Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

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.

Today in History for Feb. 21: In 1109, Anselm, founder of Scholasticism and the archbishop of Canterbury, died. His treatise ``Why Did God Become Man'' is recognized by scholars as the greatest medieval treatise on the atonement.

Today in Music History for Feb. 20: In 1941, Quebec singer and songwriter La Bolduc died in Montreal. She was 46.

Today in History for Feb. 20: In 1666, explorer Rene-Robert La Salle arrived in New France and settled at Montreal. In 1725, the earliest recorded scalps were taken in New Hampshire, when white bounty hunters killed 10 sleeping natives.

Today in History for Feb. 19: In 1377, John Wycliffe went on trial in London's St. Paul's Cathedral after arguing against the sale of indulgences, the worship of saints and the veneration of relics. He was never convicted as a heretic.

Today in Music History for Feb. 19: In 1938, Canadian blues legend Dutch Mason, known as ``prime minister of the blues,'' was born in Lunenburg, N.S.