Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1946] Justice received: An international military tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, finds 22 top Nazi leaders guilty of war crimes...
  2. 1947] Brought to you by: The World Series is televised for the 1st time with sponsors playing a "hefty" $65,000 for the entire Yankee-Dodger series...
  3. 1949] Airlift lands: The Berlin airlift, which delivered 2.3 million tons of food and fuel to West Berliners despite a Soviet blockade, ends...
  4. 1950] Premiered on this date: Radio's 'Grand Old Opry' is televised for the first time...1951] "The Red Skelton Show" debuts for a 20-season run...1960] "The Flintstones" becomes the first primetime animated series on its way to 6 years in first run and forever in syndication...1982] "Cheers" kicks off an 11-year run...
  5. 1955] Hollywood tragedy: 24-year old Hollywood star James Dean is killed in a two-car collision while racing near Cholame (CA)...
  6. 1960] Howdy goes back in the box: "The Howdy Doody Show" bows out with the silent Clarabelle (played by Bob Keeshan, future "Captain Kangaroo" speaking for the 1st time. Clarabelle simply says: "Goodbye kids"...
  7. 1962] With more to come: The 1st-year New York Mets lose a record 120th game and they hit into a triple-play to boot...
  8. 1972] A hero to the end: Future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente picks up his 3,000th and final hit as he'll go down in a tragic plane crash on New Year's Eve...
  9. 1985] Howard exits: Howard Stern is fired by WNBC after 3 years but he will quickly resurface at WXRK (K-Rock)...
  10. 2004] Pulling the plug on Vioxx: Merck & Co. pulls Vioxx, its heavily promoted arthritis drug after a study finds it doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes...For more on September 30th: CLICK:

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1951] In living color: The first network football game televised in color was the University of California vs. Penn on CBS-TV...
  2. 1953] Premiered on this date: "Make Room For Daddy" starring Danny Thomas runs for 18 seasons...1960] "My Three Sons" starring Fred MacMurray runs for 12 seasons...1963] "My Favorite Martian" starring Ray Walston has a short 3 season run but it should have lasted longer...1971] "McMillan And Wife" starring Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James has a 6-season run...1985] "MacGyver" starring Richard Dean Anderson debuts for a 7-year run...1986] "Designing Women" lasts 7 seasons...1987] "Thirtysomething" runs 4 years...
  3. 1954] Greatest catch: There have been better catches since but Willie Mays makes what's considered the greatest catch of all-time against Cleveland's Vic Wertz in game one of the World Series. The Giants not only win that game, they sweep the Indians in 4...
  4. 1957] Back to the Polo Grounds: The Giants play their last game in New York, losing to the Pirates 9-1 in front of 11,606 either crazy or diehard fans...
  5. 1974] The Beatle and The Professor: John Lennon sits in as a guest disc jockey on WNEW-FM. I believe this was on Scott Muni's show...
  6. 1976] It's time for a change: Tommy Lasorda replaces Walter Alston as Dodger manager. Alston was mgr. for 22 years, Lasorda rings up 20...
  7. 1978] 'Happy Trails': After serving barely over a month, Pope John Paul I is found dead of a heart attack. Some question whether or not the Pope was poisoned. The Pope was 66...
  8. 1982] Tainted Tylenol: Seven people die in Chicago after taking capsules of Extra-Strength Tylenol that had been laced with cyanide. 264,000 bottles are recalled...
  9. 1986] Mom always liked you better: For the first time in baseball history 2 brothers who are both rookies, pitch against each other in a game. Greg Maddux defeats brother Mike. Greg will waltz into the Hall of Fame 5 years after he retires while the closest Mike will get is by buying a ticket to get in...
  10. 1989] Vhat? I did not do that: Zsa Zsa Gabor is convicted of battery for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer who had pulled her and her Rolls-Royce over for expired plates...

For more on September 29th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Friday, September 26, 2008

(Weekend Edition) September 26 -28, 2008...

