I'm not even going to lie to you

(I've posted this on Christmas eve. I've consumed three martinis, a bottle of white wine and a rum toddy. - that I can even remember my name is a miracle!)

seriously, isn't Hanukkah over yet.





Here's your abbreviated Today in History -


Tonight's the second night of Kwanzaa. Tonight celebrates Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - To define oneself, name oneself, create for oneself and speak for oneself.


December 27, 1831 -


For some unknown reason, naturalist Charles Darwin begins his famous voyage onboard a beagle, on the date. He immediately swims back to shore and boards the HMS Beagle once the dog drowns.




The 12 acre complex in midtown Manhattan known as Rockefeller Center developed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., on land leased from Columbia University opened to the public on December 27, 1932. Radio City Music Hall (named for one of the complex's first tenants, the Radio Corporation of America) opened with a spectacular stage show, featuring Ray Bolger and Martha Graham. The opening was meant to be a return to high class variety entertainment.



Unfortunately, the show bombed and on January 11, 1933, the Music Hall rushed to show the first film on the giant screen, installed in the theatre: Frank Capra's The Bitter Tea of General Yen starring Barbara Stanwyck.



Again, the film was not critically well received


December 27, 1937 -
Middle aged, stout and possible transvestite performer, Mae West and Don Ameche as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden appeared on the radio show The Chase and Sanborn Hour. She told Ameche in the show to "get me a big one...I feel like doin' a big apple!"

The FCC later deemed the broadcast "vulgar and indecent" and "far below even the minimum standard which should control in the selection and production of broadcast programs. West would not perform in radio for another twelve years until January 1950, in an episode of The Chesterfield Supper Club hosted by Perry Como.



Wow, do I wish I could play the radio broadcast for you.


December 27, 1947 -
Hey kids, what time is it? A bleary eyed world, fresh from the horrors of a second World War awaken to the sight of a freaky marrionette on NBC - Howdy Doody premieres.



Thought of the Day:
"The bad end unhappily, the good unluckily. That is what tragedy means." - Tom Stoppard

And so it goes.