Kala Dunn

The 2nd-longest running show on Broadway made it's debut on this day in 1982. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats began its 18-year run, telling the story of a tribe of cats and reincarnation. With much critical acclaim, show is widely considered to be the cat's meow.

It’s Monday, October 8

Maiden Alley Cinema presents “Mary and Max” tonight at 6:30 as part of the Faith in Film series.  The animated film tells the story of two unlikely pen pals.  For more information, visit maidenalleycinema.com.

Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as James Bond, was the first film based on Ian Fleming's spy series. It was filmed with a low budget, of $1M, but took in almost $60M in the box office. The film featured one of the most famous one-liners in cinema history: "Bond... James Bond."

It’s Friday, October 5

The city of Madisonville offers a Gallery Hop tomorrow evening from 5 to 9.  Visitors can view and purchase art from thirty artists in nine locations within in a three-block downtown area.  The event also includes live music, with guitarist Eddie Pennington performing at 6:30.  See event details at visitmadisonvilleky.com.

June, Ward, Beav, and Wally became the iconic suburban family of the mid-20th century, making their first appearance on CBS on this day in 1957 (later moving to ABC). It was one of the first shows written from a child's point of view, and was compared by Variety to Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. Gee, that's swell!

It’s Thursday, October 4

The Calloway County Public Library hosts a scarf-making workshop Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:30.  Trigg County Extension Agent Cecelia Hostilo leads the free workshop.  Space is limited; register by calling 753-2288.

"Howl" by Allen Ginsberg is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of American literature, but it was published in 1956 to much controversy, containing references to illicit drugs and sexual practices. Customs officials seized books, and the publisher was charged with obscenity. On this day in 1957, however, the poem was declared of "redeeming social importance."

It’s Wednesday, October 3

The Make A Difference Community Food Drive invites Paducah residents to bring nonperishable food items to the Paducah Cooperative Ministry during the month of October.  This year’s goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of food to help households in need.  The Paducah Cooperative Ministry is located at 402 Legion Drive.  For more information, call 442-6795.

Happy birthday Groucho Marx! It's hard to imagine he turns 122 today. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

It’s Tuesday, October 2

The annual Murray State University Faculty Showcase Recital is tonight at 7:30 in the Performing Arts Hall.  Eleven faculty members perform musical selections ranging from light classical to jazz.  Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with proceeds benefiting the music scholarship fund. 

Johnny Carson made his debut as the host of NBC's "Tonight Show" on this day in 1962. His first guests were Rudy Vallee, Joan Crawford, Tony Bennett, and Mel Brooks. Carson hosted the show for 30 years, before passing the torch to Jay Leno. That's some wild and wacky stuff!

It’s Monday, October 1

A four-week Beginning Floral Design class starts this Thursday at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  Classes meet on Thursday nights from 5 to 8.  The cost is $85.  Supplies for one arrangement including a vase will be furnished.  To register, call (270) 534-3335.

Contrary to widespread misconceptions, Thomas Crapper did not invent the flush toilet, but rather did much to popularize the toilet with related inventions. Let us not remember his legacy for silly things like "taking a crap," but rather for his most important contribution, the ballcock.

It’s Friday, September 28

The Murray State University Department of Music presents the sixth annual Fall Fanfare Concert in Lovett Auditorium tomorrow afternoon at 2.  $5 tickets are available at the door and benefit music scholarships.  Hear an hour of entertaining performances by the Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, University Chorale, Jazz Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and the 300-plus member Racer Marching Band.

Samuel Adams... Founding Father, leader of the American Revolution, and brewing enthusiast, was born on this day in 1722. He was influential in organizing the Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation. Modern scholars debate his rebellious nature, but I think some would agree he'd be a guy you'd want to drink a beer with.

It’s Thursday, September 27

Dinty Moore, winner of the National Book Prize for non-fiction, gives a reading tonight at 7:30 in Murray State University’s Clara Eagle Art Gallery, located on the sixth floor of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building.  The reading is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow at the Faculty Club.

The first televised debate between presidential candidates aired on this day in 1960, broadcast by CBS in Chicago. US Senator John F. Kennedy faced Vice President Richard Nixon. It was one of the most watched broadcasts in US TV history, with 66 million viewers. 

It’s Wednesday, September 26

Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah presents Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake" tomorrow night at 7. The iconic production replaces the traditionally female ensemble dancers with a menacing male ensemble. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.maidenalleycinema.com.

He was best known as Superman, and a Hollywood 'hearthrob' until tragically being thrown from a horse in 1995. Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) spent his final years lobbying for spinal cord injury and stem cell research. In a way, he never stopped being Superman.

It’s Tuesday, September 25

Participants in the Eagles Photography Show are honored tonight at a reception in the Graves County Schools’ Performing Arts Center Gallery.  The community is invited to view the photographs.  The reception begins at 6.  The Performing Arts Center is next to Graves County High School.