Author Archives: dcaligari

Do you have anything else to do today? Perhaps you should do it. Today is Dead Duck Day, an annual event celebrated at the Natural History Museum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It’s the anniversary of the first known observation of homosexual necrophilia in the mallard duck. Now that you know, you may go about yourContinue reading “You might be suspect, if you celebrate this holiday”

June 5, 1956 –What came to be known as one of the most controversial performances in television history, Elvis famously performed Hound Dog on The Milton Berle Show and stirred up quite a frenzy, on this date. The provocative hip-swinging dance moves caused a national scandal and set the stage for the King of RockContinue reading “Elvis pelvis was rubbed in America’s face”

June 5, 2018 –Ocean’s 8, directed by Gary Ross and starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Rihanna premiered on this date. Debbie Ocean speaks German as part of her cover. Sandra Bullock spent most of her childhood in Nürnberg, Germany and is fluent in the language. She holds dual citizenship in both GermanyContinue reading “Another Ocean’s sequel premiered”

June 5, 1964 –David Bowie’s first ever release was Liza Jane/Louie Louie Go Home on this date, under the name of Davie Jones with The King-Bees. Despite promoting the single on the television shows Juke Box Jury, Ready Steady Go! and The Beat Room, and receiving good radio coverage, the single sold poorly and theContinue reading “An early Bowie release”

June 5, 1975 –… Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!… During the Wish You Were Here recording sessions on this date, Syd Barrett just happens to wander into Abbey Road studio while Pink Floyd were mixing Shine On You Crazy Diamond, a song written about Barrett. At first, none of Syd’sContinue reading “The people you run into”

June 4, 1984 –Bruce Springsteen released his seventh studio album, Born in the USA on this date. This is one of the most misinterpreted songs ever. Most people thought it was a patriotic song about American pride, when it actually cast a shameful eye on how America treated its Vietnam veterans. Springsteen considers it oneContinue reading “Born in the USA went on sale today”

June 4, 1938 – Another extremely funny Warner Bros. Cartoon, Porky the Fireman, was released on this date. The director, Frank Tashlin, is one of the few directors to successfully make the transition from animation to live-action, noted especially for his work with Jerry Lewis. Tashlin never made a picture that couldn’t be slotted firmlyContinue reading “Porky the Fireman premiered”

June 4, 1982 –Paramount released the epic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (which should have been titled, Battle of the Outrageous Toups) opened on this date. Producers went ahead with a movie script featuring Khan, taking this for granted that Ricardo Montalban would be interested in or available for this film. Specifically, thisContinue reading “Red Letter day for Paramount Studio”

June 4, 1963 –The Nutty Professor, arguably Jerry Lewis‘ best directorial effort, was released on this date. The character of Professor Frink from the animated television series The Simpsons loosely borrows many of his mannerisms and technique from Lewis’ delivery of the Julius Kelp character, as well as the transition to a Buddy Love versionContinue reading “People just don’t like teachers blowing up their kids!”

June 4, 1989 –Today is the 35th anniversary of what became known as the “June Fourth Incident” in China. Tiananmen Square protests were ended in the typical manner of a totalitarian regime – with the People’s Liberation Army soldiers and tanks, massacring the people they are supposed to serve. Amnesty International estimated anywhere from 1,000Continue reading “Once again, I’m not making any friends with the Chinese government.”