Author Archives: dcaligari

January 25, 1949 – The first Emmy Awards, which were devoted solely to local Los Angeles programming, were held on this date, at the Hollywood Athletic Club. The very first Emmy, for Outstanding Personality, went to Shirley Dinsdale, a 20-year-old ventriloquist from UCLA, star of the children’s show Judy Splinters—named after her talking puppet andContinue reading “A great TV trivia question”

January 25, 1938 –Etta James, blues, soul, R&B, rock ‘n roll, gospel and jazz singer and songwriter, was born on this date. Pour yourself a stiff double and remember this great singer.

But fear not – There are 54 days until spring begins. If that doesn’t float your boat, it’s National Irish Coffee Day

January 24, 1991 –The Cure taped their MTV Unplugged special at Limehouse TV Studios in London, on this date. The acoustic set includes an alternate version of their new song, A Letter To Elise. Audience members are also given kazoos to replace the synthesizer riffs on The Walk.

January 24, 1940 – John Ford’s film version of John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, starring Henry Fonda, premiered in New York City on this date. Prior to filming, producer Darryl F. Zanuck sent undercover investigators out to the migrant camps to see if John Steinbeck had been exaggerating about the squalor and unfairContinue reading “I’ll be all around in the dark – I’ll be everywhere”

January 24, 1927 –Alfred Hitchcock’s first film, The Pleasure Garden, went into general release on this date in England. The film is often overshadowed by Hitchcock’s later masterpieces, but it was definitely a significant milestone in his early career. Although shot in 1925, and shown to the British press in March 1926, the film wasn’tContinue reading “The Pleasure Garden opened”

Its National Peanut Butter Day. By law, any product labeled “peanut butter” in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts, (don’t ask about the other 10%.) Boldly celebrate the lowly legume Arachis hypogaea, (except for the 1.5% of US students allergic to peanuts.) Former President Bill Clinton says one of his favoriteContinue reading “If you can’t control your peanut butter, you can’t expect to control your life.”

January 24, 1947 –Well, first of all, let me say that I might have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years. Warren William Zevon, singer-songwriter and musician, was born on this date. (Last year, Warren was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the categoryContinue reading “Warren William Zevon”

As concerns mount over the potential for the deep freeze and some major snow for the Tri-State Area this weekend, remember the number one thing you should do this afternoon – Load up on wine and spirits! You might be snowed in with your family this weekend. Seriously though – shop this afternoon for yourContinue reading “Helpful tips in preparing for the Snow Apocalypse:”

and sometimes even his name The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) established today as National Handwriting Day back in 1977, in order to celebrate John Hancock’s birthday (who was born on January 12th, so go figure,) one of our Founding Fathers, as well as the first signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Most peopleContinue reading “A signature always reveals a man’s character –”