Today in Human History

Today is Sunday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2007. There are 43 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 18, 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" starring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York. On this date: In 1820, U.S. Navy Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer and his crew discovered the frozen continent of Antarctica. In 1883, the United States and Canada adopted a system of Standard Time zones. In 1903, the United States gained the rights to build the Panama Canal in a treaty with Panama. In 1936, Germany and Italy recognized the Spanish government of Francisco Franco. In 1966, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops did away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays outside of Lent. In 1978, California Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four other people were killed in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings were followed by a night of mass murder and suicide by more than 900 cult members. In 1987, the congressional Iran-Contra committees issued their final report, saying President Reagan bore "ultimate responsibility" for wrongdoing by his aides. Five years ago: U.N. arms inspectors returned to Iraq after a four-year hiatus, calling on Saddam Hussein's government to cooperate with their search for weapons of mass destruction. Actor James Coburn died in Beverly Hills, Calif., at age 74. Today's Birthdays: Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, is 84. Actor Brad Sullivan is 76. Actress Brenda Vaccaro is 68. Actress Linda Evans is 65. Country singer Jacky Ward is 61. Actor Jameson Parker is 60. Actress-singer Andrea Marcovicci is 59. Rock musician Herman Rarebell is 58. Singer Graham Parker is 57. Actor Delroy Lindo is 55. Comedian Kevin Nealon is 54. Actress Elizabeth Perkins is 47. Singer Kim Wilde is 47. Rock musician Kirk Hammett (Metallica) is 45. Rock singer Tim DeLaughter is 42. Actor Owen Wilson is 39. Singer Duncan Sheik is 38. Actress Peta Wilson is 37. Actress Chloe Sevigny is 33.