Welcome to Friday, welcome to the start of a long weekend – and most importantly – Welcome to Memorial Day Weekend. 

As we head into a weekend remember our brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice - and in many cases continue to sacrifice for the peace and freedom of our nation – lets load you up with some fun facts to chat about throughout today and the weekend.

From the off-beat news department…

• 911 Operator Overheard Sleeping on the Job
• Cop Tickets Driver After He Saves Son’s Life
• Grandpa Accused of Stealing Power Tools With Toddler in His Arms

You will also find a list of notable birthdays for this day, some special celebrations for today and the weekend and of course a list of fun historical factoids too.

Daily Mindbender Question
Costco/Sams Club is the leading American retailer of this item.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“911 Operator Overheard Sleeping on the Job”
Montgomery County, Alabama authorities released audio of a woman calling 9-1-1 lookign for help for her sick husband – who also heard snoring on the end of the line. The recording of the April 4th call reveals a woman upset about her husband having problems breathing and a dispatcher who was literally asleep on the job. Eventually another dispatcher took the call.

—–

“Cop Tickets Driver After He Saves Son’s Life”
A father from New Jersey who almost lost his son in a freak accident was relieved after he saved his boy – but not thrilled when a police officer gave him a pair of tickets over the incident. Officials say Frank Roder took his five year old son Aidan to the Rahway River to feed the ducks. But, while trying to park, Aiden jumped out of the Jeep and ran for a 35 foot tall ledge above the river. Panicked, Roder jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed him only to watch his Jeep roll down an incline and off the same ledge. Police ticketed Roder for failing to produce an insurance card – which was in the waterlogged Jeep – and another for failing to engage his emergency brake.

—–

“Grandpa Accused of Stealing Power Tools With Toddler in His Arms”
It didn’t take long for police to arrest a 65 year old man whom authorities say put people – including his 2 year old grandson – at risk during a robbery. Authorities say John Guadalupe Martinez allegedly walked into a supply store in Modesto, California with his toddler grandson in his arms and then walked out with power tools he didn’t pay for. When an employee confronted Martinez by blocking his car from leaving the parking lot with a forklift, Martinez repeatedly rammed the forklift with his own car. His grandson was unsecured in the back seat.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Towel Day
Don’t Fry Day
Heat Awareness Day
National Missing Children’s Day
National Tap Dance Day
Nerd Pride Day or Geek Pride Day
National Wig Out Day
Old-Time Player Piano Day

Notable Birthdays
Hal David 91/lyricist for Burt Bacharach
Tom T. Hall 76/Country Music Hall of Fame member
Ian McKellen 73/actor, X-Men movies, The Lord of the Rings movies
Jessi Colter 69/”I’m Not Lisa,” wife of the late Waylon Jennings
Leslie Uggams 69/actress, TV’s Roots
Frank Oz 68/Muppeteer and film director, voice of Yoda in Star Wars movies
Karen Valentine 65/actress, TV’s Room 222
Connie Sellecca 57/actress, TV’s Hotel, married to John Tesh.
Mike Myers 49/actor-comedian, Austin Powers, Wayne’s World, the voice of Shrek
Sidney and Lindsay Greenbush 42/actresses, TV’s Little House on the Prairie

Born on this day also known as the late
Miles Davis–1926-1991/jazz legend. Trumpet, bandleader
Dixie Carter 1939-2010/actress, TV’s Designing Women

Sunday, May 27
Cellophane Tape Day
Indianapolis 500

Monday, May 28
Slugs Return From Capistrano Day
Memorial Day

Music History
2005 – Carrie Underwood was crowned the winner of the fourth season of American Idol.

2000 – Paul McCartney was awarded the first Fellowship of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters Award during the annual Ivor Novello Awards in London.

1997 – Bob Dylan was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital with chest pains. As a result, his European tour was canceled.

1990 – Lou Gramm quit Foreigner to start a solo career.

1983 – “Flashdance…What a Feeling” by Irene Cara was the number one song.

1978 – Keith Moon performed with The Who for the last time.

1975 – Freddy Fender had the number one song with “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.”

1968 – Bobby Goldsboro’s single “Honey” went to number one on the country chart.

1965 – Kinks lead guitarist Dave Davies was knocked unconscious when he stumbled into drummer Mick Avory’s cymbal during a London performance. The band cancelled the rest of the tour.

1962 – The Isley Brothers released “Twist and Shout.”

General History
1787 – The Constitutional convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding.

1844 – The gasoline engine was patented by Stuart Perry.

1895 – Oscar Wilde, a playwright, poet and novelist, was convicted of a morals charge and sentenced to prison in London.

1927 – Ford Motor Company announced the Model A would replace the Model T.

1935 – Babe Ruth hit his final home run, his 714th. His career record stood until Hank Aaron broke it in 1974. Barry Bonds would later break Aaron’s record.

1977 – Star Wars opened in theaters.

1983 – The Return of the Jedi opened nationwide. It set a new record in opening day box office sales with six million, 219 thousand, 629 dollars.

1989 – The Calgary Flames won their first NHL Stanley Cup by defeating the Montreal Canadiens.

1992 – Jay Leno debuted as the new permanent host of NBC’s Tonight Show.

2008 – NASA’s Phoenix spacecraft landed on Mars.

Daily Mindbender Answer
Costco-Sams Club is the leading American retailer of “wine”.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Say hello to Thursday and say hello to “Almost Happy Dance Day”! Of course it’s even more of a Happy Dance Day tomorrow as we’re also heading into the Memorial Day long weekend. As you ponder your plans for the weekend it’s time to make sure you have fun things to chat about through the day too.

From the off-beat news department…

• 911 Operator Overheard Sleeping on the Job
• Cop Tickets Driver After He Saves Son’s Life
• Grandpa Accused of Stealing Power Tools With Toddler in His Arms

You will also find a list of notable birthdays for this date and some great historical notes too.

Daily Mindbender Question
The average person has 6 of these.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“911 Operator Overheard Sleeping on the Job”
Montgomery County, Alabama authorities released audio of a woman calling 9-1-1 lookign for help for her sick husband – who also heard snoring on the end of the line. The recording of the April 4th call reveals a woman upset about her husband having problems breathing and a dispatcher who was literally asleep on the job. Eventually another dispatcher took the call.