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1941] Teddy Ballgame: Ted Williams goes 6 for 6 in a doubleheader and finishes with a .406 batting average. No one has done it since. Same date 10 years later in 1951, Williams hits a home run in his last at-bat (9/28)...
  2. 1954] Tonight, Tonight: Steve Allen becomes the first host of the new "Tonight Show"...2004] NBC-TV tells Conan O'Brien he will become the new host of the show replacing Jay Leno in 2009 (both happened on 9/27 - 50 years apart)...
  3. 1955] Wedding Bells: Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher walk down the aisle and then go on an "Aba Dabba Honeymoon". After 4 years Eddie Fisher calls out for help, singing "Oh My Papa" (9/26)...
  4. 1955] In living color: The World Series is televised in color for the first time. I watched it in a store window on 13th Avenue in Borough Park - not happy to see the Dodgers win (9/28)...
  5. 1957] Premiered on this date: "West Side Story" at the Winter Garden Theater (for 732 performances) (9/26)...1961] Richard Chamberlain starts making house calls as "Dr. Kildare" (9/28). Four days later "Ben Casey" debuts...1962] "Beverly Hillbillies" which will air for 9 seasons (9/26)...1964] "Gilligan's Island" for 3 seasons and then re-runs forever (9/26)...1968] "Hawaii Five-O" which says 'Aloha' after its 12th season (9/26)...1969] "The Brady Bunch" which lasts 5 seasons (9/26)...1969] The Fillmore West opens in San Francisco (9/26)...1975] "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf premieres (9/26)...
  6. 1960] Debate? That's debatable: The first of four nationally televised debates between presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon is held (9/26). Guess who won???
  7. 1964] Warren wrap: The Warren Commission issues a report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone (9/27). Questions remain...
  8. 1973] What's your name?: Carlos Santana, a disciple of Sri Chinmoy, changes his name to Devadip, begging the question, was it Devadip Santana or Santana Devadip? Hare Krishna! (9/27)...
  9. 1991] 'Happy Trails': Jazz great Miles Davis dies of a stroke at 65 (9/28)...2003] Tennis champion Althea Gibson dies at 76 from respiratory failure (9/28)...2004] Legendary disc jockey Scott Muni passes away at 74 after suffering a stroke earlier in the year (9/28)...
  10. 2007] Hung jury: The murder trial of Phil Spector ends in a mistrial when the jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict (9/26). Spector allegedly shot actress Lana Clarkson fatally at his mansion in 2003...

For more on September 26 -28: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1962] A Sonny forecast: Sonny Liston KO's Floyd Patterson in the 1st round to win the heavyweight championship...
  2. 1965] Premiered on this date: The half-hour Saturday morning cartoon, "The Beatles" debuts on ABC-TV and lasts until September, 1969...1979] "Evita" opens on Broadway. It's the 3rd collaboration of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber...1997] The season premiere of "ER" is a live presentation...
  3. 1965] "Say Hey" has his day: At the age of 34, Willie Mays becomes the oldest player to hit 50 home runs in a season...1973] "Willie Mays Night" draws a sold-out Shea Stadium crowd. Willie does not play in the game but the Mets win it for him, 2-1 over Montreal...
  4. 1980] "Happy Trails": Led Zeppelin drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham who dies of excessive alcohol consumption at 32...2003] Author George Plimpton dies of natural causes at 76...
  5. 1990] Naming Rights: Little Richard Boulevard is named for the star in Macon (GA)...
  6. 1992] D-I-V-O-R-C-E: A judge in Orlando (FL) rules in favor of Gregory Kingsley, a 12-year old seeking a divorce from his biological parents...
  7. 1995] Independence Day: Ross Perot announces the formation of the Independence Party...
  8. 1997] Biting mad: NBC sportscaster Marv Albert pleads guilty to assault and battery of his lover. He is fired by NBC hours later...
  9. 2001] An MJ sighting: Michael Jordan announces his return to basketball as a player for the Washington Wizards. MJ became president of operations in January, 2000...
  10. 2006] Super again: The Superdome reopens for football and the hometown Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-3...

For more on September 25th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1957] Last exit from Brooklyn: The Dodgers play their last game in Brooklyn at Ebbets Field in front of 6,702 fans. They beat the Pirates 2-0 with Gil Hodges driving in the final run in Brooklyn...
  2. 1961] Curtains: "I Love Lucy" bows out after a run of 10 years...
  3. 1961] Premiered on this date: "The Bullwinkle Show", originally known as "Rocky and His Friends" in an afternoon slot, the primetime run lasts 3 years with reruns until 1973...1964] "The Munsters", CBS-TV's answer to "The Addams Family" runs first-run for 2 years and then in syndication...1968] "60 Minutes" begins ticking...1968] "Mod Squad" on ABC-TV until 1973...1977] "The Love Boat" sets sail on ABC-TV and won't dock until 1986...
  4. 1969] Behind the 8-ball: A trial begins for the "Chicago Eight", accused of inciting riots at the 1968 Democrats national convention in Chicago...
  5. 1969] The Mets shock baseball: The New York Mets beat the heavily-favored Baltimore Orioles to win their first World Series...
  6. 1972] Broadway Joe beats Baltimore: Jets QB Joe Namath passes for 6 touchdowns in the Jets 44-34 win over the Colts...
  7. 1976] Guilty as charged: Patricia Hearst is sentenced to 7 years in prison for her role in a 1974 bank robbery. She serves 22 months before Jimmy Carter sets her free on a clemency order...1988] After shooting it out with a Georgia state trooper, James Brown is arrested...
  8. 1991] "Happy Trails": Dr. Seuss a.k.a. Theodor Seuss Geisel dies of natural causes at 87...
  9. 1996] No Nukes: Bill Clinton and other major nuclear powers sign a treaty to end all testing and development of nuclear weapons...
  10. 2005] Not lovely: Hurricane Rita strikes eastern Texas and the Louisiana coast, causing more flooding in New Orleans...

