FRIDAY CHRISTMAS 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
Critics described this 70s car as “hideously ugly from every angle. It was launched on April Fool’s Day 1970 and many thought it was a joke. What car? AMC Gremlin
Between 1900 and 1956, in one state, all the electors for the president were republicans. What state? Vermont. Between 1900 and 1956, all electors for president were democrats in two states. Name them. (Electors for the 1948 democratic based “states rights” party do not count as democrats.) Arkansas & Georgia
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
Having a Christmas hit means your record might sell for many years, being played again and again every Christmas. No wonder so many artists wanted to cut those songs. Bing Crosby cut more different Christmas records than anyone else. What artist was #2, cutting the second largest number of Christmas songs? Garth Brooks (he had 12, Bing Crosby had 15, #3 was Perry Como with 9, #4 Kenny Chesney with 8 & #5 George Strait with 7).
FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
This car debuted in the latter ‘90s and critics proclaimed it a classic example of a “nearly car”. While the interior was loaded, it wasn’t pretty-- more like cheap and tacky with brittle controls. The ads said “built to the standard of the world” conveniently sidestepping that virtually every German made car which was better in virtually every respect. What is it? Cadillac Seville
In 1956, a New York stenographer paid $400 to run subway ads promoting this. Promoting what? The 10 Commandments.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
From 1963 to 1972 and 1983 to 1985 Billboard Magazine had a Christmas Chart. But prior to and after that time, Christmas hits big enough to chart were included on the Hot 100 chart from 1955 to 2004. The Biggest Christmas hit on the Hot 100 chart was “The Chipmunk Song” by David Seville & The Chipmunks; #2 was “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms. Name something else in the top 5 Hot 100 Christmas hits of all time: #3 “Nuttin’ For Christmas” Barry Gordon/Art Mooney; #4 “This One’s For The Children” New Kids On The Block; and #5 “White Christmas” Bing Crosby.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1960, less than 1% of Brazilians did this while virtually all Americans did. Did what? Filed income tax returns. Brazil had a population of almost 52 million with only 340,000 filing a return.
This was considered a big innovation in motion pictures. It debuted in 1960 to much fan fare but never caught on. What was it? Aromatic movies. Two came out that year: AromaRama in “Behind the Great Wall” and Smell-O-Vision in “Scent of Mystery.”
In January 1980, President Carter said it was urgent this be done. It was very unpopular but congress gave him half of what he wanted. A resumption of draft registration—he wanted both males and females to be compelled to register. In July, after congressional approval 19 and 20 year old males were forced to register.
In 1981, consumption of this product in America fell to the lowest levels since 1935. What? Eggs.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
From 1963 to 1972 Billboard Magazine published a seasonal Christmas singles chart rather than including holiday songs in the Hot 100. This single was the biggest charter by far—being on the charts for a total of 35 weeks and hitting number one spot in four different years (3 weeks in a row in the top spot for three of them), ranking #2 or 3 for another six years, and never falling out the top 10 every year the chart existed. What was it? Little Drummer Boy – Harry Simeone Chorale
FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1965, the highest base-priced American car model was the Cadillac limousine at $10,456. What was the lowest?
The Rambler American for $2004.
In 1963, it was reported that desegregation was without violence or disruption and has gone further in these public facilities than anywhere else. What facilities? Libraries
Only one new American car model was introduced in the 1964 line. What was it? Chevrolet Chevelle.
In 1963, Chevrolet with many models produced more cars than any other line, but it’s closest competitor was this car model. What? Ford Galaxy
Hubert Humphrey personally invited his political foe Richard Nixon to attend this event. What event? Humphrey’s funeral (thanks to Joel W. of Ft. Lauderdale)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
At one point in 1963, 3 of the top 6 best selling albums were by the same artist. What artist? Peter Paul & Mary.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1981, this happened for the first time at the Indianapolis 500. What? The winner was disqualified. (Bobby Unser appealed and on the second appeal, his disqualification was reversed.