—–

“Cop Tickets Driver After He Saves Son’s Life”
A father from New Jersey who almost lost his son in a freak accident was relieved after he saved his boy – but not thrilled when a police officer gave him a pair of tickets over the incident. Officials say Frank Roder took his five year old son Aidan to the Rahway River to feed the ducks. But, while trying to park, Aiden jumped out of the Jeep and ran for a 35 foot tall ledge above the river. Panicked, Roder jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed him only to watch his Jeep roll down an incline and off the same ledge. Police ticketed Roder for failing to produce an insurance card – which was in the waterlogged Jeep – and another for failing to engage his emergency brake.

—–

“Grandpa Accused of Stealing Power Tools With Toddler in His Arms”
It didn’t take long for police to arrest a 65 year old man whom authorities say put people – including his 2 year old grandson – at risk during a robbery. Authorities say John Guadalupe Martinez allegedly walked into a supply store in Modesto, California with his toddler grandson in his arms and then walked out with power tools he didn’t pay for. When an employee confronted Martinez by blocking his car from leaving the parking lot with a forklift, Martinez repeatedly rammed the forklift with his own car. His grandson was unsecured in the back seat.

Historical Notes

Today Is
First Morse Code Message Sent - Sent from Washington DC to Baltimore in 1844.
Tiara Day

Notable Birthdays
Tommy Chong 74/comedian-actor, Cheech & Chong
Bob Dylan 71/singer-songwriter, “Blowin’ in the Wind”
Gary Burghoff 69/actor, Radar in M*A*S*H film and TV series
Patti LaBelle 68/singer, LaBelle and solo, “Lady Marmalade”
Priscilla Presley 67/actress, ex-wife of The King
Rosanne Cash 57/singer
Rich Robinson 43/guitar, The Black Crowes
John C. Reilly 47/actor, Talladega Nights, Chicago

Born on this day also known as the late
Gene Anthony Ray–1962-2003/actor-dancer, Leroy in Fame movie and TV show

Music History
1998 – Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell proclaimed May 24th as Van Halen Day in Philadelphia. The band performed that night at the CoreStates Spectrum.

1997 – Hanson started a three-week run at number one on the singles chart with “MMMBop.”

1991 – Singer and founding member of The Byrds, Gene Clark died at age 59 of a heart attack.

1991 – The film Thelma & Louise was released with Pam Tillis as a partial inspiration for the character Thelma Dickinson.

1984 – Denice Williams had the number one song with “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” from the film Footloose.

1980 – Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford all worked the box office at The Roxy nightclub in Los Angeles, selling tickets for a forthcoming Genesis gig.

1975 – Earth, Wind & Fire had the number one single with “Shining Star.”

1975 – Jessi Colter earned her sole number one country hit with “I’m Not Lisa.”

1969 – The Beatles, with Billy Preston, started a five-week run at number one on the singles chart with “Get Back.” It was The Beatles’ 17th U.S. chart topper.

1968 – The Rolling Stones released the single, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”

1964 – The Beatles were at number one with “Love Me Do.”

General History
1738 – The Methodist Church was established.

1844 – Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message, “What hath God wrought!” from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America’s first telegraph line.

1883 – The Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, was opened to traffic.

1935 – The Cincinnati Reds played the Philadelphia Phillies in the first major league baseball game at night. The switch for the floodlights was thrown by President Franklin Roosevelt.

2010 – Lindsay Lohan is ordered to abstain from drinking alcohol and wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet on her ankle, less than a week after she missed a court hearing related to her 2007 DUI cases. Lindsay was also ordered to submit to weekly random drug tests.

Daily Mindbender Answer
The average person has six “credit cards”.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Happy “Hump” Day and welcome to another edition of the Water Cooler News! Making sure you’re set with fun factoids and other interesting tidbits to chat about through the day. In this edition of the WC News you will find a list of notable birthday for today, a couple interesting celebration activities and yes a list of historical notes too.

From the off-beat news department…

• Customer Calls Cops After Finding Cash at ATM
• Golfer Arrested for Drunk Driving
• Man Shoots Himself While Mowing Lawn

Daily Mindbender Question
According to wedding experts, what is the #1 thing a groom should not bring on his honeymoon?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Customer Calls Cops After Finding Cash at ATM”
When a Boynton Beach, Florida woman rolled up to a drive-thru ATM she found herself face to face with an ethical dilemma as she found 18 one hundred dollar bills sticking out of the cash slot. The previous customer apparently forgot to take his or her cash so when Adriana Allen tried to stuff the money back into the machine, she failed. After she couldn’t return the money, she called the police. Allen waited for the police to arrive on the scene, gave them the money and the officers then contacted the bank in an effort to track down the customer who left the loot behind.

—–

“Golfer Arrested for Drunk Driving”
A 44 year old German man was arrested after using the City of Cologne as his personal driving range. Authorities say the drunken duffer started hitting golf balls at will sending them richocheting down streets and eventually hitting a taxi. The cabbie called police who showed up on the scene and took the wanna-be golf pro to jail to sober up.

—–

“Man Shoots Himself While Mowing Lawn”
A Colorado man was the victim of a senseless drive-by shooting, but he only has himself to blame. Authorities say the victim’s own loaded gun slipping from his pocket while he was on his riding lawnmower and discharged. The man was hit by a bullet in his lower leg after the gun hit a sidewalk.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Penny Day - Find a penny it up….

Notable Birthdays
Betty Garrett 93/actress, TV’s Laverne & Shirley
Barbara Barrie 81/actress, Nana on TV’s Suddenly Susan
Joan Collins 79/actress, TV’s Dynasty
Charles Kimbrough 76/Jim Dial on TV’s Murphy Brown
Lauren Chapin 67/actress, Kitten on TV’s Father Knows Best
Drew Carey 54/comedian-actor, TV’s Drew Carey Show, The Price Is Right
Karen Duffy 51/actress-model, Dumb & Dumber

Born on this day also known as the late
Artie Shaw–1910-2004/bandleader, clarinet player
Rosemary Clooney–1928-2002/singer, “C’mon a My House,” George’s Aunt
Dr. Robert Moog–1934-2005/inventor of the Moog synthesizer
Douglas Fairbanks–1883-1939/actor, star of silent films Robin Hood and The Mark of Zorro

Music History
2006 – The King of Sweden presented the surviving members of Led Zeppelin with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, recognizing them as “great pioneers” of rock music.