For more on September 24th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1642] A time for joy, a time for tears: Harvard holds its first commencement. A grand total of 9 men graduate with degrees...
  2. 1952] Your move Mr. Nixon: When questioned about his integrity, VP candidate Richard Nixon gives his famous "Checkers" speech. Checkers was the name of a dog given as a gift to 6-year old daughter Tricia that he was going to keep...
  3. 1952] The winner and new champ: Rocky Marciano wins his biggest fight, winning the heavyweight crown by knocking out previous champ Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. When Rocky went down in that small plane he was 49-0. He never lost a fight...
  4. 1956] Circus Boy: Mickey Braddock begins his career as "Corky", a 12-year old adopted by the circus in NBC-TV's "Circus Boy". Mickey Braddock will change his name to Micky Dolenz...
  5. 1962] Maury Wills it so: Dodger Maury Wills breaks Ty Cobb's 47-year old stolen base record when he swipes #97 on the way to 104...
  6. 1962] The Name Game: The New York Philharmonic Hall opens as the first unit in Lincoln Center. The hall will later be renamed Avery Fisher Hall...
  7. 1969] Paul is dead: The London Daily Mirror reports that Paul McCartney is dead in one of the greatest hoaxes of all-time...
  8. 1977] Musical Angels: Cheryl Ladd replaces Farrah Fawcett on "Charlie's Angels"...
  9. 1988] 40-40 Club: Jose Canseco is baseball's 1st player to steal 40 bases, hit 40 home runs while dating Madonna...
  10. 1991] Going to Hall: Islanders' Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin are inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame...

For more on September 23rd: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Monday, September 22, 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1957] Premiered on this date: "Maverick" starring no, not John McCain but James Garner. This was one of the first shows I mailed promotion kits to affiliates when I was a mailboy at ABC. "Maverick" would run for 5 seasons and was one of the first hit shows for this fledgling network at the time...1964] "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", the spy show that made stars of Robert Vaughn and David McCallum. It ran for four seasons...
  2. 1961] Peace be with you: President John F. Kennedy signs a congressional act that establishes the Peace Corps...
  3. 1967] On the cover of Time Magazine: The Beatles...
  4. 1969] Home run derby: The Giants' Willie Mays becomes the second player, behind Babe Ruth, to hit his 600th home run. Hank Aaron will pass Mays and The Babe. Barry Bonds passes them all...
  5. 1975] You missed: Sara Jane Moore fails in an attempt to shoot President Gerald Ford outside the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco (it's the second attempt on Ford's life in 17 days)...
  6. 1980] "Happy Trails": Irving Berlin dies at the age of 101. Cause of death was being 101...1999] George C. Scott passes away from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Scott was 71...2001] Issac Stern dies from congestive heart failure at 81...2007] The only mime I ever liked - Marcel Marceau dies at 84. Marcel who was Jewish passes away on Yom Kippur...
  7. 1987] Out on strike: The second regular season strike in five years hits the NFL. This time only 1 game during the 16-game season is cancelled...
  8. 1995] SOLD!: Time Warner strikes a $7.5 billion deal to buy Turner Broadcasting System, Inc...
  9. 2004] That's a fine thing: CBS is fined $550,000 by the FCC for showing Janet Jackson's exposed right tata during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show which I witnessed in Houston...
  10. 2007] New justice: John Roberts' nomination as chief justice clears the Senate Judiciary Committe on a 13-5 vote...

For more on September 22nd: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/



Friday, September 19, 2008

(Weekend Edition) September 19 - 21, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1881] "Happy Trails": Our 20th president, James A. Garfield dies of wounds received 11 weeks earlier at the hands of assassin, Charles Julius Guiteau. Garfield is succeeded by Chester A. Arthur...1973] Gram Parsons of the Byrds dies of a drug overdose at 26 (both happened on 9/19)...
  2. 1938] What's your name?: An unnamed category 3 hurricane slams into Long Island and southern New England and claims as many as 600 lives (9/21)...
  3. 1952] Premiered on this date: "The Jackie Gleason Show" which runs 18 years (9/20)...1957] "Perry Mason" starring Raymond Burr starts a run of 17 seasons (9/21)...1970] "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" which airs for seven years (9/19)...1970] "Monday Night Football" with Howard Cosell, Keith Jackson who will be replaced by Frank Gifford and "Dandy" Don Meredith. The first game features a Cleveland win over the Jets 31-21 (9/21)...1984] "The Cosby Show" for 8 seasons (9/20)...
  4. 1969] Sold to the highest bidder: Associated TV buys control of the Beatles publishing company Northern Songs for a couple of million dollars (9/20). What were the Beatles thinking???
  5. 1973] The Battle Of The Sexes: Billie Jean King (30) beats Bobby Riggs (55) in a grudge tennis match at the Houston Astrodome. King whipped Riggs in straight sets (9/20)...
  6. 1973] Confirmation day: Henry Kissinger is confirmed as Secretary of State by the Senate (9/21)...1981] The Senate confirms Sandra Day O'Connor as the first female justice of the Supreme Court (9/21)...
  7. 1976] From Jimmy with lust: Playboy releases the Jimmy Carter interview in which he's quoted as saying "I've looked at a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times." Americans by the millions avoid the imagery (9/20)...
  8. 1998] What is "is"?: Bill Clinton is less ingenious than Jimmy Carter. This is the day that Bill answered a question about Monica Lewinsky with this question: "it depends on what the meaning of 'is' is?" It's all part of his testimony about an affair with "that woman, Miss Lewinsky." Unlike Carter -no pass for Clinton on his quote (9/21)...
  9. 2002] The fans get restless: Kansas City first-base coach Tom Gamboa is attacked during a game by a whacked-out father and son at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Was it the way Gamboa kept yelling "back" to runners at first base that did it? (9/19)...
  10. 2003] AO-What?: Time Warner drops the "AOL" from its name. The merged company becomes Time Warner Inc. The company started including 'AOL' in 2000 (9/19)...

