Rock Almanac: January 6, 2009

On This Date in 1973: 'You're So Vain,' by Carly Simon, grabs the No. 1 position on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

The Almanac Advises for January 6: "Sigmund Freud pioneered the term 'narcissism,' which refers to a pathological level of self-regard. Most people with narcissistic personality disorder turn inward for gratification rather than seeking it from others."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 6th 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: January 5, 2009

On This Date in 1969: Shock rocker Marilyn Manson is born Brian Hugh Warner in Canton, Ohio.

The Almanac Advises for January 5: "Some children who are given unusual names at birth will later adopt a more mainstream moniker in order to fit in with their peers."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 5th 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: January 4, 2009

On This Date in 1960: R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe is born John Michael Stipe in Decatur, Ga.

The Almanac Advises for January 4: "One of the keys to becoming a successful spokesman is being articulate. Communicating clearly and enunciating precisely will better help your message to get across to the public."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 4th 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: January 3, 2009

On This Date in 2004: Britney Spears weds childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander in a Las Vegas chapel. The marriage is annulled after 55 hours.

The Almanac Advises for January 3: "Marriage between two people who consider themselves soul mates often last longer than average due to the already established bond between the couple."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 3rd 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: January 2, 2009

On This Date in 2003: Rapper 50 Cent is arrested on weapons possession charges in New York.

The Almanac Advises for January 2: "With the economy in free fall these days, the value of U.S. currency and coins has decreased considerably in the past five years."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 2nd 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: January 1, 2009

On This Date in 1962: The Beatles audition for a contract with Decca Records. The label turns down the band, instead signing Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.

The Almanac Advises for January 1: "If you are passed over for a position after an interview, don't lose hope. The experience of facing rejection will help to strengthen you for the next interview."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Jan 1st 2009 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: December 31, 2008

On This Date in 1984: Def Leppard drummer Rock Allen is injured in a car crash that results in the loss of his left arm.

The Almanac Advises for December 31: "The saying 'a leopard can't change its spots,' to refer to someone being unable to learn new ways, is proved false daily. Many people who undergo live-altering circumstances learn to overcome their hardship and learn new methods of coping."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Dec 31st 2008 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: December 30, 2008

On This Date in 1942: Mike Nesmith of the Monkees is born in Houston.

On This Date in 1945: Davy Jones of the Monkees is born in Manchester, England.

The Almanac Advises for December 30: "While a monkey-themed birthday party may seem like a funidea, it is best planned without any actual simians as guests. Most primates have a tendency toward aggression -- and would especially be unruly around noisy and excited children."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Dec 30th 2008 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: December 29, 2008

On This Date in 1914: Jazz pianist and saxophonist Billy Tipton is born Dorothy Lucille Tipton in Oklahoma City. Upon Tipton's death, it was revealed that the musician, who lived and worked as a male, was secretly a biological female.

The Almanac Advises for December 29: "The male domain of musicians is generally resistant to female involvement in roles other than as a vocalist. Therefore, a woman needs to work much harder to get a leg up in thsi man's world."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Dec 29th 2008 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac

Rock Almanac: December 28, 2008

On This Date in 1983: Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson drowns after diving off his boat in Marina Del Rey, Calif.

The Almanac Advises for December 28: "Part of any safe boating practice is knowing and heeding the following rules: 1. Attend a boating safety course in your locality. 2. Always have life preservers and life jackets handy and available for all boaters. 3. Avoid 'BUI' -- boating under the influence."

Posted by Gaylord Fields on Dec 28th 2008 8:00AM
Filed under: Rock Almanac