1998 – Hanson sold out a June 29th show in Detroit in 20 minutes.

1992 – Attorneys for the late Freddie Mercury of Queen announced the singer had bequeathed most of his 14 million-dollar estate to his longtime pal, Mary Austin.

1979 – Tom Petty filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This was partially caused by a dispute with Petty’s record label, Shelter, which was purchased by MCA. They claimed Petty owed them 575 thousand dollars.

1979 – The Kids Are Alright, a documentary film about THE WHO, premiered in New York City.

1974 – George Harrison launched his own record label, Dark Horse, distributed by A&M.

1970 – Paul McCartney’S first solo album, McCartney, started a three-week run at number one.

1966 – The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” single was released.

1965 – The Beach Boys had the number one single with “Help Me Rhonda.” Al Jardine did the lead vocal.

1964 – Ella Fitzgerald’s cover of The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” hit number 34 in the U.K. She was the first artist to chart in the U.K. with a Beatles cover.

1960 – The Everly Brothers started a five-week run at number one with the single, “Cathy’s Clown.”

General History
1430 – Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians, who sold her to the English.

1701 – Captain William Kidd was hanged in London after he was convicted of piracy and murder.

1785 – Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter he had invented bifocals.

1934 – Bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were shot to death in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

1962 – Joe Pepitone of the New York Yankees set a major league baseball record by hitting two home runs in one inning.

1999 – Gerry Bloch, at age 81, became the oldest climber to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He broke his own record that he set in 1986 when he was 68 years old.

Daily Mindbender Answer
Wedding experts say “a laptop computer” is the #1 thing a groom should not take on his honeymoon.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Welcome to Tuesday and welcome to another edition of the Water Cooler News! As you look for fun things to chat about through the day at the proverbial work water cooler, lets make sure you have material to wow your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers with!

From the off-beat news department…

• New Dad Accidentally Steals a Car
• Check Forger Forgets License, Gets Arrested
• Half-Nude Woman Flips Out on Cops

You will also find a list of notable birthdays for this day and some great historical tidbits too.

Daily Mindbender Question
50% of parents dislike this aspect of the kid’s school.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“New Dad Accidentally Steals a Car”
Most new Dads’ are really excited when their little bundle of joy makes an appearance. Sultan Berry of Kent, Washington fell into that category but he was also very tired when he headed off to a job interview borrowing his mother-in-law’s car. After the interview Berry went to the car but it wouldn’t start. That’s also when he discovered he wasn’t in his mother-in-law’s car! Authorities say the key for her 2003 Toyota Camry started a stranger’s 1994 model Camry which he drove to Tacoma for the interview. Berry was not charged in connection with the mix-up and left a note of apology for the car’s owner.

—–

“Check Forger Forgets License, Gets Arrested”
A Michigan woman who passed a forged check at a convenience store was arrested when she returned to the scene of the crime for the license she left behind. When 37 year old Timika Kiona Whitfield-Lee showed back up at the store to pick up her license police were waiting for her as store management had already alerted authorities about the forged check.

—–

“Half-Nude Woman Flips Out on Cops”
A woman who stripped off her top and barely covered herself with pink duct tape caused a scene for police in Seattle over the weekend. Officers were called to the Queen Anne bar when the woman started taking off her top and applying duct tape to herself. She refused the bartender’s orders to leave and grabbed the bartender’s armed and twisted it. When police arrived on the scene the half-dressed woman fled the scene and ran into the bathroom of a nearby Taco Bell. Once she was arrested and cuffed she then “freaked out” inside the police car. According to officers on the scene she kicked the officer in the head and then escaped the car by flipping backwards out of the vehicle, while still handcuffed. She was arrested a short time later and hospitalized and sedated.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Buy a Musical Instrument Day
Sherlock Holmes Day - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes born this day in 1859

Notable Birthdays
Michael Constantine 85/actor, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Room 222
Bernard Shaw 72/former CNN anchor
Bernie Taupin 62/lyricist for Elton John
Dana Williams 51/bassist, Diamond Rio
Ann Cusack 51/actress, A League of Their Own, TV’s Jeff Foxworthy Show
Johnny Gill 46/singer, New Edition
Dan Robberts 45/bassist, Crash Test Dummies
Naomi Campbell 42/model
Alison Eastwood 40/actress, Clint’s daughter
A.J. Langer 38/actress, TV’s My So Called Life

Born on this day also known as the late
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle–1859-1930/author, Sherlock Holmes stories
Sir Laurence Olivier–1907-1989/actor, Spartacus, Hamlet, Clash of the Titans
Paul Winfield–1941-2004/actor, The Terminator, TV’s Roots, Wiseguy

Music History
2003 – A new wax figure of Jennifer Lopez was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in London.

2000 – Steely Dan received the Founders Award for a lifetime of songwriting at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards.

1997 – Fleetwod Mac performed the first of two MTV Unplugged specials that would be aired in the summer of 1997.

1992 – Michael Jackson financed the funeral of a nine-year-old boy who had been killed in a drive-by shooting.

1985 – Wham! had the number one single with “Everything She Wants.”

1980 – In New York, five gold records that belonged to Jimi Hendrix were stolen from the Electric Ladyland studios.

1976 – Wings started a five-week run at number one on the singles chart with “Silly Love Songs.”

1972 – The Chi-Lites were at number one with “Oh Girl.”

1971 – The Rolling Stones had their second U.S. number one LP with Sticky Fingers.

1967 – On The Tonight Show, Florence Ballard appeared with The Supremes for the last time.

1966 – A 16-year-old Bruce Springsteen wrote his first two songs in the back of a 1961 Mercury on the way to a recording studio.

