But my favorite would be “Father’s Day” by songwriter Harry Ruby.

“Today dear father is Father’s Day so we’re giving you a tie.

It isn’t much you know, but it’s just our way of showing you we think you’re a regular guy.

You say that it was nice of us to bother, but dearest father; it’s really not a fuss,

For according to our mother you’re our father and that’s good enough for us!”

Warms your heart doesn’t it?

Mr. Harry Ruby was born today in 1895.

We have other songwriters born today…

-          Kate Wolf (1942) gave the lovely folk song “Across the Great Divide”. Sing it! “I’ve been walkin’ in my sleep, countin’ troubles instead of countin’ sheep.” You just know that’s gonna lead to something sad.

-          Broadway songwriter Jerome Kern was also born today in 1885. Mr. Kern told us all about “Ol’ Man River”.

And a composer…

-          Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born today in 1756. Whenever I want to fool myself into thinking I’m smart, I listen to Mozart.

And a writer…

-          Charles Lutwidge Dodson was born today in 1832. We all know him better as Lewis Carroll, the creator of ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

Drink 4cast 4 2day.

Oran Page was born today in 1908. Mr. Page was a master of the jazz trumpet. He was better known as Hot Lips Page. Thus, we’ll toast his birth with a;

Hot Lips Choco-Tini

½ Red Chile Pepper, sliced

1 oz. Chocolate Vodka

1 oz. Durango Licor de Café

½ oz. Maraschino Liqueur

Fresh Cream

Chocolate

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced chile pepper.

Add the chocolate vodka, licor de cafe, and maraschino liqueur.

Shake together with ice and strain into a small martini glass.

Gently pour cream over the back of a spoon to create a “float” on the top of the drink.

Use a hand grater for chocolate shavings on top of that.

Now wail!

Cheers!

Roger

1/27/12.

I came to appreciate Frank Sinatra late. He was my parents’ generation and of course everything they knew was wrong (thank you Firesign Theater). When I finally had the mind-numbing epiphany of realizing the truth that most everything I thought I knew was wrong (a reoccurring epiphany, alas), I allowed myself to take another look at previously shunned musical experiences. I “discovered” Frank Sinatra. I’m a fan. One of my favorite Sinatra songs is “Come Fly With Me”. The song was written by Jimmy Van Heusen. Mr. Van Heusen was born today in 1913. That’s certainly worth celebrating.

Perry Mason’s right hand man;

That’s what William Hopper is primarily remembered for. Mr. Hopper, born today in 1915, played private detective Paul Drake for many years to Raymond Burr’s Perry Mason on television. But my favorite William Hopper role was as the star of Ray Harryhausen’s film; “20 Million Miles to Earth”. I admit my fascination has more to do with the cool monster in the flick than Mr. Hopper’s performance.

Two birthdays of interest;

-          Hockey’s Great One, Wayne Gretzky, was born today in 1961.

-          Actor Sara Rue was born today in 1979. Ms. Rue’s parents live in Kentucky and are hugely active in the opera program at the University of Kentucky. They are heroes – I assume their daughter is as well.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Phantom of the Opera” opened at the Majestic Theater in New York City today in 1988. It went on to become the longest-running show in Broadway history. We’ll toast that with a;

Phantom Cocktail

½ oz. Blue Curacao

1 ½ oz. Opulent Vodka

1 splash Grenadine

Fill with Cranberry Juice

Fill glass with ice and mix everything in.

Sing! “No more talk of darkness…”

Cheers!

Roger

1/26/12.

Today in 1937, “The Guiding Light” debuted on NBC radio. It moved to television in 1952 and ran until 2009.

Then – without…

Richard Strauss’ opera “Elektra” received its debut performance at the Dresden State Opera today in 1909. I won’t ask you to sing it.

And now guys, for an inside tip…

Today is Dydd Santes Dwynwen! That would be the equivalent of Valentine’s Day in Wales. C’mon! Here’s your chance to get ahead for once. Give her champagne today! I know where you can get it.

Two birthdays of interest today…

-          Kentucky’s own kicking star Lou Groza was born today in 1924.

-          Film director Tobe Hooper was also born today in 1943. Mr. Hooper will always be remembered by a grateful nation for giving us the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (another film for which a remake serves no immediately apparent useful purpose).

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Actually there were three birthdays that caught my eye today.

I am a complete sucker for the songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim. It has been averred that everybody loves Jobim. I can’t speak to the truth of that statement, but I know I do. I will pretty much stop and listen to anybody perform his songs “The Girl From Ipanema”, “Corcovado”, “One Note Samba”, “Desafinado”, and on and on and on. Mr. Jobim was born today in 1927. I propose we celebrate by having a;

Bossa Nova Cocktail

¾ oz. Ron Diaz Dark Rum

¼ oz. Apricot Brandy

¼ oz. Galliano

5 oz. Pineapple Juice

½ oz. Lemon Juice

Pour rum, brandy, Galliano and juices into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.