In 1981, the NHTSA abandoned this safety requirement. What? Airbags
In 1980, this was said termed an “an economic Pearl Harbor”. What? The rate of Japanese auto imports into the US.
In 1965, a new use for gold was developed. What? For use in sealing hemorrhaging blood vessels.
When the Medicare bill was first enacted in 1965, what was the cost to each wage earner? $3 per paycheck—of any amount, matched by the employer.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
Leonard Feather wrote of popular music played by all the AM stations in America in 1965. For adults he said Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams and Barbra Streisand were the stand outs. For teenagers, while the British Invasion continued its dominance, Feather singled out ths US based teen oriented group as having a more sophisticated style. What group? The Beach Boys (I guess he was likening them to their pop standard idols, The Four Freshmen. Couldn’t have been their big hit of the year, “Help Me Rhonda”.)
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1965, the auto industry, which was loathe to concede that car design had anything to do with crash deaths, did agree to a “Safety Package” to be standard on all 1966 cars. The cost was about $50, included were six items. Name one: Padded dash, padded sun visors, backup lights, rear seat belts, windshield washers & multiple windshield wipers.
In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson was busy beautifying America. Among her initiatives was a national ‘cleanest town’ contest. What city took first place? Jackson, Mississippi.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
Storz & McLendon, the two major top 40 radio station owners in the ‘50s were widely criticized back then for destruction of public (and private) property. Bureaucrats and politicians alike decried them as bad public citizens. Why? Their on-air contesting. When prize money was hidden in a book, a library was destroyed in a Storz contest. For McLendon’s part-- money was hidden, clues were given, and lawns throughout a city were dug up.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
This ‘70s television series was called a “cultural signpost” by the New York Times. It was studied at Yale University as “an American house of Atreus”. It was also the subject of a University of California extension course. What was the show “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (Normal Lear’s spoof on soap operas.)
A big advertising campaign in 1976 was “Roll Up Your Sleeves, America!”. What was the product? Swine flu vaccines.
In 1972, the FDA’s mandated safety packaging of pharmaceuticals was delayed by a shortage of this. A shortage of what? Child proof containers.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
Everyone remembers the top 40 radio serial from the ‘60s, Chickenman, but what series followed it from the same producers and who was one of the three main characters, “The Tooth Fairy” featuring Newton Snookers, Dr. Nelson C. Armadingo & Nurse Durkin.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
Critics claim that this was "The car that inspired dodgems". It was both ugly and impractical. This economical compact car of the '50s was deeply unsporting, with heavy steering, a choppy ride and unnerving handling. Half way through its decade of production, designers realized the truck needed to open. Until then, you dropped your luggage into it from the back seat. What was it? The Nash Metropolitan.
In 1988, advertisng giant Saatchi & Saatchi lost one of its biggest clients who took their $80 million account elsewhere because they were peeved that S&S would produce a commercial for this. For what? Anti-smoking. (Northwest Airlines' promotion of their smoking ban cost the agency RJR Nabisco which makes Camel & Winston cigarettes.)
In 1988, the Supreme Court said the government could consider this to be willful misconduct. What? Alcoholism. (The case allowed the VA to deny benefits to alcoholic vets.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
While radio in 1959 will always be associated with the emergence of the payola scandal, often overlooked was how it ws able to hold its own against agressive television promotion. In order to differentiate itself, a successful campaign was launched to show how radio was better than television. How was it better, according to the campaign? Radio catered to the listener, television catered to the advertiser. (Stations, particularly independent outlets, also stressed localism.)
FRIDAY OCTOBER 16, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
Considered to be one of the automotive industry’s biggest failures, this car was designed as a safety vehicle. In reality, some of its unsafe features included trapping people inside if the battery died. More than one driver had to climb his way out the window after a collision. It looked great, but reliability was poor, the engine was appalling and the quality was dreadful. What was it? The Bricklin SV-1. (SV stood for safety vehicle—not. It didn’t help that it was a sports car using an AMC engine or that it was not a member of the auto pact meaning this Canadian made vehicle could only be sold in the USA.)
