Author Archives: dcaligari

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”

April 10, 1872 –The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska City, on this date, and about one million trees were planted. The holiday was actually founded by an editor and agriculturalist from Nebraska City, J. Sterling Morton, who also served as President Grover Cleveland’s Secretary of Agriculture. (This year, Arbor Day is celebrated onContinue reading “Hug a tree today”

April 9, 1990 –The very short lived series Capital News, starring Lloyd Bridges, William Russ, Helen Slater, and Wendell Pierce, aired on ABC TV, on this date. The series consisted of one TV movie (also considered as the pilot) and twelve regular episodes, of which only three were shown on its initial run in theContinue reading “I don’t believe anyone saw this one”

April 9, 1975 –The very surreal comedy film concerning the Arthurian legend, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, written and performed by Monty Python, and directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, opened in London, on this date. During one of the first screenings of this movie in front of a live audience, co-writer andContinue reading “We learned gift plants could appease giants”