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Storms, treks and that girl                                                                                
Johnny Trlica, 9/8/2011
Did everyone see the big Republican debate last night? That was as exciting and predictable as an Astros game in August. Yawn………. President Obama gives his "Jobs Speech" tonight to a joint session of Congress. Pardon me while I run to Costco to by an industrial size bottle of NoDoze………. I'm back. Now on to the trivia we all love so much. On this day in 1900, Galveston was struck by the worst and deadliest natural disaster in American history as a hurricane battered the island city. An estimated 8,000-12,000 people died as 23 foot waves and 135 mph winds all but wiped out the "Wall Street of the Southwest." The sea wall was built as a result of the storm's destruction………. In 1932 country music great Patsy Cline was born………. In 1966 Marlo Thomas began a five year run on ABC as "That Girl." "Oh Donald!"………. "Beam me up Scottie."  Desilu Studios' "Star Trek" began a three year run into "the final frontier" as the William Shatner series premiered on NBC. The show never did well in the ratings, finishing #52 (it's highest) for the 1966-67 season………. "Dancing with the Stars" hopeful David Arquette was born in 1971………. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed or participated in while in office………. After the demise of the USFL, star running back Herschel Walker made his NFL debut in 1986 with the Dallas Cowboys who defeated the NY Giants 31-28………. Whitney Houston filed for divorce from Bobby Brown in 2006.

Back to the grindstone
Johnny Trlica, 9/6/2011
We hope everyone enjoyed a great three day weekend, but now it's back to the grindstone………. President Obama gave an inspiring Labor Day speech yesterday. He challenged Republican lawmakers saying, "We're going to see if congressional Republicans can put country before party. Show us what you got. The time for Washington games is over. The time for action is now." Obama added, "There is work to be done and there are workers ready to do it. Labor is on board. Business is on board. We just need Congress to get on board. Let's put America back to work. " Obama said he would also push Congress to extend soon-to-expire payroll tax cuts to spur hiring and put more money in Americans' pockets. A payroll tax holiday for workers and extended unemployment benefits were enacted in a bipartisan package in December. Obama called earlier this year for a continuation of both measures through next year. Congressional Republicans have been lukewarm on the idea, but then what has the President ever done that they liked? He also pledged to support worker's rights and collective bargaining………. The Houston Texans got the best news they've received in years. Peyton Manning will miss the season opener on Sunday when the Colts pay a visit to Reliant Stadium………. Although Jerry Lewis was no where to be found on the MD Telethon, he was involved in a Labor Day Marathon. Antenna TV had a festival of Lewis' films on all day.

On this day…
Johnny Trlica, 9/5/2011
Happy Labor Day to all of our HRH readers………. America's first Labor Day Parade was held on September 5, 1882 when some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City. It was organized and executed by NY's Central Labor Union (the same type of labor unions that are now under attack from conservatives. When did teachers, firefighters and policemen become public enemy #1?)………. On this day in 1999, the Houston Comets won their 3rd straight WNBA Championship beating the NY Liberty 2 games to 1………. In 1972 Arab Guerillas attacked Israeli athletes at the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany………. In 1975, Czechoslovakian tennis ace Martina Navratilova asked for political asylum. Her native country was a Communist dictatorship at the time. Navratilova went on to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a LGBT activist………. In 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford………. Astros pitcher JR Richard made his debut, striking out 15 SF Giants in a 5-3 win in 1971………. "Candid Camera" creator and host Allen Funt died at 84 in 1999. We still know the words to the theme song!.......... In 1997 Mother Teresa died of cardiac arrest at 87………. On September 5, 1836 Sam Houston (our city's namesake) was elected 1st President of the Republic of Texas. Yes, for those of you who don't know, Texas was an independent nation before it was a state………. In 1983 Tom Brokaw became sole anchor of the "NBC Nightly News"………. In 1987 "American Bandstand" aired its 2,751st and last ABC show after a 30 year run on the alphabet network. It lived on in syndication for two more years………. In 2006 Katie Couric became the first female to be a solo anchor when she took over the "CBS Evening News." How did that work out?.......... and finally, in 1964 The Animals' "House of the Rising Sun" hit #1 on the pop charts. Once again, Happy Labor Day!

Historic broadcast events
Johnny Trlica, 9/3/2010
September 3 holds a lot of special remembrances in entertainment history. In 1951, the long running soap "Search for Tomorrow" began a 35 year run on daytime TV airing on CBS and ending on NBC………. "winning" actor Charlie Sheen was born in 1965………. NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi died in Washington DC at 57 in 1970. He coached the Green Bay Packers to victories in Super Bowls I and II………. In response to Hitler's invasion of Poland two days earlier, England and France declared war on Germany in 1939………. In 1971 "The Lawrence Welk Show" ended a 16 year run on ABC………. In 1967 "Gilligan's Island" aired for the last time on CBS. Have we ever answered the burning question, "Ginger or Mary Ann?"………. In 1954 the final radio episode of "The Lone Ranger" aired after 2,956 episodes over 21 years………. In 1966 and after becoming the longest running sitcom in TV history (and still holds the record) "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" ended a 14 year run on ABC. The show saw Ricky Nelson (as himself) grow from a 12 year boy to a teen idol and then into a 26 year old married man with children. The show marks the only sitcom in TV history that had an actual family portraying themselves. Example in the credits: "Ozzie is played by Ozzie Nelson. The role of Harriet is portrayed by Harriet Nelson." And so on……… And finally, one of the best (and most simple) game shows in TV history ended a 17 year run on CBS when "What's My Line" aired its final primetime telecast in 1967. And we still don't know, "Is it bigger than a breadbox?"………. Happy Labor Day weekend everybody!

Comets finest hour came 11 years ago today
Johnny Trlica, 8/26/2011
Eleven years ago today, the Houston Comets won their fourth straight, and final WNBA championship as they defeated the New York Liberty 79-73 in front of 16,285 fans at Compaq Center. Many of us hold fond memories of those championship seasons but the last one was probably the best. August 26, 2000 was their finest hour!
Led by MVP Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoops (31 points in the final game) and Tina Thompson, the Comets went 27-5 in 2000 and swept three consecutive play-off series by a combined 6-0. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and won more championships than any other team in league history.
The Comets played their final game on September 15, 2008 in San Marcos due to Hurricane Ike. The team folded and disbanded in later that year because new ownership was not found.

