Today in History - the Beginning of the End Edition:

On Nov. 1, 1952, the United States exploded the first hydrogen bomb, in a test at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20051101.html

Also:
1512
Michelangelo's paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were first exhibited to the public.
1604
William Shakespeare's tragedy ''Othello'' was first performed, at Whitehall Palace in London.
1946
Karol Wojtyla, the future Pope John Paul II, was ordained as a priest.

Three that seem very topical:
1954
The west African nation of Algeria began a rebellion against French rule.
1973
Following the ''Saturday Night Massacre,'' acting Attorney General Robert H. Bork appointed Leon Jaworski to be the new Watergate special prosecutor, succeeding Archibald Cox.
1991
Clarence Thomas took his place as a justice on the Supreme Court.

In remembrance:
1999
Football hall-of-famer Walter Payton died of cancer at age 45.

Wow, I'm old (or at least the music I like is):
Anthony Kiedis turns 43 years old today.