For more on September 19 - 21: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1851] Premiered on this date: The first issue of The New York Times is published...1927] The Mother Ship has landed: The Columbia Broadcasting System debuts with a network of 47 stations. The name of the company is later shortened to CBS...1963] The following TV shows debuted on this date: "The Patty Duke Show" which airs for 3 years...1965] "I Dream of Jeannie" starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman. This series runs for 5 seasons...1965] "Get Smart" starring Don Adams and Barbara Feldon with a run of 5 years plus syndication forever...
  2. 1940] Published on this date: "You Can't Go Home Again" by Thomas Wolfe...
  3. 1947] Separate but equal: The U.S. Air Force is established as a separate military branch by the National Security Act...
  4. 1960] Fidel visits the Apple: Fidel Castro stays at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem where he meets with Malcolm X. He also makes TV appearances and is generally treated like the hero he wasn't...
  5. 1961] "Happy Trails": U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold dies at 56 in a plane crash in Rhodesia (now Zambia)...1975] Jimi Hendrix dies of a drug overdose at 27...1994] Tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis is the victim of an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at 40...
  6. 1963] Curtains: The New York Mets play their last game at the Polo Grounds. Shea Stadium opens for opening day 1964...
  7. 1969] No tip-toeing around: Tiny Tim announces his engagement to "Miss Vicki" on the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson". Johnny extends TT & MV an invitation to get married on the show which they do in December...
  8. 1975] Gotcha: Patty Hearst is captured in San Mateo (CA). She will be convicted and sentenced to 7 years in prison for her role in SLA crimes. Jimmy Carter will commute the sentence and she only serves 22-months...
  9. 1977] Captain Courageous: Ted Turner captains the Courageous to victory, sweeping Australia in the 24th 'America's Cup' in Newport (RI). Twenty years later on this same date (1997) Turner announces that he will donate $1 billion to the U.N. over the next 10 years...
  10. 1994] Talkin' baseball: The Ken Burns produced "Baseball" series of specials premieres on PBS, making a star of Buck O'Neill, a former Negro League player...

For more on September 18th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1787] Sign in please: The U.S. Constitution is completed and signed by a majority of delegates attending the constitutional convention in Philadelphia...
  2. 1862] Monday, bloody Monday: Union forces repel a Confederate invasion of Maryland in the Civil War Battle of Antietam. Over 23,000 are killed, wounded or captured in the bloodiest day in U.S. military history...
  3. 1947] Rookie Number One: Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson is named the first 'Rookie of The Year'...
  4. 1954] Retaining the title: Brockton (MA) native Rocky Marciano KOs Ezzard Charles in the 8th round to retain his heavyweight crown at Yankee Stadium...
  5. 1963] Premiered on this date: "The Fugitive" which will air until 1967 and then in rerun for one more year...1964] "Bewitched", rated #2 in its first season will run until 1967 and then 6 more years in rerun...1965] "Hogan's Heroes" will run through 1971...1966] "Mission: Impossible" will enjoy a phenomenal run until 1990...1972] "M*A*S*H" airs for 11 seasons, ending in 1983 as a 2 1/2 hour special viewed by the largest TV audience to ever watch a single program. Reruns are still running somewhere...
  6. 1986] Clincher: The Mets clinch the NL East title by beating the Cubs 4-2 behind Doc Gooden's 15th win of the season...
  7. 1992] Halt. Who go's there?: A halt is called in the probe of the Iran-Contra scandal after the investigation had lasted over 5 years...
  8. 1994] There she is. Walking on air she is: Heather Whitestone, Miss Alabama becomes the first deaf Miss America...
  9. 1996] "Happy Trails": Former VP Spiro Agnew dies from leukemia at 77...
  10. 2004] The 700 Club: Barry Bonds hits his 700th home run for the Giants, joining Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755) as the only 700 home run hitters...

