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Today In Dementia History Datebook-January 3rd

For The Weekday Of: Saturday in 2009, Sunday in 2010
Today in Dementia History!
E-Mail: Add/Correct Facts!

People on January 3rd: birthdates

Joseph Amor: 1967 (is 42 in 2009, 43 in 2010)
Video Games Player, record holder (Space Invaders)
Dabney Coleman: 1932 (is 77 in 2009, 78 in 2010)
TV/Movie Actor, b. in Corpus Christi, Texas; That Girl's Dr. Leon Bessemer, Mary Hartman*2's Merle Jeeter, Buffalo Bill's Bill Bittinger, Apple Pie, Slap Maxwell Story star, Tootsie, 9 to 5, On Golden Pond, Drexell's Class's Otis Drexell, Madman of the People's Jack "Madman" Bruckner, You've Got Mail, The Guardian's Burton Fallin; some say b. Jan 2
Christian Duguay: 1970 (is 39 in 2009, 40 in 2010)
Comedian, Actor, of MAD TV
John Paul Jones: 1946 (is 63 in 2009, 64 in 2010)
HALL OF FAMER, Rock & Roll Bassist, Keyboardist, Songwriter, English, RLN:Baldwin; of Led Zeppelin; some say 1947; b. June 3?
Jason Marsden: 1975 (is 34 in 2009, 35 in 2010)
TV Actor, Munsters Today's Eddie Munster, Eerie Indiana's Dash, Almost Home's Gregory; b. 1973?
Sir George Martin: 1926 (is 83 in 2009, 84 in 2010)
HALL OF FAMER, Music Producer, Arranger, English, A&R exec; The Beatles & others
Van Dyke Parks: 1941 (is 68 in 2009, 69 in 2010)
Music Producer, Songwriter, Arranger, Musician, Actor, Folk Singer, Bandleader, 60s-70s; connected as producer with Beach Boys, Arlo Guthrie, Randy Newman, and others; his keyboard work on the Byrds hit Eight Miles High was notable.

People on January 3rd: birth anniversaries

Victor Borge: 1909=d.Dec 23, 2000 (was 91)
Actor, Comedian, Pianist, Humorist, Variety Show Host, Conductor, Denmark, b. in Copenhagen; NN:Unmelancholy Dane; RN:Borge Rosenbaum; own TV show; The Danish Noel Coward
J. R. R. Tolkien: 1892=d.Sep 2, 1973 (was 81)
Author, Novelist, English, RFMN:John Ronald Reuel; a philologist/writer and creator of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy; b. in Bloemfontein
Jesse White: 1919=d.Jan 8, 1997 (was 78)
Actor, Comedian, RMLN:Marc Wiedenfeld; Private Secretary's Cagey Calhoun, Danny Thomas Show's Jesse Leeds, Ann Sothern Show's Oscar Pudney; Bedtime for Bonzo, Million Dollar Mermaid; Lonely Maytag Repairman commercials 60-80s; some say b. in 1918

People on January 3rd: death anniversaries

Dame Judith Anderson: 1992 (was 93)/b.Feb 10, 1898
TV/Movie/Stage Actress, Soap Actress, Lesbian, Australian, Laura, Tycoon, Rebecca, MacBeth, Laura, Ten Commandments, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Kings Row, Star Trek III, Santa Barbara's Minx Lockridge Capwell; some say 1897
Clare Briggs: 1930 (was 54)/b.Aug 5, 1875
ComicStrip Cartoonist, Mr. and Mrs.
Howard McNear: 1969 (was 63)/b.Jan 27, 1905
TV/Radio Actor, Cartoon Voicist, The Andy Griffith Show's Floyd Lawson, Jetsons voicist, George Gobel Show's Mr. Hamish, Gunsmoke's Doc Adams (radio)

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General events on January 3rd

In 1977, Apple Computers was incorporated.

