Author Archives: dcaligari

December 6, 1986 –Ringo Starr became the first Beatle to use his name in an advertisement, for Sun Country wine cooler. He was reportedly paid “in the seven figures.”

Christmas is nearly upon us and it’s Krampusnacht this evening – The day before St. Nicholas Day, Krampusnacht is a night when Krampus, a goat-like monster with horns, claws, and a long tongue, the fearsome counterpart to St. Nicholas, punishes children who are not on the right side of Santa’s list. Since yesterday happen toContinue reading “Have you checked Santa’s list lately”

December 5, 1952 –The local New York City affiliate of CBS-TV, WCBS begin carrying The Abbott and Costello Show on this date. During filming, one camera was always kept on Lou Costello because he was constantly improvising. The funniest bits of business were then edited into the episode whether they had anything to do withContinue reading “Hey Abbott!!!”

December 5, 1974 – The last episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Party Political Broadcast, was shown on BBC on this date. The sketch about the doctor making his patient fill in a form while bleeding to death was co-written by Douglas Adams, creator of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

December 5, 1969 –Apple Records released the single Come and Get It” by the band Badfinger, in the UK, on this date. The track was written and produced by Paul McCartney for the dark comedy film The Magic Christian starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr Paul McCartney recorded the demo of this song prior toContinue reading “Would you walk away from a fool and his money”

December 5, 1973 –Paul McCarthy and Wings released their third studio album Band on the Run in the US on this date. Shortly after the Band On The Run album was released, Paul McCartney was asked if the album was a reference to Wings escaping from The Beatles, he replied: “Sort of – yeah. IContinue reading “Stuck inside these four walls”

December 4, 1964 –EMI’s Parlophone label released The Beatles fourth album, Beatles For Sale, in the UK on this date. The album marked a significant moment in the band’s evolution, both musically and creatively. The album reflected a more mature, introspective side of the band, with lyrics exploring themes of love, loneliness, and disillusionment, whichContinue reading “This happened once before …”

December 4, 1971 –The Sly and the Family Stone song, Family Affair, reached no. 1 on the Billboard charts on this date. Sly & the Family Stone was indeed a family affair, with Sly Stone’s younger siblings, brother Freddie and sister Rosie, all part of the band. The rest of the group, including bass playerContinue reading “It’s a family affair”

December 4, 1937 – Another great early Bob Clampett/ Chuck Jones (rarely seen) B & W Looney Tunes, Porky’s Hero Agency, premiered on this date. The line of people turned to stone include many of the Looney Tunes/ Merry Melodies animators including Bob Clampett and Chuck Jones.

December 4, 1969 – The first feature film based on the Peanuts cartoon strip, A Boy Named Charlie Brown, directed by Bill Melendez and voiced by Peter Robbins, Pamelyn Ferdin, Glenn Gilger, and Andy Pforsich, opened on this date. The memorable “Aaaugh!” scream from Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown originated from this film. (Oddly enough,Continue reading “A Boy Named Charlie Brown debuted”