Shake well and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice cubes.

Garnish with pineapple and serve.

Sing! “Quiet nights and quiet stars. Quiet chords on my guitar…”

Cheers!

Roger

1/25/12.

We have four singers, all guys, with birthdays today.

-          Warren Zevon (1947) gleefully introduced us to “Werewolves of London” (Sing – “I’d like to meet his tailor”) and advised us to send “Lawyers, Guns and Money”. For that, I’m sure we’re all eternally grateful.

-          Aaron Neville (1941) whether with his brothers, with Linda Ronstadt or solo has one very fine sound. My personal favorite is his version of “Tell It Like It Is”.

-          Sing again – “Cracklin’ Rosie you make me smile.” A song about wine…albeit cheap wine…but wine nonetheless. You know I’m likin’ that! Neil Diamond (1941) wrote it and sang it.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Yes, I said four singers. Cajun fiddler/singer Doug Kershaw was also born today in 1936. For Mr. Kershaw, let’s have a;

Cajun Comfort Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Southern Comfort Peach

½ oz. Hancock’s Bourbon

1 dash Tabasco

Pour Southern Comfort and Hancock’s over rocks in a 12 oz. glass.

Add Tabasco

Garnish with a jumbo shrimp.

Sing one more time! “Son of a gun, we’re gonna have big fun on the bayou!”

Cheers!

Roger

1/24/12.

The man who developed Frisbees was born today in 1920. His name was Walter Frederick Morrison. He is, of course, a god to me.

To be fair, Frisbees were called many things (including several by Mr. Morrison) before discovering their true name. Mr. Morrison claimed to have gotten the inspiration for his invention one day while sailing a popcorn plate with his girlfriend. Oh blessed day!

He originally marketed the product as Flyin’ Cake Pans (catchy – catchy – get it?). He also called them Whirlo-Ways and Flyin’ Saucers before he sold the idea to Wham-O who originally sold them as Pluto Platters (good grief!). Learning that college students in the Northeast were calling them Frisbees, the company finally bowed to the cosmic inevitable.

Today we have such amazing and complicated diversions. We play with computers, Sega’s, iPads, etc. I think, however, of the hours spent with the simplest of toys as precious. A ball and two gloves can devour an afternoon. A Frisbee and two sympathetic flingers can become attuned to the motions of the planet, and still trade insults (civilly of course), and shape attitudes about and solutions for the problems of said planet…and maybe have a beer or two. Wow!

I have flung and caught the Frisbee and while doing it learned scripts, connected with strangers, bridged generations, made fast friends, and just stood slack-jawed in wonder at the fast-spinning, slow-moving flight of the Frisbee. Were the weather right and the time available, every day would be Frisbee Day for me.

One grumpy note to all the Frisbee-flingers younger than me; it’s about throwing and catching – not running and jumping! Man, what a grouch I’ve become…my bad.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

I know this selection will come as a total shock.

Frisbee Cocktail

3 oz. Cider

1 ½ oz. Peach Schnapps

1 ½ oz. Black Currant Juice

Top up to fill a pint glass with Lager

Fling it all and enjoy!

Wait! There’s a bit more to celebrate today.

-          Duke Ellington played at Carnegie Hall for the first time today in 1943. No, I was not there.

-          Kentucky’s own Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today in 1986.

-          Actor Jeanne Moreau was born today in 1928. Be still my beating heart!

Far out!

Cheers!

Roger

1/23/12.

Yes, it’s yet another geezer moment.

Today in 1968, “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” premiered on NBC. Imagine “Hee-Haw” in the city: that comes pretty close to describing the show. I of course loved it.

Looking back though, it’s clear that the best thing to emerge from the show was Goldie Hawn. That’s certainly good enough for me!

Costume Department…we have a problem.

The first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrived at the Vatican today in 1506. Male fashion in Rome has never recovered its composure.

We have birthdays of interest;

-          Trombone master J. J. Johnson was born today in 1924.

-          The creator of Conan the Barbarian and Kull the Conqueror, Robert E. Howard was born today in 1906. If you have not read Mr. Howard’s action-packed prose, you have that to look forward to. I would start with the short story “The Grey God Passes” or “The Tower of the Elephant”. You can thank me later.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Another birthday will be our libation inspiration for today.