From the Editor, Johnny Trlica
DADT, DWTS, & MNF
Johnny Trlica, 9/21/2011
A Department of Defense memo Tuesday states that effective today, "statements about sexual orientation or lawful acts of homosexual conduct will not be considered as a bar to military service or admission to Service academies, ROTC or any other accession program." Still, "it remains the policy of the Department of Defense that sexual orientation is a personal and private matter." The repeal of DADT came and went and the American military didn't implode. Chaz Bono was not the first star voted off this season's "Dancing with the Stars." Perhaps the times really are a changing!.......... Ron Artest a.k.a. Metta World Peace and his partner Peta Murgatroyd were eliminated on Tuesday night's elimination round of 'DWTS"……….. "Modern Family" begins its third season tonight on ABC with a one hour special. Prior to that, "The Middle" begins its third season as well as Ray Romano reunites with former "Everybody Loves Raymond" costar Patricia Heaton for a one hour season premiere. The much anticipated return of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on "The X Factor" begins at 7 pm on FOX. Ted Danson joins the cast of "CSI" as the CBS series begins its 12th year at 9 pm. And Ashlee Simpson is a guest judge on "America's Next Top Model" on the CW at 8 pm………. On this day in history, in 1957 "Perry Mason" starring gay actor Raymond Burr began a 9 year run on CBS and in 1970, "Are you ready for some football?" "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC. In that opening game, Joe Namath's NY Jets lost to the Cleveland Browns 31-21.

DADT ends today!
Johnny Trlica, 9/20/2011
One of President Obama's campaign promises comes to fruition today as the "Don't ask don't tell" policy comes to an end. Enacted in 1993 as a compromise between President Clinton and the Republicans the policy has been contentious at best……….. Chaz Bono made her "Dancing with the Stars "debut last night and did herself proud. Although neither of her parents are known for their dancing prowess, Chaz held her own. Las Vegas  odds makers have made the only child of legendary performers Sonny and Cher odds on favorites to be the first star to be voted off this season's show……….. Is anyone taking odds on how many losses the Astros will incur this season? Their current record is 51-100 which of course is a franchise record for futility………. Republicans are showing their true colors. After President Obama announced his plan to raise millionaire's and billionaire's tax rates to the same as the rest of us, the GOP has come out proclaiming the act is "Class warfare." Has anyone noticed that Republicans have been playing this card with the LGBT community for decades………. On September 20, 1973 a crowd of more than 31,000 gathered in the Astrodome to witness the "Battle of the Sexes." Billie Jean King was carried out on the Astrodome court like Cleopatra, in a gold litter held aloft by four muscular men dressed as ancient slaves. Riggs was wheeled in on a rickshaw pulled by sexy models in tight outfits, "Bobby's Bosom Buddies." King, then 29, ran the con man ragged, winning 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in a match the London Sunday Times called "the drop shot and volley heard around the world." The event is considered a big moment in the women's liberation movement………. In September 20 moments in time, in 1984 "The Cosby show" premiered on NBC.

Taxes, dancing & Mary
Johnny Trlica, 9/19/2011
Republicans Sunday criticized President Obama's plan to call for a new minimum tax rate on millionaires as "class warfare." "Class warfare may make for good politics, but it makes a rotten economics," Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), chairman of the House budget committee, said on "Fox News Sunday." "We don't need a system that seeks to divide people. We need a system that creates jobs and innovation." Ironic isn't it? Republicans who for decades have been using LGBT rights as a wedge issue now are concerned about the division in the electorate. Obama's plan calls for millionaires and billionaires to pay the same tax rate (roughly 29%) as middle class Americans………. Tonight's the big night! "Dancing With the Stars" has its season premiere at 7 pm on ABC. Will America watch as Chaz Bono is the first transgengered person to be a contestant on the show?.......... The night's other big season premiere is "Two and a Half Men" beginning its 9th year as a CBS Monday night staple. Ashton Kutcher takes over as series lead opposite Jon Cryer………. Speaking of premieres, it was on September 19, 1970 that we were asking "who could turn the world on with her smile?" "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" debuted on CBS 41 years ago tonight. The show won 29 Emmy Awards during its seven year run………. In 1964 "Flipper" premiered on NBC. The show is fondly remembered for its catchy theme song………. In 1962 TV's first 90 minute western debuted. "The Virginian" broke ground, stretching the 60 minute standard by 50%.......... In and end of an era, "The Guiding Light" ended a 70 year run as CBS aired the final episode of the soap opera in 2009………. In other soap opera demises, "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" end their ABC runs on Friday………. Congratulations to the Texans, holding off the Miami Dolphins 23-13 to stretch their season mark to 2-0. The hometown boys take on the Saints next weekend.

Buffet, Patty, & Brittney
Johnny Trlica, 9/18/2011
President Obama plans to roll out a new deficit reduction plan on Monday. The measure being called the "Buffett Rule" for billionaire investor Warren Buffett and is designed to prevent millionaires from using tax-avoidance schemes to pay lower rates than middle-income taxpayers. Buffett has complained that he and other wealthy people have been "coddled long enough" and shouldn't be paying a smaller share of their income in federal taxes than middle-class taxpayers. The proposal certainly sounds like a good idea, to everyone except Republicans, who apparently are all millionaires or just will not sy yes to anything this President introduces. As Bill Mahr said on "Real Time" this week, Obama could tell a Republican "I like your smile," and he would go shoot himself in the face……….Cheers to the Houston Cougars for their Saturday night late game heroics. Trailing 34-7 late in the third quarter, they rallied with 28 unanswered points for a 35-34 win over Louisiana Tech in Rustin………. Happy Gay Pride to our neighbors up to the north on I-45. Enjoy the parade starting at 2 pm………. In September 18 moments in time, on this day in 1851 the first issue of The New York Times was published………. In 1927 the Columbia Phonograph Broadcasting System made its debut with its network broadcast over 16 stations. The name was later changed to CBS………. In 1955 "The Toast of the Town" which had started in 1948 changed its name to "The Ed Sullivan Show"………. In 1963 "The Patty Duke Show" began a three year run on ABC………. In 1965 "I Dream of Jeannie" premiered on NBC, beginning a five year run………. In 1969 Tiny Tim announced on "The Tonight Show" to Johnny Carson his engagement to Miss Vicki Budinger………. In 1970 Jimi Hendrix died in his London apartment at age 27………. And in 2004 Brittney Spears married Kevin Federline………. Enjoy watching the Emmys tonight and Go Texans.

