(Weekend Edition)
We all have our own opinion about Dr. Laura Schlessinger's liberal use of the "n" word and her subsequent exit from radio but what do other people think? A newly conducted poll by Inside Radio shows that 58% say radio hosts can still say whatever is on their mind but 41% agree with the good doctor and believe there are too many potential landmines for on-air hosts. Typical comments included this one: "Talk show hosts have every right to say what they would like, within reasonable bounds of decency and respect. The marketplace has every right not to listen." Then there was this: "There's a difference between speaking your mind and enraging the public." ...
One respondent says "The environment today is a tightrope between creative expression that drives ratings and not giving special interest groups pushing an agenda a reason to hurt you or your station through threats of sponsor boycott." Others believe it reflects a larger trend in the country: "There's too much Big Brother breathing down our necks, forcing everyone on-air to be politically correct." Reaction was mixed about Dr. Laura's exit: "She doesn't have to leave radio. She's probably just sick of the grind and this was as good an excuse as any. There were those that felt that it might be a publicity stunt to draw attention to Dr. Laura's future projects. And there were those that yearned for the way things used to be: "Ah, for a return to the days when good taste was always a primary rule." ...
Hosting a radio talk show can be perilous but you can't be timid. Timid doesn't pull numbers, controversy does. It seems to me, in this case, Dr. Laura had about had it with the tightrope act and was ready to cash in her chips now before she wound up in a room furnished with Goodyear Tire and Rubber products. By the way Dr. Laura will make a fine host if she decides to continue her career. Prime candidates should include Sirius XM or CNN...
10 Timeline Memories:
1.1858] The original debates: Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, both candidates for U.S. Senate, go toe-to-toe in the 1st of 7 debates that people are still talking about. The opening round is held in Ottawa (IL) (8/21)...
2.1878] The birth of the unemployed lawyer: American Bar Association is founded in Saratoga (NY). No shortage of lawyers at the spa city (8/21)...
3.1906] Nipper sighting: The Victor Talking Machine Company of Camden (NJ) begins to manufacture the Victrola (8/22). The hand-cranked machine with horn cabinet sold for $200 -- a bloody fortune in 1906...
4.1959] Hawaii Five-O: Hawaii becomes our 50th state as President Eisenhower issues the order for the 50-star U.S. flag (Aloha) (8/21)...
5.1966] Put the bat in the coconut: With no limes available, Juan Marichal puts a bat in the coconut of Dodgers catcher John Roseboro during an on-field brawl in a Dodgers-Giants game (8/22)...
6.1983] "La Cage aux Folles": "Queen for a Day" in French, reaches Broadway with George Hearn and Gene Barry starring in the lead roles (8/21)...
7.1989] A self-defense claim: Record executive Jose Menendez and his wife Kitty are shot to death by their sons Lyle and Erik, who claim self-defense after being abused. The 1st trial ends in hung juries but eventually the brothers are convicted and are still serving their terms (8/20)...
8.1990] Don't let the door hit you on the way out: George Steinbrenner steps down as Yankees owner after being banned from baseball by Commissioner Fay Vincent, Gene Michael is named VP/GM. Steinbrenner is reinstated in 1993 (8/20)...
9. 1992] Scud Stud crashes and burns: NBC fires "Scud Stud", Arthur Kent two weeks after he refuses an assignment to Croatia (8/21) (this after he becomes a "star" for his Gulf War coverage). Arthur Kent is now seen as often as Jimmy Hoffa...
10.2008] Bolt of lightning: Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the 200-meter race in the 2008 Summer Olympics setting a new world record (8/20)...
Music Memories:
•1964] Hottest selling LP: "The Chipmunks sing the Beatles" (8/22)...
•1965] Released on this date: "Eve of Destruction" - Barry McGuire (8/21)...1965] "Do You Believe In Magic" - Lovin' Spoonful (8/21)...1966] "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep" - Temptations (8/20)...1974] "Angie" - Rolling Stones (8/20)...
•1980] Debuted on Broadway: Linda Ronstadt in "The Pirates of Penzance" (8/21)...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday": (8/20) Joan Allen (54), Al Roker (56), Robert Plant (62), Jim Pankow (63), Connie Chung (64), Graig Nettles (66), Ron Paul (75) and George Mitchell (77)...(8/21) Hayden Panettiere (21), Usain Bolt (24), Amy Fisher (36), Kim Cattrall (54), Harry Smith (59), Patty McCormack (65), Jackie DeShannon (66), Kenny Rogers (72) and Melvin Van Peebles (78)...(8/22) Tori Amos (47), Cindy Williams (63), Steve Kroft (65), Bill Parcells (69), Valerie Harper (70), Carl Yastrzemski (71), General Norman Schwarzkopf (76) and Ray Bradbury (90)..
Timeline Countdown: 17 days until Labor Day, 20 days until the NFL opener (Minn. @ New Orleans) & 34 days until autumn arrives...