For more on September 17th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/



Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1630] What's Your Name?: The original Native American name of Shawmut is changed to Boston...
  2. 1949] Premiered on this date: The "Road Runner" "beep-beeps" for the 1st time in the WB cartoon "Fast and Furry-ous" (Mel Blanc does the sfx)...1953] "The Robe" premieres at The Roxy Theater in Manhattan. It's the 1st movie filmed in wide-screen CinemaScope...1965] "The Dean Martin Show" debuts and runs through 1974...1966] The Metropolitan Opera opens its new opera house in Lincoln Center...1972] "The Bob Newhart Show" debuts with Bob playing a shrink. It runs until 1978...1984] "Miami Vice" changes the way men dress and runs for 5 seasons...
  3. 1968] Curtains: One of the best comedy series of all-time, "The Andy Griffith Show" bows out after 8 seasons (but will continue in reruns forever)...
  4. 1968] Sock it to me: Richard Nixon makes his famous "sock it to me" walk-on appearance on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In"...
  5. 1973] Record-breaking: Buffalo running back O.J. Simpson becomes the first NFL player to gain 250 yards in a game with his slashing ground game against the Patriots...
  6. 1974] A grant from the Prez: President Gerald Ford grants a conditional amnesty program for draft evaders and deserters during the Vietnam War...
  7. 1977] "Happy Trails": Marc Bolan a.k.a. T. Rex dies in a car accident at 29...
  8. 1981] Just like sugar: Sugar Ray Leonard rallies to beat Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, winning by a TKO to win the welterweight title. It's Hearns first professional loss...
  9. 1988] Perfecto: Tom Browning of the Cincinnati Reds pitches a perfect game in a 1-0 shutout of the Dodgers...
  10. 2004] Ivan the terrible: Hurricane Ivan plows into the Gulf Coast with 130 mph winds and is blamed for at least 115 deaths, 43 in the U.S...

For more on September 16th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/


Monday, September 15, 2008

Monday, September 15, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1776] The Redcoats are coming, the Redcoats are coming: The British take over New York City, landing at Kips Bay. They will chase George Washington to New Jersey...
  2. 1928] Look what I found: Alexander Fleming discovers the antibiotic penicillin in the mold Penicillium notatum (verily)...
  3. 1948] Musical call letters: WHN changes call letters to WMGM but don't fret WHN fans, the call letters will change back in 1962...
  4. 1952] Turn out the lights, the party's over: The Boston Braves play their last game in Beantown at what is now Nickerson Field, under the Mass. Turnpike, the place B.U. plays their football games. The Bravos move to Milwaukee the following season...
  5. 1954] I see China, I see France: Filming a scene for "The Seven Year Itch", Marilyn Monroe's dress flies up as she stands on a subway grating, infuriating husband Joe DiMaggio who doesn't wait for a seven year itch. Married in January, they soon divorce in October. The marriage lasted 9 months...
  6. 1958] Pinstripe tragedy: A commuter train crashes through a drawbridge near Newark (NJ) killing 48 including Yankee second baseman George "Snuffy" Stirnweiss who was only 39...
  7. 1962] The call of the century: London Daily Mirror columnist Peter Jones calls The Beatles, "a nothing group" (nice call Peter)...
  8. 1963] This outfield could relate: The Alou Brothers (Felipe, Matty & Jesus) play in the same outfield as The Giants beat the Pirates 13-5. Combined, the Alou's go 1 for 5, all on Felipe's at-bats...
  9. 1978] A 3-peat: 36-year old Muhammad Ali beats Leon Spinks (in a decision) in a rematch, to become the 1st heavyweight champ to win the title 3 times...
  10. 1971] Debuted on this date: The environmental organization "Greenpeace" is formed in Vancouver, B.C., Canada...1982] The first issue of "USA Today" hits the newsstands and sells out...

For more on September 15th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Friday, September 12, 2008

(Weekend Edition) September 12 - 14, 2008...

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1814] Jose can you see: Francis Scott Key writes the 'Star-Spangled Banner', a poem originally called 'Defense of Fort McHenry'. Key had witnessed the British bombardment of the Maryland fort during the War of 1812 (9/14). The song would became our national anthem on March 3, 1931...
  2. 1901] "Happy Trails": President William McKinley dies of gunshot wounds inflicted by an assassin. McKinley is succeeded by 42-year old Theodore Roosevelt (9/14)...1982] Monaco's Princess Grace a.k.a. Grace Kelly dies from injuries suffered when her car plunges off a mountain road one day earlier. The Princess was 52 (9/14)...1992] Actor Anthony Perkins succumbs to complications from AIDS at 60 (9/12)...1996] Rapper Tupac Shakur dies 6 days after being shot in a drive-by shooting. Tupac was 25 (9/13)...1998] Former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace is a victim of Parkinson's disease at 79 (9/13)...2003] The legendary Johnny Cash dies of complications from diabetes at 71 (9/12)...
  3. 1953] Wedding Bells: Jacqueline Bouvier and Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy walk down the aisle at Hammersmith Farm in Newport (RI) (9/12)...
  4. 1954] Premiered on this date: "Lassie" comes to the rescue each week for 17 years on CBS-TV and then in syndication (9/12)...1959] "Bonanza" debuts on NBC-TV (9/12). The Ponderosa rocks until January, 1973...1966] "Family Affair" debuts on CBS-TV and will run until September, 1971 (9/12)...1966] "The Monkees" debuts on NBC-TV and runs for two years before airing reruns (9/12)...1990] "Law & Order" debuts on NBC-TV (9/13). It's still on...1993] "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" debuts on NBC-TV (9/13). Next year (2009) Conan replaces Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show"...
  5. 1960] Paying for what you're playing: The FCC adopts payola rules a.k.a. 'The Alan Freed Rules'. Freed and other disc jockeys were accused and in some cases fined and jailed for payola in the late 50s (9/13)...
  6. 1964] Oh Shea can you see?: The first football game is played at Shea Stadium with the Jets beating Denver 30-6 (9/12)...
  7. 1968] Record-breaking: Tigers pitcher Denny McLain becomes the first pitcher to win 30 games in 34 years (9/14). Denny finishes the season at 31-6. His career stats: 131-91...
  8. 1970] Marathon man: The first NYC Marathon is won by Freeport (LI) firefighter Gary Muhrcke (9/13). Only 175 runners compete with 55 finishing. That race consisted of 4 laps around Central Park with no TV coverage or prizes. The race now covers all 5 boroughs and the number of runners could fill Shea Stadium. The race is now run the first weekend in November...
  9. 1994] Strike Three - you're out: Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig cancels the rest of the 1994 season after a strike continues after 34 days (9/14). No World Series will be played in 1994...
  10. 2001] Ground Zero: Limited commercial flights are restored for the first time since the 911 attacks (9/13)...Secretary of State Colin Powell names Osama bin Laden the prime suspect in the terrorist attacks of 911 (9/13)...Using a bullhorn, President George W. Bush tells those gathered at Ground Zero that we will get even for the attacks. On the same day, the FBI releases the names of the 19 suspected terrorists (9/14)...