Happy Gay Pride Dallas!
Johnny Trlica, 9/16/2011
Happy Gay Pride to our friends in Dallas! Festivities will include a festival in Lee Park beginning at 11 am on Sunday, September 18. The 28th Annual Alan Ross Freedom Parade will kick off at 2 pm. This year's theme of "It's Only Gets Better" will find the parade route going down Cedar Springs Road from Wycliffe Avenue to Lee Park on Turtle Creek Blvd. The HRH wishes a good time to everyone. While Houston and Dallas have a competitive spirit with each other, we stand together in our struggle for gay rights and equality………. Though Dallas is dancing in the streets this weekend, Houston will be looking for paper bags big enough to fit over our heads. The Astros should top the 100 loss mark sometime this weekend. The lossapalooza has resulted in a dismal season for Bayou City baseball fans. Even in the lean years of expansion when the team was known as the Colt 45's the team was never this futile………. The 64th Annual Emmy Awards will be presented Sunday night on FOX-TV. That spirited lesbian we all know and love, Jane Lynch will by the master of ceremonies (and we do mean master!)………. In September 16 moments in time: In 1963 The Beatles "She Loves You" was released in the U.S……….. In 1964 "Shindig" premiered on ABC. The program had go-go girls and rock performers of the day. That first show featured Sam Cooke, the Everly Brothers, the Righteous Brothers, and Bobby Sherman………. In 1965 "The Dean Martin Show" debuted on NBC………. In 1968 the final episode of (pucker up now) "The Andy Griffith Show" aired on CBS………. And in 1972 "The Bob Newhart Show" premiered on CBS………. Comments? Email us at: houstonrainbowherald@yahoo.com

Astros, UT, & Elton
Johnny Trlica, 9/15/2011
Temperatures are not the only thing breaking records in Houston this summer. The Houston Lastros (aka Astros), no stranger to losing seasons, set a franchise record with their 98th loss of the year, losing to the Phillies on Wednesday night 1-0, dropping their season mark to 51-98………. September 15 holds several memorable moments in time. It was on this day in 1963 that members of the Ku Klux Klan planted 19 sticks of dynamite with a delayed-time release outside the basement of the 16th St. Baptist Church which was a rallying point for civil-rights activities through the spring of 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama. Four young black girls were killed in the bombing as they prepared their Sunday school lesson on "The love that forgives." The bombers identities were and the bombing which was targeted at children attending church provided the impetus for increased support for people working for civil rights. Due to public outrage it marked a turning point in the U.S. civil-rights movement and contributed to support for passage of civil rights legislation in 1964……… "Hook 'em Horns." In 1883 The University of Texas at Austin opened………. In 1935 the Nuremberg Laws went into effect depriving German Jews of citizenship and makes the swastika the official symbol of Germany………. In 1954 RCA demonstrated its new 21" color picture tube and a simplified color TV receiver………. In 1997 Elton John's "Candle In The Wind 1997," rewritten and rerecorded with new lyrics paying tribute to the recently-deceased Princess Di, sells a record 600,000 copies in one day in Britain alone. It would go on to become the biggest-selling single of all time………. In 1973 Helen Reddy (remember her?) hit number one with her rendition of "Delta Dawn."………. We are definitely getting into the fall TV season as several classic shows had their debuts on September 15. "Hi-O Silver, away!" In 1949 "The Lone Ranger" began its TV run on ABC………. In 1964 "Peyton Place" TV's first prime time soap opera began a five year run on ABC. At its peak it aired three nights a week………. And this day in 1965 was an exceptionally big night. "Lost in Space" and "Green Acres" premiered on CBS, "The Big Valley" starring film legend Barbara Stanwyck debuted on ABC, and "I Spy" with Robert Culp and Bill Cosby, began on NBC.

No insurance? Die!
Johnny Trlica, 9/14/2011
One of the most thoroughly disgusting things we have ever seen or heard occurred during the GOP/Tea Party presidential debate on CNN on Monday night. Moderator Wolf Blitzer asked a hypothetical question to Ron Paul, "What do you tell a guy who is sick, goes into a coma and doesn't have health insurance? Who pays for his coverage? Are you saying society should just let him die?" Blitzer asked. "Yeah!" several members of the crowd yelled out. Paul tried to explain how this was the choice of a free society. He added that communities and non-government institutions can fill the void that the public sector is currently playing. His comments were clearly overshadowed by the members of the crowd who enthusiastically cheered the prospect of letting a man die rather than picking up the tab for his coverage. What's equally as disgusting is that no one on the panel voiced opposition to the audience members who  would let a person die simply for lack of insurance………. On September 14, 1982 Princess Grace (actress Grace Kelly) of Monaco was killed from injuries obtained in a car crash the day before………. In 1985 "The Golden Girls" premiered on NBC. The series starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty defied logic by centering around four older women. Created by Susan Harris ("Soap," "Empty Nest"), the series was an immediate hit………. In 1948 Milton Berle came to television in "The Texaco Star Theatre." The show became so popular that it is credited with selling millions on TV sets and led to Berle being dubbed "Mr. Television."……….  In 1981 "Entertainment Tonight" premiered as a syndicated series………. In 1978 "Mork & Mindy" debuted on ABC as a spin-off of "Happy Days"………. In 1965 one of all time worst series but with one of the best theme songs premiered on NBC. "My Mother the Car" starred Jerry Van Dyke and ran for just one season,……… In 1960 Chubby Checker's "The Twist" hit #1 on the pop charts………. And today would have been Amy Winehouse's 28th birthday.

