Betty White is celebrating her 91st birthday today. Eight decades ago as a little (Golden) girl, she made her radio debut. Later, a collaboration with a radio disc jockey would help launch her into television stardom. Here's a look back at the highlights of her radio career, with some clips provided to us by the Old Time Radio Catalog.Early Radio DebutBetty White's earliest radio work found online is from an early 1930s drama called Empire Builders, sponsored by the Great Northern Railway Company.... READ ON
With the Oprah Winfrey Show ending today, here are some earlier clips of the media icon from before her epic television program took off. Teenage Oprah got her start in media as a part-time news reporter on WVOL radio in Nashville, TN. While still at college, she became the first African-American TV correspondent and youngest news co-anchor on WTVF in Nashville. In 1976, she moved to Baltimore to become a news reporter and anchor at WJZ-TV. Here are a couple of news promos with Oprah,... READ ON
During National Peanut Month, glamour shots of the popular foodstuff are on display at a gallery in New York City. Lee Zalben, founder of Peanut Butter & Co., was challenged to concoct 365 sandwich recipes. He loved the way they tasted and wanted to share the way they looked. Teaming up with photographer Theresa Raffetto and food stylist Patty White, he created the portraits to show off his nutty... READ ON
© Pierre Marsaut/ZUMA Press/Corbis Last week, during their meeting about the South Stream gas transit pipeline and other large-scale energy projects, Bulgarian Premier Boyko Borisov gave Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin a Karakachan puppy, which he nuzzled in front of the cameras. Throughout history, many other world leaders have exchanged animals. From showing might to making alliances, celebrating milestones to spurring conservation efforts, pets have been the diplomatic present of choice... READ ON
One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, loved by tourists, locals and giant gorillas alike, the Empire State Building decorates the New York City skyline with regular displays of colored lights. A recent controversy over the Empire State Building's rejection of the Catholic League's proposal to honor of Mother Teresa's centennial with blue and white lights has put a spotlight on the buildings lighting policy. Among the protestors, City Council members are speaking out against the decision.... READ ON
The secret lives of librarians took center stage at the American Library Association's annual conference earlier this month. There was dancing, there were costumes, there was music, and, of course, there were book carts. They practice their routines in hallways and parking lots, ready to compete in the 5th annual Library Book Cart Drill Team Championship, sponsored by library supply company DEMCO. "I thought, my God, what have we done here," said DEMCO's John Ison of the first competition. Teams... READ ON
On the day before St. Patrick's Day, celebrate St. Urho's Day to honor the Patron Saint of the Finnish vineyard workers. Before the ice age, Finland's grape crops were under attack from a pest. A man named Urho (pronounced "oorho") fortified by sour milk and fish soup came to the hill and yelled "Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, menetaalta hiteen!" which translates to "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!" With a few words, Urho saved the vineyards and became a hero. Though Urho lived in ancient times, his... READ ON
Mothers in Taiwan can now give birth in a Hello Kitty-themed hospital. Patients enjoy the iconic feline theme on everything from baby blankets, nurse uniforms, and a statue of the cat dressed like a doctor. Tsai Tsung-chi designed Hau Sheng Hospital with his mother, wife and daughter's adorable cartoon cat in mind. [Image courtesy of Reuters.] Meanwhile, other entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry have taken the hospital theme to different kinds of ventures. Just don't expect your health insurance... READ ON
When electoral maps overwhelm and statistical margins of error confound, pollsters and political commentators struggle to measure the outcome of the presidential race. Here are a few alternatives for predicting the election. 1. Check the CafePress... READ ON
With campaign attire in the spotlight, what apparel choices are candidates and their spouses making? Whether they buy the with their own money or campaign funds, here are some of the fashion trends among the political elite. 1. Kawasaki, the Japanese company that makes Sarah Palin's iconic eyeglasses, received as many orders in 10 days for the frame as it does in a year. 2. Minnesota's Pacificier baby boutique is also cashing in on the publicity about Trig Palin's romper. 3. Sarah Palin debuted... READ ON
5 Questions: Boys Behaving Badly
Lesser-Known Founding Fathers
In 1991 Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, married Russi Taylor—the voice of Minnie.
