First of the Month: April 2009

Friends, welcome to the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar: Awesome April, where the sports world has much to offer; showers and flowers combine for a grand mix; and quirky celebrations make it 30 days you don't want to miss. Welcome to the first week, where the Motor City's Ford Field will host the Men's Final Four, a field that includes the home-state Spartans of Michigan State. Just across the Midwest, the women will be playing under the arch for a title in St. Louis. And don't forget WWE's Wrestlemania 30th anniversary on Sunday night. (Yes, the Undertaker is still throwing people in coffins.) Later in the month we see the Masters golf tournament; the Detroit Lions make the first overall pick in the NFL draft; the return of the "boys of summer" as MLB opens; and the start of the NHL and NBA playoffs. April has long been known for its rain, but it also brings us the first true sign of green – not just Spartan green. April is when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and tulips come out of the ground for two consecutive days with above 70-degree weather. And finally, April brings anniversaries and holidays. This month America remembers the 10th anniversary of the Columbine shootings in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20th. (This is one of those remember when moments, and when you give thanks.) On April 18th the nation celebrates Record Store Day so go to your local shop. And not to be forgotten, today we celebrate April Fools Day.



And what would our beloved April be without birthdays? Um . . . well . . . probably a Monday morning without your cup-of-Joe? Anyway, on Friday Simon Cowell’s prodigy Leona Lewis turns 24 the same day as skier Picabo Street turns 38. On the 7th, Russell Crowe turns the big 44 exactly three days before Steven Segal “Under Sieges” into the big 57. On the14th baseball-legend-turned-baseball-crook-turned-baseball-something, Pete Rose, turns 68 one day after Max Weinberg of Conan and the E Street Band turns a decade earlier. On the 26th Master P will “Make EM Say Ugh” as he turns 38 exactly one day before NASCAR Great Michael Waltrip races into his 46th birthday the same day music legend Willie Nelson smokes to celebrate number 76.

First of the Month: March 2009

Hip-Hip-Hooray, it’s the third month in the Gregorian calendar and boy has March poured along the eastern seaboard with some surprising weather. So as everyone living from Augusta, Georgia, to Augusta, Maine looks in disbelief, I can’t help but remind you that “ March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” (That's right.) And in between all of that lamb, lion talk there's plenty of celebrations to make you glad that February is over. March is full of great occasions. For example, we're in the midst of Women's History Month; all week long the most populous County, Los Angeles, is calling this "no cussing week"; Sunday the 8th is daylight saving (not savings) time (remember spring forward); St Patty's Day is the 17th, one day before Megan Clark celebrates another birthday; the March Madness of NCAA's Road to the Final Four starts with the 15th’s Selection Sunday, which also is the day the American Legion was founded in 1919; and as crazy as this sounds, Spring starts on the 20th.

And what March be without birthdays? To kick off birthdays a day late let’s celebrate Jon Bon Jovi’s big 47 today, exactly eight days before Canadian director Paul Haggis of “Crash” and “Casino Royale” turns 56 on March 10th – the same day Chuck Norris kicks his way to a stellar 69. On March 16th, we celebrate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s 76th birthday exactly six days before Wolf Blitzer talks about his roots in Buffalo and celebrates his 61st with Andrew Lloyd Webber, who turns the same age and will probably talk about the “Phantom of the Opera” and how he grew up in London’s Phantom area.

First of the Month: February

For those looking for some excitement in a short amount of time; February is your answer. Yep, the second month in the Gregorian calendar is jam packed from the get-go. For example, you’re probably watching the Super Bowl kickoff today as the Cardinal and Steeler fans will complement one each other before millions of viewers see Michael Scott deal with a disaster in an epic rendition of "The Office." Then we have Candlemas, better known as Groundhog's day. (If you're wondering, this is what's like to be in Punxsatawney.) But let's not forget the other gems of February like Black History month; the long three-day weekend thanks to Presidents' Day; lover’s paradise on Valentine's Day. There’s plenty of other occasions too: On the 18^th, we also celebrate the 79^th anniversary of when planet Pluto was founded; On the 24^th, Fat Tuesday invites everyone in to eat; and the 7^th is Charles Dickens Day.

And what would February be without birthdays? Tomorrow Ms. Uptown Girl Christy Brinkley turns 55 exactly three days before beating Bobby Brown turns 40. One week after Brown’s birthday Greg the “Shark” Norman turns 54 exactly one day before Sheryl Crow turns 46 and four days before Jimmy Hoffa turns 86 (Hey! He could be alive.) Five days before Hoffa’s bday, the always affable Mike Cieslak turns 33, 18 days before the Month ends and always busy actor John Turturro turns 52.

First of the Month: January

Nah Nah nah nah. Hey hey hey. Goodbye. Nah nah nah nah. Hey hey hey. Goodbye. Yep, that’s it. Bye Bye 2008. We welcome you 2009. We welcome a new kick-ass year and all the great things that come in January, the first month of the Gregorian Calendar.

This week brings great anticipation for football fans and those looking for some change. Today is one day before Trivia Day, so get those drinking cards out as you hope to be “winner winner, chicken dinner” on Wednesday nights at the local pub. And if you want a fast stat remember Jan. 21^st 23 years ago, when the supersonic airliner ‘Concorde’ began regular commercial service. On the 6^th we have Cuddle Up Days for all of you couples out there or anyone wanting a nice body pillow. We also have mainstays like the 19^th, when we celebrate MLK day; inauguration on the 20^th, when we welcome the first African American as the leader of the White House; and the 24^th, when we tip our libations to ‘beer can appreciation day.’ (BTW: This day celebrates the 1935 date when the product of barley and hops was first sold in a can. So sit back today, drink some of that Miller High Life and watch the “The Grandaddy of Them All” as another Rose Bowl is on TV. Have a great month you football fans, as it all comes to a close with the Super Bowl week.

And what January be without birthdays? Besides Dr. King on the 15^th, we have the great Stephen Stills from Crosby and Nash turning 64 today and Dave Matthews Crashing into 42 on the 9^th. On January 14^th, Teen Wolf

star turned Arrested Development actor, Jason Bateman, turns 49 the same day Dave Grohl Foo Fights his way to the same birthday celebration. And on the 28^th Mr. Frodo, Elijah Wood, turns the big 28.