Hurricane Ike anniversary
Johnny Trlica, 9/13/2011
OMG! What is happening? We finally agree with GOP presidential candidate Michelle Bachman over something. In last night's debate, she had the gall to call out Texas Governor Rick Perry over his executive order that mandated teenage girls receive the HPV vaccine. She questioned his relationship with the drug company that manufactures the drug and its relationship with Perry's chief of staff. "To have innocent little 12-year-old girls be forced to have a government injection through an executive order is just flat out wrong. That should never be done. That's a violation of a liberty interest," she said. She then argued that Perry had a conflict-of-interest because one of his top staffers was a lobbyist for Merck, the drug company that manufactured the vaccine.………. Three years ago today Hurricane Ike crashed ashore in Galveston as a strong Category 2 hurricane with hurricane-force winds extended 120 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extended far beyond that. Ike was blamed for at least 195 deaths. Due to its immense size, Ike caused devastation from the Louisiana coastline all the way to near Corpus Christi. Much of the Houston area (including Montrose and this writer) was without power for up to two weeks. Damages from Ike in U.S. coastal and inland areas are estimated at $29.6 billion. The hurricane also resulted in the largest evacuation of Texans in our state's history. It became the largest search-and-rescue operation in U.S. history………. "There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image, make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to... The Outer Limits." In 1963 "The Outer Limits" premiered on ABC………. In 1965 "The Today Show" aired in color for the first time………. In 1971 the World Hockey Association (WHA) was formed. The Houston Aeros would become a member of the league………. "Good night John-boy." In 1972 "The Waltons" debuted on CBS.

Pintos and football…
Johnny Trlica, 9/11/2011
A horrible, terrific, unimaginable event occurred on this day in history. No one saw it coming. The nation was caught totally off guard. And on top of that, we still have not recovered and probably never will. Yes, I am talking about September 11, 1970. The day Ford introduced the Pinto to America. The pint sized car, designed to compete with the ever increasing Japanese and European small cars was made in America and cost less than $2,000. A major design flaw saw the car exploding in rear end collisions of less than 20 mph……… But seriously, take a moment to honor all of those Americans who lost their life 10 years ago today………. "There she is… Miss America" In 1954 the Miss America Pageant made its network debut on ABC. Lee Ann Meriwether , Miss California won………. In 1959 Congress passed a bill authorizing the creation of food stamps………. "I'm so glad we had this time together" In 1967 "The Carol Burnett Show" premiered on CBS………. In 1974 "Little House on the Prairie" debuted on NBC………. Are you ready for some football? The Texans open the season today at Reliant Stadium. Is this the year we finally reach the promised land, aka the playoffs?.......... In Saturday's college football action, our neighbors on South Main, Rice became the first C-USA team in seven years to defeat a Big 10 school when they held off a late rally by Purdue to win 24-22 in front of 25,317 fans at Rice Stadium, Houston easily knocked off North Texas 48-23 and Texas squeaked by BYU 17-16. Good luck Texans-beat the Colts!.......... Comments? Email us at houstonrainbowherald@yahoo.com

Of taxes, NBC and Howe
Johnny Trlica, 9/9/2011
President Obama unveiled his jobs plan on Thursday evening, scheduled at a time so as not to interfere with the NFL season opening game. Titled the American Jobs Act, the proposal includes more than $250 billion in tax incentives for small businesses and employers. At the heart of the president's plan is an extension of the payroll tax cut passed last year, through 2012. The proposal, which would affect an estimated 160 million workers provides a $1,500 tax cut for the average family. The tax components don't end there. The White House also wants a payroll tax holiday for businesses that add new workers or increase the wages of current employees; a fifty percent reduction of the tax rates businesses pay on the first $5 million in payroll; and a $4,000 tax credit for employers who hire long-term unemployed workers………. On this day in history: In 1926 the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was created by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA)………. In 1971 hockey great Gordie Howe retired from the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. He came out of retirement in 1973 to join the WHAs Houston Aeros………. Also in 1971 prisoners at Attica Prison in New York rioted, seizing control and took 39 guards and staff hostage. The siege ended four days later with 10 hostage deaths and 29 inmate deaths………. Celebrating birthdays today are Angela Cartwright, (1952) known for her roles in "Make Room for Daddy" and "Lost in Space."  Hugh Grant, born in 1960 best known for roles in "Sense and Sensibility," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Finally, Adam Sandler was born today in 1966………. Here's wishing everyone a great weekend and Go Texans!.......... Got a comment? Email us at houstonrainbowherald@yahoo.com

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January 20, 1968: the day that Houston changed college basketball

Johnny Trlica, 1/20/2012
On the night of January 20, 1968, one single game launched a major television star and a major television sport. Before that night, college basketball generally was a regional activity. Occasionally a game or tournament could garner a large audience and a cluster of top teams gained national attention in a battle for No. 1 in the ratings. But for most, it was a localized sport that drew mostly local interest.
 
That all ended on that night 22 years ago. For it was that night that Lew Alcindor, later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, took his unbeaten #1 ranked UCLA team to the Astrodome to meet Elvin Hayes and his unbeaten #2 ranked Houston team.

The game, won 71-69 by Houston, was seen not only by 52,693 fans at the Astrodome but millions through a nationwide hookup by TVS. It was the first nationally televised college basketball game.

Moments in Time

Johnny Trlica, 1/12/2012
January 12 is marked as a big day in television history. Several of our favorite programs debuted on this day. In 1981 "Dynasty" began a 10 year run on ABC. The show starred John Forsythe, Linda Evans and Joan Collins. We sure miss those cat fights between Krystal and Alexis.

In 1971 "All in the Family" changed TV forever when it premiered on CBS. The debut episode featured the first toilet flush in the history of TV. Lasting until 1979 the series starring Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner, broke ground in its depiction of issues previously considered unsuitable for U.S. network television comedy, such as racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, rape, miscarriage, abortion, breast cancer, the Vietnam War, menopause, and impotence.

In 1966, Batman" with leotard clad super heroes Batman and Robin began on ABC. Ending in 1968, the campy show has left us wondering about the Dynamic Duo's real relationship ever since. Wow, Bam , Poof!

And in 1965, "Hullabaloo" a pop variety show began on NBC. A different host presided each week-among these were Sammy Davis, Jr., Petula Clark, Paul Anka, Liza Minnelli, Jack Jones, and Frankie Avalon-singing a couple of his or her own hits and introducing the different acts. Chart-topping acts who performed on the show included Dionne Warwick, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Sonny & Cher, the Supremes, Herman's Hermits, and The Animals.

