Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
1918 Robert L. Ripley’s ‘Believe It Or Not!’ comic strip debuted, featuring items of the strange and unusual. In 1929, one of its cartoons pointed out that America had no national anthem. The public outcry led to the adoption in 1931 of Francis Scott Keys’ Star-Spangled Banner sung to the tune of the old English drinking song To Anacreon in Heaven.
1973 Late night television host Johnny Carson joked during his monologue, “You know, we’ve got all sorts of shortages these days. But have you heard the latest? I’m not kidding. I saw it in the papers. There’s a shortage of toilet paper!” The panicked public then began hoarding toilet paper causing empty shelves which further panicked people causing a real shortage.
1998 President Bill Clinton was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office in connection with the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the Paula Jones lawsuit. He was eventually acquitted of all charges.
Music History:
1970 Elton John’s FIRST US hit, ‘Your Song’ entered the Billboard Hot 100, where it went on to reach number eight. The Hollies had been offered the song and Three Dog Night had already recorded a version which was included on their ‘It Ain’t Easy’ album.
Notable Birthdays:
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal 44
Actress Alyssa Milano 52
Jennifer Beals 61
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
