Author Archives: dcaligari

It’s a finger lickin’ good tradition

Japanese people traditionally eat at KFC for Christmas dinner. Although the percentage of christian people in Japan is less than 2%, every Christmas, kids and grown-ups head to the closest KFC to enjoy some fried chicken – the closest food to turkey that you can get in Japan. It’s all thanks to a successful “KentuckyContinue reading “It’s a finger lickin’ good tradition”

Did you know – Tinsel was once banned.

Shiny, colorful tinsel is undoubtedly one of the quintessential Christmas decorations, but it wasn’t always this way. Tinsel arrived on the scene in Germany in the 1600s, where it was made from real silver. Fast forward a few hundred years and the decoration became banned in the United States because it contained lead. Today’s tinselContinue reading “Did you know – Tinsel was once banned.”

Let us sing the praises of the Garden State

Liberty and Prosperity New Jersey was the third state admitted to the Union, on this date in 1787. It was the first state to sign the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. It derives its name from the isle of Jersey, just off England’s shore (and also near Britain). The official state bird of NewContinue reading “Let us sing the praises of the Garden State”

The Pink Blueprint debuted

December 18, 1966 –The Pink Panther cartoon series first aired with the episode titled The Pink Blueprint on this date. The Pink Panther character, created for the animated opening credits of The Pink Panther movie, was so popular that this short was produced as a starring vehicle for the character. The short marks the onlyContinue reading “The Pink Blueprint debuted”

I truly apologize for this ear worm

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 “I truly apologize for this ear worm”

Gilbert Gottfried’s favorite Christmas Special

December 18, 1962 – Mr. Magoo starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in a musical version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas tale, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, music by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and voiced by Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Morey Amsterdam, and Royal Dano, which aired on NBC TV, on this date. ThereContinue reading “Gilbert Gottfried’s favorite Christmas Special”

Kirsty MacColl

it’s the anniversary of the passing of the the singer Kirsty MacColl. I can think of no better remembrance of her than playing this holiday classic. After their second album Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, The Pogues wanted to release a Christmas single. Instead of a cover song, lead singer Shane MacGowan and banjo playerContinue reading “Kirsty MacColl”