1966 – The number one song was “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge.

1965 – The Beatles had their eighth U.S. number one single with “Ticket to Ride.” The label on the 45 said the song was from the film Eight Arms to Hold You. That title eventually became Help!

1964 – The Beatles had their second number one LP in the U.S. with The Beatles Second Album. It replaced Meet the Beatles at the top of the album chart.

1958 – Jerry Lee Lewis announced he had married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra.

1955 – A scheduled dance to be headlined by Fats Domino was canceled by police in Bridgeport, Connecticut because “rock and roll dances might be featured.”

1954 – Bob Dylan had his bar mitzvah. He was still known as Robert Allen Zimmerman at the time.

General History
1761 – In Philadelphia, the first life insurance policy was issued in the U.S.

1841 – Henry Kennedy received a patent for the first reclining chair.

1849 – Abraham Lincoln received a patent for the floating dry dock.

1859 – Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born.

1868 – The “Great Train Robbery” took place in Indiana. The robbery was worth 96 thousand dollars in cash, gold and bonds to the seven members of the Reno gang.

1891 – The first public motion picture was given in Thomas Edison’s lab.

1892 – Dr. Sheffield, a British dentist, invented the toothpaste tube.

1908 – The Wright Brothers registered their flying machine for a U.S. patent.

1955 – Jack Benny did his last live network radio broadcast after a run of 23 years. He devoted his time fully to TV.

1967 – Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premiered on PBS.

1977 – Janet Guthrie set the fastest time of the second weekend of qualifying, becoming the first woman to earn a starting spot in the Indianapolis 500 since its inception in 1911.

1985 – Pete Rose passed Hank Aaron as National League career run scoring leader with 2,108.

1986 – Sylvester Stallone agreed to a 10-picture, six-year deal with United Artists. He signed for a reported 15 million dollars for each film.

1992 – Johnny Carson hosted The Tonight Show for the final time.

2002 – Barry Bonds* of the San Francisco Giants hit his 583rd career home run, tying him with Mark McGwire for fifth on the all-time list.

2004 – President George W. Bush fell from his mountain bike while completing a 17-mile course on his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Bush — who was wearing a helmet at the time — suffered scrapes on his chin, lip, nose, hand and knees. He got back on the bike and finished the course.

Daily Mindbender Answer
50% of parents dislike “fundraising” at their children’s school.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Here we go for the start of a brand new week! As you settle into the work mode routine you will find lots of fun here with the Water Cooler News to keep you chatting through the day too.

From the off-beat news department…

• Runner Completes Treadmill Half Marathon — On a Hot Air Balloon
• DUI Driver Nailed During TV News Safety Segment
• Beach Rocks Catch Fire in Mom’s Pants

Daily Mindbender Question
What’s the first thing 61% of today’s college grads will do the week they graduate?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News Department

“Runner Completes Treadmill Half Marathon — On a Hot Air Balloon”
Most people would feel a sense of accomplishment if they could complete a half-marathon – and even more pride if they trekked the 13 miles for a charity. But for Aussie Rob Ginnivan that’s small potatoes. Last week Ginnivan finished a half marathon while on board a treadmill – which was loaded onto a hot air balloon. Ginnivan told reporters it took him longer to complete the journey than he thought. He’s hoping the stunt will help him raise $70,000 for the heart foundation.

—–

“DUI Driver Nailed During TV News Safety Segment”
A TV morning news segment about a dangerous intersection turned into an episode of Cops last week. While Good Day Sacramento’s automotive reporter Doug Brauner was live on the air reporting with a California Highway Patrol Officer about crosswalk etiquette, a driver in a black pick-up truck blew through a light, screeching his tires as he swung right through the crosswalk, narrowling missing the reporter. As cameras rolled, the nearby cop jumped into his car and zoomed after the driver who was later stopped. He was arrested on a number of traffic violations, including DUI.

—–

“Beach Rocks Catch Fire in Mom’s Pants”
Preliminary reports say beach rocks that burst into flames inside a mother’s cargo shorts were coated with phosphorus. Officials say for some reason the highly combustible material – the same material that makes matches light – was detected on the rocks. According to reports, the 43 year old mother was walking along the San Onofre State Beach in San Diego, California and storing rocks her kids found in pockets when all of a sudden the rocks ignited, setting her shorts on fire.

Historical Notes

Today Is
American Red Cross Day - Founded by Clara Barton this day in 1881.
Victoria Day – Canada

Notable Birthdays
Ron Isley 71/singer, Isley Brothers, “Shout,” “Who’s That Lady”
Hilton Valentine 69/guitarist, The Animals
Richard Hatch 67/actor, TV’s Battlestar Galactica
Bill Champlin 65/keyboardist, Chicago
Leo Sayer 64/singer, “When I Need You”
Mr. T 60/actor, TV’s The A-Team, Rocky III
Stan Lynch 57/drummer, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Judge Reinhold 54/actor, Beverly Hills Cop, Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Born on this day also known as the late
Harold Robbins–1916-1997/novelist, The Carpetbaggers
Raymond Burr–1917-1993/actor, TV’s Perry Mason
David Groh–1939-2008/actor, Joe on TV’s Rhoda

Music History
2010 – U2 frontman Bono underwent emergency back surgery in Germany after suffering an injury while preparing for the European leg of the U2360 tour.

2001 – The movie Pearl Harbor premiered in Hawaii. Faith Hill was on hand to open the event singing the national anthem.

1998 – Frank Sinatra’s wife of 22 years and his three children were left with most of his assets when Sinatra’s will was filed. Wife Barbara Sinatra got most of Frank’s real estate and the rights to market his name and likeness. Frank’s first wife and the mother of his children, Nancy Barbato Sinatra, was left 250 thousand dollars.

1979 – Elton John started a tour of Russia. He was the first Western artist ever to do so.

1973 – The number one single was the instrumental, “Frankenstein,” by The Edgar Winter Group.

1971 – Paul McCartney released Ram.

1969 – John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a 10-day “bed-in” in Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

1969 – Blood, Sweat & Tears released the single, “Spinning Wheel.”

1966 – The Mamas & The Papas had the number one album with If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears.

