Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Oct. 24: On this date: In 1260, under Pope Alexander IV, Chartres Cathedral in France was consecrated. Completed in less than 30 years, the structure represents high Gothic architecture at its purest.

Today in History for Oct. 23: On this date: In 4004 BC, according to the sacred timeline worked out by Archbishop James Ussher, "the heavens and the earth" were created on this date at 9 a.m. (GMT).

Today in History for Oct. 22: On this date: In 1692, a 14-year-old girl repelled an Iroquois attack on Vercheres near Montreal. Marie-Madeleine de Vercheres took charge and rallied people inside the fort.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 13: Singer Nana Mouskouri is 89. Gospel singer Shirley Caesar is 85. Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Paul Simon is 82. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is 81. Keyboardist Robert Lamm of Chicago is 79. Country singer Lacy J.

Today in History for Oct. 13: In A.D. 54, Roman Emperor Claudius I died after being poisoned, apparently at the behest of his wife, Agrippina. In 1399, King Henry IV of England was crowned.

Today in Music History for Oct. 13: In 1941, singer Paul Simon was born in Newark, N.J. Between 1962 and 1970, he and partner Art Garfunkel were the most popular duo in rock music. "Simon and Garfunkel's" No.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 12: Singer Sam Moore of Sam and Dave is 88. Actress-singer Susan Anton is 73. Donnie Dacus, guitarist with Chicago, is 72. Pop/rock singer/songwriter Jane Siberry is 68. Jazz musician Chris Botti is 61.

Today in History for Oct. 12: In 451, nearly 600 bishops of the Christian church began meeting at the Second Ecumenical Council.

Today in Music History for Oct. 12: In 1609, "Three Blind Mice," believed to be the earliest printed secular song, was published in London.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 11: English soccer legend Bobby Charlton is 86. Indian actor, director, producer Amitabh Bachchan is 81. Country singer Gene Watson is 80. Singer Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates is 77.