Useless Facts time! On this day in 1961, Navy Commander Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr., was launched into space in the Freedom 7 space capsule, becoming the first American astronaut to travel into space. The suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles.

Definitely making dad proud!

But did you also know…?

On this day in history:

• Led Zeppelin played Four Sticks for the first (and only!) time in concert (1971);
• Dancer Cheryl Burke (“Dancing with the Stars”) was born (1984); and
• The Offspring’s 1994 album, Smash, is certified platinum for the sixth time (2000).

In recognition of the smash hit Smash, let’s listen to the Offspring’s first major single release, Come Out and Play, which reached #1 on Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and has become one of the band’s signature songs.

(more…)

Useless Facts time! On this day in 1977, the most famous (infamous?) nightclub of the disco era, Studio 54, opens for business in New York City. Celebrity guests over the years would include Cher, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Liza Minnelli.

And glitter.

Lots and lots of glitter.

But did you also know…?

On this day in history:

• Copernicus made his first observations of Saturn (1514);
• The world’s worst nuclear disaster occurs at Chernobyl in Kiev (1986); and
• Our parent company Lycos launches five Web radio music channels, hosted by live Internet DJ’s (1999).

In recognition of Studio 54′s debut, let’s boogie until we can’t boogie no more with this medley of disco clips…

(more…)

Useless Facts time! On this day in 1982, NASA makes history by naming Sally Ride the first woman astronaut and Guion S. Bluford Jr. the first African-American astronaut.

But did you also know…?

On this day in history:

• The American Revolution begins as fighting breaks out in Lexington, MA (1775);
• Connecticut finally approves the Bill of Rights for the U.S. Constitution (1939); and
• Brian Johnson replaces Bon Scott as lead singer of rock band AC/DC (1980)

Johnson’s first album with the band was the smash-hit Back In Black — the second best-selling album worldwide, behind only Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Let’s launch into the weekend with my favorite track off the album… Shoot to Thrill.

(more…)

Useless Facts time! On this day in 1877, a catcher’s mask was used in a baseball game for the first time. The lucky mask-wearer was James Alexander Tyng, playing for Harvard University. The team’s manager, Fred Thayer, received a patent for the mask the following year.

But did you also know…?

On this day in history:

• The American Civil War begins with the Confederates opening fire on Fort Sumter (1861);
• 5th Dimension’s Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In hits #1 (1969); and
• TV’s Shannen Doherty (Beverly Hills 90210) and Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) were born (1971)

I’m torn here: 90201 and Buffy were both staples at Cummings Worldwide HQ in the 1990′s. Rather than close out the week with a single clip, we’re going out with a double shot!

First, we’ll go back to Beverly Hills and witness Brenda catch Dylan and Kelly on a date – with Superman chiming in as the voice of reason:

Next, let’s revisit Sunnydale in this compilation of my favorite Xander moments:

(more…)