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Today In Dementia History Datebook-February 17th

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

People on February 17th: birthdates

Michelle Forbes: 1967 (is 42 in 2009, 43 in 2010)
TV Actress, Soap Actress, Guiding Light's Sonni/Solita Carrera, Star Trek the Next Generation's Ensign Ro, Homicide's Chief Medical Examiner Julianna Cox
Barry Humphries: 1934 (is 75 in 2009, 76 in 2010)
TV Talk Show Host, Comedian, Transvestite, Australian, Alter ego:Dame Edna Everage
Michael "Air" Jordan: 1963 (is 46 in 2009, 47 in 2010)
NBA Guard, Olympic Athlete, NBA Forward, b. in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Chicago Bulls; RFN:Michael Jeffrey; College Player of Year with North Carolina in 1984; Rookie of the year 1985; NBA leading scorer 1987-93; 7-time All-NBA 1st team; regular season MVP (1988,91-92) and 3-time MVP of NBA Finals (1991-93); led U.S. Olympic team to gold medals in 1984 and '92 (Dream Team); stunned sports world when he retired at age 30 on Oct. 6, 1993; signed as OF with Chicago White Sox and spent summer of '94 in Double A with Birmingham; barely hit his weight with .204 average; 32.3 point-per-game avg.; 21,541 career points; 2 Olympic gold medals; owns a restaurant in Chicago; co-starred in "Space Jam" with Bugs Bunny in 1996
Richard Karn: 1956 (is 53 in 2009, 54 in 2010)
Actor, Home Improvement's Al Borland
Larry The Cable Guy: 1963 (is 46 in 2009, 47 in 2010)
Comedian, TV Host, Actor, RN: Dan Whitney; Blue Collar TV co-host; Delta Farce
Buck Trent: 1932 (is 77 in 2009, 78 in 2010)
Country Singer, Banjoist, Hee Haw reg

People on February 17th: birth anniversaries

Arthur Collins: 1864?=d.Aug 3, 1933 (was 69)
Novelty Singer, Comedian, Baritone, in team singing with Byron Harlan, The Peerless Quartet; some say b. Feb 7, 1864
Kathleen Freeman: 1919=d.Aug 23, 2001 (was 82)
Actress, Topper's Katie the maid, It's About Time's Mrs. Boss, The Beverly Hillbillies' Flo Shafer, Funny Face, Lotsa Luck; some say b. 1922
Gene Pitney: 1940=d.Apr 5, 2006 (was 66)
Pop Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Guitarist, Pianist, MN:Francis
Joe Smith: 1884=d.????
Comedian, Vaudevillan, of Smith and Dale team for 73 years

People on February 17th: death anniversaries

Ray Barretto: 2006 (was 76)/b.Apr 29, 1929
Percussionist, Drummer, Bandleader, Songwriter, Arranger, own hit El Watusi; sessionist for The Rolling Stones, George Benson, Herbie Mann, Bee Gees, Average White Band, and many others
Jerry Fielding: 1980 (was 57)/b.Jun 17, 1922
Bandleader, Composer, scored Bewitched, Hogan's Heroes, & other films & TV
Joseph Kearns: 1962 (was 58)/b.Feb 12, 1904
TV Actor, Our Miss Brooks' Supt. Stone, Dennis the Menace's George Wilson
Bob Merrill: 1998 (was 76)/b.May 17, 1921
Lyricist, Songwriter, wrote "How Much is That Doggie in the Window", scores to the musicals "Funny Girl" and "Carnival"; d. suicide
Jean Baptiste Poquelin Moliere: 1673 (was 51)/b.Jan 15, 1622
Stage Actor, Dramatist/Playwright, Comedian, Comedy Writer, French, Psu:Moliere; RN:Jean Baptiste Poquelin

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War, Crime and Disaster events on February 17th

In 2006, Harry Whittington, the lawyer shot by Vice President Dick Cheney while quail hunting, left a Corpus Christi, Texas, hospital, saying "accidents do and will happen."

