Just My Two Cents

031210: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:49:07 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 12/10

It’s Friday and that means we are rapidly approaching the start of a brand new weekend! As you make your weekend plans, you of course still need some fun facts as you pass your time today. In this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find the usual collection of historical fun facts and birthdays for this day. You will also find some off-beat news…

Boyfriend’s Romantic Gesture Lands Him In Jail
Man Sets Fire To Home Over Water Bill Dispute
Students Hug For Charity

Daily Mindbender Question
You are 10 times more likely to get bitten by one of these than a rat. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Boyfriend’s Romantic Gesture Lands Him In Jail”

A German man’s attempt at being a modern day Romeo to his Juliet backfired when he scaled his girlfriend’s balcony to surprise her with flowers and wine, and she called the police thinking a burglar was trying to break in. The whole thing was sorted out when police arrived at the apartment. But, the boyfriend didn’t end up staying with his love. Police discovered he had an outstanding warrant and took him off to jail.

“Man Sets Fire To Home Over Water Bill Dispute”

Today’s “Overreaction Award” goes to a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida whom police say burned his mobile home to the ground over what he perceived to be a high water bill. Johnny Dossey was charged with first-degree arson after he drenched his mobile home with gasoline and set it on fire. A neighbor told the Miami Herald he heard Dossey and his father arguing before the blaze about their water bill, which totaled 70 dollars.

“Students Hug For Charity”

Two college students in Great Britain apparently don’t mind being touchy-feely types — they just set a new world record for hugging. The BBC reports best buds hugged for 24 hours and 17 minutes, breaking the old record by 16 minutes. The pair stayed awake during the entire ordeal, which was staged at a soccer stadium in Manchester, England.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Girls Scouts of the USA Founded – 1912

World Kidney Day

Notable Birthdays…

Al Jarreau, 70, singer

Barbara Feldon, 69, actress (Get Smart)

Liza Minnelli, 64, singer/actress (Cabaret)

James Taylor, 62, singer/musician

Jon Provost 60/actor, Timmy on TV’s Lassie

Marlon Jackson, 53, the Jackson 5

Darryl Strawberry, 48, former baseball player

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Good Samaritan Involvement Day

- A day to emphasize the importance of unselfish aid to those who need it.

National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

Sunday, March 14, 2010

International Ask A Question Day

International Fanny Pack Day

- Go ahead and break it out of your closet…you know you want to!

Moth-er Day

- A day set aside to honor moth collectors and specialists

Music History

2003 – The Chinese government ordered The Rolling Stones to eliminate four songs from their upcoming performances in Shanghai and Beijing. The banned songs were “Brown Sugar,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Beast of Burden” and “Let’s Spend the Night Together.”

2002 – The O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack was certified five-times platinum.

1996 – KISS released the album Unplugged.

1982 – Diana Ross received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1981 – “Elvira” by The Oak Ridge Boys was released.

1971 – The Allman Brothers began recording their classic album Live at the Fillmore East.

1969 – Paul McCartney married photographer Linda Eastman in London. He was the last Beatle to get married and the only one whose first marriage didn’t end in divorce — John divorced Cynthia; George divorced Patti; Ringo divorced Maureen.

1968 – Reginald Dwight decided to change his name to Elton John.

General History

1664 – New Jersey became a British colony as King Charles the Second granted land in the New World to his brother James, the Duke of York.

1933 – President Roosevelt delivered the first of his radio “fireside chats,” telling Americans what was being done to deal with the nation’s economic crisis.

1940 – Winston Churchill became Britain’s prime minister.

1945 – Baseball owner Branch Rickey announced the organization of the United States Negro Baseball League. There were six teams.

1945 – Germany signed unconditional surrender ending World War Two. It would take effect the next day.

1951 – Dennis The Menace, created by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, made its syndicated debut in 16 newspapers.

2003 – Roger Moore collapsed during a matinee performance of the Broadway comedy The Play What I Wrote. He finished the show after a 10-minute break. He was fitted with a pacemaker the following day.

Daily Mindbender Answer

You are 10 times more likely to get bitten by “another person” than a rat.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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031110: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:14:47 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 11/10

Welcome to Thursday and welcome to another edition of the Water Cooler News! In this WC News you will find lots of fodder for those casual conversations around the water cooler or standing in a check out line somewhere. You will find a collection of historical notes and birthdays for today. You will also find some off-beat news…

Woman Dragged Through Car Wash
Town Tries To Unravel ‘Midnight Knitter’ Mystery
Robber Targets Eleven People, Gets Six Bucks

Daily Mindbender Question
In a survey, 71% of men say they get more joy from this than expected. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Woman Dragged Through Car Wash”

A Massachusetts woman took a bath the hard way this week when she somehow got entangled with her vehicle at an automated car wash and ended up being dragged through the soap and rinse system. Police say the 74-year-old woman got out of her Toyota Matrix as the car-wash mechanism engaged the vehicle as designed/. But she got snagged and was accidentally dragged through the system. She managed to free herself and was taken to an area hospital complaining of pain in her hips and legs.

