Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Sept. 6: In 1298, the Genoese captured Marco Polo in a sea battle. While imprisoned, the explorer and trader met writer Rustichello of Pisa and together they began a book on Marco's travels.

Today in History for Sept. 3: In 590, St. Gregory the Great was consecrated the 64th Catholic pope, ruling 14 years. His administration took responsibility for converting the Anglo-Saxon tribes in England, chiefly through the work of St.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 23: Actress Vera Miles is 95. Actress Barbara Eden is 93. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen is 90. Actor Richard Sanders ("WKRP In Cincinnati") is 84. Ballet dancer Patricia McBride is 82.

Today in History for Aug. 23: On this date: In 1305, Scottish leader William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered in London for treason. Nearly 700 years later, his story was the subject of the Oscar-winning movie "Braveheart," starring Mel Gibson.

Today in Music History for Aug. 23: In 1912, singer-dancer-director Gene Kelly was born in Pittsburgh. He first gained fame in 1941 in the Broadway musical "Pal Joey." The following year he starred in the film "For Me and My Gal" with Judy Garland.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 22: Broadcast journalist Morton Dean is 89. Author Annie Proulx is 89. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Carl Yastrzemski is 85. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells is 83. Correspondent Steve Kroft ("60 Minutes") is 79.

Today in History for Aug. 22: On this date: In 1485, King Richard III of England was killed at the "Battle of Bosworth," ending the Wars of the Roses. Henry Tudor succeeded Richard to become King Henry VII.

Today in Music History for Aug. 22: In 1741, George Frederic Handel began composing "The Messiah." He finished the work on Sept. 14. In 1831, William Cummings, a leading English musicologist, was born.

Celebrity birthdays for Aug. 21: Guitarist James Burton (with Elvis Presley) is 85. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 83. Movie director Peter Weir is 80. Actress Patty McCormack ("The Ropers") is 79. Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Willie Lanier is 79.

Today in History for Aug. 21: On this date: In 1245, English scholastic theologian Alexander of Hales died. He is regarded as the founder of the Franciscan school of theology.