Author Archives: dcaligari

Happy Walk On The Wild Side Day. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy on their website Wellcat.com. It was created to recognize that “what others would think” is the dumbest reason not to do something, and rather denotes a lack of courage. This song provided Lou Reed his biggest hit, and it was his onlyContinue reading “Pluck your eyebrows, go in the backroom and become everybody’s darling –”

April 11, 1942 – Bob Clampett was the first to tackle an adaption of a Dr. Seuss book when Merrie Melodies released Horton Hatches the Egg, on this date. Peter Lorre was a favorite characterization for the famed Warner Bros. cartoonists, as he tangled several times with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

April 11, 1983 –R.E.M. release their debut album, Murmur, on this date. Radio Free Europe was R.E.M.’s first single, released in 1981 before they signed to a major label. A better-produced version was included on Murmur, the band’s first full-length album, in 1983.

April 11, 1980 –ABC’s attempt at live late-night sketch comedy, Fridays, premiered on this date. Michael Richards, Larry David, Bruce Mahler, Maryedith Burrell and Melanie Chartoff would all work on Seinfeld in various capacities.

April 11, 1973 –In one of the show’s most memorable moments, Stevie Wonder plays a funky, live version of Superstition on Sesame Street, on this date. The song was originally intended for Jeff Beck, who was brought in to play some guitar parts on the album in exchange for a song. At one of theContinue reading “Stevie Wonder appeared on Sesame Street”

April 11, 1947 –On this date, Jackie Robinson took to the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in an exhibition match between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees becoming the first black player to play in Major league baseball. On April 15th he took to the field for Brooklyn Dodgers on opening day whenContinue reading “Jackie Robinson’s first MLB appearance”

April 11, 1954 –According to a team of Cambridge University scientists, this date in history was the most boring day during the entire 20th Century. It appears to have been so boring that it had to be named National Cheese Fondue Day (and 8-track Tape Day) just so those people living through it didn’t killContinue reading “Bored to tears”

April 10, 1970 –Elton John released his self-titled second studio album which included the breakthrough single Your Song, on this date. Grammy nominated for Album of the Year and certified 2x Platinum, it was Elton’s debut LP in the U.S. and established the singer–songwriter’s career.

April 10, 1957 – Sidney Lumet courtroom drama, 12 Angry Men, starring Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, E. G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, Ed Begley, and Lee J. Cobb, opened in Los Angeles on this date. This film is commonly used in business schools and workshops to illustrate team dynamics and conflict resolution techniques.

April 10, 1953 –Warner Bros.‘ first 3-D movie, House of Wax, starring Vincent Price, opened on this date. The director Andre DeToth was unable to see in 3D himself, having lost an eye at an early age. (The film revived Vincent Price’s career, positioning him as the go-to guy when you needed a mad scientistContinue reading “House of Wax premiered”