Is That A Fact!?

Aubrey Beardsley’s “On This Day” Fun Facts and Trivia

On this day, in 1946, Yola De Meglio registered copyright in that classic, Eensie Weensie Spider.

This  notable work (also known as Incy Wincy Spider or Itsy Bitsy Spider or Spider Song) has been a favourite of kids since around 1910. But the earlier lyrics were less than flattering to spiders, and the better known eensie weensie, itsy bitsy lyrics are traced back to Yola. It is unclear if the earlier lyrics were also a De Meglio creation.

But speaking of spider songs (although technically it is the “octopus scene”), the song Eight Arms To Hold You was written for the film, The Goonies. “Eight arms to hold you near my heart,” I think it should be the anthem for misunderstood octopedes everywhere. Back to The Goonies, this cult film was released in US theatres, on this day, in 1985. In 2010, in honour of the 25th anniversary of the film, the Mayor of Astoria declared today Goonies Day!

But ten years before the release of The Goonies, on this very day, Betamax put the very video cassette recorder on the market. It cost $995 and was soon to be replaced by VHS, but it is such a significant moment in the history of technology that today is also Betamax Day!

The Goonies was ultimately released on VHS and Betamax, and there’s even one currently listed for sale in the US on eBay. Bids are presently at $13.45, so get your skates on.

So on this very special Betamax / Goonies Day let’s remember the Goonies’ oath (which was cut from the final film):

I will never betray my goon dock friends

We will stick together until the world ends

Through heaven and hell, and nuclear war

Good pals like us, will stick like tar

In the city, or the country, or the forest, or the boonies

I am proudly declared a fellow Goonie!

I think it was cut because war does not rhyme with tar … So I have a suggestion for them …

Happy Goonies Day! Good pals like us, will stick like Labrador!