Monday, April 13, 2009
On this day in 1860, the Pony Express made its 1st mail delivery... Back in the days of the Wild West, it was actually a good idea for postal workers to carry guns.
This day in 837 marked the best view of Halley’s Comet in 200 years, according to astrologists… And Shirley MacLaine agrees.
On this day in 1808, William Henry Lane perfected tap dancing… Chances are back then, anyone moon walking would’ve been arrested for witchcraft.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
On this day in 1961, Douglas MacArthur declined an offer to become baseball commissioner… Some thought with his fighting experience, he was holding out for a position with the NHL.
On this day in 1922, Tiny Tim was born. He recorded TipToe Through The Tulips, proving a singer could have a hit even though his voice apparently didn’t change… And this was years before Michael Jackson.
On this day in 1954, Bill Haley recorded Rock Around The Clock… Music critics say it looses something today if your clock is digital.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
On this day in 1981, Valerie Bertinelli married Eddie Van Halen. It’s probably tough for parents to see their daughter marry a rock musician… Unless he’s a multi-millionaire.
On this day in 1936, The SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) was founded… Most music fans today agree that their biggest contribution to pop music was to make the accordion seem somewhat less geeky.
On this day in 1970, Paul McCartney announced a "temporary break with the Beatles"... Most Beatles fans would have preferred that statement to come from Yoko.
Friday, April 10, 2009
On this day in 1849, the safety pin was patented… Before that, there was a fine line between diapering and acupuncture.
On this day in 1912, the Titanic set sail for its fateful voyage. The movie Titanic affected many young men… After seeing the relationship between Rose and Jack, they considered taking up pencil sketching.
On this day in 1979, James Brown played at the Grand Ole Opry… Some folks expected him to play Papa’s Got A Brand New Saddle Bag.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
On this day in 1926, Hugh Hefner was born. During his career as the editor-in-chief of Playboy, he lounged around the Playboy Mansion in pajamas, entertaining friends… Which makes some wonder what he’s been doing since he retired.
On this day in 1970, Paul McCartney announced the official split of The Beatles… It was rumoured that the next day, Ringo sent his resume to The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1932, Carl Perkins was born. He became rich just from writing Blue Suede Shoes… Unlike Madonna, who became rich partly from wearing just blue suede shoes.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
On this day in 1513, Ponce De Leon landed at what is now St. Augustine, Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth… These days most folks visiting Florida are just trying to find a Denny’s without a lineup.
On this day in 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s career record of 714… Barry Bonds was 9 at the time, and probably the only supplements he was on then were Flintstone vitamins.
On this day in 1973, Picasso died. He’s best known for his unusual abstract style called “cubism”… For those unfamiliar with cubism, just imagine Michael Jackson with pillow hair.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
On this day in 1853, chloroform was used as an anesthetic on Queen Victoria, during the birth of her eighth child, Prince Leopold… It was suggested that during her last days in Windsor Castle, Fergie used it just to have tea with Queen Elizabeth.
On this day in 1963, Yugoslavia’s new constitution established Josip Tito as president for life… To anxious American Democrats, George W’s term just seemed that long.
On this day in 1787, a 17-year-old Beethoven impressed Mozart with his piano playing… Jerry Lee Lewis’s playing would have probably frightened him.