Entertainment-TV events on February 17th

In 1953, a 22-year-old radio host makes the leap to TV and interviews the first of over 300,000 guests on New York City's "Memory Lane" later known and/or loved as "The Joe Franklin Show."
In 1962, on the cover of TV Guide: "Danny Thomas". Other Articles: Gena Rowlands, 87th Precinct
In 1965, Comedienne, Joan Rivers made the first of many guest appearances this night on "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson" on NBC-TV. She later became Carson's permanent guest host until she signed a lucrative late-night show deal with fledgling FOX Television. Johnny was less than impressed and didn't allow her back on his show. Reportedly, the two still aren't talking. But then, neither is Joan -- at least not on FOX.
In 1965, TV'S "MR. ED" This is the famous episode where the talking horse stows away on a cruise ship as WILBUR & CAROL POST travel to HAWAII. A highlight is when MR. ED goes surfing!
In 1966, Gilligan's Island episode #58. "Forward March". The Castaways are frightened as the sounds of battle, including hand grenades and machine guns, rock the island. The culprit turns out to be a gorilla who has found in an old WWII arsenal cave.
In 1979, TV'S "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" Musical Guests: RICK NELSON ("HELLO MARY LOU", "TRAVELLIN' MAN", "FOOLS RUSH IN", "DREAM LOVER"); JUDY COLLINS ("HARD TIMES FOR LOVERS"). Also, the Twilight Zone spoof had Ricky Nelson trying to get back home, but he got lost and ended up traveling from one 50's-era TV show to another.
In 1982, Today is the 29th anniversary of talk show "The Joe Franklin Show" being on the air in New York City. The J. Geils Band make an appearance on the show to celebrate their Number One single "Centerfold" and Number One LP "Freeze Frame."
In 1996, on the cover of TV Guide: "De Lancie and Mulgrew of Voyager". Other Articles: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sigfried and Roy
In 2003, Joe Millionaire (Evan Marriott) gave Zora Andrich a diamond ring in yet another low moment for prime-time programming as over 34.6 million suckers witnessed the millionairehead's final selection for a bride in this high-rating Fox reality show.

Entertainment-Movies events on February 17th

In 1934, The Mickey Mouse film, "Camping Out" is released. Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar also appear.
In 1988, Robin Williams, in the film, "Good Morning, Vietnam" is nominated for an Academy Award (Actor).
In 1995, the movie "The Brady Bunch Movie" was released in the movie theaters in USA.
In 1998, "Blues Brothers (soundtrack)" album by Blues Brothers was certified Platinum by the RIAA

Entertainment-Radio events on February 17th

In 1979, "A Prarie Home Companion" has its first national broadcast of the show as part of Folk Festival USA in Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota.
In 1986, Howard Stern radio show returns to NYC morning radio (WXRK 92.3 FM).

Arts and Prose events on February 17th

In 1958, Cartoonist Johnny Hart's "B.C." strip appeared for the first time.

Music events on February 17th

In 1944, "Mairzy Doats" by Merry Macs entered the Top 40 chart.
In 1950, "Rag Mop" by Johnnie Lee Wills entered the Top 40 chart.
In 1973, "Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)" by Deodato entered the Top 40 chart.
In 1976, Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatrical society gives its annual "Women of the Year" award to Bette Midler. Upon accepting, she comments: "This award characterizes what the American male wants in a woman--brains, talents and gorgeous t---."
In 1995, "Short Short Man" single by 20 Fingers Featuring Gillette was certified Gold by the RIAA

Music-Rock events on February 17th

In 1979, R.C., "Soul Man" by Blues Brothers peaked at #14 on the pop singles chart.
In 1990, Aerosmith guest as themselves on a Wayne's World segment of Saturday Night Live. The band also perform a version of the Wayne's World theme, which is later released as the B-side of "The Other Side" single. Excellent!

Music-Country events on February 17th

In 1966, one of the most unusual records of the rock era, "Ballad Of The Green Berets" album and single by Sgt. Barry Sadler was certified Gold by the RIAA. The single was a blueprint for a future parody in 2002 by Mylo Hatzenbuhler when he turned the hit into "Ballad of the Big Buffet." The original 1966 hit was one of the few parodied songs that, like the parody, got airplay on Dr. Demento.