In 1959, medical researchers at universities and the government were conducting massive studies to see if this might be effective against cancer. What? Antibiotics.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In New York, Alan Freed started the tradition of the all day concerts at the Brooklyn Paramount. Clay Cole continued it, and Murray the K hosted such events for years at the Brooklyn Fox. The shows often featured a dozen or more rock and rollers from around the country along with hometown favorites. Often, the out of towners were hayseeds compared to the likes of Dion. In fact this artist who named himself after his favorite car credited Dion, backstage at the Brooklyn Fox, with showing how to tailor and wear his pants so he’d be cool. Who was he? Del Shannon. (His given name was Charles Westover and he claimed to have taken the name Del as a contraction of the deVille made by Cadillac.)
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1957, literary critics bemoaned the continued success of a best selling novel which they felt was of inferior quality and sensationally crude in appeal. What was the novel? “Peyton Place” (by Grace Metalious. They felt the same way about Meyer Levin’s “Compulsion” but were delighted to note that most other big sellers were more high-brow in approach).
Here’s another of the world’s worst cars according to critics who referred to it as “a house built on sand”. More than 40 years after its debut, American car makers were catchin on to the new concept, but it’s taken a while to forget the spectre of this car. Its styling was unpromising and it was prone to corrosion—in fact thanks to rot, the doors drooped on their hinges. Its performance though was outstanding. It was adventurous and technologically advanced but not a success. The company invested a fortune in the car’s engineering but had done little to focus on build quality. What is it? The Oldsmobile Toronado (1966-1970).
For the 1958 car year models, Chevy redesigned itself entirely; Chrysler kept its fins; Ford also made many changes, and Buick introduced this—geared to upscale buyers. What? A series of cars known as The Limited.
In 1972, the greatest hoax in publishing history ended with jail sentences for those involved. What was the hoax? The fake autobiography of Howard Hughes.
GOA membership question: Who said it?: "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good" George Washington (Thanks to Mike at PARightToBearArms.com for the prize.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1960 at 19 years old, Paul Anka was the youngest performer ever to appear onstage at the Copacabana in New York. Though he was a teen idol, he aspired to appeal to adults and he did. A year earlier though, this star bombed. With only one big hit to his name at the time, his performance left the audience and critics cold. It was thought that he set back the likelihood of any other top 40 performer appearing at that venue for years-- but that was not to be the case. Others, like Anka, followed. Even this star later returned successfully. Who was he.? Sam Cooke
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In the ‘60s, this car was another one dubbed “World’s Worst”. It was placed in the financial failures category though that wasn’t its only problem. One critic proclaimed it “Proof that wacky doesn’t pay.” This car was meant to be a savior for the company that built it, but despite all its modern conveniences and distinctive look, it was a commercial flop. It didn’t help that it was lacking in build quality with numerous defects from the start. What was it? Studebaker Avanti
In 1972, after pleas by Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, the US Conference of Mayors voted to support this. Support what? The presidency of Richard Nixon.
In 1969 the FDA banned this because tests showed it caused cancer. The FDA admitted their studies were wrong in 1982, but this has never been permitted in foods since the 1969 ban. What is it? Cyclamate
In 1972, automation was the talk of industry. There even was an experimental automated blank. Automated what? Post Office (in Cincinnati).
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1972, the popular music charts included a number of soul songs and a softer gentler sound in contrast to the still popular hard rock. Nostalgia was also big with some major artists having their first hits in years. Further a number of bands were leaning towards Latin rhythms. But the quantum leap may have been in concerts, where as a result of this act’s successful 10 day tour, venues including Broadway theatres normally reserved for more “legitimate” performances were now open to pop/rock performers. What was the act that made the difference? Neil Diamond
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
Another of the world’s worst cars. This one appeared at the end of the ‘60s. Most were finished in lurid colors with vinyl roofs. It had many problems the biggest being that, from whichever angle you viewed it, it was desperately ugly. What you couldn’t see was worse. Th floorpan had so many dirt and water traps that early rusting was inevitable. The standard interior was black vinyl which got miserably hot in summer. Handling was also not its forte with a soft ride, vague steering and bad suspension. What was it? The Ford Maverick.