Happy Birthday Channel 39

Johnny Trlica, 1/6/2012
On January 6, 1967 KHTV channel 39 premiered on Houston television sets as our 5th station. The station's call letters are now KIAH. Channel 39 took the place of the now-defunct KNUZ-TV, which was a DuMont affiliate during the middle 1950s. It was originally owned by the WKY Television System, a subsidiary of Oklahoma Publishing Company. As Houston's first general-entertainment independent station, KHTV aired a schedule of programs including children's shows, syndicated programs, movies, religious shows, and some sports coverage. One of its best known locally produced programs was "Houston Wrestling", hosted by local promoter Paul Boesch. It aired Saturday evenings, having been taped the night before at the weekly live shows in the Sam Houston Coliseum. From 1983 to 1985, it was known as KHTV 39 Gold. It was the leading independent station in Houston as competitors entered the market. During this time, KHTV was distributed to cable companies as a regional superstation of sorts, reaching systems as far east as Lafayette, Louisiana.

Rudolph, the gay metaphor?

Johnny Trlica, 12/10/2011
    Is Rudolph the "Red Nosed Reindeer" a gay coming out story? Rudolph has a problem-a very shiny nose. You could even say it glows-fabulously! Rudolph's father Donner is horrified. "No son of mine…" You know the rest. Rudolph tries to fit in, but just can't.
    It's always a little perilous to speculate about the gayness of others. And it's even more presumptuous to speculate about a Christmas icon. But this holiday season as you listen to Burl Ives sing the famous "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" anthem, pay attention to the clues. There's at least a fifty-fifty chance that Rudolph is a gay reindeer. And his experience can certainly help your little ones understand what life is like for most gays. So here are the telltale signs. You decide. Does Rudolph light up your gaydar?

    Clues about Rudolph: He had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw him, you would even say it glowed.
    Gay Interpretation: "Shiny nose" is code for "flamboyance." In other words, Rudolph glowed with gayness. He was born different, and he didn't-or couldn't-hide it.
    Clues about Rudolph: All the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.
    Gay Interpretation: You know the names he was called: fag, twinkie, poof. But like all gays, Rudolf learned to be stoic. He pretended not to be bothered by the epithets. He kept to himself and thought, "Someday I'll get out of this provincial little North Pole town. I'll let my nose lead the way to a brighter future." He eventually headed off to the Island of Misfits, aka Montrose?
    Clues about Rudolph: They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.
    Gay Interpretation: Rudolph grew up a sad loner. As a child, he never got any playdates. The bigger reindeer bullied him. In gym class, he was always the last reindeer picked for a team. He was barred from reindeer training exercises for fear he would act inappropriately while camped out on an ice floe with the other reindeer. (DADT?)
    Clues about Rudolph: One foggy Christmas Eve Santa asked, "Rudolf with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight."
    Gay Interpretation: Santa was smart enough to realize that without the help of a flamboyant, red-nosed reindeer, his entire, world-wide toy distribution enterprise would flounder? How many other titans of industry have relied on the vision and direction provided by gays? Think fashion, hair care, cosmetics, design, entertainment, tourism, food service, allied health. The list goes on.
    Clues about Rudolph: Then all the reindeer loved him.
   Gay Interpretation: This is where the story becomes a fantasy. In real life, Rudolph would once again be despised as soon as the fog lifted, but what fun would that be at Christmas time?
    Is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really just a gay metaphor? Maybe. But what we are curious about are the other reindeer. Especially Dasher, Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, and Cupid.

LGBT: The New Pilgrims

Johnny Trlica, 11/24/2011
Major holidays like Thanksgiving often pose a dilemma for LGBT people.  We may long to spend this time with our immediate family, parents and siblings, but for various reasons may not feel welcome.  Today is a day to pause and take stock of our many blessings and not lament over what we have no control over.

As a minority religious group the Pilgrims knew all too well the problems that occur when religious ideas are imposed on others. They came here in order to be who and what they were born to be. LGBT people are pilgrims in our own right as we search for places where we can express our affection without fear of persecution. So whether you are fortunate to spend this day with immediate family and/or your LGBT family, Happy Thanksgiving! And remember this definition of family: a group of people who love and care about each other.

Death of Camelot

Johnny Trlica, 11/22/2011
November 22, 1963 was a warm sunny day in Dallas. Forecasters had predicted cooler weather and so Jackie Kennedy ended up in a Chanel wool suit. She would wear that suit until the wee hours of the morning of the 23rd.

President John F. Kennedy had come to Texas to do a bit of pre-election fence mending. Conservative Democratic Governor John Connally and the more liberal Senator Ralph Yarborough (D) were at odds. Surely Kennedy charm could smooth this over. The reception in Texas seemed promising as did the future.

After spending the night in Houston and the morning in Fort Worth, they took a short plane ride to Love Field in Dallas. The motorcade was to follow a winding 11 mile route through downtown Dallas where President Kennedy was to speak at a luncheon with civic and business leaders at the Trade Mart. At 11:50 a.m. the motorcade left the airport on its rendezvous with fate.

The big presidential limousine, a midnight blue 1961 Lincoln, had been flown in from Washington D.C. The plastic bubble top was removed and the bullet-proof side windows were rolled down because the weather was so favorable and this is how President Kennedy preferred to ride.

The Secret Service's 1955 Cadillac convertible followed closely behind the president's limousine. It carried eight agents, with four posted on the running boards to quickly dismount the car to protect the president from the enthusiastic crowds.

President and Mrs. Kennedy were in the back seat while the Texas Governor and Mrs. John Connolly were in the jumpseats up front. The motorcade arrived in Dealey Plaza and then turned right from Main to Houston Street and just seconds later it took the 120 degree turn into Elm Street passing the School Book Depository Building.

The crowds were larger than expected and very enthusiastic about the young President and his pretty wife. It was a real life Camelot. A shot rang out at 12:30 p.m. CST.

Schools all over the country let out early and I recall coming home to see my mother glued to the TV set. She was numb. Kennedy was a hero to her and she always had a picture of him hanging somewhere in the house. And did so until her own passing five years ago.