Music-R and B / Dance events on February 17th

In 1962, R.C., "Duke Of Earl" by Gene Chandler peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart.
In 1962, TOPPING THE SOUL CHART GENE CHANDLER and "DUKE OF EARL" starts a 5-week run at #1 on Billboard's R&B chart

Weird and Other events on February 17th

In 1795, Thomas Seddal harvested a 8.3-kg potato from his garden Chester, England. Think of the size of the pack of fries McDonalds could've had!
In 1934, 02 x 17 = 34
In 2034, 02 x 17 = 34

Dr. Demento Show Song Almanac

First Time Dr. Demento Played a Song

In 1980 - ** Francis, The Talking Mule - Chill Wills (last played on 2000-02-27)

In 1980 - ** Hippopotamus - Flanders & Swann (last played on 1992-08-30)

Albums: A Drop of Hilarity from Flanders & Swann

/ The Complete Flanders and Swann Box Set

In 1980 - ** I'm Henry VIII, I Am - Herman's Hermits (released 1965, last played on 2004-04-24)

In 1980 - ** Limb From Limbo Rock - Zacherle (last played on 1980-02-17)

In 1980 - ** Sewey Hole - Barnes & Barnes http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/barnesandbarnes.htm

(last played on 1980-07-20)

Albums: Voobaha

In 1980 - ** Waitin' For Jane - Rochester (last played on 1980-02-17)

In 1980 - ** Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra - Robert Klein http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/klein-robert.htm

(last played on 1980-02-17)

Albums: New Teeth

In 1985 - ** Don't Be Afraid Of The Doctor - Sheriff John (last played on 2005-04-10)

In 1985 - ** Good Rockin' Tonight - Roy Brown (released 1947, last played on 1985-02-17)

In 1985 - ** I'm Tuff - George Smilovici (released 1984, last played on 2008-01-13)

In 1985 - ** Rappin' Duke - Rappin' Duke (Shawn Brown) (last played on 2005-03-19)

Albums: Street Jams Part 2: Hip Hop from the Top

In 1985 - ** Rockin' At Midnight - Roy Brown (released 1948, last played on 1985-02-17)

In 1985 - ** Squaws Along The Yukon - Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys (released 1958, last played on 1996-06-23)

In 1985 - ** The Honeydripper - Joe Liggins (last played on 1985-02-17)

In 1991 - ** Lubasonic Song - Randy Lubas (last played on 1991-11-17)

In 1991 - ** Taco Sauce On The Mild Side - Laszlo & Gary (last played on 1991-02-17)

In 1991 - ** Weekly World News - Hadji (last played on 2007-08-19)

Albums: Bob and Tom Twin Geeks Compilation

In 2002 - ** Bob Dylan's A Genius - Phil Ward http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/ward-phil.htm

(released 2001, last played on 2002-02-17)

Albums: Easily Amused

In 2002 - ** Demented News Feb 17, 2002 - Whimsical Will http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/whimsicalwill.htm

(last played on 2002-02-17)

Albums: Demented News 2002 Volume

In 2002 - ** Duh Enron Ron Ron - Steve Goodie http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/goodie-steve.htm

(last played on 2002-09-08)

Albums: Show-Off!

In 2002 - ** Money Announcement - Bob & Ray (last played on 2002-02-17)

In 2002 - ** Money Honey - Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters (last played on 2002-02-17)

Albums: The Drifters Box Set: Rockin' & Driftin'

In 2002 - ** We Couldn't Start The Tractor - Mylo Hatzenbuhler http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/hatzenbuhler-mylo.htm

(released 1999, last played on 2007-04-22)

Albums: To All The Cows I've Milked Before

First Time a Funny Five Song Was Played

In 1985 - ** I'm Tuff - George Smilovici (released 1984, first hit the Funny Five on 1985-04-07)

In 1985 - ** Rappin' Duke - Rappin' Duke (Shawn Brown) (first hit the Funny Five on 1985-04-28)

Albums: Street Jams Part 2: Hip Hop from the Top

In 1991 - ** Lubasonic Song - Randy Lubas (first hit the Funny Five on 1991-04-07)

In 1991 - ** Weekly World News - Hadji (first hit the Funny Five on 1991-03-31)

Albums: Bob and Tom Twin Geeks Compilation

In 2002 - ** Duh Enron Ron Ron - Steve Goodie http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/goodie-steve.htm

(first hit the Funny Five on 2002-04-21)

Albums: Show-Off!