Actor Linda Blair was born today in 1959. Ms. Blair’s harrowing performance as the possessed child in “The Exorcist” has cost me some sleep over the years. Let’s celebrate her birth anyway with an;

Exorcist Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Durango Tequila

¾ oz. Blue Curacao

¾ oz. Lime Juice

Shake all ingredients in a shaker half-filled with ice cubes.

Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Pass the pea soup.

Cheers!

Roger

1/22/12.

Today in 1643 Abel Tasman became the first European to reach Tonga.

Was this like an “amazing race” assignment? Was there a trophy?

Curiouser…

The first American novel was published today in 1789.The title was; THE POWER OF SYMPATHY OR, THE TRIUMPH OF NATURE FOUNDED IN TRUTH.

Compelling.

Why it is a film has never been made plumb evades me.

Two remarkable voices were born today.

-          Operatic tenor Placido Domingo was born in 1936 and

-          Growly DJ Wolfman Jack was born in 1938. The film “American Graffiti” wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without the Wolfman.

It’s also National Hug Day.

I think you can handle that with no comment from me.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

We’ll go back to that popsicle-eatin’ Wolfman for today’s libation.

Wolfman Cocktail

1 oz. Southern Comfort

1 oz. Grays Peak Vodka

1 oz. Root Beer Schnapps

Put ingredients in a shaker half filled with ice.

Shake for about fifteen seconds.

Pour and enjoy!

“…and let the midnight special shine its everlovin’ light on you…”

Cheers!

Roger

1/21/12.

Today in 1885 L. A. Thompson patented the roller coaster.

I love roller coasters. My wife does too. We go to King’s Island, stand in line, eat junk, and ride all the roller coasters with people 30-45 years younger than we are. We get some anxious looks. I’m sure when the park hears we’re coming, they increase their insurance coverage and consider closing for the day. That’s their problem, not mine. I love roller coasters.

Two Kentucky birthdays of note;

-          Actor Patricia Neal was born today in 1926. Ms. Neal gave many lovely performances, but my favorite is her role in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (the 1950’s version – another film that really didn’t have to be remade) opposite Michael Rennie and Gort the space robot.

-          Singer John Michael Montgomery was born today in 1965. Mr. Montgomery gave us “I Love the Way You Love Me”, “Be My Baby Tonight”, “The Little Girl”, and a whole bunch more. He does Kentucky proud.

A belated Kentucky birthday;        

-          International opera star and all-around good guy Gregory Turay was born yesterday. Happy birthday my friend. He does Kentucky proud.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Did I mention that I love roller coasters?

Roller Coaster Cocktail

2 oz. Amaretto

3 oz. Grapefruit Juice

Serve in a martini glass

“Klaatu barada nikto!”

Cheers!

Roger

1/20/12.

In the history of Miami, Florida, snow has fallen but one time. It was today in 1977. Is there no safe sanctuary?

Talk about a well-publicized “day of birth”!

68% of all television sets in the United States were tuned in to “I Love Lucy” today in 1953 to watch Lucy give birth. No, I was not one of them. I think I was just learning to walk and talk and no one tuned in to catch that act.

“Suddenly, there came a rapping…”

The dark genius Edgar Allan Poe was born today in 1809. No television coverage there either.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today in 1915, Georges Claude patented the neon discharge tube for use in advertising. All you folks who have beer neon signs should raise a glass to Mr. Claude. Let’s all have a;

Neon Iguana Cocktail

3 oz. Ron Diaz Spiced Rum

2 oz. Ron Diaz Coconut Rum

2 oz. Blue Curacao

1 ½ oz. Lime Juice

Orange Juice

Pour into a tall glass, stir and serve.

Nevermore!

Cheers!

Roger

1/19/12.

Kentucky’s own screenwriter deluxe, Charles Edward Pogue was born today. Mr. Pogue’s films include remakes of “The Fly” and “D.O.A.”, “Psycho III”, “Dragonheart”, “Kull the Conqueror” and two crackerjack Sherlock Holmes films; “Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Sign of Four”. Ya gotta wonder how he sleeps at night.

Finally, it’s Hawaii!

And then he named it wrong.

Today in 1778, Captain James Cook (we last left him in the Antarctic in yesterday’s blog in 1773) was the first known European to discover the Hawaiian Islands, which he promptly named the Sandwich Islands. Note to self: do not send this man out for pizza.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Some things seem to have been with us forever and you don’t consider that they were once “invented”. Take barbed wire for instance. Today’s the birthday in 1813 of the man who patented barbed wire; Joseph Glidden. Of small interest perhaps, but it lets us celebrate by having a;

Barbed Wire Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Hancock Bourbon

Apple Juice

Half fill a glass with crushed ice.

Add bourbon and top up with apple juice

…be very afraid!

Cheers!

Roger

1/18/12.