Author Archives: dcaligari

Today is National Drink Wine Day, (this is opposed to National Wine Day, which is May 25th.) Before you make the joke, I know, it’s National Drink Wine Day every day in my home. I can make wine disappear. What’s your superpower? While, I can’t find the basis for the holiday, I have my suspicions:Continue reading “Stop yourself –”

Today is the Ninth day of the Lunar New Year. It is the Birthday of Jade Emperor, King of Heaven. The Jade Emperor is also known as the Yù Huáng or Yù Dì, the Ruler of all Heavens (of which the Chinese have over 30), Earth and the Underworld/ Hell, Creator of the Universe, laterContinue reading “It’s just a few more days”

February 18, 1967 –The Buckinghams’ song Kind of a Drag hits #1 on the Billboard Charts on this date. Kind of a Drag was written by Jim Holvay, who was a friend of the band’s from Chicago. It is The Buckingham’s only #1 hit, although they peeked into the Top 10 twice more and chartedContinue reading “Kind of a Drag topped the charts”

February 18, 1938 – If only he had his intercostal clavicle … … The greatest screwball comedy, directed by Howard Hawks, Bringing Up Baby, starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant was released on this date. < Katharine Hepburn loved to talk, which caused problems for Howard Hawks when he needed to shoot scenes. When sheContinue reading “Bringing Up Baby premiered”

February 18, 1983 –Martin Scorsese’s black comedy, The King of Comedy, starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard premiered in the US on this date. Martin Scorsese said later that making this film was an “unsettling” experience, in part because of the embarrassing, bitter material of the script. Scorsese said that he andContinue reading “A surprisingly serious turn by Jerry Lewis”

The Eighth day of the Lunar New Year is believed to be the birthday of millet, an important crop in ancient China. According to the folk proverbs, if this day is bright and clear, then this whole year will be a harvest year; however, if this day is cloudy or even rainy, then the wholeContinue reading “Anyone have any good millet recipes?”

February 17, 1997 –Mike Nesmith directed himself and the other original Monkees in Hey, Hey, It’s the Monkees, a one-hour comedy special which premiered on ABC, on this date. The special assumes the Monkees have been living in their beach house all the years since the series ended and have continued having adventures. This oneContinue reading “Hey, hey we’re the Monkees, again”

February 17, 1990 –Aerosmith appeared on Saturday Night Live on this date. They performed the Wayne’s World theme song while appearing in the skit as themselves.

February 17, 1971 –Boston native James Taylor made his primetime television debut on the Johnny Cash Show, on this date. Other guest on the show that evening included Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt.

February 16, 1899 –Félix François Faure, President of France and the owner of the most audacious mustache in the late 19th century, died suddenly from a massive heart attack in his private offices while in the act of some sort of sexual congress with the notable courtesan, Marguerite Steinheil on this date. Apparently when FaureContinue reading “What a way to go!”