“Town Tries To Unravel ‘Midnight Knitter’ Mystery”

Police in West Cape May, New Jersey are looking for the person who has been going around town in the middle of the night and wrapping lamp poles and small trees with cute knitted wool sweaters. The Mayor of Cape May said police are investigating the case of the so-called “Midnight Knitter” because the overnight needlework is technically against the law. But, inspite of the fact that it’s against the law, authorities say most people in town are enjoying the brightly colored yarn work, and think wrapping trees and poles with wool scarves and leggings brightens up the bland late winter landscape.

“Robber Targets Eleven People, Gets Six Bucks”

Police in Riverside County, California say they’re looking for a woman who robbed eleven people at a market, but only managed to get away with six dollars. Police say the woman was armed with a semi-automatic pistol when she confronted customers at a market in the town of Thermal. The woman and her six bucks fled in an old car.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Dream Day

Registered Dietitian Day

Notable Birthdays…

Sam Donaldson, 76, journalist

Bobby McFerrin, 60, singer/songwriter

Jerry Zucker 60/movie director, Airplane!, Ghost

Susan Richardson 58/actress, TV’s Eight Is Enough

Terrence Howard, 41, actor (Hustle and Flow, Crash, Iron Man)

Music History

2000 – KISS began their Farewell Tour.

1997 – Paul McCartney was knighted by Queeen Elizabeth the Second during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

1991 – Janet Jackson jumped from A&M Records to Virgin Records in a deal reportedly worth $40 million.

1987 – Huey Lewis & The News had the number one single with “Jacob’s Ladder.” The song was written by Bruce Hornsby.

1970 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were named Best New Artist at the Grammys. Record of the Year was “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension.

1968 – Otis Redding posthumously received a gold record for his single, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

General History

1888 – The famous “Blizzard of ‘88″ hit the northeastern United States. Four-hundred people died.

1930 – Babe Ruth signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees for the sum of $80,000.

1986 – Popsicle announced its plan to end the traditional twin-stick frozen treat for a one-stick model.

2002 – Two columns of light were pointed skyward from Ground Zero in New York as a temporary memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Daily Mindbender Answer

71% of men say they get more joy out of “raising children” than they expected.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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031010: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:23 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 10/10

It’s Mid-Week Wednesday!

The middle of the week is here. I don’t know about you, but for me, I’m glad this week is at the half-way point. Yes, spring is getting ready to ’sprung’ very soon, but it’s also time for those nasty colds that just kind of hang on forever because the temperatures are up and down outside. I’m ready for the warm weather. How about you?

Aside from looking forward to spring, it’s also time to make sure you have fun factoids to chat about around the work water cooler or while standing in line at a checkout somewhere. In this edition of the Water Cooler News there’s the usual list of birthdays and historical facts for today. You will also find a collection of off-beat news…

Squirrel: It’s What’s for Dinner!
I Now Pronounce You Man and Pillow
School Superintendent Not So Super with Guns

Daily Mindbender Question
A study found that doing this behind the wheel is a fun and effective way to stay focused, alert and calm while driving. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Squirrel: It’s What’s for Dinner!”

Andy and Stephanie Cross, the owners of the Black Swan pub in York, England have made an addition to their menu. They were already serving rabbit and pigeon and now they’ve decided to add gray squirrel pie with mashed potatoes to the menu. Mr. Cross told a newspaper reporter that squirrel – quote – “tastes like strong rabbit with a more meaty taste”. Squirrel pie has become such a popular item that the pub often runs out and has to wait for a new supply from area butchers who get gray squirrels from animal control officers who trap them as part of an effort to protect Britain’s native red squirrels.

“I Now Pronounce You Man and Pillow”

A Japanese man recently walked down the aisle and married his pillow. The 28 year old fell head over heels for a giant hugging pillow that features the image of his favorite female anime cartoon character. Friends say the man is – quote – “completely obsessed with his pillow and takes it everywhere”. He even outfitted his pillow in a wedding dress for the ceremony.

“School Superintendent Not So Super with Guns”

It’s not known if Reed Point High School in rural Montana has a zero tolerance policy towards weapons, but the district’s superintendent certainly violated some rule when he accidentally fired an antique black powder muzzle-loader gun in a classroom. Superintendent Dwain Haggard, a former Civil War re-enactor, was showing the weapon to students in a history class when it accidentally discharged. Haggard said he usually fires a cap for demonstration purposes but this time there was a loud bang and the classroom filled with smoke.

Historical Notes

Today is…

The Incredible Hulk TV show premiered – 1978

Mario Day

– A day for all persons named Mario.

Organize Your Home OFfice Day

Notable Birthdays…

Ralph Emery 77/Nashville TV talk show and radio host

Chuck Norris, 70, actor (Walker Texas Ranger)

Dean Torrence 70/singer, Jan and Dean, “Surf City”

Tom Scholz 63/guitarist-inventor, founder of the group Boston

Sharon Stone, 52, actress

Jasmine Guy, 48, actress/singer (A Different World)

Prince Edward, 46, son of Queen Elizabeth

Carrie Underwood, 27, singer, American Idol

Music History

2003 – Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks made her infamous statement “We’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas” to an audience in London as the U.S. approached another war with Iraq. The crowd applauded, but the statement ultimately led to the Chicks effectively leaving country music.