*Sources include: fiftiesweb.com

Happy Birthday Channel 13 & Kitirik

Johnny Trlica, 11/20/2011
November 20, 1954 is a big day in Houston television history. It was on that day that KTRK-TV channel 13 first made its appearance on the airwaves. Along with that debut came the station's mascot Kitirik, a black cat to host a children's show. Bunny Orsak answered an ad for the fledgling station and auditioned wearing a black leotard with black fishnet stockings, and drew whiskers on her face. The show was broadcast live, so she read commercials, hosted station breaks, read mail from viewers and introduced cartoons. A contest won by a viewer gave her the name by putting i's between the station's call letters, KTRK. The carousel was the biggest thrill, reserved for kids having birthdays who also were allowed to stick their hand into a hole in a hollow "tree" on the set & grab a handful of pennies. Kitirik stayed on the air until cancellation in 1971. Many Houstonians of a certain age fondly remember Kitirik.

Rice takes on #18 UH

Johnny Trlica, 10/27/2011
Thursday will be a big night at Robertson Stadium where a sold out crowd is expected for the annual cross-town match between Houston and Rice. The Cougars, who are looking to match their best start in school history this week are heavy favorites.
    Rice has lost two straight, including last weekend's 38-20 setback against Tulsa, in a game that featured three turnovers by the Owls in the first nine minutes, and led to 17 Tulsa points. Rice has the 96th rated passing defense in the country, and this week's test against Houston's Case Keenum is likely the toughest challenge of the season for the Owls' secondary.
    Keenum and Houston are simultaneously climbing ladders; Keenum became the NCAA's all-time leader in total yardage in last weekend's 63-28 win over Marshall, as Houston won its seventh straight game and jumped up to No.18 in the national polls this week (Houston is No.17 in the BCS poll, up two spots from last week). Keenum passed Hawaii's Timmy Chang for the total yardage mark, which was previously set at 16,910 yards. Keenum now has 17,173 yards of total offense; he also has now accounted for 150 touchdowns in his career, which also shattered an NCAA record last weekend (Central Michigan's Dan Lefevour had 149). Keenum needs 799 yards to become the all-time passing leader, and needs five touchdowns to set the passing touchdowns record.
    "It feels good. I thought about it after one of the throws but now that it's over its time to move on," said Keenum following the win over Marshall. "It's all about Rice now."
    With a win over Rice, Houston will match its best start in school history.
    Houston leads the all-time series with Rice, 26-11. The game is being televised nationally on FSN.

Tanya, Top 10, and Bette

Johnny Trlica, 10/6/2011
We had occasion to meet local performing legend Tanya Hyde on Monday night. She's a delight to talk with and can work a room as good as anyone. Catch her performances at TC's where she's a regular and check out her facebook photos-you have to see them to believe them………."Playboy Club" is the first of the new fall shows to bite the dust. It's cancellation comes after the drama premiered Sept. 20 to underwhelming ratings, attracting 5 million viewers and a 1.6 rating in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic. The second episode of the series tumbled 19 percent, luring only 3.8 million viewers and a 1.3 in the demo. Its most recent episode dropped even more, attracting 3.2 million viewers and a 1.2………. Speaking of ratings, here are the top 10 network shows for the week of Sept. 26-Oct. 2, their networks and viewerships:

1.    Two and a Half Men," CBS, 20.53 million;
2.    "NCIS," CBS, 19.51 million;
3.    NFL Football: N.Y Jets vs. Baltimore, NBC, 18.9 million;
4.    "60 Minutes," CBS, 17.11 million;
5.    "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 16.27 million;
6.    "Dancing With the Stars," ABC, 16.23 million;
7.    "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 14.74 million;
8.    "Dancing With the Stars Results," ABC, 14.39 million;
9.    "Sunday Night NFL Night Pre-Kick," NBC, 14.09 million;
10.    "Mike & Molly," CBS, 13.86 million.

On this day in history: In 1961 President John F. Kennedy advises American families to build bomb shelters to protect them from atomic fallout in the event of a nuclear war. Many Americans did prepare for nuclear war by buying up canned goods and building backyard bomb shelters. Also at the time many home builders offered a bomb shelter as part of new home packages. Duck and cover!.......... In 1927 the first talking picture opened as "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson premiered in New York………. "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night." In 1989 film legend Bette Davis died in Paris of cancer. She's a two time Oscar winner and was nominated 10 times. She was 81.


"Leave it to Beaver" premiered 10/4/1957

Johnny Trlica 10/4/2011
While we are still waiting for the rest of the country to recognize the Houston Cougars as one of the Top 25 teams, we'll just keep playing who's on the schedule, and beating them. UH plays host to East Carolina on Saturday at Robertson Stadium. Meanwhile over on South Main the Rice Owls will host Memphis. Good luck to both of our home town schools………. On this day in history, in 1970 Janis Joplin died from an accidental dose of heroin………. In 1976 Barbara Walters joined Harry Reasoner as the first female co-host of a network nightly news show. She was paid over $1 million for anchoring "The ABC Evening News."………. Golly gee Wally. In 1957 "Leave it to Beaver" premiered on CBS. It moved to ABC the following year where it stayed until 1963. One of the first primetime sitcom series written from a child's point-of-view, the show was created by the writers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher. These veterans of radio and early television found inspiration for the show's characters, plots, and dialogue in the lives, experiences, and conversations of their own children. Like several television dramas and sitcoms of the late 1950s and early 1960s (Lassie and My Three Sons, for example), Leave It to Beaver is a glimpse at middle-class, white American boyhood. In a typical episode Beaver got into some sort of trouble, then faced his parents for reprimand and correction. However, neither parent was omniscient; indeed, the series often showed the parents debating their approach to child rearing, and some episodes were built around parental gaffes. The house pictured below was the TV home of the Cleavers. You may recognize it from "Desperate Housewives."


