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Today In Dementia History Datebook-January 17th

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

People on January 17th: birthdates

Jim Carrey: 1962 (is 47 in 2009, 48 in 2010)
Comedian, TV/Movie Actor, Painter, Canadian, aka James; The Duck Factory, In Living Color's Pee Wee Herman, Fire Marshall Bill, Vera de Milo, & regular; Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Batman Forever' The Riddler, Ace Ventura -When Nature Calls, The Cable Guy, The Truman Show, Me Myself and Irene, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Majestic, Bruce Almighty, Mr. Sunshine, Lemony Snickets' A Series of Unfortunate Events, Fun with Dick and Jane, The Number 23, Horton Hears a Who; Lauren Holly's ex-hubby
Steve Harvey: 1957 (is 52 in 2009, 53 in 2010)
TV Actor, Comedian, Me and the Boys' Steve Hayes, The Original Kings of Comedy, Steve Harvey Show's Vice Principal Steve Hightower, Steve Harvey's Big Time, The Fighting Temptations, Racing Stripes
James Earl Jones: 1931 (is 78 in 2009, 79 in 2010)
TV/Movie/Stage Actor, Soap Actor, Protestant, b. in Arkabutla, Miss.; Star Wars' Darth Vader voicist, Roots' Alex Haley (as Adult), Paris' Woody Paris, Macbeth, Othello, The Emperor Jones, Vegetable Soup, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Gabriel's Fire's & Pros & Cons' Gabriel Bird; Shakesperian voice; Long Ago & Far Away (PBS), Great White Hope, Exorcist II, Soul Man, Hunt For Red October, Field of Dreams, Under One Roof; "This is CNN", The Lion King father of Simba
Eartha Kitt: 1927 (is 82 in 2009, 83 in 2010)
TV/Movie Actress, Singer, Dancer, b. in North, S.C.; Batman's Catwoman; Boomerang; sang Santa Baby and C'est Si Bon; Some college students recently discovered her birth certificate and showed it to her. She said she had given herself the birthdate of January 26, 1928 because she never knew her actual date of birth until she saw the certificate. Her real birthdate is January 17, 1927.
Todd Susman: 1947 (is 62 in 2009, 63 in 2010)
Actor, Comedian, Bob Crane Show, Goodnight Beantown, & other TV bombs '75-84
Mick Taylor: 1948 (is 61 in 2009, 62 in 2010)
HALL OF FAMER, Rock & Roll Singer/Guitarist, Bassist, Pianist, English, MN:Michael; Rolling Stones 69-75, The Bluesbreakers
Betty White: 1922 (is 87 in 2009, 88 in 2010)
HALL OF FAMER, Actress, TV Hostess, Game Show Hostess, Panelist, b. in Oak Park, Ill.; Allen Ludden's wife; Life with Elizabeth's Elizabeth, Date with the Angels' Vicki Angel, Jack Paar Show semi reg, The Mary Tyler Moore Show's Sue Ann Nivens, Liar's Club-Password-& Match Game panelist, Betty White Show's Joyce Whitman, Mama's Family's Ellen Jackson, The Golden Girls' & Golden Palace's Rose Nylund, Bob's Sylvia Schmidt, Maybe This Time's Shirley, Ladies Man's Mitzi Stiles, Bold & The Beautiful's Ann Douglas; some say 1917 or 1924

People on January 17th: birth anniversaries

Benjamin Franklin: 1706=d.Apr 17, 1790 (was 84)
Publisher, Author, Inventor, Scientist, Statesman, Diplomat, Philanthropist, Philosopher, Printer, b. in Boston; Poor Richard's Almanac; Postmaster Gen'l; Declaration of Independence signer; invented bifocals, streetlights, lightning rods, stoves, & harmonicas; Elder Statesman of the American Revolution; 1st Ambassador of France; on a $100 bill; d. in Philadelphia
Andy Kaufman: 1949=d.May 16, 1984 (was 35)
TV Actor, Comedian, Taxi's Latka Gravas; frequent SNL guest
Shari Lewis: 1933=d.Aug 2, 1998 (was 65)
Puppeteer, Ventriloquist, TV Hostess, TV/Stage Actress, Children's Author, Singer, b. in New York City; Dancer; Comedienne; RLN:Hurwitz; with Lamb Chop; Howard Stern hated puppet shows like hers; some say b. 1934.
Antonio Prohias: 1921=d.Feb 24, 1998 (was 77)
Cartoonist, Cuban, Created "Spy vs. Spy" for M*A*D Magazine