1988 – Pop singer Andy Gibb died of a heart condition. He was 30.

1986 – The number one pop hit was “Sara” by Starship.

1981 – Eddie Rabbitt scored a gold single with “I Love a Rainy Night.”

1976 – The number one pop hit was “December 1963 (Oh What A Night)” by The Four Seasons.

1973 – The Edgar Winter Group released “Frankenstein.”

1965 – The number one pop hit was “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles.

General History

1785 – Thomas Jefferson was appointed minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.

1876 – The first successful voice transmission over Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone took place in Boston as his assistant heard Bell say, “Mr. Watson, come here. I want you.”

1880 – The Salvation Army arrived in the United States from England.

1965 – Neil Simon’s play, The Odd Couple, starring Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Art Carney as Felix Unger, opened on Broadway.

1969 – James Earl Ray pleaded guilty in Memphis to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Ray later withdrew his plea. He was convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison.

1998 – Actor Lloyd Bridges died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles. He was 85.

2006 – The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter arrives at the planet.

Daily Mindbender Answer

A study found that “singing” behind the wheel is a fun & effective way to stay focused, alert and calm while driving.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

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030910: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:52:24 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 9/10

Making sure you are ready for any idle chit-chat the day may bring, it’s time for another edition of the Water Cooler News! In this edition you will find some fun historical factoids and of course a list of birthdays for this day. You will also find a collection of off-beat news!

Pothead’s Freedom Goes Up In Smoke
Movie Patron Asks Woman To Turn Off Phone, Gets Meat Thermometer Response
Crackhead Beaten for Buying Drugs with Monopoly Money

Daily Mindbender Question
6 in 10 women believe it’s bad to date a man that has this physical characteristic.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Pothead’s Freedom Goes Up In Smoke”

A 27-year-old Indiana man with two previous convictions for selling marijuana found himself back behind bars yesterday after he was caught smoking pot — on his way home from prison. Authorities say Sir James Smith had just been released from Putnamville Correctional Facility after serving four months for dealing marijuana and was being driven home by his wife when a police officer pulled over their car for a license plate infraction. When the officer smelled marijuana in the car, the wife admitted she purchased some for her husband to smoke after getting out of jail.

“Movie Patron Asks Woman To Turn Off Phone, Gets Meat Thermometer Response”

Authorities in Lancaster, California are searching for a man who stabbed a moviegoer with a meat thermometer. Police say it all started when the victim asked a woman talking on her cell phone to turn it off. That’s when the woman’s boyfriend responded to by attacking the man and stabbing him in the neck with the thermometer. The victim was hospitalized and is expected to recover.

“Crackhead Beaten for Buying Drugs with Monopoly Money”

Police in Wichita, Kansas are investigating a man’s claim that he was beaten up by a drug dealer after he purchased several hundred dollars worth of crack cocaine from the guy, using Monopoly money. Police learned of the incident after they pulled the man over for a routine traffic stop and found him bleeding from the head. The man told officers he had just come from a dealer’s house where he had been beaten up in a revenge attack for buying drugs a few weeks earlier with Monopoly money.

Historical Notes

Today is…

National Napping Day

Panic Day

– Run around all day in a panic, telling others you can’t handle it anymore

Notable Birthdays…

Mickey Gilley, 74, singer/musician, cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis

Charles Gibson, 67, host (Good Morning America)

Bobby Fisher, 67, World Chess Champion – 1972

Robin Trower 65/guitarist Procol Harum and solo, “A Whiter Shade of Pale”

Jimmie Fadden, 62, guitarist/harmonica (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

Linda Fiorentino, 50, actress (Jade, Men In Black)

Emmanuel Lewis, 39, actor (Webster)

Jean Louisa Kelly 38/actress, TV’s Yes Dear

Bow Wow, 23, rapper

Luis Armand, 18, actor (George Lopez)

Music History

1987 – U2 released the album The Joshua Tree.

1976 – Who drummer Keith Moon collapsed on stage during a concert at the Boston Garden.

1975 – Elvis Presley began what was to be his final recording session at RCA’s Hollywood studio.

1974 – Bad Company made their debut in Newcastle, England.

1961 – The Supremes released their first single, I Want a Guy. It flopped.

General History

1961 – The Russians sent a dog into space on board Sputnik 9. It was dubbed “Muttnik.”

1969 – The Smothers Brothers’ Comedy Hour was canceled by CBS-TV.

1975 – Work began on the Alaskan oil pipeline.

1985 – Gone with the Wind went on sale in video stores across the U.S. for the first time.

1995 – Scott Amedure, a guest on The Jenny Jones Show, was shot to death by Jonathan Schmitz. Amedure had surprised Schmitz on the talk show three days earlier, by admitting he had a crush on him. The show never aired.

1996 – George Burns died in Beverly Hills at the ripe old age of 100.

