Merrell In The Morning Fun You May Have Missed

Today's Celebrations

“Four Chaplains Day” in America by unanimous act of Congress in 1988. Honoring WWII Veterans for valor.
The Day The Music Died - February 3, 1959 was a sad day in rock ’n’ roll history: 22-year-old Buddy Holly, 28-year-old J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) and 17-year-old Ritchie Valens died in an airplane crash near Mason City, Iowa. February 3rd has been remembered as “The Day the Music Died” since Don McLean made the line popular in his 1972 hit, American Pie.

Celebrity Birthdays

1894 - Norman Rockwell - artist: widely known for his realistic, homespun cover art for The Saturday Evening Post; died Nov 8, 1978

1907 - James A. Michener - novelist: Tales of the South Pacific, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, Journey, Hawaii, Iberia, Centennial, Mexico; died Oct 16, 1997

1940 - Fran Tarkenton [74] - Pro Football Hall of Famer: Minnesota Vikings quarterback: Super Bowl VIII, IX, XI, also NY Giants quarterback: holds individual NFL career records for passing yards gained, completions, attempts and touchdowns thrown

1945 - Bob Griese [69] - football: Miami Dolphins quarterback: Super Bowl VI, VII, VIII

1950 - Morgan Fairchild (Patsy McClenny) [64]- actress: Dallas, Flamingo Road, North and South, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Writer’s Block

1964 - Singer/songwriter Matraca Berg [50] - born in Nashville. She writes Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine," Reba McEntire's "The Last One To Know," Martina McBride's "Wild Angels" and Kenny Chesney's "You And Tequila," among others

1965 - Maura Tierney [49] - actress: NewsRadio, Liar Liar, Primary Colors, Forces of Nature, Oxygen, ER, The Andy Dick Show

1982 - Jessica Harp [32] - is born in Kansas City, Missouri. She becomes a member of The Wreckers, a duo with Michelle Branch, after working as a vocalist in Branch's band

Tabloid News

Controversial Game Theory Winning Big On Jeopardy

From businessinsider.com -

Arthur Chu, Jeopardy's latest and greatest star, who has used Jeopardy game theory to become nightly must-see TV. But his unorthodox methods — though correct by the numbers — have made him a polarizing figure in the Jeopardy community. So what's the controversy all about? It’s how he plays that has viewers frustrated.
Daily double searching.
Arthur was particularly fond of the "true" Daily Double, wagering all his money the first time (he lost it all) but quickly recovering with a massive wager later on another Daily Double. While most contestants are hesitant to go all-or-nothing, Arthur is happily taking those calculated risks.
Aggressive buzzing.
Arthur is an incessant buzzer-clicker, who emphatically presses his answering button like there's no tomorrow. He also plays a furiously quick pace, often bowling over Alex Trebek's words to get to the next question. This is also a matter of strategy—the more questions he can get to before the time runs out.
Playing for the tie.
Basically, the whole point of the game is to move on to the next round. Whether or not someone joins you is largely irrelevant.