For more on September 12 - 14: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1941] Breaking ground: Groundbreaking begins in Arlington (VA) for the building of the Pentagon. Ironically, the Pentagon suffers damage and deaths at the hands of the 911 terrorists 60 years later, to the day...
  2. 1954] Walking on network ground, she is: The 'Miss America Pageant' makes its TV network debut on ABC-TV. Miss California, Lee Ann Meriwether is the winner...
  3. 1964] Down for the count: "Friday Night Fights" is seen for the last time as Gillette's TV contract ends...
  4. 1967] Premiered on this date: "The Carol Burnett Show" on CBS-TV (it will run until September, 1979)...1974] "Little House On The Prairie" (runs until March, 1983)...
  5. 1971] "Happy Trails": Nikita Krushchev dies of a heart attack at 77...1987] Reggae star Peter Tosh is shot and killed in his Jamaica home at 43...1994] Jessica Tandy passes away from ovarian cancer at 85... 2002] Football Hall of Fame QB Johnny Unitas succumbs to a heart attack at 69...2003] An undetected heart flaw takes the life of John Ritter. Ritter, son of Tex Ritter, was 54...
  6. 1982] Open and closed: Chris Evert wins her 6th and final U.S. Open title...1983] Jimmy Connors wins his 5th and final U.S. Open title...
  7. 1985] The hitman: Pete Rose becomes baseball's all-time hit leader off of San Diego's Eric Show. Hit number 4,192 breaks Ty Cobb's longstanding record by one hit...
  8. 1987] What's the black screen Kenneth?: The screen goes black for 6 minutes as Dan Rather walks off the set of "The CBS Evening News" because a tennis tournament ran overtime, upsetting Rather...
  9. 1994] Emmy gold: The winners at the 46th Emmy Awards include "Frasier", "Picket Fences" and Kelsey Grammer...
  10. 2001] 911: The horror that was 911 takes nearly 3,000 lives, mostly at the World Trade Center but also at the Pentagon and in a field near Pittsburgh...

For more on September 11th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1846] In stitches: Elias Howe of Spencer (MA) receives a patent for the sewing machine. To celebrate, Howe gets ripped, wearing a smile that looks like it was sewn on. From that day on he was known as that old "sew and sew"...
  2. 1935] Premiered on this date: "Popeye" debuts on NBC Radio...1955] "Gunsmoke" debuts on CBS-TV...1990] Will Smith debuts as "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"...1990] Ellis Island reopens...1993] "The X-Files" debuts on Fox...
  3. 1953] Mmmmm: Swanson begins selling "TV dinners" giving us these luscious choices: Salisbury steaks, Meatloaf, Fried chicken and Turkey. All come with delicious mashed potatoes and the greenest peas you've ever seen...
  4. 1955] Bert parks: Bert Parks begins a 25-year career of singing "There She Is, Miss America" as host of the famous pageant on NBC-TV...
  5. 1963] Standoff: 20 black students enter public schools in Alabama following a standoff between federal Marshall's and Alabama Governor George C. Wallace...
  6. 1972] Curtains: Gayle Sayers of the Bears retires after only 7 years in the NFL. He bows out as the lifetime return leader at the time with 9,435 combined net yards and 336 points...1993] NBC-TV airs its last episode of "Late Night With David Letterman" as Letterman takes his show to CBS-TV...
  7. 1974] Legalized larceny: The Cardinals' Lou Brock sets a new major league record for stolen bases in one season with stolen base number 105...
  8. 1988] Steffi steals the cup: West Germany's Steffi Graf wins the first women's Grand Slam since Margaret Court in 1970 by taking the U.S. Open final...
  9. 1989] Two-sport hero: Deion Sanders scores a touchdown in his NFL debut with Atlanta 5 days after hitting a home run for the Yankees. Sanders becomes the 1st athlete to play in a World Series and Super Bowl...
  10. 1995] Emmy Gold: "NYPD Blue", "ER", "Frasier" and Candice Bergen are winners at the 47th Emmy Awards...2000] "The West Wing" wins a record 9 Emmy's including "Best Drama Series"...

