Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Nov. 20: In 1789, New Jersey became the first state to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights. In 1841, Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's seventh prime minister, was born.

Today in History for Nov. 19: In 1794, the United States and Britain signed the "Jay Treaty" concerning trade boundaries and commerce.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 8: Singer Bonnie Bramlett is 80. Guitarist Roy Wood, founder of Electric Light Orchestra, is 78. Singer Bonnie Raitt is 75. Former "Entertainment Tonight" host Mary Hart is 74.

Today in Music History for Nov. 8: In 1887, the gramophone was patented by American Thomas Edison. In 1910, "The Dubois String Quartet" gave its first performance at Windsor Hall in Montreal.

Today in History for Nov. 8 On this date: In 1308, medieval scholar Duns Scotus died. His given name led to the introduction of the word dunce.