Entertainment-TV events on January 3rd

In 1952, "Dragnet" TV Crime Drama starring Jack Webb premiered on NBC-TV. (or Dec 16, 1951 according to another source).
In 1975, A. Cancelled. Q. what is "Jeopardy!?" "Jeopardy!", the TV game show, has its last airing for a while; with Art Fleming as host and Don Pardo as announcer on NBC.
In 1989, "The Arsenio Hall Show", TV Talk Show, debut in syndication (not on the Fox network, but may air on late night slots on Fox affilliates). It starred Arsenio Hall, who briefly hosted a Fox network talk show. Opposite "Johnny Carson" on NBC, it was a big hit among the younger adult set. Hall's secret to success? Doing everything right that Magic Johnson will later do wrong. It's the debut episode of 'The Arsenio Hall Show' (with guest Brooke Shields). And now here he is Arseniooooooooooooooooooo Hall! (Woof! Woof! Woof!)"
In 1996, "Tales From The Crypt" TV Anthology last aired on HBO.
In 1998, on the cover of TV Guide: "Crazy For The Simpsons: Best Episodes, Cool Secrets and Top Guests!"

Arts and Prose events on January 3rd

In 1892, J-R-R Tolkien was born on this day in 1892. He wrote "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy. Tolkein's fantasy world was more complicated even than the mythology of Wagner's "Ring" Cycle and set a standard for science fiction and fantasy writers for generations to come.
In 2000, In his last daily "Peanuts" comic strip after a 50-year career, Charles M. Schulz bids a fond farewell to the millions of fans who have made Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang among the most beloved cartoon figures in the world. The cartoon, depicting Snoopy pondering the typewriter atop his doghouse, was published like this: "I have been fortunate to draw Charlie Brown and his friends for almost 50 years. It has been the fulfillment of my childhood ambition," Schulz writes in his farewell note, which takes up the entire panel. Schulz, 77, announced last month that he would stop drawing "Peanuts" this year in order to concentrate on treating a newly-diagnosed case of colon cancer. The cartoon, which first appeared on Oct. 2, 1950, is now published in more than 2,600 newspapers around the world, reaching 355 million readers in 75 countries and 21 languages. Schultz died in February 2000.

Music events on January 3rd

In 1909, Pianist and comedian Victor Borge was born. A Danish Jew who didn't find the Nazis very funny, Borge emigrated to the United States and became famous not only as a funny pianist but also for his routine "Phonetic Punctuation" and plays on the English language. Victor Borge once said- "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
In 1953, "Winter" makes the Pop Chart by Spike Jones & the City Slickers; will peak at #23; the "plug" side was "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," with vocal by George Rock.
In 1985, "Weird Al" Yankovic records "George Of The Jungle" and the title track "Dare To Be Stupid" for his LP.
In 1996, "Weird Al" Yankovic recorded "Gump", "Phony Calls" and "The Alternative Polka" for his "Bad Hair Day" CD.
In 2004, Britney Spears married Jason Allen Alexander in Las Vegas at the Little White Wedding Chapel on the Strip, then 55 hours later, she gets it annulled. Can't she make up her mind?

Music-Easy events on January 3rd

In 1972, Don McLean received a gold record certified by the RIAA for his 8-minute-plus hit, "American Pie". 27 years later, "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied the song into a movie tribute to Star Wars in "The Saga Begins"
In 2002, Composer/band leader/pianist and lounge-music icon Juan Garcia Esquivel dies in Jiutepec, Mexico, following a stroke. He is 83.

Dr. Demento Show Song Almanac

First Time Dr. Demento Played a Song

In 1982 - ** As Bad As This (excerpt with "Plexiglas Toilet") - Styx (released 1974, last played on 2003-03-30)

Albums: The Serpant Is Rising

In 1982 - ** Asteroids - Damaskas (released 1981, last played on 1982-02-28)

In 1982 - ** Close announcement from Carlin side 2 - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** Gamel'ost Song - Otto Blihovde (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** I Got It From Agnes - Robin Ray (last played on 1990-11-18)

In 1982 - ** Ice Box Man - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (last played on 2007-05-27)

Albums: A Place For My Stuff  / Dr. Demento 30th Anniversary Collection 

In 1982 - ** Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries (Pennies from Heaven) - Wat Harrah, Gene Merlino, Vern Rowe, Robert Tebow (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** Pac-Man - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (last played on 2007-08-05)

