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Today In Dementia History Datebook-January 31st

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

People on January 31st: birthdates

Carol Channing: 1921 (is 88 in 2009, 89 in 2010)
Movie/Stage Actress, Comedienne, Singer, Christian Scientist, b. in Seattle; LN:Lowe; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Hello Dolly
John Lydon: 1956 (is 53 in 2009, 54 in 2010)
Punk Rock Singer, British, MN:Joseph; The Sex Pistols' co-founder & Johnny Rotten (derived from Jolly Rotten), Public Image Ltd.
Nolan Ryan: 1947 (is 62 in 2009, 63 in 2010)
HALL OF FAMER, MLB Pitcher, b. in Refugio, TX.; FN:Lynn; struck out record 383 batters '73; 1st to strike out 5000 batters (5668 career -92); record 100.9 mph fast ball; RHP; author of record 7 no-hitters against Kansas City A's and Detroit (1973), Minnesota (1974), Baltimore (1975), LA Dodgers (1981), Oakland A's (1990) and Toronto (1991 at age 44); 2-time 20-game winner (1973-74); 2-time NL leader in ERA (1981,87); led AL in strikeouts 9 times and NL twice in 27 years; retired after 1993 season with 324 wins, 292 losses and all-time records for strikeouts (5,714) and walks (2,795); never won Cy Young Award; somebody's dog ate him in a novelty song

People on January 31st: birth anniversaries

Tallulah Bankhead: 1903=d.Dec 12, 1968 (was 65)
TV/Movie/Stage Actress, Lesbian, b. in Huntsville, AL; Batman's The Black Widow; some say 1902; Lifeboat, Die Die Darling
Eddie Cantor: 1892=d.Oct 10, 1964 (was 72)
TV/Movie/Stage Actor, Crooner, Comedian, Vaudevillan, Radio Actor, Variety Show Host, Writer, b. in New York City; NN:Rolling Banjo Eyes; RN:Isidore Edward Iskowitz; Colgate Comedy Hour
Percy Helton: 1894=d.Sep 11, 1971 (was 77)
Actor, The Beverly Hillbillies' Homer Cratchit
Suzanne Pleshette: 1937=d.Jan 19, 2008 (was 70)
TV/Movie Actress, b. in New York City; Bob Newhart Show's Emily Hartley, Suzanne Pleshette is Maggie Briggs star, The Boys Are Back's Jackie; Hitchcock's "The Birds"

People on January 31st: death anniversaries

Edwin Howard Armstrong: 1954 (was 63)/b.Dec 18, 1890
Inventor, Engineer, b. in New York; the inventor of wide-band FM (frequency modulation) radio braodcasting; d. suicide
Ford Lee "Buck" Washington: 1955 (was 51)/b.Oct 16, 1903
Jazz Musician, Pianist, Comedian, Trumpeter, Dancer, Novelty Singer, of Buck and Bubbles

Important. This is a short version of the 'This Day in Events History' section.

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General events on January 31st

In 2007, Nine blinking electronic devices planted around Boston threw a scare into the city in what turned out to be a marketing campaign for a late-night cable cartoon.

Entertainment-TV events on January 31st

In 1959, on the cover of TV Guide: "George Gobel". Other Articles: Milburn Stone, Carl Reiner
In 1972, COVER OF TIME FLIP WILSON "TV's 1st Black Superstar"
In 1981, on the cover of TV Guide: "Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, George Burns". Other Articles: Jack Benny, Happy Days
In 1993, "Ben Stiller Show" TV Comedy Variety last aired on Fox. The New York Times Magazine recently pointed to "The Ben Stiller Show" as "the kind of incubator for performers and writers that 'Your Show of Shows' was in the 50's and 'Saturday Night Live' and 'SCTV' were in the 70's and 80's," introducing the world to "the Posse" - Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, and Kathy Griffin.
In 1999, the animated TV series "Family Guy" was seen on Fox-TV for the first time as a special sneak preview. The show debuted in April as a regular series.
In 2005, David Letterman delivered Johnny Carson's final monologue in honor of his passing on "Late Show"

Entertainment-Movies events on January 31st

In 1997, the 1977 movie "Star Wars" was rereleased as "Star Wars Special Edition" in theaters in the USA and grossed a record January opening weekend take of $35.9 million.