People on January 17th: death anniversaries

Gary Gilmore: 1977 (was 36)/b.Dec 4, 1940
Outlaw, executed in Utah
Allan Melvin: 2008 (was 84)/b.Feb 18, 1923
Actor, Phil Silvers Show's Cpl. Henshaw, Gomer Pyle USMC's Sgt. Hacker, All in the Family's Barney Hefner, Liquid Plummer, Brady Bunch's Sam the butcher, voice of Magilla Gorilla
Cliffie Stone: 1998 (was 80)/b.Mar 1, 1917
Bassist, Bandleader, Songwriter, Country Singer, Comedian, Radio Disc Jock, Music Producer, Music Publisher, TV Host; RN:Clifford Gilpin Snyder; The Popcorn Song

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General events on January 17th

In 2001, Faced with an electricity crisis, California used rolling blackouts to cut off power to hundreds of thousands of people, the inept Gov. Gray Davis (Dufus as some critics like Roger Hedgecock refer to him) signed an emergency order authorizing the state to buy power.

War, Crime and Disaster events on January 17th

In 1994, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California, killing at least 72 people and causing $20 billion worth of damage. It is the most expensive natural disaster in American history.

Human Achievement and Science events on January 17th

In 1861, the flush toilet was patented by Mr. Thomas Crapper (Honest!!).
In 1910, Thomas Crapper, the developer of the flush toilet mechanism that most of us use, passed away on this day. He manufactured plumbing equipment, but the flush toilet predates him. Also the word "crap" for excrement predates Crapper, though the popularity of "crapper" as slang for a flusher was inspired by his name.

Entertainment events on January 17th

In 1926, George Burns married Gracie Allen.
In 1985, Leonard Nimoy, who roamed among the stars in the "Star Trek" TV series and movies, got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock.
In 1998, The very first show in the history of the new Colorado Springs' World Arena opens with Bill Cosby.

Entertainment-TV events on January 17th

In 1976, on "NBC's Saturday Night", The Blues Brothers debut (and Paul Shaffer introduces his Don Kirshner impersonation).
In 1983, "Not Necessarily the News" makes its debut on HBO with interviews at an unemployment line and a spoof on tamper-proof bottles.
In 1984, the US Supreme Court rules in "The BetaMax Case," (Universal City Studios, Inc., Walt Disney, et al. v. Sony Corporation of America Inc. et al.) The 5-4 decision allows consumers to record and/or "timeshift" programs for their own personal use with VCRs. By 1986, over half of the homes in America have the devices.
In 1987, on the cover of TV Guide: "Clifton Davis and Sherman Hemsley of Amen". Other Articles: Ray Bradbury, MacGyver
In 1999, Flame-haired songstress Cyndi Lauper lends her voice and likeness to "The Simpsons."

Entertainment-Movies events on January 17th

In 1962, Rubber-faced comedy actor Jim Carrey born in Canada; credits included the Golden Globe-winning roles in "The Truman Show" and "Man on the Moon," as well as "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
In 2003, the movie "Kangaroo Jack" (which sounds like a fast food hamburger line, which at one time, fought off rumors that their burgers were made of kangaroo meat) opened in theaters in the USA

Arts and Prose events on January 17th

In 1929, E.C. Segar introduced Popeye The Sailor Man in his "Thimble Theater" comic strip; it was meant as a guest shot, but the readers ate it up like spinach and demanded more Popeye; Popeye was eventually given top billing in the strip. According to Chevy Chase on Weekend Update, it's b. 2-27-1883, adding it now takes him three cans of spinach just to cut the cheese!
In 1932, The first color Mickey Mouse page written and drawn by Floyd Gottfredson is published.

Music events on January 17th

In 1950, R.C., "All I Want For Xmas Is My Two Front Teeth" Makes The Pop Chart Again by Spike Jones & the City Slickers with George Rock; will peak at #18.
In 1970, R.C., "Jam Up Jelly Tight" by Tommy Roe peaked at #8 on the pop singles chart.
In 1984, "A Chipmunk Christmas" album by Chipmunks was certified Gold by the RIAA

Music-Rock events on January 17th

In 1969, The Beatles' Yellow Submarine LP was released in the U.S. and the U.K.

Weird and Other events on January 17th

In 1994, Danny Bonaduce wins a split decision against Donny Osmond in a charity boxing match. Adding insult to injury, Bonaduce quips, "Osmond was such a wimp, I actually got bored punching him. His sister, Marie, would have been a tougher fight."

