Author Archives: dcaligari

November 28, 1981 –The short-lived series (only 12 episodes were shot), Open All Night, starring George Dzundza, Susan Tyrrell, Sam Whipple, Bubba Smith, Jay Tarses, and Bever-Leigh Banfield premiered on ABC-TV on this date. The US TV version of the show was somewhat based on the hugely successful British sitcom, Open All Hours which ranContinue reading “Open All Night premiered”

November 27, 1924 –Macy’s sponsored its first Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (called Macy’s Christmas Parade) in New York City on this date. The three-hour parade is held annually and is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade along with Detroit’s “America’s Thanksgiving Parade,” which began on the same day. Three floats (pulled by horses), four bands and zoo animalsContinue reading “Macy’s finally got their act together”

November 27, 1977 – The Rankin/Bass animated special, The Hobbit, first aired on NBC TV, on this date. In the book, Bilbo is knocked unconscious by a falling rock during the Battle of Five Armies immediately after seeing the eagles arrive to help. In the movie, perhaps due to an anti-war bias at the timeContinue reading “The Hobbit premiered”

November 27, 1967 –The Beatles released Magical Mystery Tour album the US on this date. Unfortunately, Charles Manson used to refer to life as A Magical Mystery Tour after hearing the title song. He later warped other Beatles songs (Helter Skelter, Piggies, Blackbird) to explain a race war named Helter Skelter. He used to sayContinue reading “Magical Mystery Tour went on sale”

November 27, 1948 –You see what some ducks will do for money! Another (less familiar) Daffy and Porky pairing, Riff Raffy Daffy, premiered on this date.

As the years slip by more swiftly, I can remember some things clearly, others only dimly; As an old friend from elementary school can testify, I don’t remember them telling us about this back at St. John’s. November 27 is the Feast of St. Josaphat, a Middle Age prince who renounced his wealth to doContinue reading “Oh, that wacky Catholic Church!”

November 27, 1979 –For those so inclined, you could start spending time in the boys locker room of Carver High School when The White Shadow premiered on this date. Ken Howard was nicknamed “The White Shadow” while he played for Manhasset High School ‘s basketball team. He was the only white starter on his team.Continue reading “The first time we got to cheer for Carver High”

We have just been notified that it is Cyborg Monday, oh no, run for your lives. Wait – an update – it’s Cyber Monday. Continue to run for your lives!!! The term “Cyber Monday” was dreamt up in 2005 by by a young public relations executive named Ellen Davis at Shop.org, a division of theContinue reading “Flash – News Bulletin from your Mutual Broadcasting Network”

November 27, 1970 –George Harrison’s first solo work after the break-up of the Beatles, All Things Must Pass, a three album set, was released on this date. The album includes the hit singles My Sweet Lord, What Is Life, Isn’t It a Pity, and All Things Must Pass. Harrison was joined by Eric Clapton, RingoContinue reading “All Things Must Pass went on sale”

November 26, 1965 –After cleaning a church in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where they had Thanksgiving dinner the day before, Arlo Guthrie and a friend clean up the place, but toss the trash down a hill when they can’t find an open dump. They are arrested, fined $25 each, and forced to pick up the garbage. WhenContinue reading “But was Lobster Thermidor au Crevettes on the menu”