusalem.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 8: Actress Nita Talbot is 95. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 88. Actress Connie Stevens is 87. Country singer Phil Balsley of The Statler Brothers is 86. Actor Larry Wilcox ("CHiPS") is 78.

Today in History for Aug. 8: On this date: In 1471, Thomas Kempis, Dutch mystic and devotional author, died at age 91. His book "The Imitation of Christ" remains in print, a guide to cultivating the inner human spirit.

Today in Music History for Aug. 8: In 1911, Canadian violinist Frederick Grinke was born in Winnipeg. He was known for his performances of 20th-century English music.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 7: American humourist Garrison Keillor is 83. Singer Lana Cantrell is 82. Actor John Glover is 81. Actor David Rasche is 81. Classical pianist Louis-Philippe Pelletier is 80.

Today in History for Aug. 7: On this date: In AD 117, Roman emperor Marcus Trajan died at age 65. His attitude toward Christianity gradually changed from toleration to persecution.

Today in Music History for Aug. 7: In 1942, singer B.J. Thomas was born in Hugo, Okla., but soon moved to Houston, Texas.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 6: Actor-director Peter Bonerz is 87. Tenor Paul Trepanier is 86. Actress Louise Sorel ("Days of Our Lives") is 85. Country singer Myrna Lorrie is 85. Actor Michael Anderson Jr. is 82. Actor Ray Buktenica is 82.

Today in History for Aug. 6: On this date: In 1623, Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, died. In 1691, Henry Kelsey claimed the Red River Valley for Britain.

Today in Music History for Aug. 6: In 1939, Canadian tenor Paul Trepanier was born in Noranda, Que. In 1940, the Vancouver company "Theatre Under the Stars" opened its first season at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.