Jeff's Jots

• I heard a ABC Radio Network entertainment reporter on local radio talking about a story in New York Magazine about the Eclipsed Celebrity Death Club. She described the basis of the story about certain famous people who did not get the attention they would have when they died because a more famous person died right before or right after. She cited several cases that were listed in the story and mentioned Farrah Fawcett, who overshadowed Ed McMahon for a few hours before her attention was eclipsed by Michael Jackson. Then she went on to say, "When it comes to death, you have winners and you have losers". That would be a hilarious statement if it wasn't so ridiculous. She mentioned former Oscar winner Karl Malden's death was overlooked because he died after Michael Jackson and then admitted she did not know who he was. I've heard the craziest things on radio and TV over the last week or so.
  

• I watched an interesting DVD tonight. It was called "Red White & Blue: A Tribute to America". It featured clips from the Ed Sullivan Show. The common theme was Patriotism. Henry Fonda, Charlton Heston and Carl Sandburg were featured reciting Lincoln speeches. When was the last time you heard a speech recited on network television? Roy Rogers & Dale Evans performed a melody of Patriotic songs. Lorretta Lynn, Wayne Newton, Kate Smith and Joel Grey also sang songs about America. Sgt. Barry Sadler was featured performing the Ballad of the Green Berets which was one of the most bizarre songs to reach the top of the charts. The most surreal moment occured when Irving Berlin sang a version of his God Bless America accompanied by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts. You jst don't see that kind of stuff anymore!