1963 – “Little” Stevie Wonder recorded “Fingertips,” live on stage.

1961 – Ernie K-Doe had the number one song with “Mother-in-Law.”

General History
1819 – Bicycles were first seen in the U.S. in New York City. They were originally known as “swift walkers.”

1832 – In the U.S., the Democratic Party held its first national convention.

1881 – Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

1945 – Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart were married.

1980 – The movie The Empire Strikes Back was released.

1999 – Soap star Susan Lucci finally won a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Actress. The All My Children diva had been nominated in the category for the last 19 years.

Daily Mindbender Answer
The first thing 61% of today’s college grads do the week they graduate is “move back home”.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Welcome to the “Happy Dance Friday” edition of the Water Cooler News! It’s time to get ready for another weekend and it’s time to work on that To Do List while also looking busy at work. As you gather around the proverbial work water cooler it’s also important to have fun things to chat about too!

From the off-beat news department…

• Bar Raid Cops: Underage Girls Pretended to Be Cooks
• Burglar Calls Victim, Offers to Return Stolen Goods
• Businessman Hires Bengal Tiger as Guard Dog

You will also find “Today Is” notations for the weekend, notable birthdays for today and historical factoids too.

Daily Mindbender Question
62% of homeowners have never done this.
What is it?

Answer at end of the post!

Off-Beat News

“Bar Raid Cops: Underage Girls Pretended to Be Cooks”
A bar owner in Carmel, Indiana is trouble as it’s accused of allowing underage girls to hang out at the bar. When police raided the Double Apple Lounge investigators say the bar’s owner told three females – ages 15, 19 and 20 – to run into the kitchen and pretend to cook. The plan ended quickly when officers found the underage patrons going through the motions with food on a cold grill. The girls also told police they did not know how to turn the grill on.

—–

“Burglar Calls Victim, Offers to Return Stolen Goods”
Police didn’t have to look too hard for the man accused of robbing a Long Island, New York woman. Officials say 49 year old Peter Noto was caught and charged with two counts of burglary after he reportedly contacted the woman whose apartment he broke into twice and offered to give back all of the stuff he’d stolen.

—–

“Businessman Hires Bengal Tiger as Guard Dog”
After his home was robbed twice by armed bandits, a South African man decided he’d had enough. Michael Jamison decided to skip a burglar alarm and pick a slightly less traditional form of security – a 330 pound rescued Bengal Tiger named Enzo. Jamison says Enzo has become like a member of the family sleeping in bed with him and his girlfriend, playing with their dogs and the tiger even uses a litter box. Jamison also said his house has not been the target of a burglary since getting the kitty cat either.

Historical Notes

Today Is
International Museum Day
Visit Your Relatives Day

Notable Birthdays
Bill Macy 90/actor, TV’s Maude
Jack Whitaker 88/sportscaster
Robert Morse 81/actor, How to Succeed in Business
Dwayne Hickman 78/actor, TV’s Dobie Gillis
Brooks Robinson 75/Baseball Hall-Of-Famer, Baltimore Orioles
Albert Hammond 70/singer-songwriter, “It Never Rains in Southern California”
Reggie Jackson 66/Baseball Hall-Of-Famer, Yankees & A’s
Joe Bonsall 64/singer. member of The Oak Ridge Boys, “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue”
Rick Wakeman 63/keyboardist, Yes, Strawbs
James Stephens 61/actor, Mr. Hart on TV’s The Paper Chase
George Strait 60/Country Music Hall of Fame member
Feliciano Tavares 59/singer, Tavares
Tina Fey 42/comic actress, 30 Rock

Born on this day also known as the late
Big Joe Turner 1911-1985/singer, “Shake Rattle & Roll”
Perry Como 1912-2001/crooner, “It’s Impossible”
Pope John Paul II/1920-2005 pontiff
Pernell Roberts 1928-2010/actor, TV’s Trapper John, M.D.

Saturday, May 19
Armed Forces Day
Circus Day - The Ringling Brother’s Circus opened in 1884.

Sunday, May 20
Strawberry Picking Day

Music History
2009 – The concert promoter behind Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour insisted to CNN the artist is “as healthy as can be,” after reports he had skin cancer. Jackson died a little over a month later, on June 25th, after receiving a fatal dose of propofol, one of the drugs on which he was dependent.

2005 – Elvis Presley was named the most successful artist of all time by Guinness World Records.

2004 – Hee Haw Collection was released. It was the first time that full shows were released on VHS and DVD.

1991 – R.E.M. had the number one album with Out Of Time.

1984 – Simple Minds had the number one single with “Don’t You Forget About Me” from the soundtrack to the John Hughes movie, The Breakfast Club.

1978 – The film The Buddy Holly Story, starring Gary Busey, premiered in Dallas. Busey went on to receive a Best Actor Oscar nomination.

1969 – The Beatles had the number one song with “Get Back.”

1968 – Archie Bell & The Drells were at number one with “Tighten Up.”

1967 – John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang backing vocals on “We Love You” by The Rolling Stones during a Stones recording session at Olympic Studios in London.

1960 – “Cathy’s Clown” by The Everly Brothers was the number one song.

1959 – Johnny Horton’s “The Battle of New Orleans” went to number one on the country singles chart.

General History
1804 – Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed emperor by the French Senate.

1962 – Marilyn Monroe made her last significant public appearance, singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at a party for him at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

1980 – Mt. Saint Helens erupted in Washington State. Fifty-seven people were killed and three billion dollars in damage was done.

2001 – The animated film Shrek was released. It would become Dreamworks’ most successful film to date.

2003 – The musical Les Miserables closed after six thousand, 680 shows and 16 years on Broadway.

2004 – At 40, Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game in Major League Baseball history.

Daily Mindbender Answer
62% of homeowners have never “watered their lawn”.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Welcome to Thursday which means “Almost Friday”! As you start plotting your plans for the upcoming weekend lets also make sure you’re set for any idle chit-chat you may find yourself in throughout the day too. In this edition of the Water Cooler News you will find a list of notable birthdays for today and some fun historical facts too.

