Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Oct. 29: On this date: In 1618, Sir Walter Raleigh was executed in London on charges of treason against King James I.

Today in History for Oct. 27: On this date: In 1746, William Tennent, a Scottish Presbyterian pastor and theologian, obtained a charter for the College of New Jersey, later to be called Princeton University.

Today in History for Nov. 1: In 1512, Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel in Rome were first exhibited to the public.

Today in History for Oct.

Today in History for Oct. 31: Today is Halloween. The word "Halloween," comes from a contraction of "All Hallows Eve," the night before a Catholic holiday in honour of saints. One Celtic story says that on Oct.

Today in History for Nov. 2: In 1164, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket began a six-year self-imposed exile in France. Once a close friend of England's Henry II, Becket had become an outspoken opponent of the king's royal policies.

Today in History for Oct. 30: On this date: In 1536, Denmark adopted Lutheranism as its official state religion. In 1768, the first Methodist chapel in the New World was dedicated in New York City.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 18: Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka is 85. Singer Russ Giguere of The Association is 81. Award-winning Canadian film composer Howard Shore is 78. Actor Joe Morton is 77. Actress Pam Dawber is 73.

Today in Music History for Oct. 18: In 1926, legendary rock singer, guitarist and songwriter Chuck Berry was born in San Jose, Calif.

Today in History for Oct. 18: In 1534, Paul III was elected Pope. He reformed the Catholic Church and forbade the practice of selling church appointments and spiritual favours. However, he was unable to heal the rift of the Reformation. In 1646, Rev.