In 1982 - ** Pac-Man Fever - Buckner & Garcia (last played on 2007-11-25)

Albums: Pac-Man Fever  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1982 - ** Pennies From Heaven - Steve Martin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/martin-steve.htm (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** Rice Krispies - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (last played on 1982-08-08)

Albums: A Place For My Stuff 

In 1982 - ** Some Doctor Jokes - Soupy Sales (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** Take Off - Bob & Doug McKenzie w/ Geddy Lee (last played on 2007-04-15)

Albums: Wild & Crazy Tunes  / The Great White North  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1982 - ** True + False Announcement - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (last played on 1982-01-03)

In 1982 - ** A Place For My Stuff - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (last played on 1997-06-08)

Albums: A Place For My Stuff 

In 1988 - ** Fiddlin' the Blues - Don & Dewey (last played on 1988-01-03)

In 1988 - ** Food Dude - The Turtuga Brothers (last played on 1988-01-03)

In 1988 - ** Gimme Shades - Max Headroom (Matt Frewer) (last played on 2008-03-02)

In 1988 - ** Got My Mind Set On You - James Ray (released 1961, last played on 1988-01-03)

In 1988 - ** Lakeside Trailer Park - Country Dick Montana (of The Beat Farmers http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/beatfarmers.htm) (last played on 2004-08-07)

Albums: The Home of Country Dick Montana

In 1988 - ** Lincoln Logs - Mojo Nixon http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/nixon-mojo.htm & Skid Roper (featuring Skid) (last played on 1988-01-03)

Albums: Bo-Day-Shus!!!

In 1988 - ** Oh Oh Ofrah - Mojo Nixon http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/nixon-mojo.htm & Skid Roper (last played on 1999-06-27)

In 1988 - ** Pass the Biscuits, Mirandy - Spike Jones http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/jones-spike.htm & His City Slickers (f/ Del Porter) (released 1942, last played on 1990-10-21)

Albums: Not Your Standard Spike Jones Collection  / Cocktail Hour  / Musical Depreciation  / Spike Jones Transcribed  / The Bluebirds  / Very Best of Spike Jones and His City Slickers 

In 1988 - ** Quackety Quack - Donald & Daisy Duck (last played on 1988-01-03)

Albums: Mickey's Rock Around The Mouse

In 1988 - ** Reggae Popeye - Mark McCollum (last played on 2007-06-03)

In 1988 - ** Shout Bamalama - Otis Redding (last played on 1988-01-03)

In 1988 - ** (Going Down the) Cosmic Drain - Barry & Sally Childs-Helton (last played on 1988-01-03)

Albums: Escape From Munania

In 1993 - ** Dizz Knee Land - Dada (last played on 1993-01-03)

In 1993 - ** Hey Saddam Husseiny - Doug George (last played on 1993-01-03)

In 1993 - ** Sharks Ate My Baby Brother - R. Bruce (released 1964, last played on 1993-05-16)

In 1993 - ** (You Don't Deserve This Song) - R. Bruce (last played on 1993-01-03)

In 1993 - ** The Lovely Things Waltz - The Happy Schnapps Combo http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/happyschnappscombo.htm (released 1991, last played on 1995-02-26)

Albums: 100 Proof

In 1993 - ** The Wizard Of Arkans-Oz - The Pheromones (last played on 1993-01-17)

In 1999 - ** Chocolate Salty Balls (P.S. I Love You) - Chef (Isaac Hayes) (last played on 2007-04-08)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

In 1999 - ** Come Sail Away - Eric Cartman (last played on 2005-06-05)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

In 1999 - ** Days Of Our Lives - Bob Ricci (last played on 1999-01-24)

In 1999 - ** Grandpa the Snow Man - Sean Morey http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/morey-sean.htm (released 1998, last played on 2004-11-28)

Albums: I Did It Her Way [1998] 

In 1999 - ** Guitar Pill - Henry Phillips http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/phillips-henry.htm (last played on 2007-10-07)

Albums: Number 2 

In 1999 - ** Her Way ("The Anniversary Song") - Sean Morey http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/morey-sean.htm (released 1998, last played on 1999-02-28)

