Kala Dunn

"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.

It's a steampunk fan's dream flight... the first steam-powered airship took flight on this day 160 years ago. French designer Henri Giffard ascended the Hippodrome in Paris and landed in Trappes 17 miles away. This is how I wish I traveled to work this morning.

It’s Monday, September 24

The City of Paducah offers a Fall Break Camp for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade.  The camp is at Noble Park, October 1st through the 5th from 8:30 to 4:30.  Activities include sports, arts and crafts, games, and field trips.  The cost is $75 per child.  Register by calling 444-8508 or by visiting paducahky.gov.

Happy 100 Chuck Jones (1912-2002), animator and director of Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! If you've seen anything starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Sylvester, and Pepé Le Pew, you've seen his work. And if not... well then, we can't be friends.

It’s Friday, September 21

Murray celebrates its “Playful City USA” designation tomorrow with a Celebration of Play Day from 10 to 2 at Central Park.  Children of all ages can enjoy supervised and independent play, ranging from geocaching to Lego builds to disc golf.  Admission is free.

Happy 64th birthday to George R.R. Martin, best known for his epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, aka Game of Thrones. Last year, TIME Magazine listed Martin as one of the most influential people in the world. On reading, he's said, “A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”

It’s Thursday, September 20

Market House Theatre offers two final performances of “9 to 5: The Musical,” tomorrow and Saturday evenings at 7:30. Set in 1979, the comedy stars an unlikely trio of women trying to break through the glass ceiling in the white-collar professional world.  Make reservations by calling the box office at 444-6828.