September 1, 1902 –Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Trip to the Moon), written and directed by Georges Méliès, assisted by his brother Gaston, considered to be the first science fiction movie, was released on this date. After finishing work on the film, Georges Méliès intended to release it in America and thereby make lotsContinue reading “A Trip to the Moon premiered”
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Mice In Space
August 31, 1950 –A mouse flew on a US V-2 rocket from New Mexico, USA on on this date, reaching an altitude of 137 km (85 miles). It was the first mouse in space. Unfortunately the rocket disintegrated because the parachute system failed. But what the hell do you care. And so it goes
Good hygiene saves lives
August 31, 1422 –Henry V of England, one of the great warrior kings of the Middle Ages, died suddenly of dysentery on this date. He was 34 at the time. At the time of his death, Henry had not only consolidated power as the King of England but had also effectively accomplished what generations ofContinue reading “Good hygiene saves lives”
Diana Spencer
August 31, 1997 –On August 28, 1997, Mrs. Dr. Caligari and I were coming out of the revolving doors at the Ritz Hotel in Paris and a very famous couple were coming in. A few days later on this date, a charming, slightly addled, beautiful divorcee with two children decides to take a car rideContinue reading “Diana Spencer”
Unintentional Plagiarism, indeed
August 31, 1976 –George Harrison was found guilty of unintentionally plagiarizing My Sweet Lord from the Chiffons song He’s So Fine. Just in case you didn’t hear it Those damn Beatles could never come up with an original tune. And so it goes
You say tomato, I say Food Fight
La Tomatina tomato fight in Buñol near Valencia happens every year on the last Wednesday in August though the partying starts earlier in the week. The highlight of the festival is the tomato fight which takes place between 11am and 1pm on that day. Thousands upon thousands of people make their way from all cornersContinue reading “You say tomato, I say Food Fight”
Bad was released
August 31, 1987 –Epic/CBS Records released the Michael Jackson album, Bad on this date. A nearly 18 minute video of the title song, written by novelist and screenwriter Richard Price and directed by Martin Scorsese, debuted on CBS-TV on this same day, as well.
Mack the Knife Topped the Billboard Charts
August 30, 1959 –Bobby Darin’s jazzy interpretation of Mack The Knife began its 26-week stay on the pop-singles charts. The original German version of this song is called Theme from The Threepenny Opera, or Moritat, which is the German word for Murder Ballad. The lyrics have been translated in various ways on different versions, butContinue reading “Mack the Knife Topped the Billboard Charts”
Guion S. Bluford Jr. heads to Space
August 30, 1983 –The first black astronaut, Guion S. Bluford Jr., a US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, flew on the third mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Bluford had entered the US Astronaut program in 1979; this was his first mission. This was also the first mission to launch and land at night. And soContinue reading “Guion S. Bluford Jr. heads to Space”
Remember, the original Marshmallows are vegetables
Today is National Toasted Marshmallow Day Why wasn’t it celebrated on August 10th, National S’mores Day