Albums: I Did It Her Way [1998] 

In 1999 - ** My Own Railroad - Lord Buckley (last played on 2006-06-04)

First Time a Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1982 - ** As Bad As This (excerpt with "Plexiglas Toilet") - Styx (released 1974, first hit the Funny Five on 1982-01-17)

Albums: The Serpant Is Rising

In 1982 - ** Asteroids - Damaskas (released 1981, first hit the Funny Five on 1982-02-28)

In 1982 - ** Ice Box Man - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (first hit the Funny Five on 1982-03-28)

Albums: A Place For My Stuff  / Dr. Demento 30th Anniversary Collection 

In 1982 - ** Pac-Man Fever - Buckner & Garcia (first hit the Funny Five on 1982-02-21)

Albums: Pac-Man Fever  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1982 - ** Take Off - Bob & Doug McKenzie w/ Geddy Lee (first hit the Funny Five on 1982-01-24)

Albums: Wild & Crazy Tunes  / The Great White North  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1988 - ** Reggae Popeye - Mark McCollum (first hit the Funny Five on 1988-02-14)

In 1999 - ** Chocolate Salty Balls (P.S. I Love You) - Chef (Isaac Hayes) (first hit the Funny Five on 1999-01-03)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

In 1999 - ** Come Sail Away - Eric Cartman (first hit the Funny Five on 1999-01-31)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

In 1999 - ** Days Of Our Lives - Bob Ricci (first hit the Funny Five on 1999-01-24)

In 1999 - ** Her Way ("The Anniversary Song") - Sean Morey http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/morey-sean.htm (released 1998, first hit the Funny Five on 1999-02-28)

Albums: I Did It Her Way [1998] 

First Time a Song Reached the Funny Five

In 1982 - ** Pos.5. Bars - Beery Newman & Pubway Army (first played 1981-11-01)

In 1982 - ** Pos.3. Bomb In The Mail - Bob Tombasco (first played 1981-08-23)

In 1988 - ** Pos.4. Rock Rap (using "Root Beer Rag" by Billy Joel) - Whimsical Will http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/whimsicalwill.htm (first played 1987-12-06)

Albums: Cutting Up with Whimsical Will Cassette Vol 2

In 1999 - ** Pos.5. 88 Lines About 44 Women - The Nails (first played 1982-10-03)

Albums: Corpus Christi / New Wave Hits: Just Can't Get Enough, Vol. 3  / New Wave Dance Hits 

In 1999 - ** Pos.4. Chocolate Salty Balls (P.S. I Love You) - Chef (Isaac Hayes) (first played 1999-01-03)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

First Time a #1 Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1982 - ** As Bad As This (excerpt with "Plexiglas Toilet") - Styx (released 1974, first hit #1 on 1982-04-18)

Albums: The Serpant Is Rising

In 1982 - ** Ice Box Man - George Carlin http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/carlin-george.htm (first hit #1 on 1982-11-07)

Albums: A Place For My Stuff  / Dr. Demento 30th Anniversary Collection 

In 1982 - ** Pac-Man Fever - Buckner & Garcia (first hit #1 on 1982-02-21)

Albums: Pac-Man Fever  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1982 - ** Take Off - Bob & Doug McKenzie w/ Geddy Lee (first hit #1 on 1982-02-07)

Albums: Wild & Crazy Tunes  / The Great White North  / Like, Omigod! The '80s Pop Culture Box [Totally] 

In 1999 - ** Come Sail Away - Eric Cartman (first hit #1 on 1999-02-07)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

First Time a Song Reached #1 on the Funny Five

In 1993 - ** Pos.1. Moose Turd Pie - Utah Phillips (released 1973, first played 1992-04-05)

Albums: Dr. Demento 25th Anniversary Collection  / Good Though 

All The Times a Song Reached #1

In 1982 - ** Pos.1. Yoda - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (appearance #12)

Albums: The Permanent Record: Al In The Box  / "Weird Al" Yankovic's Greatest Hits, Volume II / Dare To Be Stupid  / Dr. Demento 30th Anniversary Collection  / The Very Best of Dr. Demento 