In 1985, the US and Poland came to an agreement to allow this. What? International flights between the two countries (which had been suspended since 1981 when martial law was declared in Poland).
In 1985 the Census Bureau said that 47% of all US households had this in common. What? They all received aid from at least one government program (such as Social Security, Medicaid, Unemployment Compensation or Aid For Dependent Children).
In 1985, the CEO of a major company said: “Some critics say we made a marketing mistake. Some cynics say we planned the whole thing. The truth is we are not that dumb and we are not that smart.” What company? Coca Cola.
In 1957, Ford was the best selling car line followed by Chevrolet. What was #3? Plymouth.
What did Plymouth displace to be #3? Buick.
For the 1958 car year models, Chevy redesigned itself entirely, Chrysler kept its fins, Ford also made many changes and Buick introduced this, geared to upscale buyers? A series of cars known as The Limited.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1976, a syndicator took a departure from the standard practice of selling shows to radio stations. Instead they offered a program via barter. Stations would get the show for free in exchange for the airing commercials supplied by the syndicator. What was the program (describing the content or genre will be fine): The 24 hour “History of Motown” special from Westwood One. (It was neither chronological or alphabetical. It seemed to exist only as a vehicle to run the commercials which included Annie Greensprings wine as a sponsor.)
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
This 1980s car is considered one of the world’s worst. The interior was pure ‘80s Americana—acres of vinyl and cheap plastic; and the exterior was worse. The protective moldings were repulsive, there were shocking panel gaps and the doors were odd sized. Its all around horror of styling put many buyers off. And as for the power train, it was touted as an innovation, but in reality it was stripped of any technical advantage by using an old, slow, inefficient engine and a crude transmission. What was it? The AMC Eagle.
Among the more novel construction inventions of 1960 was a polyurethane plastic foam blank designed to be a disposable low cost shelter. Plastic foam what? Igloo.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
The big news for radio in 1960 was the increase in blank programs. Fill in the blank. Taped. (From political conventions and UN meetings to world wide interviews with newsmakers, the ability to provide them to stations and networks on tape greatly increased coverage of noteworthy events and people.)
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1958, while most car models boasted bigger engines with more horsepower, one company offered a less powerful engine, touting it’s better fuel mileage—hardly an issue in the 18 cents a gallon days. What car line? Oldsmobile (Chrysler modified its choke for the same reason.)
In 1957, the St. Louis Budweisers beat the Chicago Falstaffs for the national championship. What’s the sport? Bowling.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1957 40% of all records sold were blank. Fill in the blank. Country
FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR
In 1976, a city in Russia proclaimed itself as the world's first.... 'world's first' what? Non-smoking city. (Sochi on the Black Sea banned cigarettes from beaches, restaurants, schools, hospitals and government offices as well as public and private transportation.)
In 1961, GM mixed a compact with a van and came up with a competitor to the Volkswagen microbus. They brought out four models including one that was considered to be sporty. What was it? The Chevy Corvair Greenbriar (one of four FC Corvairs-- "FC" stood for "Forward Control". There were also a couple pick-ups: The Roadside & The Loadside, a panel van: The Corvan and the jewel of the line, The Greenbriar. The Corvair 95 was the industrial counterpart.)
According to a Wynnewood, PA veterinarian, dogs in large cities, due in part to fear of traffic, were manifesting this. What? Ulcers.
In 1957, some GM, Ford & Chrysler dealers started to sell this. What? Ramblers.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1957, it was reported that radio, particularly the widely criticized top 40 outets at the time, was garnering prestige and profits in local communities by broadcasting this. What? Local news (presenting it often, quickly & completely).
FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1976, a city in Russia proclaimed itself as the world’s first…. world’s first what? Non-Smoking city. (Sochi on the Black Sea banned cigarettes from beaches restaurants schools hospitals and government offices as well as all public and private transportation.)
