Do your kids need another toy?

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II.

UNICEF provides many types of assistance and help to children and mothers. It receives money from different governments and private persons. It works in almost all countries of the world.


December 11, 1957 -
The movie Peyton Place, based on the novel by Grace Metalious, had its world premiere in Camden, Maine, on this date, where most of it had been filmed.



Susan Strasberg was initially set to play Allison. However, when she upped her salary, she was fired. For a short period, Debbie Reynolds was set to replace her. Eventually, 20 famous actresses were tested before the unknown Diane Varsi got the role.


December 11, 1980 -
Hawaiian shirts and outrageous moustaches came back in style when Magnum P.I., starring Tom Selleck, premiered on CBS-TV.



One of the reasons for this series being set in Hawaii is that CBS did not want to close its Hawaii production offices when Hawaii Five-O ceased production in 1980. This show started production that same year and contains occasional references to Steve McGarrett and Hawaii Five-O, although McGarrett was never shown.


Today in History:
December 11, 1882 -
Fiorello Enrico La Guardia, Mayor of New York for three terms from 1934 to 1945, was born on this date.



With a boundless enthusiasm and energy to match that of Teddy Roosevelt, La Guardia could be the last Mayor of NYC who really loved his job.


December 11, 1931 -
Rita Moreno (Rosa Dolores Alverio) , winner of an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, was born on this date.



She is currently the only Puerto Rican EGOT winner.


December 11, 1964 -
Sam Cooke, popular singer, was shot to death by Bertha Franklin, manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. Franklin claimed that he had threatened her, and that she killed him in self-defense.



The shooting was ultimately ruled to be a justifiable homicide, though there have been arguments that crucial details did not come out in court, or were buried afterward.


December 11, 1967 -
Beatles' Apple Music signs its first group-Grapefruit



I guess they're still going strong - isn't their new CD about to be released?


December 11, 1973 -
Dante Terrell Smith (Mos Def) singer and actor, was born on this date.





More Christmas Trivia:
Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.

Tinker Toys have entertained kids for decades--ever since their 1913 invention by Charles Pajeau, who was inspired by children playing with pencils and empty spools of thread. Frustrated at the lack of interest in his new toy invention, Charles Pajeau hired several midgets, dressed them in elf costumes, and had them play with Tinker Toys in a display window at a Chicago department store during the Christmas season in 1914. This publicity stunt made the construction toy an instant hit. A year later, over a million sets of Tinker Toys had been sold.

Unfortunately for Mrs. Pajeau, Mr. Pajeau enjoyed the sight of the 'little people' so much, he employed them year round to prance and caper around his home year round while he shouted, "Is it hot in here" or "Come and feel Santa's yule log", while dancing in his boxer shorts.





13 more shopping days until Christmas.

And so it goes.

P.S. And on a personal note: Happy Birthday Julie - Hope you enjoy your birthday party.