Happy Birthday, Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow was born on this day in 1911. She only made it to 26. Her mother, a Christian Scientist, would not allow her to see a doctor after she became seriously ill. Jean died of uremic poisoning.

Here are some excerpts from "Dinner at Eight."

Gzandtgstas

E Streeter Steven Van Zandt at the Rockers on Broadway event last night, and Chicago gangster Al Capone.

So alike, and yet only one left Alcatraz in 1939.

Jeffrey Ufberg/Getty Image

Tickle Me Reba

Enhanced country star Reba McEntire at the Academy of Country Music Nominations, and giddy Sesame Street star Elmo.

So alike, and yet only one is a natural redhead.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for ACM

Happy Birthday, Desi Arnaz

The great Desi Arnaz was born on this day in 1917. He died of lung cancer in 1986. We have Desi to thank for the rerun.

Here's a weird old cigarette commercial that ran during the original "I Love Lucy" airings.

Push

Gabourey Sidibe's arm at the NAACP Image Awards where she won Outstanding Actress honors for her work in "Precious," and a beluga whale at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

Both are mammals.

Getty

Happy Birthday, Glenn Miller

The lost prince of the Big Band era, Glenn Miller, was born on this day in 1904.

Here's a clip with the glorious "Moonlight Serenade," followed by "I Know Why and So Do You." Watch for the cameo by Milton Berle! From 1941's "Sun Valley Serenade." Lynn Bari is the singer.

Miller died Dec. 15, 1944 when his plane crashed while traveling to Paris to perform for the troops.

(this video takes a few seconds to begin after you click play)

Goodbye to Gotcha

There's a new buzzword in town... it's "gotcha," which has replaced every form of recognition and acknowledgment of all incoming thoughts, while the person saying "gotcha" verifies that they are bereft of any other analytical thought.



As a public service, here are just a few alternatives to saying "gotcha." Thank you. And goodnight Mr. Safire, wherever you are.

read

follow

get

grasp

see

comprehend

know

understand

understood

realize

empathize

gather

dig

perceive

sense

appreciate

yes

comprende

get the picture

realize

fathom

okay

capish