Music events on January 31st

In 1953, R.C., "I Went To Your Wedding" Makes The Pop Chart by Spike Jones & the City Slickers with Sir Frederic Gas; will peak at #20.
In 1968, "Judy In Disguise With Glasses" single by John Fred & The Playboys was certified Gold by the RIAA
In 1987, "Respect Yourself" by Bruce Willis entered the Top 40 chart.

Music-Rock events on January 31st

In 1970, R.C., "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin peaked at #4 on the pop singles chart; it was parodied with kazoos later on.
In 1971, R.C., "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison peaked at #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart and stayed there for five weeks.
In 1981, R.C., "The Tide Is High" by Blondie peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart. Barnes and Barnes parodied it into "That Was Number One".
In 1981, R.C., "Who's Making Love" by Blues Brothers peaked at #39 on the pop singles chart.
In 1998, The Presidents of the United States of America play their final show at Seattles's Paramount Theatre. The show benefits the Chicken Soup Brigade, which provides food and services to Seattle residents with HIV/AIDS.

Music-Country events on January 31st

In 1976, Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw launched a short-lived country career with the release of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". The tune eventually reached number 17 on the charts.

Music-R and B / Dance events on January 31st

In 1976, R.C., "Love Rollercoaster" by Ohio Players peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart. What was that mystery behind the screaming woman between verses about?

Weird and Other events on January 31st

In 1871, Birds fly over the western part of San Francisco in such large numbers that they actually darken the sky. Extra pooper scoopers were sold that day.

My events on January 31st

In 1981, for lack of getting anything better to do, David Tanny gets a job at a fleabag redneck Singing Hills Country Club in some outland where ugly fat cheapskate inbreds run the dump.
In 1981, David Tanny lands his first job at a dumpy redneck golf course called Singing Hills. Pay was cheap, the elders looked like offspring of siblings, the waiters were overpaid homophobe flakes, and the boss chef made lousy fattening plates.

Dr. Demento Show Song Almanac

First Time Dr. Demento Played a Song

In 1982 - ** Big Bad Diver Don - Barefoot Man (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** Clone Bros. #1 - ? (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** I'm Hip - Dave Frishberg (last played on 1990-03-25)

In 1982 - ** Monotonous - Eartha Kitt (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** Moral Majority Top 40 - Deloy Parks (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** Peter's Donuts - Bob & Doug McKenzie (last played on 1993-04-04)

Albums: The Great White North 

In 1982 - ** Physical - SuLu (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** Picnic Time For Potatoheads - Stephen W. Terrell (last played on 1988-01-31)

In 1982 - ** So Bored - Jane Bond & The Undercovermen (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** Who Committed Mutiny? - Fred Warren (last played on 1982-01-31)

In 1982 - ** The Eighth Wonder Of The World - Larry Storch (released 1958, last played on 2002-10-06)

In 1982 - ** The Masochism Tango - Jonathan Adams (from "Tomfoolery" original London cast) (last played on 1991-12-01)

In 1988 - ** In The Middle Of The House - Vaughn Monroe (released 1956, last played on 2006-06-04)

In 1988 - ** It Does Not Pay to Be Hip - Shel Silverstein http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/silverstein-shel.htm (released 1962, last played on 2004-07-31)

Albums: Inside Folk Songs [Reissued as "Inside Shel Silverstein", 1970]

In 1988 - ** Jan & Dean Meet Batman - Jan & Dean (released 1966, last played on 1988-01-31)

In 1988 - ** Just Say No - Woody DeMarco (last played on 1989-06-11)

In 1988 - ** Rhinestones and Polar Bears - Sneaky Pete Rizzo (last played on 1988-03-20)

