Naughty, naughty Elvis

December 17, 1977 – Elvis Costello and The Attractions made a rare United States television debut on Saturday Night Live when Sid Vicious and the Sex Pistols failed to show up for the gig. Producer Lorne Michaels refused to allow Costello to perform Radio, Radio because of the song’s criticism of the broadcasting industry, butContinue reading “Naughty, naughty Elvis”

We never do find out which movie she’s seen?

December 17, 1971 –David Bowie releases his fourth album, Hunky Dory, which opens with the iconic Changes, on this date. The album was the first to feature all the members of the band that would become known the following year as Ziggy Stardust’s Spiders From Mars. Two singles were released from the album: Changes/ AndyContinue reading “We never do find out which movie she’s seen?”

More later – it figures in our Christmas story.

Today is the beginning of Saturnalia. It is an ancient Roman festival that was held in honor of the god Saturn. It was an occasion for celebration, visits to friends, and the presentation of gifts, particularly wax candles (or mentholated ACME Bung Balm.) The Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day,Continue reading “More later – it figures in our Christmas story.”

Me and Mrs. Jones topped the charts

December 16, 1972 –Soul singer Billy Paul’s single, Me and Mrs. Jones hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts on this date. A hint about this song’s subject matter is cleverly “hidden” in its intro: the saxophone is playing the first line from a 1953 Doris Day hit entitled Secret Love, which won the OscarContinue reading “Me and Mrs. Jones topped the charts”

We all tried that double slice of pizza

December 16, 1977 –Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta, went into general release on this date. Oh John, what a long strange trip it’s been since that polyester shirt. When Tony’s dad hits him in the back of the head during dinner, his retort of “just watch the hair!” and complained about being hit onContinue reading “We all tried that double slice of pizza”