Author Archives: dcaligari

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 –”

January 23, 2003 –The pilot episode of Mythbusters premiered on The Discovery Channel on this date. Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage are known for not being friends off-set. Savage has admitted this freely, but stresses that the two of them got along well enough professionally (it was Jamie Hyneman who recommended Adam Savage as co-hostContinue reading “Bunkies, don’t try this at home”

January 23, 1948 – John Huston’s classic film, Treasure of Sierra Madre, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston and Tim Holt opens in NYC on this date. John Huston stated that working with his father on this picture and his dad’s subsequent Oscar win were among the favorite moments of his life.

January 23, 1965 –Petula Clark’s song Downtown, hit No. #1 on the Billboard Charts on this date. This was Petula Clark’s first hit in the US, which was slow to discover her talents. In the UK, she was a star as a singer and as a television performer, where she was a regular on theContinue reading “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely”

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 Over America topped the charts”