From the off-beat news department…

• Man Sneaks Onto Plane, Claims to ‘Own the World’
• Suspect Released on Bail to Write Book Reports
• Teenage Burglar Leaves Homework at Scene of Crime

Daily Mindbender Question
52% of women can’t go a day without doing this.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Man Sneaks Onto Plane, Claims to ‘Own the World’”
A 28 year old man was released on a $14,000 bond after he was arrested for breaking into and ranting on-board a plane parked at the Nashville International Airport. When officers confronted him he shouted – “I own the world!” – Ram Porat was arrested after he attempted to flee the scene on foot and is now facing a number of charges.

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“Suspect Released on Bail to Write Book Reports”
A U.S. District Court Judge has allowed a 23 year old man arrested for allegedly trying to sell a grenade launcher to an undercover federal agent, to go free from jail before his trial – as long as he does some homework. The Judge provided Otis Mobley Junior with a book list and ordered him to “Read and complete book reports” as he awaits trial. Judge Rogers insists that Mobley spend “An hour every day on books and at least a half an hour writing the reports”.

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“Teenage Burglar Leaves Homework at Scene of Crime”
Police in Utah had little trouble tracking down an 18 year old who reportedly broke into an elderly couple’s home as he left his homework at the scene. Authorities say a 75 year old man woke up to discover Dallas Naljahih going through the victim’s home office. When he confronted the teen, Naljahih allegedly punched the elderly man twice in the face and then fled the scene. The man quickly called the police who found the teen’s backpack containing a USB drive filled with his clearly identified homework. That of course led police right to the teen.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Pack Rat Day - A day to celebrate those people that keep everything, because they may use it someday. Most of us have “pack rat” tendencies, the biggest problem is finding a place to store all the “stuff” that we accumulate. If you are being overrun by lots of “stuff” then you just need to figure out how to organize and store it all, but do not start today, because today is all about celebrating your “pack-ratyness”!

Notable Birthdays
Taj Mahal 70/blues singer-guitarist
Bill Bruford 63/drummer, Yes, King Crimson
Bill Paxton 57/actor, Weird Science, Titanic
Sugar Ray Leonard 56/Boxing Hall-of-Famer, Dancing with the Stars contestant
Bob Saget 56/actor-comedian, TV’s Full House
Craig Ferguson 50/host, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson
Page McConnell 49/keyboardist, Phish
Jordan Knight 42/singer, New Kids on The Block

Born on this day also known as the late
Dennis Hopper 1936–2010/actor, Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, Hoosiers, Speed

Music History
2006 – After four years of marriage, PAUL Mccartney and Heather Mills announced they were separating.

2000 – The Eagles filed suit against the “Hotel California” restaurant in Dallas, alleging trademark violations.

1987 – A fire destroyed Tom Petty’s house in Los Angeles. The damage was estimated at 800 thousand dollars.

1983 – David Bowie had the number one song with “Let’s Dance.”

1980 – Drummer Peter Criss left KISS to start a solo career. He was replaced by Eric Carr.

1975 – Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy album was released. It was the first album to be certified a million-seller on its first day of release.

1975 – B.J. Thomas went to number one on the country chart with “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.”

1974 – The number one song in the nation was The Streak by Ray Stevens.

1967 – Glen Campbell recorded “Gentle on My Mind” at Capitol Recording Studio in Hollywood.

General History
1792 – The New York Stock Exchange was founded by brokers meeting under a tree located on what is now Wall Street.

1875 – The first Kentucky Derby was run. The winner was Aristedes.

1998 – New York Yankees pitcher David Wells became the 13th player in modern major league baseball history to throw a perfect game.

2000 – After 10 seasons, the final episode of the TV teen drama series Beverly Hills, 90210 aired on Fox.

2001 – The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip.

Daily Mindbender Answer
52% of women can’t go a day without “sending a ‘risque text’ message.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Happy “Hump-Day” as we find ourselves in the middle of the week Wednesday! Some might say it’s all downhill from here to the weekend! As you gather speed toward the approaching weekend lets make sure you some fun things to chat about throughout the day as you waste time at the proverbial work water cooler.

From the off-beat news department…

• Man Bitten by Rattlesnake at Walmart
• Video Sting Catches Buddhist Monks Drinking, Gambling
• Couple Makes Bee-Line for the Bathroom After Bees Invade Home

You will also find a list of notable birthdays for this day and some historical notes too.

Daily Mindbender Question
If you suffer from mageiricophobia, what are you afraid of?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Man Bitten by Rattlesnake at Walmart”
They say you can get anything at Walmart, but don’t remind Mica Craig. Officials say the 47 year old was shopping in the garden center at the store in Clarkston, Washington when he went to move aside a stick near a bag of mulch – but the stick turned out to be a rattlesnake which clamped down on his arm. Craig shook the reptile loose but the damage was already done and he was rushed to the hospital for six vials of anti-venom.

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“Video Sting Catches Buddhist Monks Drinking, Gambling”
Six leaders of South Korea’s largest Buddhist order have resigned in the wake of a video scandal after a hidden camera sting caught some of the order’s usually modest, reserved monks drinking, smoking and gambling. The video – taken at a luxury hotel – was secretly shot in April by a monk after a memorial service for one of the order’s own. The footage ws taken during a 13 hour long high-stakes poker game in which the jackpot won topped $875,000.

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“Couple Makes Bee-Line for the Bathroom After Bees Invade Home”
A Marion, Texas couple had a big problem this week that left them dashing for the bathroom. Authorities say Jason and Jennifer Williams rushed to the bathroom after Jason got a shock opening the front door. As soon as he opened the door hundreds of bees raced into their home. When firefighters arrived on the scene they distracted the bees with sprays and soapy water giving the couple enough cover to flee their home covered in blankets.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Nickel Day - The first U.S. Nickel minted in 1866. Known as the “Shield Nickel”.