Daily Mindbender Answer

6 in 10 women believe it’s bad to date a man who “weighs less than she does”.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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030810: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:58:50 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 8/10

It’s time to start a brand new week and it’s once again time to make sure you have some fun factoids to share with your friends throughout the day. With that in mind, in this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find a list of birthdays and historical notes for this date. You will also find a collection of off-beat news…

Woman Charged With Stabbing Ex-Husband Over Cell Phone Calls
Cops Follow Doormat’s Instructions, Arrest Drug Suspect
Woman Charged With Stealing TVs and Fleeing In Cabs, Twice

Daily Mindbender Question
A survey asked if you could hypnotize your spouse to do anything, what would it be?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Woman Charged With Stabbing Ex-Husband Over Cell Phone Calls”

A woman in New Mexico is facing numerous counts of aggravated battery for allegedly attacking her ex-husband with a knife after viewing his cell phone’s call history. Authorities say the 27-year-old suspect and her 29-year-old ex were at her home when she became upset with his call history, pulled out a knife and started swinging. The man was hit at least three times before he managed to flee.

“Cops Follow Doormat’s Instructions, Arrest Drug Suspect”

When police in Vail, Colorado went to a house to investigate reports of drug activity, they immediately knew they were on the right track -– the doormat read “Come back with a warrant.” Police did exactly what the doormat said to do and 45-year-old Charles Guadalupe was arrested on numerous drug charges, including distribution of cocaine.

“Woman Charged With Stealing TVs and Fleeing In Cabs, Twice”

A woman in Alaska was arrested for allegedly trying to pull off the same crime she was arrested for last December -– stealing TVs from stores and fleeing in a taxi. The 27-year-old suspect was charged with second-degree felony robbery and misdemeanor theft after she was caught walking out of a store without paying for a TV and trying to leave in a cab. According to court documents her arrest came exactly one week after she posted bail for a similar case last year in which she walked into a Sam’s Club on two occasions and allegedly stole six thousand dollars worth of TVs, then loaded them into a taxi.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Check Your Batteries Day

Read An E-Book Week

Notable Birthdays…

Lynn Redgrave, 67, actress (Georgy Girl)

Micky Dolenz, 65, singer/actor (The Monkees)

Randy Meisner 64/original bass player, The Eagles

Carole Bayer Sager, 63, singer/songwriter (That’s What Friends Are For)

Gary Numan 52/singer, “Cars”

Kathy Ireland, 47, super model

Freddie Prinze, Jr., 34, actor (Scooby Doo)

Music History

1999 – Bill Sameth sued Cher, claiming she owed him a 15 percent manager’s fee from the proceeds of her hit single, Believe. He claims to have orchestrated Cher’s big comeback.

1987 – Bob Seger ended a tour that he claimed would be his last. It was not his last tour, however.

1978 – Steely Dan’s sixth album, Aja, became their first to be certified platinum.

1974 – Bad Company made their live debut at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England.

1973 – Paul McCartney was arrested for growing marijuana on his farm in Scotland.

1971 – Radio Hanoi broadcast Jimi Hendrix’s recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Abbie Hoffman sent them the tape.

1970 – Diana Ross opened her first outing as a solo performer in Framingham, MA.

1968 – The Fillmore East opened in New York City on 2nd Avenue.

1962 – The Beatles performed for the first time on the BBC in Great Britain. The show was Teenager’s Turn.

General History

1971 – The fight of the century, starring Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier, took place. Ali said in his usual pre-fight modesty, “It’s gonna be the champ and the tramp.” But Smokin’ Joe actually knocked down the champ, and officials gave the fight to him.

1985 – A new Guinness Book record was set when John McPherson kissed 4,444 women in 8 hours.

1986 – Martina Navratilova became the first tennis player to earn 10 million dollars.

1992 – Former Mouseketeer and beach movie star Annette Funicello announced she had multiple sclerosis.

1999 – New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio died in Hollywood, Florida at age 84.

Daily Mindbender Answer

If you could hypnotize your spouse to do anything what would it be – #1 Clean the house – #2 Give a massage.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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030510: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:26:28 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 5/10

Welcome to Happy Dance Friday!

There’s something about Friday that puts a little spring into your step. As you try to look busy at work, while making plans for the weekend, you still need material for idle chit-chat too. In this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find the usual collection of historical notes and a list of birthdays for today.

You will also find a collection of off-beat news…

Man Injured in Crash After Steering Wheel Pops Off
Suicidal Man Chooses Sustenance Over Death
Police Honor Man’s Request To Be Arrested

Daily Mindbender Question
The first edition of People magazine hit the shelves on March 4, 1974. Who was on the first cover?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Man Injured in Crash After Steering Wheel Pops Off”

Toyotas don’t stop, and apparently, some Buicks don’t steer. Police in Arlington, Washington say a man suffered minor neck injuries when he crashed his car after his steering wheel popped off while was driving. The 59-year-old man was cruising along in his 1978 Buick when the wheel slipped off. The car veered off the road, down an embankment and up a hill before crashing into a barn.

“Suicidal Man Chooses Sustenance Over Death”

Authorities say Patrick Ma-gar-gee set his mobile home on fire in Lackawannock Township, Pennsylvania in the hopes of committing suicide. But, he then decided to leave the scene so he could go to McDonald’s for breakfast, instead. Investigators say Ma-gar-gee first set the fire but then had a change of heart and tried to put it out. When he couldn’t do that, he decided to head out to Mickey D’s for breakfast and then went to his step-brothers house to play some video games. The 26 year old was arrested on arson and criminal mischief charges.

