Author Archives: dcaligari

December 18, 1961 –Based on an African song called Mbube (Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds)– The Tokens’ single, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, was No. 1 song on the Billboard Charts, on this date. Solomon Linda recorded the song in Johannesburg, South Africa after being discovered by a talent scout. The chanting was mostly improvised,Continue reading “Sorry but you’ll be singing this the rest of the day”

December 17, 1977 – Elvis Costello and The Attractions made a rare United States television debut on Saturday Night Live when Sid Vicious and the Sex Pistols failed to show up for the gig. Producer Lorne Michaels refused to allow Costello to perform Radio, Radio because of the song’s criticism of the broadcasting industry, butContinue reading “I was tuning in the shine on the late night dial …”

December 17, 1982 –Sydney Pollack’s comedy take on gender roles, Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and Bill Murray (in a howlingly funny supporting role) opened in general release in the US on this date. The character of Dorothy originally did not speak with a Southern accent, but in doing research, Dustin Hoffman discovered hisContinue reading “Go, Tootsie, Go”

December 17, 1969 –Tiny Tim married Miss Vicki on the Tonight Show on this date. The event attracted between 40 and 50 million viewers. What is there to say?

Don’t be voted – Most likely to steal all the gelt. It’s the fourth night of Hanukkah. Another reason Hanukkah feels better than Christmas – No Dance of the Sugar-Plum Rebbe.

It is an ancient Roman festival that was held in honor of the god Saturn. It was an occasion for celebration, visits to friends, and the presentation of gifts, particularly wax candles (or mentholated ACME Bung Balm.) The Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day, but it was so popular itContinue reading “Today is the beginning of Saturnalia.”

Very unpleasant Christmas trivia:In Eastern Europe, one of the stories told to children is about Frau Perchta, or the Christmas Witch. She has two faces, a nice face that she shows to nice children, and a scary face she shows to bad ones. She comes into homes on the 12th night of Christmas and leavesContinue reading “A reason NOT to be on the Naught List”

Staying safe this holiday season Tip No. 857 – Sea monsters love waterways and snatching small children from local beaches. Avoid the shorlines this holiday!

Takanakuy is a Peruvian Christmas tradition also known as the Fighting Festival of Peru. Takanakuy is held to resolve conflicts among the community. Instead of suppressing the tension from a grievance built up throughout the year, this festival aims to resolve the conflicts by confronting the person head on, so those negative feelings can finallyContinue reading “Another somewhat interesting piece of Christmas trivia –”

December 16, 1951 –NBC-TV debuted Dragnet in a special preview on Chesterfield Sound Off Time on this date. (The show began officially on January 3, 1952.) The series opener ran in real time, and it contained several clock-on-the-wall shots to keep track of time. The story starts with the police frantically trying to meet aContinue reading “The story you are about to see is true …”