For more on September 10th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1926] Cue the peacock: The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) creates NBC...
  2. 1960] AFL kickoff: The Boston Patriots lose the 1st AFL game ever played, 13-10 to Denver (a great trivia question for you)...
  3. 1965] Perfecto: Future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers pitches his 4th no-hitter, a perfecto ! He shuts out the Cubs 1-0. It's the 8th perfect game in major league history...
  4. 1971] ATT-I-CA...ATT-I-CA: Prisoners seize control of maximum security Attica prison in upstate New York. Tragically, 43 perish...
  5. 1974] Another opening, another show: 22-year old Jimmy Connors wins his 1st U.S. Open Mens title...1979] At age 16, Tracy Austin becomes the youngest player to win the U.S. Open Womens title...
  6. 1976] 'Happy Trails': Communist Chinese leader Mao-Tse-tung dies of natural causes at 82...2003] Nuclear scientist Edward Teller passes away from natural causes at 95...
  7. 1984] Record breaking: The Bears' Walter Payton breaks Jim Brown's combined yardage record when he reaches 15,517...
  8. 1995] Wedding Bells: Chynna Phillips and William Baldwin tie the knot. They're still married...
  9. 1998] Rotten justice: Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols appears on "Judge Judy" as the defendant in a case involving a drummer who sued Rotten for allegedly head-butting. The credibility factor of the show is questioned...
  10. 2003] Financial justice: The Boston Roman Catholic Archdiocese agrees to pay $85 million to 552 people to settle clergy sex abuse cases...

For more on September 9th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com/

Monday, September 8, 2008

Monday, September 8, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1664] Dutch Treat: The Dutch surrender New Amsterdam to the British, who rename it New York...
  2. 1921] There she is: Margaret Gorman of Washington (DC) is crowned the 1st Miss America in Atlantic City (NJ)...1945] Bess Myerson of New York City becomes the 1st Jewish Miss America...
  3. 1965] A call for Monkees: A Variety ad announces auditions for "The Monkees" TV show. Those who fail the audition include Stephen Stills, future Three Dog Night member Danny Hutton, Paul Williams and Charles Manson (yes that Charles Manson). No need to tell you who passed the audition...
  4. 1965] Jack of all A's: A's infielder Bert Campaneris becomes the 1st player ever to play all 9 positions in a game (won by Kansas City). The Twins' Cesar Tovar repeats the feat 3 years later...
  5. 1966] Premiered on this date: "That Girl" starring Marlo Thomas...1968] "Funny Girl" starring Barbra Streisand...
  6. 1974] I beg your pardon: President Gerald R. Ford grants an unconditional pardon to former President Richard M. Nixon...
  7. 1975] Boston Public: Boston's public schools begin a court-ordered citywide busing program amid scattered incidents of violence...
  8. 1996] Emmy Gold: "ER", Dennis Franz and Kathy Baker ("Picket Fences")are the big winners at the 48th Emmy Awards...
  9. 1998] With A little help from his friend Andro: Mark McGwire hits his 62nd home run breaking Roger Maris' 37-year old record of 61 (McGwire winds up with 70 with a little help from Andro)...
  10. 2004] Bush league: Dan Rather gives us something to remember him by as "60 Minutes Wednesday" airs a report questioning George W. Bush's National Guard Service. Memos featured in the report were challenged as forgeries (Rather wishes he could go back to the good old "what's the frequency, Kenneth" days)...

For more on September 8th:

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Friday, September 5, 2008

(Weekend Edition) September 5 - 7, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1906] Passing the pigskin: Bradbury Robinson of St. Louis University throws a "projectile pass" to teammate Jack Schneider. It's the first forward pass used in a game as St. Louis beats Carroll 22-0 (9/5)...
  2. 1918] 1st National Anthem at ballparks: The national anthem is sung at a ballpark for the 1st time at Comiskey Park in Chicago at the World Series, moved up because of WWI. This has been disputed by those that believe our anthem was sung as early as 1897 in Philadelphia and the following year at the Polo Grounds. The New York Times goes with this date in 1918 (9/5)...
  3. 1927] Must-see TV: Philo T. Farnsworth succeeds in transmitting an image through purely electronic means by using an image dissector (9/7). I always used a coat hanger. No wonder I couldn't get a picture...
  4. 1959] Barbie is born: The first Barbie Doll is sold by Matel. Ruth Handler, co-founder of Matel invented the doll that was named after her daughter. Ken was named after her son (9/6)...
  5. 1966] Curtains: "The Dick Van Dyke Show" airs for the final time on CBS-TV after a 6-year run (9/7)...1971] "The Beverly Hillbillies" is seen for the last time (9/7). It debuted in the fall of 1961...
  6. 1972] A bloody Olympics: Arab terrorists kill 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team. Five guerrillas and a police officer are also killed in Munich in the darkest day in Olympic history (9/5)...
  7. 1975] Dodging a bullet: President Gerald Ford escapes an attempt on his life in Sacramento (CA) by Charles Manson follower, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme (9/5)...
  8. 1978] "Happy Trails": Keith Moon, drummer for The Who, suffers a fatal overdose at 31 (9/7)...2003] Warren Zevon dies from inoperable mesothelioma at 56 (9/7)...2007] Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, 71, passes away from pancreative cancer (9/6)...
  9. 1979] Sports-TV: ESPN begins when Lee Leonard introduces George Grande who describes the format concept of the first all-sports cable network (9/7)...
  10. 1995] The new Iron Man: Cal Ripken Jr. breaks Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games (9/6). Cal was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007...