October 4-a big day in TV history

Johnny Trlica, 10/4/2011
While we are still waiting for the rest of the country to recognize the Houston Cougars as one of the Top 25 teams, we'll just keep playing who's on the schedule, and beating them. UH plays host to East Carolina on Saturday at Robertson Stadium. Meanwhile over on South Main the Rice Owls will host Memphis. Good luck to both of our home town schools………. On this day in history, in 1970 Janis Joplin died from an accidental dose of heroin………. In 1976 Barbara Walters joined Harry Reasoner as the first female co-host of a netwoek nightly news show. She was paid over $1 million for anchoring "The ABC Evening News."………. Golly gee Wally. In 1957 "Leave it to Beaver" premiered on CBS. It moved to ABC the following year where it stayed until 1963. One of the first primetime sitcom series written from a child's point-of-view, the show was created by the writers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher. These veterans of radio and early television found inspiration for the show's characters, plots, and dialogue in the lives, experiences, and conversations of their own children. Like several television dramas and sitcoms of the late 1950s and early 1960s (Lassie and My Three Sons, for example), Leave It to Beaver is a glimpse at middle-class, white American boyhood. In a typical episode Beaver got into some sort of trouble, then faced his parents for reprimand and correction. However, neither parent was omniscient; indeed, the series often showed the parents debating their approach to child rearing, and some episodes were built around parental gaffes. The house pictured below was the TV home of the Cleavers. You may recognize it from "Desperate Housewives."


October 3--a big day in TV history

Johnny Trlica, 10/3/2011
As each day goes by it becomes more and more apparent that Rick Perry will not be the GOP Presidential nominee. The latest revelation about his hunting lodge , if not the final nail in the coffin, has certainly closed the lid………. The Houston Texans surprised us all by not blowing a late game lead and hung on to defeat Houston's old nemesis Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10. The Texans rushed for 180 yards in front of a record crowd at Reliant Stadium of 71,585. At 3-1 the Texans are tied with Tennessee for first in the AFC South. ……… On this day in history in 1954 "Father Knows Best" starring Robert Young began an 8 year run on NBC………. In 1955 "Captain Kangaroo" debuted on CBS………. Later that day the "Mickey Mouse Club" premiered on ABC. Who's the leader of the club? M-I-C. K-E Y. Why? Because we like you. M-O-U-S-E………. In 1961 "The Dick Van Dyle Show" premiered on CBS……….In 1960 "The Andy Griffith Show" began a love affair with America that continues to this day……….And on this day in 1952 We were introduced to "America's favorite family" as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" began a 14 year stint on ABC. With a total of 435 episodes produced and an unprecedented run of 14 years on national television  the sitcom, considered the flagship for all prime time family TV shows, certifies still as the longest running live action sitcom in the history of television.  Rock'n'Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson launched his music career as a teenager on the popular TV sitcom, which also starred his real life brother and parents, performing his hit songs at the end of every episode each week.  The Smithsonian plans to honor the Nelson family this year.


Thank you Henry

Johnny Trlica, 10/1/2011
A little more than a year ago I had my first story published. It was a cute little story I wrote about discovering there was no Easter bunny titled "Mama and the Easter Bunny." It was published in The Montrose Star by Henry McClurg. After that he published everything I wrote and eventually I was published in OUTSMART magazine. All of that ultimately led to the creation of the Houston Rainbow Herald. Henry is having a party thrown for him today at the 611 Club starting at about 3 and then moving over to George at 6 with a show. We want to encourage as many of our approximately 1,100 daily readers to head over to either fare and show Henry your support. The HRH would probably not exist if not for Henry offering support  to an unpublished, unknown and unproven writer. Thank you Henry………. We had occasion to take in a high school football game on Friday night. Unfortunately our alma mater, Lamar Consolidated lost to cross town rival Rosenberg Terry 44-21………. On this day in history, In 1962 "The Lucy Show" starring Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance premiered on CBS………. On the same day Johnny Carson took over as host of "The Tonight Show." Joan Crawford was the guest star………. In 1955 the classic TV sitcom "The Honeymooners" debuted on CBS………. In 1908 the Ford Model T was introduced to the public, and was the first car that was affordable and reliable for the ordinary citizen of the United States. Known as the "Tin Lizzie"……….. We'll close with wondering who will be the Republican's flavor of the week next week?


Fred and Barney Smoked?

Johnny Trlica, 9/30/2011
Publicity whore Ann Coulter could not refrain herself. She defended the GOP debate audience members who booed a gay soldier in Iraq. She stated, "The audience was not "booing a soldier" during one of the video questions, as the media, president and vice president have alleged. The audience was booing the soldier's demand that Republican presidential candidates commit to not overturning a sleazy partisan vote taken in the twilight days of the heavily Democratic 2010 Congress." ………. We found out yesterday that Bank of America will become the first major bank to charge customers a $5 monthly fee to shop with their debit cards, part of a wave of changes that are eroding the low-cost model of banking consumers have enjoyed………. We are looking forward to Friday night lights. No, not the TV series, the real thing. We are making a trip to Rosenberg tonight to see cross town rivals Terry, 5-0, and our alma mater Lamar Consolidated battle for bragging rights. Terry enters the game a heavy favorite over the 3-2 Mustangs……….  60 years ago today, in 1951 "The Red Skelton Show" premiered on NBC. It would later move to CBS and become a Tuesday night institution well into the 1970s………. In 1955 actor James Dean was killed in a car crash at age 24………. In 1960 "The Flintstones" debuted on ABC. Would you believe that Winston cigarettes was a primary sponsor and there were commercials of Fred and Barney smoking. Winston tastes good, like a cigarette should………. In 1963 "My Favorite Martian" premiered on CBS………. In 1988 President Bill Clinton announced the nation's first budget surplus in almost 30 years. My, how times have changed………. Where everybody knows your name. "Cheers" began an 11 year run on NBC in 1982………. Anyone remember 20 Mule Team Borax? The sponsor of "Death Valley Days" debuted the long running show on NBC Radio in 1930. In the 1950s it moved to TV with Ronald Reagan as host. It ran from 1952-1975………. Congratulations to the Houston Cougars for their 49-42 shoot-out win over UTEP Thursday night. The Coogs are now 5-0 on the season.


FINALLY!