In 2002 - ** We Couldn't Start The Tractor - Mylo Hatzenbuhler http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/hatzenbuhler-mylo.htm

(released 1999, first hit the Funny Five on 2002-03-24)

Albums: To All The Cows I've Milked Before

First Time a Song Reached the Funny Five

In 1980 - ** Pos.2. On the Amazon - Don McLean (first played 1974-11-17)

In 1985 - ** Pos.2. Earth Girls Are Easy - Julie Brown http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/brown-julie.htm

(first played 1984-12-09)

Albums: Earth Girls Are Easy

In 1985 - ** Pos.5. Little Toot - Maclean & Maclean (first played 1984-06-24)

In 2002 - ** Pos.4. Dear God - Worm Quartet http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/wormquartet.htm

(first played 2002-01-27)

Albums: Stupid Video Game Music 2007 Remastered Issue / Stupid Video Game Music 2007 Remastered Issue / Stupid Video Game Music

In 2002 - ** Pos.5. K-Mart Blues - Tom "T-Bone" Stankus (first played 1986-01-12)

First Time a #1 Funny Five Song Was Played

In 2002 - ** We Couldn't Start The Tractor - Mylo Hatzenbuhler http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/hatzenbuhler-mylo.htm

(released 1999, first hit #1 on 2003-03-02)

Albums: To All The Cows I've Milked Before

First Time a Song Reached #1 on the Funny Five

All The Times a Song Reached #1

In 1980 - ** Pos.1. The Smoke-Off - Shel Silverstein http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/silverstein-shel.htm

(appearance #4)

Albums: Songs and Stories

/ The Very Best of Dr. Demento

In 1985 - ** Pos.1. Fish Heads - Barnes & Barnes http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/barnesandbarnes.htm

(appearance #19)

Albums: Zabagabee: Best of Barnes & Barnes

/ Yeah-Essential Barnes & Barnes

/ Voobaha

/ The Very Best of Dr. Demento

/ Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection

In 1991 - ** Pos.1. Fish Heads - Barnes & Barnes http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/barnesandbarnes.htm

(appearance #40)

Albums: Zabagabee: Best of Barnes & Barnes

/ Yeah-Essential Barnes & Barnes

/ Voobaha

/ The Very Best of Dr. Demento

/ Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection

In 2002 - ** Pos.1. Ti Kwan Leep/Boot to the Head - The Frantics http://www.davesfunstuff.com/funnycity/frantics.htm

(appearance #37)

Albums: Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection

/ The Very Best of Dr. Demento

/ Boot to the Head

This Dave in History (David Letterman)

