Author Archives: dcaligari

August 26, 1930 –Philo Farnsworth at 24, was finally granted a patent (US Patent No 1,773,980) for a television system on this date. The patent was has been repeatedly delayed by RCA legal action. This is his first patent, with a description of his image dissector tube, which will be his most important contribution toContinue reading “Television took a big step forward”

The first time toilet paper was ever sold on a roll was on August 26, 1871 (Joseph Gayetty, often created as ‘the father of modern TP‘ sold his product in packets of flat sheets.) August 26 was later officially dubbed National Toilet Paper Day. (Seth Wheeler patents rolled and perforated toilet paper (U.S. patent No.Continue reading “Oh, great day in the morning”

If you find yourself in Rome, run, do not walk, to see the Santa Maria della Vittoria Church. It houses one of the most amazing pieces of art – The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini. Today is the Feast of The Transverberation of St. Teresa of Avila (this time, I’m not sure even anContinue reading “Such is my obsession with religion.”

August 26, 1920 –The Nineteenth Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, was formally adopted into the U.S. Constitution, on this date. The amendment had been first introduced in Congress in 1878, setting in motion supporters who demonstrated, lobbied, marched and spoke out for woman suffrage. They were often met with venomous opposition. Early on,Continue reading “Happy National Women’s Equality Day”

August 26, 1953 –Considered to be one of the great science fiction films of the 1950s, George Pal’s The War of the Worlds was released on this date. Filming was halted briefly, two days into filming, when Paramount discovered that its filming rights of the novel were only for a silent version. It was quicklyContinue reading “The War of the Worlds premiered”

August 26, 1983 –The David Bowie film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, co-starring Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Takeshi Kitano opened on this date Tom Conti does not speak a word of Japanese. He learned his Japanese dialog phonetically.

August 26, 1972 –Looking Glass‘ single Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) hit No. 1 on this date. The band was signed by Clive Davis, a famous record executive who has nurtured the careers of many successful artists, including Santana, Billy Joel and Whitney Houston. Davis has a knack for knowing a hit song when heContinue reading “Brandy topped the charts”

August 25, 1986 –WEA Records released Paul Simon’s award-winning Graceland album on this date. Paul Simon’s visit to South Africa was no easy task, as many nations were boycotting the country because of their racist apartheid policy. However, the United Nations Anti-Apartheid Committee supported his efforts since he only recorded with black South African musiciansContinue reading “Poor boys and pilgrims with families …”

It’s the birthday of Declan Patrick MacManus, one of the most prolific musicians of the late 20th Century. In addition to recordings as “Elvis Costello” (often backed by The Attractions), he has recorded music as “Declan MacManus“, “Napoleon Dynamite and The Royal Guard“, “The Coward Brothers” (with T-Bone Burnett), “Nick Lowe and His Sound“, “TheContinue reading “Elvis Costello”

August 25, 1972 –American International Pictures released another film in the blaxploitation vein, Blacula, starring William Marshall, on this date. The film was popular in the U.S., debuting at #24 on Variety’s list of top films. It eventually grossed over $1 million, making it one of the highest grossing films of 1972.