Notable Birthdays
Robert Fripp 66/guitarist, King Crimson
Richard Page 59/ex-singer, Mr. Mister
Pierce Brosnan 59/actor
Debra Winger 57/actress
Boyd Tinsley 48/violinist, Dave Matthews Band
Krist Novoselic 47/ex-bassist, Nirvana
Janet Jackson 46/singer, actress
Brian F. O’Byrne 45/actor, Million Dollar Baby
Tucker Carlson 43/political correspondent
Tracey Gold 43/actress, TV’s Growing Pains
David Boreanaz 43/actor, TV’s Bones
Tori Spelling 39/actress, TV’s Beverly Hills, 90210
Melanie Lynskey 35/actress, TV’s Two and a Half Men
Megan Fox 26/actress, Transformers
Marc John Jefferies 22/actor, TV’s The Tracy Morgan Show

Born on this day also known as the late
Liberace–1919-1987/entertainer, pianist
Henry Fonda–1905-1982/actor, The Grapes of Wrath

Music History
2009 – Bob Dylan was at the top of the album chart with Together Through Life, his 33rd studio album.

2000 – The Artist Formerly Known As Prince announced he would go back calling himself Prince.

1990 – Sammy Davis Jr. died in his Beverly Hills, California, home after a long battle with throat cancer.

1987 – U2 had their first number one single in the U.S. with the song “With or Without You.”

1980 – Dr. George C. Nichopoulous, alias “Dr. Nick,” was indicted in Memphis on 14 counts of overprescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and nine other patients.

1976 – Wings had the number one single with “Silly Love Songs.”

1969 – Pete Townshend was arrested and fined 75 dollars for unknowingly kicking on off-duty policeman offstage during a Who concert.

1966 – The Beach Boys released their Pet Sounds album.

General History
1770 – Marie Antoinette, age 14, married the future King Louis the 16th of France, who was 15.

1866 – Congress authorized minting of the five-cent piece.

1868 – The Senate failed by one vote to convict President Andrew Johnson of impeachment, as it took its first ballot on one of eleven articles against him.

1946 – The musical Annie Get Your Gun, starring Ethel Merman, opened on Broadway.

1990 – Muppets creator Jim Henson died at age 53.

1991 – Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress.

2000 – Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas resigned from United Press International, a day after the wire service was sold to the parent company of The Washington Times.

2000 – First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated to run for Senator in New York. She was the first First lady to run for public office.

2011 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association announced that Jerry Lewis was being phased out as host of the charity telethon he hosted for more than four decades, and Labor Day 2011 would be his last as host. However, the MDA subsequently fired him without announcing why before he got a chance to don his tux one last time.

Daily Mindbender Answer
If you suffer from mageiricophobia you are afraid of “cooking”.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Say hello to Tuesday and say hello to another edition of the Water Cooler News! In this edition of the WC News you will find some fun historical facts and a list of notable birthdays for today too.

From the off-beat news department…

• Woman Assaults Friend with Tiki Torch
• Suspect Caught After Checking Facebook During Internet Cafe Robbery
• Cops Bust Little Girl for Overdue Library Books

Daily Mindbender Question
This item contains more germs than any other.
What is it?

Answer at end of post!

Off-Beat News

“Woman Assaults Friend with Tiki Torch”
A 26 year old Ohio woman was arrested Saturday morning after allegedly beating another woman with a tiki torch during a fight over a man. Authorities say Shanisa Ellison beat Marquita Jackson with the decorative item causing injuries to her head and torson. Police say alcohol was a factor in the incident.

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“Suspect Caught After Checking Facebook During Internet Cafe Robbery”
Police were quick to pounce on a suspect in a recent gunpoint Internet Cafe robbery after they discovered he logged into Facebook during the crime to check out his page. Authorities say multiple suspects pretended to be customers at the store in Calima before they pulled out their guns, assaulted th emanager and made him empty the register. While one of the suspects waited for the cash, he checked his Facebook status, but forget to log out before he and his accomplices fled the scene. That of course gave Investigators responding to the scene his name, which then led to his address and of course an arrest.

—–

“Cops Bust Little Girl for Overdue Library Books”
It took a knock on the door from police officers to get 4 year old Katelyn Jameman to give up four overdue library books. The borrowed books – Sleeping Beauty, Dora the Explorer, I See the Moon and Corduroy’s Halloween – were due at Pennsylvania’s Freeport Area Libray on October 19, 2011. But, Jageman held onto the books despite the library’s best efforts to get them back. Last week they books were returned when police showed up on the doorstep. Katelyn’s 204 day overdue fines added up to $81.60.

Historical Notes

Today Is
National Chocolate Chip Day

Notable Birthdays
Trini Lopez 75/singer, “Lemon Tree,” “If I Had a Hammer”
K.T. Oslin 70/country singer
Brian Eno 64/producer-keyboards, U2, Talking Heads, Roxy Music
Madeleine Albright 75/64th U.S. Secretary of State
Nicholas Hammond 62/actor, young Friedrich in The Sound of Music
George Brett 59/Baseball Hall of Famer, Kansas City Royals
Mike Oldfield 59/multi-instrumentalist, “Tubular Bells”
Emmitt Smith 43/NFL Hall of Famer
Amy Chow 34/Olympic gold medal gymnast

Born on this day also known as the late
Eddy Arnold–1918-2008/Country Music Hall of Fame member

Music History
2008 – Neil Diamond hit the top of the album chart for the first time in his career with his 29th studio album, Home Before Dark. At the age of 67, Diamond became the oldest artist to have a number-one album in the U.S. The record was previously held by Bob Dylan, who did it in 2004 when he was 65.

1998 – Sonny and Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1985 – Prince released the single “Raspberry Beret.”

1982 – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder’s duet, “Ebony & Ivory,” was the number-one single.

1982 – The self-titled debut album from the rock supergroup Asia was at number one.

1977 – Stevie Wonder had the number-one single with “Sir Duke.” The song is a tribute to jazz great Duke Ellington.

1976 – The Rolling Stones had the number-one album with Black and Blue. It was the first Stones album to feature their new guitarist, Ron Wood.

1976 – The all-brother-and-sister group The Sylvers had the number-one single with “Boogie Fever.”

1971 – Two short films by John Lennon were shown at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

1970 – Close to You, The Carpenters’ second album, was released.

1968 – The number-one song was “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drells. Bell was in the hospital suffering from wounds suffered in Vietnam when the song hit the top spot.