In 1961, GM mixed a compact with a van and came up with a competitor to the Volkswagen microbus. They brought out four models including one that was considered to be sporty. What was it? The Chevy Corvair Greenbrier (one of the 4 FC Corvairs. FC for Forward Control. There ere also a couple pickup—the Roadside and Loadside, a panel van—the Corvan, and the jewel of the line, the Greenbrier. There was also an industrial line, the Corvair 95).
In 1958, 2 things distinguished the Edsel from other cars. One was its vertical oval grille. What was the other one? Shift buttons on the steering wheel hub.
In 1957, some General motors, ford and Chrysler dealers started to sell this. What? Ramblers.
According to a Wynnewood Pennsylvania veterinarian, Dogs in large cities, due to fear of traffic were manifesting this. What? Ulcers.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In 1957 it was reported that radio (particularly the widely criticized top 40 outlets) garnered prestige and profits in local communities by broadcasting this. What? Local news—presenting it quickly and completely.
FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2009
QUESTION OF THE HOUR:
Considered to be one of the worst cars ever, almost every critic agreed that its styling simply didn’t work. With soggy springs, a long wheelbase and over assisted power steering, it was also a handful to drive. This compact heavyweight had unpredictable handling and absolutely no sporting appeal. The advertising slogan was ‘nothing’s holding you back’ which was only effective if you didn’t see or drive it. What was it? The Dodge Dart 1963-1966.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
Everyone remembers the wonderful drag racing radio spots of the 1960s: “Sunday! Sunday! See these funny cars…” “Saturday Nights Under the Lights…” Two employees of a top 40 radio station created and syndicated them out of the station’s production room. What station (just the city will do)? KFJZ Fort Worth (The duo was Bill Ennis and Wally Blanton.)
FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
This American car was widely considered to be a dog. Dubbed “a sauna on wheels”, handling was not its strong point. “Negotiating bends was a hit and miss affair in the most literal sense” according to one reviewer. The engine was dull, brake failure without much warning was rife and rust was standard. Even so, it was initially so popular that customers waited 9 months to get one What is it. The Chevy Citation—1980-1986.
In 1971, NBC got a record rate for a 60 second commercial. They charged $86,000 for a spot in what show? Flip Wilson
In 1971, the Bronx Zoo featured an animated exhibit. What did they animate? Tombstones (representing animals that have become extinct since 1600).
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION: Robert W. Morgan and The Real Don Steele are known for their work together at KHJ Los Angeles. But the duo were previously heard on the same station a year earlier. What station? KEWB, Oakland.
FRIDAY JULY 31, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1990 a Federal Trade Commission ruling was overturned by an appeals court. It’s purpose was to encourage competition. Had it stood, it would have allowed this to be sold in shopping centers. What? Contact Lenses.
A list of the worst cars ever made included this American model. Called “a real shocker in terms of its build”, it nevertheless won car of the year awards twice. One critic said “despite myriad design flaws and perfectly horrible handling, it kept rolling off the production lines. What’s the car? Chevy Caprice (but it was the perfect stereotype for plain clothes FBI officers in movies, and it did have a nice V8 engine).
A 1990 poll of business executives showed this American city to be the number one choice to locate a company. What city? Seattle (according to a Harris Poll of 400 execs.)
3 states lost population in the '80s. Name one: Iowa, North Dakota & Wyoming
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
Radio stations over the years have done remotes from everywhere imaginable— but one station topped all the others literally when it did an entire show aboard the maiden voyage of the Concorde Supersonic Transport. What station? KOMO in Seattle.
FRIDAY JULY 24, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1968, the auto industry saved $23.15 per car by cutting this. Cutting what? New car warranties. (Instead of 24 month 24,000 miles, new warranties were now 12 month, 12,000 miles. The manufacturers stressed their cars virtually defect free—but they also planned to provide free replacement parts for many items incase they were defective.)