Dr. Demento Show Song Almanac

First Time Dr. Demento Played a Song

In 1982 - ** Crispy Critters - C.W. McCall http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/mccall-cw.htm (last played on 1989-11-12)

Albums: C.W. McCall's Greatest Hits 

In 1982 - ** Queen Of The Alley Cats - Barking & Houndstooth Choral Society (last played on 1982-01-17)

In 1982 - ** Thank You So Much - Cole Porter (last played on 1982-01-17)

In 1982 - ** The New Old Sow - George Formby http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/formby-george.htm (last played on 1982-01-17)

In 1982 - ** The Old Gumbie Cat - Cats Original London Cast (last played on 1982-01-17)

In 1982 - ** The Old Sow - Albert Richardson (last played on 1982-01-17)

In 1982 - ** The Unicorn - The Irish Rovers http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/irishrovers.htm (released 1968, last played on 1991-03-17)

Albums: The Best Of The Irish Rovers  / Collection: The Irish Rovers  / The Unicorn  / Forty Nutty Novelty Records Of The '60s / The Best of Shel Silverstein: His Words His Songs His Friends 

In 1982 - ** The Unreleased She Loves You (Inspired by Dr. Strangelove) - Peter Sellers http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/sellers-peter.htm (released 1964, last played on 2007-05-06)

Albums: Classic Songs and Sketches 

In 1982 - ** The Unreleased She Loves You (Inspired by Phil McCafferty, the Irish Dentist) - Peter Sellers http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/sellers-peter.htm (last played on 1982-01-17)

Albums: A Celebration of Sellers 

In 1988 - ** Beyond Tuff - George Smilovici (last played on 1988-01-17)

In 1988 - ** Big Hawaiians - Andy Bumatai (last played on 1988-01-17)

In 1988 - ** Do the Freddy - The Elm Street Group (f/ Robert Englund) (last played on 1993-07-11)

Albums: Freddie's Greatest Hits

In 1988 - ** Everbody Does It In Hawaii - Jimmie Rogers (released 1929, last played on 1988-01-17)

In 1988 - ** On Okey Dokey Bay - Wiki Waki Woo (last played on 2008-02-03)

In 1988 - ** On the Beach At Waikiki - Kalama's Quartet (last played on 1988-01-17)

In 1988 - ** Wahine Poupou - anonymous (released 1908, last played on 1988-01-17)

In 1993 - ** Ellos Me Quieren Llevar ("They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" in Spanish) - Napoleon Puppy (last played on 2007-04-29)

In 1993 - ** If I Can't Go To Manhattan, Bring A Manhattan To Me - Mr Elk and Mr Seal (last played on 1993-01-17)

In 1993 - ** Just Elvis - Barry McCorkendale (last played on 1993-01-17)

In 1993 - ** Laptop Unit - Cynthia McWoolen (last played on 1993-01-17)

In 1993 - ** Masculine Women, Feminine Men - Ian Whitcomb (last played on 1993-01-17)

In 1999 - ** Alien Meets The U.F.O. - Chris Rush (last played on 1999-01-17)

In 1999 - ** Armpit #6 - Screamin' Jay Hawkins (last played on 1999-01-17)

In 1999 - ** Christ - The Billy Nayer Show (last played on 1999-01-17)

Albums: The Villian That Love Built

In 1999 - ** Jesus Is Easy - Martin Mull http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/mull-martin.htm (last played on 1999-01-17)

Albums: Days of Wine and Neurosis / Mulling It Over: A Musical Oeuvre View 

In 1999 - ** Nose Ring Time - My Hairy Brother http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/myhairybrother.htm (last played on 1999-01-17)

First Time a Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1988 - ** Do the Freddy - The Elm Street Group (f/ Robert Englund) (first hit the Funny Five on 1988-01-31)

Albums: Freddie's Greatest Hits

First Time a Song Reached the Funny Five

In 1982 - ** Pos.5. As Bad As This (excerpt with "Plexiglas Toilet") - Styx (released 1974, first played 1982-01-03)

Albums: The Serpant Is Rising

In 1993 - ** Pos.3. The World's Worst Roommate - John Kruth (first played 1992-12-06)

Albums: Last Year It Was a Great Day

First Time a #1 Funny Five Song Was Played

First Time a Song Reached #1 on the Funny Five

All The Times a Song Reached #1

In 1982 - ** Pos.1. Fish Heads - Barnes & Barnes http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/barnesandbarnes.htm (appearance #11)