“Police Honor Man’s Request To Be Arrested”

The Salt Lake Tribune reports a man in Salt Lake City, Utah who had asked police to arrest him even though he had done nothing wrong was finally cuffed when he made a motion for an officer’s gun. The 54-year-old man attempted to turn himself in at a jail, but officers told him they had no reason to throw him in the slammer. That’s when he reached for an officer’s gun. He didn’t get his hands on the gun, but ironically, was charged with resisting arrest while cops slapped the cuffs on him. Authorities say the man was hostile and appeared to be drunk.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Name Tag Day

Notable Birthdays…

Dean Stockwell 74/actor, TV’s Quantum Leap

Paul Sand, 65, actor (St. Elsewhere)

Eddy Grant, 62, singer

Alan Clark 58/keyboardist, Dire Straits

Marsha Warfield, 56, actress (Night Court)

Jolene Blalock 35/actress, TV’s Enterprise

Eva Mendes, 35, actress, Ghost Rider

Born on this date…also known as the late…

Andy Gibb–1958-1988/singer, youngest brother of The Bee Gees

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Middle Name Pride Day

Sherlock Holmes Weekend

World Day of Prayer

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Genealogy Day

National Be Heard Day

Music History

1999 – Elton John won a court case against the UK tabloid The Daily Star after it published photos of Spice Girl Victoria Adams and soccer player David Beckham while the couple was staying at Elton’s home.

1994 – Grace Slick was arrested for pointing a shotgun at police at her home in Tiburon, California.

1985 – REO Speedwagon had the number one single with “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”

1983 – Michael Jackson started a seven week run at number one on the singles chart with “Billie Jean.”

1975 – The number one song was “Have You Never Been Mellow” by Olivia Newton John.

1963 – Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash in Camden, Tennessee.

1960 – Elvis Presley was honorably discharged from the Army.

1955 – Elvis Presley made his first TV appearance on a show called Louisiana Hayride on KWKH-TV.

General History

1907 – The first radio broadcast of a musical composition aired.

1982 – John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He was 33.

1985 – Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders became the first National Hockey League player to score 50 goals in eight consecutive seasons.

1993 – Sprinter Ben Johnson was banned from racing for life by the Amateur Athletic Association after testing positive for banned performance-enhancing substances for a second time.

2004 – Martha Stewart was found guilty of lying about the reason for selling 3,298 shares of ImClone Systems stock, conspiracy, making false statements and obstruction of justice.

Daily Mindbender Answer

The 1st edition of People magazine hit the shelves March 4, 1974 with “Mia Farrow” on the front cover.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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030410: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:12:05 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 4, 2010

Making sure you are not lacking for fun factoids to chat about around the water cooler at work, here’s the Thursday edition of the Water Cooler News! In this WC News you will find birthdays and historical notes for this day. You will also find a collection of off-beat news…

Sheriff Fired After Shooting His Way Out of Jail Cell
Purchase A Pothole
Man Arrested, Arrested, Arrested

Daily Mindbender Question
A recent survey named this instrument as the most annoying invention ever. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Sheriff Fired After Shooting His Way Out of Jail Cell”

Charles Wright, who suffers from claustrophia, has been fired from his job as Sheriff at a jail in Kentucky after he fired his gun while trying to get out of a cell in which he’d accidentally locked himself. Authorities say the incident happened just one day after the county’s new 12.4 million dollar judicial center opened. Wright has agreed to pay for the damage he caused as well.

“Purchase A Pothole”

The economy has clearly hit a major bump in the road because instead of flipping houses, people can now flip potholes. A country village in Germany is selling potholes in an attempt to raise money to help fix its roads. For the low, low price of 68 dollars, you can buy your very own pothole. After it’s repaired, you can even put a message on top. The town’s mayor said, “It’s about using a funny idea to find people prepared to help us sort out our roads.”

“Man Arrested, Arrested, Arrested”

Mark Blaylock had police in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania seeing triple when the 49-year-old man was arrested three times for three separate incidents in three hours. Blaylock was initially cuffed for refusing to pay a 69-dollar cab fare. An hour later, he was hauled downtown for public drunkenness after police spotted him lying down on a road. Then, an hour after that, he hit the trifecta when he was busted for reporting a medical emergency without good cause when he called 9-1-1 to ask for police to help him fill a prescription.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Courageous Follower Day

March Forth and Do Something Day

National Grammar Day

Notable Birthdays…

Mary Wilson, 66, one of the original members of the Supremes

Emilio Estefan 57/percussionist, Miami Sound Machine, Gloria’s husband

Adrian Zmed 56/actor, TV’s T.J. Hooker, Dance Fever

Patricia Heaton, 52, actress (Everybody Loves Raymond)

Steven Weber, 49, actor (Wings)

Bobbi Kristina Brown 17/daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown

Music History

1986 – The number one song was “Kyrie” by Mr. Mister.

1982 – Rolling Stone reported that Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa had formed a new band called Fred Zeppelin.

1980 – Coal Miner’s Daughter, the movie adaptation of Loretta Lynn’s life, premiered in Nashville.

