Author Archives: dcaligari

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 people who were around then wereContinue reading “Is anyone learning the Zaner-Bloser method?”

January 23, 1977 – The twelve-hour miniseries Roots first aired on ABC-TV on this date. The show was programmed by ABC to air on several consecutive nights in prime time. It was considered a revolutionary approach to programming a mini-series, since most minis were aired once or twice a week over several weeks’ time. ItContinue reading “Alex Haley’s family saga premiered”

January 23, 1975 –Barney Miller, a TV series set in a New York City police station in Greenwich Village, premiered on ABC-TV on this date. The producers were approached during the run of the series about doing a feature film based on the show using the regular cast members. The film was never made.

January 22, 1984 –The Apple Macintosh, the first consumer computer to popularize the computer mouse and the graphical user interface, was introduced during Super Bowl XVIII with its famous 1984 television commercial. Now that Steve Jobs long gone; we can stop saying ‘Hooray for Big Brother!!!‘

January 22, 1977 –Wings‘ triple live album Wings Over America, recorded during the American leg of the band’s 1975–76 Wings Over the World tour, hits #1 on the Billboard Charts, in the US, on this date. Wings over America provided the total Paul McCartney experience. It showcased the full range of his musical skills asContinue reading “Wings Across America topped the charts”

January 22, 1972 – The Jack Webb midseason replacement series, Emergency!, starring Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe premiered on NBC TV on this date. The series originated when producer Robert A. Cinader was in the Los Angeles area researching for a new medical drama series that took place in an emergency hospital. There, he learnedContinue reading “911, What the emergency?”

January 22, 1968 –The comedy show Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, hosted by Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, premiered on NBC television on this date. One of the trademarks of the series was the fast cutting that happened in between videotaped segments. Blackouts, one-liners and sketches were edited together in such a way that the showContinue reading “Found on Funk and Wagnalls’ front porch”

January 21, 1984 –The prog rock group Yes song, Owner of a Lonely Heart, hit No. #1 on this date. This is the first single from 90125, and was the group’s one and only #1 charting hit. The album was a drastic departure from Yes‘ progressive sound in the ‘70s, containing distorted guitar and synthesizersContinue reading “Owner of a Lonely Heart topped the charts”

January 21, 1957 –NBC recorded and later broadcasted the second inaugural ceremonies of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is the first national broadcast of a previously recorded event.

January 21, 1982 –Hsin-Yen Chang’s martial arts film Shaolin Temple (Shao Lin si,) starring Jet Li in his debut role opened on this date. This film was the first Hong Kong-China co-production to be filmed in mainland China. The film was also the first such to use a Mainland cast and crew.