Albums: Zabagabee: Best of Barnes & Barnes  / Yeah-Essential Barnes & Barnes  / Voobaha  / The Very Best of Dr. Demento  / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection 

In 1988 - ** Pos.1. Star Trekkin' - The Firm (appearance #6)

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. Junk Food Junkie - Larry Groce (appearance #4)

Albums: Wild & Crazy Tunes  / 25 All Time Novelty Hits  / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection 

In 1999 - ** Pos.1. Yoda - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (appearance #28)

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 

This Dave in History (David Letterman)

In 1989, Tonight's featured item for Al Maher's Box 'O' Thrills: Popcorn!
In 1990, After last week's failed attempt for Simon the Myna Bird to sing "Blueberry Hill," a new comedy bit is done to death. Tonight: Simon the Singing Bunny doesn't sing "Blueberry Hill"
In 1990, Top Ten New AT&T Slogans - 9. Committed to reviving the lost art of letter writing.
In 1991, Tonight's show isn't taped due to coverage of the second night of the Gulf War. Scheduled as guests were Wendy Wasserstein, Danny Aiello, and Linda Evangelista.
In 1994, "Can a Guy in a Bear Suit Hail a Cab?" Faster than you can say Turban Cowboy. Later, the Guy in the Bear Suit and the Cab Driver take a bow.
In 1994, Top Ten Signs You've Hired the Wrong Kid to Shovel Your Driveway - 2. You get a half-hearted recommendation from his wife, Marilyn Quayle.
In 1995, Tom Jones repeatedly appears too soon on stage and sings "It's Not Unusual." Supermarket Finds includes Waldo Spaghetti-O's, President's Choice Cheescake, and Bloody Clams, which Dave distributes to the audience, prompting one guy to try it.
In 1995, Top Ten Dallas Cowboy Excuses - 5. Those big guys on the other team kept trying to knock us down.
In 1997, CBS Mailbag: (1) confetti from shredded Whitewater documents; (2) video clip apparently has Clinton saying nice stuff about the Late Show; (3) Pat Farmer models "Dave's One-Piece (Jump) Suit"; (4) Dave calls the movie phone guy.
In 1997, It's "Comedy from Around the World" with Lehai Fan-Bula (sp?) from Monrovia, Liberia, telling jokes in his native tongue. Later, Dave exhibits "snacks from around the world".
In 1997, It's an "All Kevin Spectacular" as Kevin Kline, Kevin Sorbo, and Kevin Brennan guest on the show. The closing credits on the show include all staffers named Kevin (Kevin Burnett, Kevin Foley, Kevin Gaines, Kevin Mulligan [actually the name of Gerard's son], etc.).
In 1997, Top Ten Ways the World Would Be Different if Everyone Were Named Kevin - 4. When it sounds like Springsteen fans are booing, they're actually yelling "Kevin."
In 2000, A one-month-old rerun airs, with guests Jim Carrey and Alanis Morissette.
In 2000, Late Show 2000 - Comedy Under Siege, let's say. The first show of five weeks without Dave, as he recovers from surgery. A one-month-old rerun airs. * "Comedy Under Siege" phrase by James Langdell.
In 2001, "Last Time on the Late Show" bit includes Dave swearing at Richard Simmons, kitty noises overdubbed on Dan Rather's news, head carpenter Harold Larkin doing eye surgeries, Top Ten List (but Alan protests, so Dave will reconsider), awkward sexual tension between stagehands Pat and Kenny, and a visit from Late Show panda Ling-Ling (Gerry Mulligan).
In 2001, "Les Moonves" has another message about Superbowl 35 and Survivor 2, which starts with "thanks Jay" and ends with "and now back to you, Husky".
In 2001, Clinton Classic Joke involves Clinton's riding an enormous motorcycle.
In 2001, Dave has a problem with the back of his chair, so Pat adjusts it during a commercial break, but it turns out that Dave is coming down with the flu. Is it affecting his powers of proprioception (sense of yourself in space), and the chair was fine all along?
In 2001, Segment 6 of the show is at "record" length, at over 10 minutes. The guest is Elle Macpherson, who promotes "A Girl Thing" on Showtime.
In 2001, Top Ten Things We've Learned from the Clinton Years - 2. You can be Vice President during the most prosperous time in America, run against a dumb guy, get more votes, and still lose.

Random Generated Jokes, Quotes, and Other Stuff!

Today in Dementia History, Today in History, Davesfunstuff