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Today in History: November 18
1477
William Claxton publishes the first dated book printed in England. It is a translation from the French of The Dictes and Sayings of the Philosopers by Earl Rivers.

1626
St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome is officially dedicated.

1861
The first provisional meeting of the Confederate Congress is held in Richmond, Virginia.

1865
Mark Twain's first story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is published in the New York Saturday Press.

1901
The second Hay-Pauncefote Treaty is signed. The United States is given extensive rights by Britain for building and operating a canal through Central America.

1912
Cholera breaks out in Constantinople, in the Ottoman Empire.

1921
New York City considers varying work hours to avoid long traffic jams.

1928
Mickey mouse makes his film debut in Steamboat Willie, the first animated talking picture.

1943
RAF bombs Berlin, using 440 aircraft and losing nine of those and 53 air crew members; damage to the German capital is light, with 131 dead.

2003
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules the state's ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional; the legislature fails to act within the mandated 180 days, and on May 17, 2004, Massachusetts becomes the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Today in History: Born on November 18

1950
Alan Moore, writer best known for his ground-breaking work in comic books / graphic novels (Watchmen, V for Vendetta).

1956
Warren Moon, quarterback in Canadian and US pro football teams; his numerous passing records include most passing yardage in pro football (surpassed by Damon Allen, Sept. 4, 2006).

1974
Chloe Sevigny, American actress, model and fashion designer noted for her eclectic fashion sense.

JOTD
A Roman Catholic priest is on his way to Rome when he runs into an old childhood friend.

“My goodness, Mary!” He says. “How have you been?”

“Oh, could be better,” she says. “My husband and I have been trying to have children for fifteen years, but we are barren.”

“I’m so sorry,” says the priest. “I’m on a pilgrimage to Rome, and I promise to light a candle for you in the great cathedral.”

Mary thanks him, and after chatting a little longer, they part ways.

Five years later, the priest is eating dinner when there’s a knock at his door. He opens it, and to his surprise, it’s Mary.

“I’m so glad I found you!” She exclaims. “Remember that candle you lit for me, years ago? Well, my husband and I now have two sets of twins and a set of triplets — and I just found out I’m pregnant with quadruplets!”

She then hands the priest an all-expenses paid ticket to Rome.

“Oh Mary!” Says the priest. “Your joy is my joy. You didn’t need to give me a thank-you gift.”

“Oh no, it’s not a thank you,” says Mary. “It’s so you can blow out that motherfricking candle.”