In 1971 the National Organization for Women objected to female stereotypes in marketing. They were especially upset about this. What? Virginia Slims. (The cigarette ads were pandering to gals saying they were biologically superior to men.)
In 1971, federal and state courts found this form of taxation discriminatory and unconstitutional when it is used in this way. What form of tax used for what purpose? Property taxes used for school funding. (The courts ruled that richer areas would have better schools if schools were funded solely by property taxes.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
In 1971, for the first time, mainstream top 40 radio stations featured this kind of music. What? Religious themed. (Christ was featured in rock music and critics were surprised at the amount of airplay artists got. Among those mentioned: Ed Ames, Johnny Rivers, Al DeLory, George Harrison, Three Dog Night, Ocean and Helen Reddy.)
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1968, Ford, GM & AMC made a pledge to car buyers to do this by 1970. Do what? Have a new small car, a minicar, on the market. (Ford announced they’d develop the Maverick for sale by the Spring of 1969, GM said Chevy would have a comparable car by the Spring of 1970 and AMC said that by Spring 1970, they too would have a somewhat smaller car in production.)
In 1968, While Ford, GM & AMC announced plans for a minicar, Chrysler had plans too. What were they going to do? Rely on imports from their European subsidiaries (Rootes and Simca).
In 1968, a court ruling led to over 500,000 additional children being eligible for welfare—aid to dependent children. What did the court rule? It struck down the “Substitute Father” rule (whereby mothers would be barred from collecting ADFC if they lived with men who were not the child’s father and not responsible for the child financially.)
In 1968, the Presidential race between Nixon and Humphrey focused on two major issues. One was vietnam—what was the other? “Law and Order”. (There was a growing uneasiness over urban riots and rising lawlessness.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
According to music critic Leonard Feather in 1968, the Beatles were still the biggest vocal group in terms of sales and airplay. But who did he say was #2? Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
FRIDAY JULY 10, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In 1982 an appellate court ruled that all new automobiles sold after December 1983 must have this installed. What installed? Automatic restraints. (The ruling overturned the NTSB decision to rescind the regulation which originally was to have affected all new large and medium sized cars in the 1982 model year and all cars made as of the 1983 model.)
In 1982, for the first time, Canadians got something that Americans always had. What? A constitution. (On April 17, 1982, the Queen proclaimed the constitution. The Constitution Act had been passed by the legislature in 1981, with all provinces but Quebec approving of it. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau had championed the effort because he felt Canadians needed a “Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” which was previously not stated.)
In 1982, a group of citizens chained themselves together in Illinois demanding the legislature pass this. Pass what? The Equal Rights Amendment. (Illinois didn’t pass it and the act died that year. The 10 year effort died in June when Illinois and Florida both failed to pass it, making it short of the 38 states needed for ratification.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION:
The Billboard chart of the most popular R&B records has been called a lot of things over the years, but when it debuted in 1942, what was the list called? “Harlem Hit Parade”
FRIDAY JULY 3, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR:
In the fall of 1976, sales of new 1977 model cars were much lower than expected. Manufacturers started offering rebates and lowering prices. The slashed price of this model made it the lowest priced domestic car in America at under $3,000. What was it? The AMC Gremlin, a subcompact with a sticker price of $2,995.
Several consumer oriented measures became federal law in 1976. One that congress passed involved automobiles. What was it? Full disclosure of leasing arrangements for cars.
The environment was in the news in 1976 with several measures considered. The GAO weighed in saying that the answer would not be found in synthetic fuels. What was the government pushing? Conservation. The logic was that the environment would be better protected by Americans using less fuel than by spending money on developing better fuel—which explains everything about the mess we’re in now.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION
In the ‘50s and ‘60s in one radio market the dominant station was so huge that the best that top 40 upstart competitors could hope was to be #2. It was such a foregone conclusion that no one would beat this station, that one ad featured a station claiming to be # “twon” with a 2 and a 1 graphically combined. What station was so dominant? WCCO Minneapolis. WDGY claimed they were number twon.
FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR :
In 1974, for the first time ever a woman held this position. What position? Head of the Republican National Committee. Mary Smith replaced George Bush who Pres. Ford appointed as envoy to the People’s Republic of China.
In 1974, for the first time ever, an African American held this position. What position? Manager of a major league baseball team. Frank Robinson became manager of the Cleveland Indians.
In 1974 Pres. Ford signed a bill to limit wage and price increases. Instead of forced compliance, what did the bill do? Created the Council on Wage and Price Stability which would use persuasion instead of controls to limit increases.
In the late '90s, Jeep made a style change that remains apparent to this day. What was it? Jeep went from 8 to 7 grille holes.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION :
The Beatles first toured in America in 1964. Their manager Brian Epstein partnered with radio stations in each city they played. It was profitable everywhere but one location. Where did the Beatles lose money in 1964? New Orleans.
FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR :
In 1962 Billy Sol Estes was in the news for a $22 million dollar swindle, but that was child’s play compared to this 1963 financial scandal. Losses eclipsed $150 million and one wall street firm went under over it. Seems everybody in banking had been taken big time and no one knew until prices of this collapsed. Prices of what? Vegetable oil. (Allied Crude Vegetable Oil Refining Company borrowed heavily against its crude oil. When the market went down and they couldn’t repay, the lenders found out that most of the barrels were empty.)
In 1963 Chrysler produced 50 models of a different kind of car and gave them to 50 Americans to test drive for six weeks. The response was phenomenal in every aspect. It was expected that models would be for sale by 1970. We’re still waiting. What was the car? The Turbine Car (a “jet car” that could burn any combustible liquid—even perfume). Chrysler said use kerosene, but anything would work as fuel but leaded gasoline. No adjustment needed for different fuel, cooler emissions, better performance. And we never saw it again.)
A 1963 government report said approximately 128 million Americans either had inadequate blank or none at all. Half lived in urban areas. As its first order of business after the Kennedy assassination, the senate passed a law to improve the situation. It removed the then-current ceiling of populations of 10,000 or greater needed for federal aid for blank and increased funds for blank to $25 million annually, mostly for construction. Fill in the blank. Public Libraries.
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION :
43 years ago in early June, this music legend took his own life. It was a year before everyone listening to the radio knew all the details. Who died? Billy Joe McAllister, created and immortalized in Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billy Joe”… It was the 3rd of June another sleepy dusty delta day…. OK, blame Joel of Ft. Lauderdale for that question. He suggested it.
FRIDAY JUNE 5, 2009
QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR :
In 1987, Lee Iacocca called this a lousy idea. What? Disconnecting odometers. (In an add designed to apologize for doing just that, he said “Testing cars is a good idea. Disconnecting odometers is a lousy idea. That’s a mistake we won’t make again at Chrysler. Period.” The Justice Department charged Chrysler with fraud for turning back odometers on over 60,000 cars that had been driven as much as 400 miles and still sold as new.)
In 1987, the US government formed a panel to write new rules concerning commercial air travel. They were particularly concerned about this. What? Discrimination against physically impaired air travelers. (Blind passengers and wheelchair users testified that airline policies affecting them are inconsistent and inconsistently applied.)
RADIOLOGOLAND.COM QUESTION :
The first annual disc jockey convention was held in Kansas City in 1958. The purpose of the meeting was to uplift the image of the rock and roll disc jockey. All went well until a guest speaker proclaimed that rock and roll was dead. So happy were some owners, not because of their own dislike of the music, but rather the lack of advertiser support for the format, that one of them, Lester Smith of Kaye-Smith Broadcasting promptly changed one of his stations—KJR, Seattle from top 40 to a more subdued approach. This allowed competitor KOL to get a momentary jump on them. Who was the guest speaker? Mitch Miller (the CBS A&R head and orchestra leader abhorred rock and roll).
Want to see previous trivia answers? They're buried in the blogs, generally under a Saturday entry. (Click on "Blog" on the navigation bar and start scrolling backwards. You should easily find a year's worth.
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