1978 – Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson started a four-week run at number one with “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”

1970 – Janis Joplin was fined $200 for using obscene language onstage in Tampa, Florida.

1966 – John Lennon made his infamous remark that The Beatles, quote, “are probably bigger than Jesus right now.” Lennon was talking to a reporter from the London Evening Standard.

General History

1681 – England’s King Charles the Second granted a charter to William Penn for an area of land that was later named Pennsylvania.

1789 – The first Congress of the United States met in New York and declared that the U.S. Constitution was in effect.

1861 – Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated president.

1933 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn in as president.

1952 – Actors Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis were married in the San Fernando Valley outside of Los Angeles.

Daily Mindbender Answer

A recent survey named “bagpipes” as the most annoying instrument ever invented.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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030310: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:55:08 +0000

Water Cooler News – March 3, 2010

Welcome to the midweek edition of the Water Cooler News!

We have made it half way through another week and that means the weekend is now rapidly approaching. In this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find a list of birthdays and other historical notes for this day. You will also find some off-beat news…

Why Walk A Dog When You Can Drive One?
Honeymooning In The Slammer
Just Say “No” To Doing Drugs On A Squad Car

Daily Mindbender Question
The average woman will do this 500 times over the course of her life. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Why Walk A Dog When You Can Drive One?”

According to court documents, 23 year old Paul Railton of Consett, England was fined 100 dollars for walking his dog while he drove his car. Railton was caught driving slowly while he held his dog’s leash as it walked on the ground beside him. He pled guilty to not being in proper control of a vehicle, but said “a lot of people exercise their dogs in that manner.” Still, he did admit “it was a silly thing to do and there was an element of laziness.”

“Honeymooning In The Slammer”

Authorities in Massachusetts say a newlywed couple spent their first night as a married couple in jail after the bride tried to run over the groom’s ex-girlfriend. The newlyweds got hitched earlier in the day at a town hall and celebrated by splitting a bottle of champagne. They were later in a parking lot when the bride noticed the ex-girlfriend with her son. That’s when she put the pedal to the metal and tried to take out the woman. The couple managed to get out of the way, but the newlywed bride tossed the car into reverse and tried to hit them again.

“Just Say “No” To Doing Drugs On A Squad Car”

A man in Germany is under arrest after he emereged from a nightclub and decided to place his illegal drugs on the roof of a car as he prepared to take them. What he didn’t know is that the vehicle was an unmarked police car. Once he had everything in place, two officers walked over to the 26 year old just as he was about to take the drugs and arrested him.

Historical Notes

Today is…

I Want You To Be Happy Day

– A day dedicated to reminding people to be thoughtful of others by showing

love and concern.

Unique Names Day

What If Cats & Dogs Had Posable Thumbs Day

Notable Birthdays…

Hattie Winston, 65, actress (Becker)

Jennifer Warnes 63/singer, “Up Where We Belong”

Herschel Walker, 48, former football player

Jessica Biel, 28, actress (7th Heaven)

Born on this date…also known as the late…

Alexander Graham Bell–1847/the telephone guy

James Doohan 1920-2005/Scotty on TV’s Star Trek

Music History

2003 – Penguin Group announced that Madonna had written five illustrated storybooks for readers aged six and above. Publication was scheduled to begin in September, 2003.

1995 – A stalker was arrested while trying to break into Roberta Flack’s New York apartment.

1990 – Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson performed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, launching their first tour as the Highwaymen.

1985 – Michael Jackson attended the unveiling of his wax image at Madame Tussaud’s waxworks in London.

1978 – Van Halen launched their first tour.

1966 – Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Fury formed Buffalo Springfield.

1965 – Motown Records released The Miracles’ “Ooh Baby Baby,” written and produced by Smokey Robinson. It eventually rose to #16 on the Hot 100; Linda Ronstadt’s 1978 cover version went all the way to #7.

1965 – The Temptations’ “My Girl” was the number one Billboard pop hit.

General History

1790 – The first U.S. Census began. Final tally showed 3,929,214 people living in the United States.

1885 – The U.S. Post Office began offering a service they called “Special Delivery” for first-class mail.

1931 – President Hoover signed a bill making “The Star-Spangled Banner” our national anthem. The song was originally called “The Defense of Fort McHenry,” but the title lacked pizzazz and was changed to its present name.

1959 – Veteran comedian Lou Costello of Abbott & Costello died in Beverly Hills. He’d fallen sick while filming “The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock,” his last film, and the only one he ever made without his partner, Bud Abbott.

1987 – Brooklyn-born David Daniel Kaminsky — better known as entertainer Danny Kaye — died at 74. The singer, dancer, actor, conductor and humanitarian succumbed to hepatitis and intestinal bleeding.

1991 – Los Angeles police were videotaped beating Rodney King.

1994 – Tonya Harding claimed she was attacked in a city park. She only suffered minor cuts and bruises.

1999 – Nearly 70 million people tuned in to watch Monica Lewinsky give her first non-subpoenaed interview to Barbara Walters on 20/20. Sales of the lipstick Monica wore during the interview soared following the broadcast.

Daily Mindbender Answer

The average woman “wears shoes that do not fit” 500 times over the course of her life.

Yours in Water Cooler News!

