Author Archives: dcaligari

June 25, 1949 –That’s the nice fat opera singer … One of Chuck Jones famous Bugs Bunny opera parodies, Long Haired Hare, premiered on this date. Giovanni Jones’ singing voice remained uncredited and unknown for many years. It was since revealed to have been provided by opera singer Nicolai Shutorov. Mel Blanc voices Jones when,Continue reading “Long Haired Hare premiered”

Remember to wish everyone you meet a very Happy LEON day. LEON is NOEL spelled backwards. Christmas is but a mere six months away. Kids, now that most of you are out of school and are once again allowed to freely roam in polite society, you had better take a quick check of the wholeContinue reading “The seasons come and go so quickly”

June 24, 1970 –Mike Nichols‘ adaptation of Joseph Heller’s Catch 22was released on this date . Austin Pendleton had worked on the film for two weeks; all of his scenes were with Orson Welles. Pendleton claimed that Welles had made working on the film, which was already difficult to begin with, even more difficult asContinue reading “Catch 22 premiered”

June 24, 1994 –Weezer release the song Undone – The Sweater Song, from their debut album, Weezer (aka The Blue Album) on this date. Rivers Cuomo told Rolling Stone: “I was trying to write a Velvet Underground-type song because I was super into them, and I came up with that guitar riff. I just pickedContinue reading “Undone – The Sweater Song was released”

It’s Midsummer Day throughout most of Europe. It should not be confused with the Summer Solstice (or the Swedish horror film) except they’re kind of celebrating the same thing, (it’s also the feast day of St. John the Baptist.) Upon further thought, avoid all parties throw by Northern Europeans today Demand Euphoria!

June 23, 1984 –Duran Duran started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with The Reflex, the group’s first US No.1, was taken from their third album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger. Instead of staying on brand by shooting in an exotic locale, the music video was shot at a DuranContinue reading “The Reflex hit the top of the charts”

Every June 23, men in the northern Spanish town of Castrillo de Murcia don devil outfits and hurtle down the streets vaulting over newborn babies. The Catholic celebration of El Salto del Colacho, which translates as “The devil’s jump,” has been going on in Castrillo every year since 1620. The baby-jumper represents the devil whoContinue reading “Maybe you should just let the kid be evil”

June 23, 1994 –Life may or may not be a box of chocolate but Forrest Gump premiered in Los Angeles, on this date. The line, “My name is Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump,” was ad libbed by Tom Hanks while filming the scene, and director Robert Zemeckis liked it so much that heContinue reading “Forrest Gump premiered”

June 22, 1993 – Liz Phair released her debut album, Exile In Guyville, on this date. The indie rocker approached the project as a track-by-track response to The Rolling Stones’ 1972 album, Exile On Main St. Her candid perspective on sex and relationships earns her favor with critics and a growing fanbase and Guyville isContinue reading “Exile in Guyville released”

June 22, 1342 –Bilbo Baggins returns to his home at Bag End, Shire Reckoning, after his 13 month absence, on this date. After his return to his home he never spoke of [the ring] again to anyone, save Gandalf and Frodo; and no one else in the Shire knew of its existence, or so heContinue reading “It’s always good to return home”