For more on September 5 - 7: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thursday, September 4, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1781] (Tympani roll) "227 years ago today": Spanish settlers found the city of "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula" or Los Angeles to you gringos...
  2. 1888] Click me: George Eastman receives a patent for his roll-film camera and registers his trademark, Kodak. His prototype camera contains 100 exposures...
  3. 1894] Sam, you made the pants too long: 12,000 tailors strike against sweatshop working conditions...
  4. 1951] Coast-to-coast: In the 1st live coast-to-coast TV broadcast, President Harry S. Truman addresses the nation from the Japanese peace treaty conference in San Francisco...
  5. 1957] How many would you like?: Ford Motor Company starts selling its Edsel line...
  6. 1957] A black-eye for Arkansas: The National Guard is ordered by Governor Orval Faubus to keep 9 black students from entering Little Rock's Central High School...
  7. 1967] Brainwashed: Michigan Governor George Romney claims he was "brainwashed" by U.S. officials during a visit to Vietnam. This was widely believed to have derailed his campaign for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination. Forty years later, citizens of Massachusetts claim that Romney's son, Mitt, brainwashed them to vote for him...
  8. 1967] Curtains: "Gilligan's Island" airs for the final time on CBS-TV after a run of 98 episodes...1971] The "Lawrence Welk Show" runs live for the last time although syndication will keep it on the air until 1982 and into infinity...
  9. 1972] Rolling a 7: U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz wins a record 7th Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter relay in Munich...
  10. 2006] "Happy Trails": "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, 44, dies after a stingray's barb pierces his chest...

For more on September 4th: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:
  1. 1833] Here comes The Sun: The 1st successful penny newspaper in the U.S., "The New York Sun" is launched by Benjamin H. Day (too bad his name wasn't "Brown", then he could say "I'm Brown from The Sun" but at least people could say he had his day)...
  2. 1895] Pigskin debut: According to the folks in Latrobe, PA the 1st professional football game was played in that city as the Latrobe YMCA beat pants off of the Jeannette (a city name not a girl) Athletic Club 12-0...
  3. 1954] Riding off into the radio sunset: "The Lone Ranger" airs on radio for the last time after 2,956 episodes (that covers a period of 21 years)...
  4. 1966] Curtains: "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" ends after 14 years (it ran on radio for 10 years, some of those years it ran on both mediums)...
  5. 1967] "What Was My Line?": After 17 years, "What's My Line ?" airs for the last time (early panelists were: Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf with others like Steve Allen and Fred Allen). John Daly was the host of the show...
  6. 1970] "Happy Trails": Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi dies from cancer at 57...1991] Movie director Frank Capra suffers a fatal heart attack in his sleep at 94...2001] Movie critic Pauline Kael falls victim to Parkinson's disease at 82...
  7. 1971] The Walrus returns: After a visit to England, John Lennon returns to New York City, never to return to England, where he was born (in Liverpool)...
  8. 1976] Doing the Martian Hop: Viking 2 lands on Mars to take the 1st close-up photos of the red planet...
  9. 1977] Mary tosses her hat for the last time: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" bows out (the 1st episode was title "Love Is All Around" which was the theme song of the sitcom. It was written and performed by Sonny Curtis. And of course that last show featured the famous group hug by all the cast members)...
  10. 1999] Super Mario: Mario Lemieux's ownership group officially takes control of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lemieux becomes the first player in the modern era of sports to buy the team he once played for...

For more on September 3rd: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com


Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

10 Timeline Memories:

  1. 1789] Start printing the money: The U.S. Treasury Department is established...
  2. 1901] The big stick: Vice President Theodore Roosevelt offers this advice: "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair...
  3. 1935] Keys get hammered: A hurricane slams into the Florida Keys killing 423...
  4. 1945] Flying the white flag: Japan formally surrenders in ceremonies aboard the U.S. Missouri, ending World War II...
  5. 1963] Bend and stretch: The CBS Evening News is expanded from 15 minutes to 30 minutes...
  6. 1969] Not so "Happy Trails": North Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh dies from multiple health problems at 79...
  7. 1983] O Solo Mio: Tom Brokaw becomes sole anchor of NBC's "Nightly News" (his final broadcast comes on Dec. 1, 2004 when is was succeeded by Brian Williams)...
  8. 1987] Human Rights Tour: The Amnesty International Tour starts in London, starring Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel and Tracy Chapman (Amnesty International was formed to protect human rights)...
  9. 1992] Space oddity: The U.S. agrees to build a space station with Russia...
  10. 1997] Tribute to the Princess: U2 pays tribute to the late Princess Diana before starting their show in Scotland...

For more on September 2nd: CLICK: http://melphillipsnowandthen.com