In 1982, Small Town News: Dave calls The Dugger Study Club in Dugger, Indiana, and every member there sings "Winter Wonderland" over the phone.
In 1982, Small Town News: Dave calls The Dugger Study Club in Dugger, Indiana, and hears over the phone every member sing "Winter Wonderland."
In 1986, Raquel Welch resists but finally demonstrates "The Standing-A Position" that's in her fitness book. Later, Sandra Bernhard eagerly complies. When the show is rebroadcast seven months later, all of the voices heard are overdubbed with actors.
In 1986, Raquel Welch resists valiantly but unsuccessfully to demonstrate "The Standing-A Position" that's in her fitness book. Later, Sandra Bernhard eagerly complies. When the show is rebroadcast seven months later, all of the voices heard are overdubbed with actors.
In 1987, Willie Nelson has with him his High School Yearbook and collaborates with Paul to recreate the school's theme song.
In 1987, Willie Nelson has with him his High School Yearbook and collaborates with Paul to recreate the school's theme song.
In 1988, The Drifters appear on the show to perform the Supermarket Finds theme.
In 1988, The Drifters appear on the show to perform the Supermarket Finds theme.
In 1988, Top Ten Reasons the U.S. Has Won Only One Stinking Bronze Medal - 4. Hope to get high-paying "Agony of Defeat" spot on Wide World of Sports.
In 1989, "Dave's Carpet Samples" is stopped as Dave leaves the studio and the building to a car, opens the hood and retrieves a manifold chicken. Top Ten Fears McDonald's Managers - 9. Customers will figure out that the fish sandwich and apple pie are exact same item.
In 1989, "Dave's Carpet Samples" is stopped as Dave leaves the studio and the building to a car, opens the hood and retrieves a manifold chicken. Top Ten Fears McDonald's Managers - 9. Customers will figure out that the fish sandwich and apple pie are exact same item.
In 1992, Top Ten Signs Your Film Isn't Going To Be Nominated for an Academy Award - 4. Full page ads begin, "If you loved 'Encino Man'..."
In 1992, Top Ten Signs Your Film Isn't Going To Be Nominated for an Academy Award - 4. Full page ads begin, "If you loved 'Encino Man'...."
In 1993, "Tell Us About Your Lunch" reaches Johnny Carson (pancakes and bacon).
In 1993, "Tell Us About Your Lunch" reaches Johnny Carson: pancakes and bacon.
In 1994, Top Ten Good Things About Not Winning A Medal - 10. No problem getting through metal detector on trip home.
In 1994, Top Ten Good Things About Not Winning A Medal - 10. No problem getting through metal detector on trip home.
In 1995, The Westchester Aires Barbershop Quartet presents the Top Ten Things That Sound Better When Sung by a Barbershop Quartet.
In 1995, Top Ten Things that Sound Better when Sung by a Barbershop Quartet - 3. Give me your wallet or I'll kick you in the groin!
In 1997, "Dave's Family Weekend" bit includes Leonard Tepper.
In 1997, "New York Brainteasers" with Rupert.
In 1997, Clinton's picture is on the $10 Hooters gift certificate?
In 1997, Dave tells us about his (24 hour?) flu this past weekend.
In 1997, Top Ten Things That Would Be Different if Clinton Had Been Our First President - 8. Preamble to Constitution contains 23 references to cheese fries.
In 1997, Top Ten Things That Would Be Different if Clinton Had Been Our First President - 8. Preamble to Constitution contains 23 references to cheese fries.
In 1997, Two weeks before, NBC denied Dave permission to use clips from his old show. So tonight, Tom Brokaw arrives and offers Dave a crumpled-up videotape from Late Night with David Letterman.
In 1997, Two weeks before, NBC denied Dave permission to use clips from his old show. So tonight, Tom Brokaw arrives and offers Dave a crumpled-up videotape from Late Night with David Letterman.
In 1997, Two weeks before, NBC denied Dave permission to use clips from his old show. So tonight, Tom Brokaw arrives and offers Dave a crumpled-up videotape from Late Night with David Letterman.
In 1998, "Olympic Souvenirs" includes a remote-control curling stone.
In 1998, Guest Mike Myers talks to his mom (who's in Toronto) via satellite.
In 1998, Sirajul and Mujibur compete in Zamboni races on 53rd St.
In 1998, Sirajul and Mujibur compete in Zamboni races on 53rd St.
In 1998, Top Ten Cool Things About Winning A Gold Medal (presented by Medal winners) - "1. Get to do Jell-o shots with Dave's mom." - Karyn Bye
In 1998, Top Ten Cool Things About Winning A Gold Medal (presented by Medal winners) - "1. Get to do Jell-o shots with Dave's mom." - Karyn Bye.
In 1999, (Westminster Kennel Club) Dog Show Quiz.
In 1999, Guests Andie MacDowell ("Just the Ticket"), Mike Judge (the under-rated "Office Space"), and Julian Lennon, whose song is not bad.
In 1999, Tonight's secret word is "mongoose".
In 1999, Top Ten Old Punchlines All Cadets Must Know, read in the theater by a West Point Cadet.
In 2000, Late Show 2000--Comedy Under Siege* offers up Late Show Backstage #9, with host Tom Snyder.
In 2000, Late Show Backstage guests Mike Myers, who is surprisingly bitter and is apparently happy that Dave is going to be executed; Roseanne, who tells the Kip Addotta story again; and Bonnie Hunt.
In 9999, * "Comedy Under Siege" phrase by James Langdell.

Random Generated Jokes, Quotes, and Other Stuff!

Today in Dementia History, Today in History, Davesfunstuff