Today in History

Today in History for Dec. 13: On this date: In 304, St. Lucy is said to have cut out her eyes and sent them to a persistent but unwelcome suitor who said he was haunted by them.

Today in History for Dec. 12: On this date: In 1783, New Brunswick's first newspaper, the "Royal Saint John Gazette and Nova Scotian Intelligencer," was published. In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second U.S. state. In 1870, Joseph H.

Today in History for Dec. 11: On this date: In 1792, France's King Louis XVI went before the Convention to face charges of treason. (Louis was convicted, and executed the following month.) In 1813, Newark, Ont.

Today in History for Dec. 10: On this date: In 1520, in Wittenberg, northeast of Leipzig in present-day eastern Germany, religious reformer Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict demanding that he recant or face excommunication.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 1: Actor-director Woody Allen is 82. Rock 'n' roll drummer Sandy Nelson is 79. Singer Dianne Lennon of the Lennon Sisters is 78. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Lee Trevino is 78. Bassist Casey Van Beek of The Tractors is 75.

Today in History for Dec. 1: In 1680, a comet appeared close to Earth and was clearly visible until the end of February. In 1841, the first copyright in Canada was issued for "A Canadian Spelling Book.

Today in Music History for Dec. 1: In 1884, Saskatoon’s first concert was presented by the Pioneer Society. It featured solos, duets, choruses, readings and recitations. In 1913, Broadway musical star Mary Martin was born in Weatherford, Texas.

Celebrity Birthdays for Nov. 30: Bassist Bob Moore is 85. Country singer-record company executive Jimmy Bowen is 80. Director Ridley Scott is 80. Movie writer-director Terrence Malick is 74. Leo Lyons, bass guitarist with Ten Years After, is 74.

Today in History for Nov. 30: In 1667, Irish writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was born. In 1782, a preliminary peace treaty ending the American War of Independence was signed between Britain and the United States.

Today in Music History for Nov. 30: In 1915, blues singer and guitarist Brownie McGhee, best known for his collaborations with harmonica player Sonny Terry, was born in Knoxville, Tenn.