Zune HD wasn't given much support from late night talk-show hosts, who panned the device shortly after its launch. Craig Ferguson and Conan O'Brien had fun with Zune. Bloomberg reports that Ferguson said the device was Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates's bid to "loosen iPod's stranglehold on the iPod market." He added that "Zune has all the features of the iPod except it's not as good. Plus it can only download recordings of Bill Gates singing." ...
Microsoft isn't killing the Zune entirely. The company will now put Zune software onto mobile phones with Windows. Zune software lets customers buy songs and movies, as well as pay a monthly fee to stream unlimited music. While that part of Zune will continue to be utilized, the loss of Zune HD is a blow to the HD Radio movement...
10 Timeline Memories:
1.1802] The long gray line: Congress authorizes the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (NY)...
2.1881] The Circus is in town: The Barnum and Bailey Circus debuts…
3.1912] Cherry pie: Mrs. William Howard Taft plants the first cherry tree in Washington (DC). Skip and Flip sing the National Anthem followed by “Cherry Pie“…
4.1968] My-Lai, My-God: U.S. troops under the direction of Lt. William L. Calley Jr. destroy a Vietnam village consisting mostly of women and children, killing hundreds. The event is know as the “My-Lai Massacre.”…
5.1970] “Happy Trails“: Tammi Terrell dies from a malignant brain tumor just a month and a half away from her 25th birthday. She had collapsed on stage in October of 1967 while singing with Marvin Gaye…
6.1978] Kidnapped: Italian politician Aldo Moro is kidnapped by left-wing guerrillas. Moro is later found murdered by the group…
7.1988] Guilty as charged: Former National Security Adviser John M. Poindexter, former White House aide Oliver L. North and two others are indicted on charges relating to the Iran-Contra affair. The convictions of Poindexter and North are thrown out…1994] Tonya Harding pleads guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution for covering up the attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan and is fined $100,000…
8.1991] Country tragedy: Seven members of Reba McEntire’s band and her road manager are killed when their private plane goes down near the California border with Mexico. Luckily Reba was on another plane…
9.2002] Wedding Bells: Liza Minelli makes her fourth trip down the aisle when she marries her producer and boyfriend David Gest. It took more than five years to work out a divorce settlement…
10.2002] Fan tragedy: Thirteen-year old hockey fan Brittanie Cecil is hit by a puck during an NHL game between her hometown Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. She dies 2 days later from her injuries…
Music Memories:
- 1964] Released on this date: "Can't Buy Me Love" - Beatles...
"WRKO...The Launch" (Part 12) (March marks the 44th anniversary of WRKO Boston. All month long, I will be serializing the story behind the actual launch of what would become one of the country's legendary Top 40 radio stations and today continues to be a mainstay with a N/T format in New England)...
Like John Rode, Joel Cash (12N-3pm) had a great radio voice. Joel must have gone to the same Resonance Broadcasting Academy Rode attended. Joel was also smooth. He didn't make many mistakes on the air and like Al Gates, Joel could really sell a live spot. Joel had so much confidence, he came off arrogant to some people at WRKO but I always chalked that up to his being so sure of himself and his ability rather than arrogance. Joel was good and he knew it...
Although big of voice, Joel was short in stature. We were about the same height - 5' 6" to 5' 7" on tip toes. Joel was always neatly dressed with his jet black hair shining and neatly combed. He also had a quick smile as opposed to Rode, who never smiled. Joel was the biggest sports fan of all of our disc jockeys. He knew the Boston teams, players and daily game results. He was also a good ballplayer. Joel's profile and airchecks are available by clicking here...
(Tomorrow: "WRKO...The Launch" - Part 13: A profile of J.J. Jeffrey (3pm - 6 pm)..."Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Lauren Graham (44), Nancy (Heart) Wilson (57), Kate Nelligan (60), Erik Estrada (62), Chuck Woolery (70) and Jerry Lewis (85)...
Timeline Countdown: 4 days until the first day of spring, 15 days until MLB opening day, 34 days until Passover & 40 days until Easter Sunday...