In 1988 - ** Pos.1. Star Trekkin' - The Firm (appearance #5)

Albums: Novelty No. 1's  / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection  / The Very Best of Dr. Demento  / Dr. Demento's Hits From Outer Space 

In 1993 - ** Pos.1. Moose Turd Pie - Utah Phillips (appearance #1)

Albums: Dr. Demento 25th Anniversary Collection  / Good Though 

In 1999 - ** Pos.1. They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! - Napoleon XIV http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/napoleonthe14th.htm (appearance #40)

Albums: Novelty Experience  / Golden Age of American Rock'N'Roll: Special Novelty Edition  / 25 All Time Novelty Hits  / The Second Coming  / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection  / Forty Nutty Novelty Records Of The '60s

This Dave in History (David Letterman)

In 1984, Chris Elliott pays a farewell tribute to the Conspiracy Guy. Also, in a re-enactment of a Mean Joe Greene Coke commercial, Joe Theisman throws his jacket to a thrilled Pee Wee Herman.
In 1985, Stupid Pet Tricks: a one-eyed Pekinese chases his tail whenever the owner sings "Volare"; a Dachshund opens a tennis can; and a Shetland sheepdog rides like a pony on Dave.
In 1986, Paul Shaffer co-hosts "Friday Night Videos" with MTV Vee-Jays Martha Quinn and Mark Goodman.
In 1989, Calvert is back home from his Pan American Goodwill Tour, as Hal airs a video montage of his adventures.
In 1995, Top Ten Signs Your New Governor Isn't Working Out - 10. Instead of holding up his hand when being sworn in, he holds up his middle finger.
In 1995, William Shatner confronts his past as the show airs his immortal 1970s rendition of Elton John's "Rocket Man."
In 1996, "Lightning Round" winner wins the Late Show Christmas tree.
In 1996, Assisted by actual cabbies, Dave presents the "Top Ten New York City Cab Driver Hand Signals."
In 1996, Dave conducts a Lightning Round about 1995 at Joe G's Pizza parlor.
In 1996, Guests Chevy Chase, Marv Albert, and Bruce Hornsby.
In 1997, CBS Mailbag Letter #4: PBS fundraising techniques are applied to getting a raise (Regis appears).
In 1997, CBS Mailbag: (1) Dave's "Make Your Own Hairpiece" Kit; (2) X-Files (see above); (3) New Year's recollection (see above); (4) PBS fund-raising techniques are applied to getting a raise (Regis appears).
In 1997, CBS Mailbag: a viewer asks what Dave did on New Year's. Dave flashes back to a night with fabulous babes, but Paul brings him back to reality with another fade-out, this time to the laundromat, where Dave is drinking Tide.
In 1997, Dave is the first to wish you the best and happiest of 1997. Also, he reviews (for accuracy) predictions for 1996 from one year ago.
In 1997, In response to a CBS Mailbag letter, Pat Farmer explains "The X-Files."
In 1997, Top Ten Real Reasons Bryant Gumbel is Leaving the Today Show - 4. Found out that his internet sex partner, "Ingrid," was actually Matt Lauer.
In 2000, "1999 vs. 2000" bit. Also, the Turkish ping-pong guy again (with the blue dot).
In 2000, Dave calls a 7-11 guy in Oslo, who had Y2K problems, but it's ok now.
In 2000, Dave rants about the British New Year celebration (the River Thames didn't catch on fire like it was supposed to).
In 2000, In Campaign 2000, we learn that a "Daily News" editorial agrees with Dave that Hillary should do interviews. Then, Dave rescinds the invitation for Hillary to appear on the show.
In 2000, Jake Johannsen appears on the show, apparently for the 25th time. [From Donz5: 17 times on LN, 8 times on LS (as of 1/3/00); his 26th appearance was 9/8/00.]
In 2000, Top Ten Boris Yeltsin Resolutions. (The computer graphic is messed up, so Dave stops after #8 and redoes it later.)

Random Generated Jokes, Quotes, and Other Stuff!

Today in Dementia History, Today in History, Davesfunstuff