Albums: Petie

In 1988 - ** Screwy Music - Buster Poindexter (last played on 1988-01-31)

In 1988 - ** Stuck In A Closet With Vanna White - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (last played on 2006-02-26)

Albums: Even Worse 

In 1988 - ** (First I Was A Hippie, Then I Was A Stock Broker) Now I Am A Hippie Again - The Bobs http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/bobs.htm (released 1987, last played on 2003-02-02)

Albums: Songs For Tomorrow Morning 

In 1988 - ** The Way You Make Me Squeel - Bud LaTour (last played on 1999-06-27)

In 1993 - ** It Ain't Gonna Rain No More - The Tune Wranglers (last played on 1993-01-31)

In 1993 - ** Schwinn 24 - King Arthur & The Carrots (released 1964, last played on 1994-07-31)

Albums: Old Testaments and New Revealations

In 1993 - ** Secret Ozone Man - Capitol Steps (last played on 1993-01-31)

Albums: The Joy Of Sax 

In 1993 - ** White House - Liposuction Nightmare (last played on 1993-03-14)

In 1993 - ** You Can Play My Sega - Whimsical Will http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/whimsicalwill.htm (last played on 1996-09-22)

Albums: Cutting Up with Whimsical Will Cassette Vol 2

In 1993 - ** The Booger Man - The Booger Man (last played on 1993-01-31)

In 1999 - ** Cancun - John Forster http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/forster-john.htm (released 1979, last played on 1999-03-14)

Albums: The Official Bootleg Album

In 1999 - ** Jesse (The Jesse Ventura Song) - Molly & The Tinker (last played on 1999-01-31)

In 1999 - ** Queens - Francesca Blumenthal (last played on 1999-01-31)

In 1999 - ** Virtual Vivian - John Forster http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/forster-john.htm (released 1998, last played on 1999-01-31)

Albums: The Official Bootleg Album

First Time a Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1988 - ** Just Say No - Woody DeMarco (first hit the Funny Five on 1989-06-11)

In 1988 - ** Stuck In A Closet With Vanna White - "Weird Al" Yankovic http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/yankovic-alfred.htm (first hit the Funny Five on 1988-02-14)

Albums: Even Worse 

In 1988 - ** The Way You Make Me Squeel - Bud LaTour (first hit the Funny Five on 1988-03-13)

In 1993 - ** You Can Play My Sega - Whimsical Will http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/whimsicalwill.htm (first hit the Funny Five on 1993-02-21)

Albums: Cutting Up with Whimsical Will Cassette Vol 2

First Time a Song Reached the Funny Five

In 1988 - ** Pos.5. Do the Freddy - The Elm Street Group (f/ Robert Englund) (first played 1988-01-17)

Albums: Freddie's Greatest Hits

In 1993 - ** Pos.4. Road Kill - Milo Tremley (first played 1992-08-02)

In 1993 - ** Pos.5. The Thorazine Shuffle - Modern Entertainment (first played 1992-10-18)

In 1999 - ** Pos.2. Come Sail Away - Eric Cartman (first played 1999-01-03)

Albums: Chef Aid: The South Park Album 

First Time a #1 Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1988 - ** The Way You Make Me Squeel - Bud LaTour (first hit #1 on 1988-03-27)

First Time a Song Reached #1 on the Funny Five

All The Times a Song Reached #1

In 1982 - ** Pos.1. Dead Puppies - The Ogden Edsl Wahalia Blues Ensemble Mondo Bizzario Band f/ Bill Frenzer http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/frenzer-bill.htm (appearance #17)

Albums: Mower Of The Ogden Edsl  / Stuffed / Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection  / The Very Best of Dr. Demento 

In 1988 - ** Pos.1. Star Trekkin' - The Firm (appearance #8)

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. Stardrek - Bobby Pickett & Peter Ferrara (appearance #23)