Johnny Trlica, 9/28/2011
The longest summer in Houston Astros baseball history will finally end tonight when the hometown boys take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Minute Maid Park. Well, there's always next year, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Houston franchise……….  It's going to be a long fall. Television is already providing us with 24/7 coverage of the "Michael Jackson Death" trial. It's another trialapalooza! And whichever way the verdict is announced, someone will be unhappy and declare, "What an injustice."………. On this day in 1968, The Beatles single "Hey Jude" hit the top of the charts and at over seven minutes long was the longest song ever to hit #1, a record it still holds to this day. Go ahead, you can use that bit of trivia over at the water fountain………. In 1961 "Doctor Kildare" debuted on NBC and one of our favorites, "Hazel" starring Oscar winner Shirley Booth premiered on CBS………. In a surprise, Chaz Bono was NOT voted off of "Dancing With The Stars" in last night results show.


Is Perry Texas toast?

Johnny Trlica, 9/27/2011
Is Rick Perry toast? After last week's poor performance at the GOP Presidential debate in Florida, our Governor has become fodder for comedians. He was lambasted on "Saturday Night Live" being portrayed as sleepy and unable to put a coherent sentence together. On last night's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Perry, who is now campaigning on the theme that a president does not have to be a good debater, was the butt of this joke: "Not only is Rick Perry against gay marriage, he is also against master debaters." It is starting to look like Perry is toast-Texas Toast..........  Commissioners appointed by Gov. Rick Perry may grant some of the nation's largest refineries a tax refund of more than $135 million - money Texas' cash-strapped schools and other local governments have been counting on to help pay teachers and provide other public services. The property tax refund would mean more pain for some communities after a year in which state lawmakers grappled with a $27 billion shortfall and slashed spending on public schools by more than $4 billion. Nearly half the refund would be taken from public schools and those in cities where the refineries are based would be hurt most………. We're gonna' miss Michele. After being eclipsed by nearly everyone in the Florida straw poll, where she received 1.5% of the vote, Michele Bachmann dismissed concerns on Monday about the strength of her campaign and told supporters that she alone has the best conservative credentials to be president. (Perhaps that's the problem?) "I've got the complete skill set to do this job," she told roughly 35 people in a half-full hotel ballroom on a rainy day………. Speaking of "The Tonight Show" it was on September 27, 1954 that the late night institution premiered on NBC. It was hosted by Steve Allen and the very first "Tonight" announcer was "The Match Game" host Gene Rayburn. Allen's version of the show originated such talk show staples as an opening monologue, celebrity interviews, audience participation, and comedy bits in which cameras were taken outside the studio, as well as music, including guest performers and a house band. Johnny Carson took over as host on October 1, 1962 and stayed until 1992………. On this day in 1939, after 19 days of resistance Warsaw, Poland surrendered to the Germans after being invaded by the Nazis and the Soviet Union.


The case against $1 vodkas

Johnny Trlica, 9/26/2011
Perhaps those $1 vodkas that so many local bars have on Sunday are not such a good idea. Or is "Desperate Housewives" such a bad show that its very mention can draw the wrath of someone? We'll let you be the judge. On Sunday evening I ventured over to my favorite local pub. While sitting next to a patron (who also works there) and trying to engage in small talk I asked, "So are you looking forward to "Desperate Housewives" tonight?" He launched into a 10 minute tirade about the show, and eventually my writing abilities and the people I choose to open my home too. Even after excusing myself to the other side of the bar, the insults continued to the point that his boyfriend paid the tab and left-alone. (Note of interest: there's a story about alcoholism in the LGBT community in our HEALTH section.) Next time I'll talk about football………. We guess they're not for real after all. The Houston Texans blew a 9 point fourth quarter lead and lost to the New Orleans Saints 40-33 on Sunday. Hello? Score touchdowns instead of field goals!………. Come and listen to the story. On this day in history in 1962, "The Beverly Hillbillies" debuted on CBS. Starring Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, and Max Baer, Jr. the show is about a poor backwoods family transplanted to Beverly Hills, California, after striking oil on their land. It was the first in a genre of "fish out of water" themed television shows. Creator Paul Henning later introduced "Petticoat Junction" and in 1965 he reversed the rags to riches model for "Green Acres." The show paved the way for later culture-conflict programs such as "McCloud," "The Nanny," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Panned by many entertainment critics of its time, it quickly became a huge ratings success for most of its nine-year run on CBS. "The Beverly Hillbillies" ranked among the top twelve most watched series on television for seven of its nine seasons, twice ranking as the number one series of the year, with a number of episodes that remain among the most watched television episodes of all time………. In 1964 "Gilligan's Island" began a three year run on CBS………. Book 'em Danno. In 1968 "Hawaii Five-O" premiered on CBS………. Here's the story. "The Brady Bunch" started a five year run on ABC………. In 1957 "West Side Story" opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York.


Astros clinch division title! (in 1986)
Johnny Trlica, 9/25/2011
September 25, 1986 is a special day in Houston Astros history. On this day the Astros needed just one victory to clinch the second division title in franchise history. Sending their ace Mike Scott to the mound, the Astros and the 32,808 fans in attendance at the Astrodome got more than they bargained for. With a performance that virtually assured him the Cy Young award, Scott no-hit the San Francisco Giants for the clincher, setting up a playoff showdown with the New York Mets two weeks later. Scott was dominating, allowing only three runners while striking out 13. The game was close to the end, with their only runs coming from a solo homer by Denny Walling in the fifth inning and an RBI single by Jose Cruz in the seventh inning. My, how things have changed since then. The Astros enter today's game with a 55-103 season record. Speaking of the Astros, the rainbow jersey will live again. The Astros will tap into their old uniform roots next season as part of the franchise's 50th anniversary celebration, the team announced on Thursday……….. "Desperate Housewives" 8th and final season begins tonight at 8 pm on ABC………. That is following by the series premiere of "Pan Am" starring Christina Ricci. See a review on our new ENTERTAINMENT page………. OMG! Can you believe it's been 23 years already? "The Simpsons" start season #23 tonight at 7 pm on FOX………. Happy birthday Barbara Walters! Our favorite journalist hits the big 8-0 today………. In 1981 Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first woman to the Supreme Court………. Our two Division I college teams both share the #56 in their scores from yesterday's games. Houston bombed Georgia State 56-0 while the 56 was on the wrong side of Rice's score. The Owls lost to Baylor 56-31……… Are the Texans for real? We may find out today when they take on the New Orleans Saints.