1963 – The Grammy for Record of the Year went to Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.” Album of the Year went to Vaughn Meader’s comedy LP, The First Family, which was a spoof of the Kennedy White House.

1957 – Elvis Presley inhaled a cap on one of his teeth. He had to be taken to a Los Angeles hospital to have it removed from his lung.

1945 – The first album chart was introduced. Albums, at that point, were a collection of 78rpm singles.

General History
1862 – Congress created the Department of Agriculture.

1886 – Poet Emily Dickinson died in Amherst, Massachusetts.

1926 – The New York Rangers were officially granted a franchise in the NHL. The NHL also announced that Chicago and Detroit would join the league in November.

1940 – Nylon stockings went on general sale for the first time in the United States.

1941 – Joe DiMaggio began his historic Major League Baseball hitting streak of 56 games.

1973 – California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan tossed a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals. It was Ryan’s first of seven career no-hitters.

1990 – Vincent Van Gogh’s Portrait of Doctor Gachet was sold for 82.5 million dollars. The sale set a new world record.

1991 – President Bush took Queen Elizabeth The Second to a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland A’s. She left after two innings.

Daily Mindbender Answer
A “shopping cart handle” contains more germs than any other item.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus

Welcome to Monday, welcome to a new work week and welcome to another edition of the Water Cooler News! Making sure you have fun things to chat about throughout the day.

From the off-beat news department…

• For a Fee, Scary Clown Will Terrorize Your Kid
• Town Punishes Speeder by Hanging Car in Tree
• Jersey Town Ticketing Texting Pedestrians

You will also find a list of notable birthdays for today and some great historical tidbits too.

Daily Mindbender Question
37% of women say this is the number one thing they hate about marriage.
What is it?

Off-Beat News

“For a Fee, Scary Clown Will Terrorize Your Kid”
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the kid who has everything? How about a lifelong fear of clowns. For a price, Swiss actor Dominic DeVille will put on his “Evil Birthday Clown” mask – complete with fangs and a mouth dripping blood – and terrorize that lucky boy or girl for an entire week. The grand finale – he confronts the child and smashes a cake into his or her face. The price of the clown also gets you harassing phone calls for an entire week to the child as well.

—–

“Town Punishes Speeder by Hanging Car in Tree”
Residents in the Polish town of Lubczyna were so fed up with an unlicensed driver zooming recklessly around their quiet streets they decided to take action. The residents got together and hoisted his Ford Escort to the top of a tall willow tree. The driver of the car told officials – “I get the message. I will slow down”.

—–

“Jersey Town Ticketing Texting Pedestrians”
In the wake of more than 20 accidents involving pedestrians who were texting or talking on their cellphones while walking – a New Jersey town has decided to crack down. The Police Chief from the Fort Lee, New Jersey Police Department has ordered his officers to issue tickets to the so-called “careless pedestrians”.

Historical Notes

Today Is
Dance Like A Chicken Day

Notable Birthdays
Jack Bruce 69/bass-vocals, Cream, “Sunshine of Your Love”
George Lucas 68/producer-director-writer
Gene Cornish 67/guitarist, The Rascals, “Good Lovin’”
David Byrne 60/singer-guitarist, ex-Talking Heads, solo
Robert Zemeckis 60/film director, Forrest Gump, Back to the Future movies
Tim Roth 51/actor, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, The Hulk
Fabrice Morvan 46/singer-lip-syncher, Milli Vanilli
Danny Wood 43/singer, New Kids on the Block
Cate Blanchett 43/actress, Lord of the Rings
Amber Tamblyn 29/actress, TV’s Joan of Arcadia
Miranda Cosgrove 19/actress, iCarly

Born on this day also known as the late
Bobby Darin–1936-1973/singer, “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash”
Lek Leckenby–1946-1994/guitar, Herman’s Hermits
Gabriel Fahrenheit–1686-1736 /German inventor of the mercury thermometer

Music History
1988 – Led Zeppelin reunited for Atlantic Records’ 40th Anniversary party at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham, sat in on drums.

1985 – Michael Jackson received a humanitarian award from President Reagan at the White House.

1984 – Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson scored a gold single with “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before.”

1984 – Alabama won Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Group and Album of the Year for The Closer You Get at the ACM Awards.

1981 – Kim Carnes had the number one song with “Bette Davis Eyes.” The actress named in the song sent roses to Carnes when the song later won a Grammy.

1977 – The number one song was “When I Need You” by Leo Sayer.

1976 – Keith Relf, ex-lead singer of The Yardbirds, died of electrocution at age 33 while playing his guitar at home.

1973 – Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine Of My Life” was the number one single.

1970 – Crosby, Stills, Nash And YOUNG released Ohio. The release came only 10 days after the fatal Kent State University shootings.

1957 – Elvis Presley was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after swallowing a porcelain cap from one of his front teeth, which then lodged itself in one of his lungs.

General History
1650 – A law went into effect in England making adultery a crime punishable by death. The adulteress was to be burned alive and the adulterer was to be hanged from a gibbet erected over her ashes. No, we don’t know what a “gibbet” is, either.

1851 – Gail Borden of Brooklyn applied for a patent for condensed milk.

1878 – Robert Cheesebrough registered the trademark for Vaseline.

1897 – “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa was performed for the first time. It was at a ceremony where a statue of George Washington was unveiled.

1904 – The Olympic games were held in the United States for the first time, in St Louis.

1989 – The series finale of Moonlighting aired on ABC.

1992 – Lee Iacocca stepped down as head of the Chrysler Corporation.

1994 – Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis, announced she was proud of her nude shots in the July issue of Playboy. Her parents of course, felt differently.

1996 – Melanie Griffith married Antonio Banderas in London.

1998 – The much-hyped final episode of Seinfeld was broadcast, attracting 76 million viewers. In the episode, George, Elaine, Jerry and Kramer end up in jail after not coming to the aid of a passer-by in trouble.

Daily Mindbender Answer
37% of women say “taking their husband’s name” is the #1 thing they hate about marriage.

Yours in Water Cooler News fun!

Dr. Rus