Albums: They Came From Outer Space  / Dr. Demento 25th Anniversary Collection  / Dr. Demento's Hits From Outer Space  / Star Trek Comedy: The Unofficial Album

In 1999 - ** Pos.1. Cows With Guns - Dana Lyons http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/lyons-dana.htm (appearance #13)

Albums: Cows With Guns 

This Dave in History (David Letterman)

In 1984, "Mr. Wash & Wear" (Dimitry Gagarine), bumped from the show a month ago, finally appears tonight and is rechristened "Mr. Polyester."
In 1985, Calvert DeForest makes his fourth appearance on the show as Larry "Bud" Melman as Kenny the Gardener, singing "Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day."
In 1987, Paul hosts Saturday Night Live with musical guest Bruce Hornsby.
In 1989, Taped two weeks earlier, Dave appears on Later with Bob Costas, to be aired in two parts. On Late Night: Al Maher's Box 'O' Thrills: badminton birdies.
In 1990, Dave plays a highlight from his appearance on Larry King's radio show, where the following exchange takes place: "You shut up!" "No, you shut up!"
In 1991, Top Ten Reasons Eastern Airlines Went Bankrupt - 7. Shouldn't have copied Domino's Pizza campaign: "If you're not there in 30 minutes -- the flight's free!"
In 1994, After Dave announces that tonight is his 1,000th show for CBS, banners, confetti, and a parade of celebrants honor the stage. He's then corrected: tonight is his 100th show.
In 1994, Top Ten Things Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy said at halftime - 3. Okay, boys--get out there and start sucking!
In 1996, "Know Your Neighborhood"--Dave quizzes audience members about neighborhood items.
In 1996, Chris Elliott reprises his Comparison Test by appearing in a lab jacket with Gerard Mulligan and tastes two brands of Olestra.
In 1996, Guests Elle MacPherson, David Spade, and D'Angelo. Guess which one of them flirts with Dave.
In 1997, CBS Mailbag: (1) Dave's on the Wheaties box; (2) Alan Kalter as "The Red Falcon" (night-time crime fighter); (3) "Executive Canned Ham" toy; (4) Paul Shaffer's "Singled Out".
In 1997, Leonard Tepper's "Hidden Video".
In 1997, Tony is caught eating a donut while holding the cue cards, so Dave make sure he has enough food for the rest of the show. Near the end of the hour, Tony has a plate full of bacon and eggs, to be washed down with a martini.
In 1997, Top Ten Surprises in the New Version of Star Wars - 2. New scene in which Jabba the Hut is hugged by a sobbing Richard Simmons.
In 2000, Late Show 2000 - Comedy Under Siege. Week 3 is Viewer's Choice or something, and it begins with some show from August 1993. * "Comedy Under Siege" phrase by James Langdell.
In 2000, Rerun features Bill Murray spray painting, Tom Brokaw, a lovely pretaped bit accompanied by "Say You, Say Me", Paul Newman, a full 35 seconds of cheering after the band stops playing in the opening, etc.
In 2001, "Leslie Moonves" smokes a cigarette while giving us a message about Survivor 2, which ends with "Bend over, Grandma".
In 2001, "Puff Daddy's Day" bit: after going to court, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2001, Dave calls Art again, who's busy with lots of calls (about tickets, etc.). Dave gets passed on to Steph, and asks her if Johnny Knoxville has returned any of his calls--nope. Later, Dave calls back to remind her that Johnny Knoxville is the guy on "Jackass".
In 2001, Dave's Record Collection" includes Mike Wallace from 60 Minutes and Pat Period singing "The Girl is Mine".
In 2001, Fake promo for ABC Thursday: in an all-new reality program, they'll switch back and forth between "Friends" and "Survivor".
In 2001, In the monologue, Dave mentions that the Late Show is Broadway's longest-running show (because it's free). Some guy (not Calvert) wanders out, and then another guy wanders out as well.

Random Generated Jokes, Quotes, and Other Stuff!

Today in Dementia History, Today in History, Davesfunstuff