Dr. Rus

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030210: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:48:25 +0000

Water Cooler News — March 2, 2010

Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Water Cooler News. In this edition of the WC News you will find the usual collection of historical tidbits and birthdays for this date. You will also find some off-beat news!

Thief Can’t Get Past The Chimney
Hey, Grandpa — Let’s Play Hostage!
Flights Put On Hold While Naked Drunk Man Runs Around

Daily Mindbender Question
The average guy does this six times on a first date. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Thief Can’t Get Past The Chimney”

Police in Seattle arrested 23 year old Shon Shanell after he got stuck in a chimney of a house he was trying to rob. A neighbor called 9-1-1 after hearing Shanell screaming for help. Authorities showed up and freed Shanell, who wound up wedged in the chimney for a total of six hours.

“Hey, Grandpa — Let’s Play Hostage!”

Authorities in Ohio say a man and his grand-daughter duped people into thinking she had taken him hostage. Authorities say the grandfather told the granddaughter it would be funny if she held a BB gun to his head as he drove down the road. The so-called “funny” idea took a quick turn for the worse when police received a call about a man being held hostage while driving a minivan. Authorities say no one suffered any injuries and the grandfather is looking at a charge of inducing panic.

“Flights Put On Hold While Naked Drunk Man Runs Around”

Authorities say a man in India decided to skip security and take off more than just his shoes when he was spotted running naked onto an airport taxiway in Delhi. The runway was shut down while officials chased the man around the tarmac to capture him. Authorities say the man climbed over a 10 foot wall to get onto the premises. Once he was arrested, officers also discovered the man was drunk.

Historical Notes

Today is…

National Procrastination Week

Notable Birthdays…

Mikhail Gorbachev, 79, former Soviet leader

Lou Reed, 68, singer

Eddie Money, 61, musician/singer

Jay Osmond, 55, singer (The Osmonds)

John Cowsill 54/singer, The Cowsills

Jon Bon Jovi, 48, singer

Daniel Craig, 42, actor (Casino Royale)

Born on this date…also known as the late…

Dr. Seuss – 1904-1991 – Author, born Theodor Seuss Geisel. His whimsical rhymes and comical cartoon characters continue to delight children and adults around the world.

Music History

1999 – Neil Young went out on a solo acoustic tour, his first in more than 25 years.

1975 – Linda McCartney was arrested for personal possession of marijuana. Paul McCartney was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, but was not charged.

1974 – Neil Diamond won a Grammy for his film soundtrack to Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

1968 – Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” was released.

1967 – The Mamas & Papas won Best Contemporary Group Performance Grammy for “Monday Monday.”

1964 – The Beatles started shooting A Hard Day’s Night at the Marylebone train station in London.

1964 – The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” was released in the U.S.

1963 – The Four Seasons became the first group to have three consecutive number ones in the U.S. when “Walk Like A Man” hit the top spot.

1960 – Elvis Presley stepped on British soil for the one and only time in his life when the plane carrying him home from the Army stopped for refueling at Prestwick Airport in Scotland.

General History

1807 – Congress passed an act to “prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States…from any foreign kingdom, place, or country.”

1923 – Time magazine appeared on newsstands for the first time.

1933 – The motion picture King Kong had its world premiere in New York.

1962 – Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks.

2004 – NASA announced the Mars rover Opportunity had discovered evidence water had existed in the past on the planet.

Daily Mindbender Answer
The average guy “lies” six times on a first date.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

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030110: Water Cooler News

Dr. Rus — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:28:13 +0000

Water Cooler News — March 1, 2010

Welcome to the start of a brand new week and a brand new month!

First off, for the really on the ball people, yes I did miss the Friday edition of the Water Cooler News. We were hit with a bad snow storm in Upper New York State and that meant it was really busy in the newsroom Friday morning. I was handling the phones as many cancellations came in. As a result, I didn’t have enough time to get the Water Cooler News out. Sorry about that.

But, here we are in a brand new month and even though a little bit of snow is coming down, it’s much calmer.

In this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find the usual collection of birthdays and historical notes for today. You will also find some off-beat news…

Man Eats $13,000 Winning Lottery Ticket
Unemployed Man Sees Surge In Cell Phone Bill
Double Trouble For Bank Robber

Daily Mindbender Question
According to a survey of women, this is the #1 thing they don’t want their mothers to see when they come to visit. What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Man Eats $13,000 Winning Lottery Ticket”

The cost of flying has gone up, but one man had a 13 thousand dollar meal while on a flight from Poland to England. Britain’s Daily Express reports that a man who won more than 13 thousand dollars in an airline-run scratch-off lottery ate his ticket because the crew wouldn’t pay him the money right on the spot. The man was told he could collect the money after they landed because he won such a large amount. But, of being patient, he instead ate the ticket. The airline, Ryan-Air, now plans to give the money he would’ve won to charity.

“Unemployed Man Sees Surge In Cell Phone Bill”

72 year old Ernie Sanchez of Alburquerque, New Mexico ran up a 700 dollar cell phone bill while trying to contact the state’s unemployment agency in an attempt to claim his benefits. Sanchez now says he now has to use most of his benefits to pay his cell phone bill. He called the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions over 11 hundred times, but always had a problem getting through to the appropriate person. Each call costs 45 cents and some days Sanchez had to call multiple times before he got through. On those occasions someone did pick up, he wound up on hold, including one time that lasted three-and-a-half hours. That one call alone cost him almost a hundred dollars.

