Author Archives: dcaligari

December 7, 1949 –It’s Tom Waits’ birthday today. Anywhere I Lay My Head – Downtown Train – Temptation – Telephone Call From Istanbul – And the Acme Corp. is always happy to sponsor that Christmas Classic, Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis (One of our loyal bunkies pointed out that there is no EuclidContinue reading “The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)”

December 7, 1968 –The Rolling Stones released their album Beggar’s Banquet in the US (one day after it was released in the UK,) on this date. They soon filmed a television extravaganza entitled The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. After reviewing the program, the Stones felt that they were upstaged by the Who’s performanceContinue reading “First time Satan played a guessing game with us”

December 7, 1963 –Instant replay was used for the first time in a live sports telecast during Army vs Navy Football Game at Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia on this date. When CBS re-played a one-yard touchdown run by Army quarterback Rollie Stichweh, the station’s switchboard was inundated with calls from confused viewers asking if the playerContinue reading “First time we went to the videotape”

December 7, 2016 – In a new adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical Hairspray, (based on the 1988 John Waters‘ Film, Hairspray) NBC TV aired Hairspray Live!, hosted by Darren Criss, on this date. This was Maddie Baillio’s acting debut. She follows the long tradition of the role of Tracy Turnblad onstage and on filmContinue reading “Hairspray Live! premiered”

Today is the 59th anniversary of the original broadcast of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Rudolph was born 84 years ago this Christmas season, at the Montgomery Ward department store headquarters in Chicago. He was the star of a humble coloring book, written by a copywriter, Robert May, who almost named the protagonist “Reginald.” May,Continue reading “You know, it was because of a parasitic infection”

It’s the Feast of Saint Nicholas (yes, that St. Nick.) Amongst other things, he is the patron saint of children and was known for his generosity. He’s also known as the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, merchants, the falsely accused, prostitutes (Huh), repentant thieves, pharmacists and broadcasters. Let’s check out some other ways St. NickContinue reading “Must be Santa”

December 6, 1940 – MGM released the 10th Marx Brothers film, Go West, on this date. Winston Churchill was informed of Rudolf Hess’ capture in Scotland just before he was about to see a private screening of this film. Spurning a more detailed briefing, Churchill famously commented, “Well, Hess or no Hess, I’m off toContinue reading “Time wounds all heels”

December 6, 1955 –N.Y. psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers won the top prize on the TV quiz show The $64,000 Question by correctly answering questions on boxing. Dr. Joyce Brothers is the only person to win both The $64,000 Question and The $64,000 Challenge.

December 6, 1969 –Led Zeppelin made their debut on the US singles chart with Whole Lotta Love on this date, which eventually reached No.4 and was the first of six Top 40 singles for the group in the US. During the bands career, Zeppelin never released any singles in the UK.

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