“Double Trouble For Bank Robber”

Police in Hamburg, Germany arrested a man who robbed the same bank in a span of 24 hours. Authorities say the man walked into a bank, armed with a gun, and said, “I was here yesterday, and I want money again today!” He fled the scene with 600 dollars, but officers managed to catch him a few hours later. According to court documents, just one week before his arrest the man had just been released from jail after serving time for – bank robbery.

Historical Notes

Today is…

Celebrate Your Name Week

Iceland’s Beer Day

Namesake Day

National Ghostwriters Week

National Pig Day - To recognize one of man’s most intelligent and useful domesticated animals

National Sleep Awareness Week

National Words Matter Week

National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week

Professional Pet Sitters Week

Refired, Not Retired Day - This is a day for retirees (or those soon to be retired) to decide that this is the beginning of “Life, Part II” and to make a commitment to make this an exciting adventure

Return The Borrowed Books Week

Save Our Vision Week

Telecommuter Appreciation Week

Notable Birthdays…

Robert Clary (LeBeau on “Hogan’s Heroes”) – 84

Harry Belafonte – 83

Robert Conrad – 75.

Mike D’Abo of Manfred Mann – 66

Roger Daltrey – 66

Dirk Benedict (Face on “The A-Team) – 65

Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”) – 63

Ron Howard – 56

Tim Daly (“Wings”) – 54

Jon Carroll (Starland Vocal Band) – 53

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“NYPD Blue,” “Saved By the Bell”) – 36

Born on this date…also known as the late…

David Niven – 1910-1983 – British actor, Around the World in 80 Days

Harry Carey – 1919-1998 – Longtime Chicago Cubs announcer

William Gaines – 1922-1992- Founded Mad magazine

Judith Rossner – 1935-2005 – Author, Looking For Mr. Goodbar

Music History

1996 – Queen Latifah pled guilty to charges of carrying a loaded gun in her car. She was fined and ordered to make a monetary donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

1995 – R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry collapsed in Lausanne, Switzerland due to a brain aneurysm.

1995 – Bruce Springsteen took home four Grammys for “Streets of Philadelphia.” Tony Bennett won Album of the Year for his MTV Unplugged CD.

1994 – Frank Sinatra made his first appearance at the Grammys to accept a special Legends award. It was presented by U2’s Bono, who said, “Frank is living proof that God is Catholic.”

1993 – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel did a concert to help needy children in Los Angeles.

1990 – Janet Jackson’s first concert tour began. It was the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990.

1985 – A Beatles song was used for the first time in a U.S. TV commercial. Lincoln-Mercury used the song, “Help!”

1982 – Jimmy Page released his first solo album, the soundtrack to Death Wish II.

1974 – Queen began its first headlining tour of England.

1972 – John Lennon was granted an extension on his American work visa. Lennon then began recording Sometime in New York City.

1969 – Jim Morrison of The Doors was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, indecent exposure, open profanity and public drunkenness after a concert in Miami. He was sentenced to eight months hard labor and a $500 fine. The sentence was still under appeal when he died in Paris in 1971.

1968 – Johnny Cash married June Carter at the Methodist Church in Franklin, Kentucky.

1966 – The number one single was “Ballad of the Green Berets” by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. It went on to be the top single of 1966.

1958 – Buddy Holly & The Crickets opened what would be their one and only British tour with a concert in London.

General History

1790 – Congress authorized the first U.S. Census.

1803 – Ohio was admitted to the union as the 17th state.

1864 – Rebecca Lee became the first black woman to receive an American medical degree, from the New England Female Medical College in Boston.

1872 – Congress authorized creation of Yellowstone National Park.

1932 – Twenty-month-old Charles Lindbergh Jr., the son of the famous aviator, was kidnapped from his parents’ home in Hopewell, New Jersey. The Lindberghs paid a $50,000 ransom, but the baby was found dead in a wooded area five miles from their home. Bruno Hauptmann was convicted of the crime and executed.

1969 – New York Yankee legend Mickey Mantle announced his retirement. The Mick was the greatest switch-hitting slugger in baseball history. He clouted 536 homers in his 18-year career and helped the Yanks reach 12 World Series in his first 14 seasons in the major leagues.

1988 – Animal rights activist Bob Barker ended his 21-year run as host of the Miss USA Pageant, to protest the awarding of furs to the winner and use of furs during the show.

2000 – Forty-two hundred of the nearly 5,600 Oscar ballots sent out by the Academy vanished after being deposited at the Beverly Hills post office. Fresh ballots were eventually sent out a week later. Two days after the ballots vanished, 55 Oscar statuettes were stolen en route to Los Angeles. On March 19, Willie Fulgear discovered them next to a dumpster in L.A., earning a $50,000 reward and a ticket to the Oscar show.

Daily Mindbender Answer
According to a survey of women the #1 thing they don’t want their mothers to see is “inside their refrigerators”.

Yours in Water Cooler news!

Dr. Rus

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