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THE LONE RANGER TURNS 70 THIS WEEK

The classic American radio series "The Lone Ranger" is celebrating its 70th birthday this week. Conceived by station WXYZ in Detroit, it was first aired only on that station. During the early days of radio many stations -- even in small towns -- produced their own radio dramas. After a while it went regional with stations on the Michigan Network. The popularity of the broadcast was so meteoric that 50,000-watt stations WGN in Chicago, WOR in New York City and WLW in Cincinnati picked up the half-hour show -- broadcast on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Soon other stations were added. The network evolved into what would become the Mutual Broadcasting System.

The longest-serving early Ranger was actor Earle Grasher. He did more than 1,300 shows, all live, until April of 1941. After a Monday show he drove to his home in rural Michigan. Just before dawn he fell asleep at the wheel.

Writers had less than 48 hours to re-tool the show and find a new Ranger. WXYZ announcer Brace Beemer -- who had served as host of the show on and off for years and even played the Ranger early in the run -- was tapped to replace Grasher. Rather than bring him in full-tilt with no explanation, even though he and Grasher sounded very similar, the Wednesday show centered on Tonto. The Lone Ranger was in bed after being shot. His voice was weak. By Friday the Ranger's health was improving he was sounding better. The slow transition to Beemer in full voice masked the loss of the previous actor.

In 1947 announcer Fred Foy became narrator. The classic "modern-day" sound of "The Lone Ranger" on radio and TV features Foy's narration and Beemer's acting. Foy is in retirement in the Boston suburbs and sounds as great as ever. He is regarded by many in broadcasting as radio's outstanding gentleman. The opening music with the "William Tell Overture" is among the most memorable in broadcasting. Happy Birthday, Lone Ranger. Say "hello" to Tonto.

PHIL SPECTOR ARRESTED IN MURDER CASE

Los Angeles police confirm legendary rock 'n' roll producer Phil Spector was put under arrest Monday in connection with the death of a woman. The arrest was made be police in Alhambra, in the Los Angeles suburbs. Spector was held initially under $1 million bond. The music entrepreneur first came to prominence in 1958 when he took the fledgling group Teddy Bears under his wing. He wrote the group's first hit, "To Know Him Is To Love Him." He based the title on an inscription on his father's grave stone. The monster hit "Spanish Harlem" was a Spector creation. His instrumental talents were showcased on the Drifters' song "On Broadway." Spector played the guitar break on that historic recording. Along the way he would go on to produce for the Crystals, the Ronettes, the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and Ike and Tina Turner.

COUNTRY BIGGIES CONVERGE ON SAN ANTONIO

It's rodeo time in San Antonio and some of the biggest stars in country music are there to entertain. Among those tapped to be part of the concert series associated with the sporting events are Books & Dunn, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams Jr. Organizers also scheduled appearances by Martina McBride, Andy Griggs, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pat Green, Jerry Jeff Walker, Charlie Robinson, Robert Earl Keen and Lonestar. And, if that's not enough, Alan Jackson will perform this coming weekend. CMT says others on the roster include: Jessica Andrews, John Michael Montgomery, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Phil Vassar, Gary Allan, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, Diamond Rio and Brad Paisley. The venue for the concerts is Gruene Hall, the legendary concert stage and nightspot that narrowly escaped last year's incredible flooding in the area.

CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST BRADY TYSON DIES

Brady B. Tyson, the former college student who used his school newspaper to advocate the integration of Rice University 55 years ago, has died. Tyson, according to the Houston Chronicle, was not only an early crusader in the civil rights movement, he was a diplomat and teacher. During the 1970s he served as a staff member of the American delegation to the United Nations. He also was a member of the Rainbow Coalition and on the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It was during his college years, however, that he first gained national attention. He shocked many of his fellow students and school officials when he used his position as editor of the Rice University student paper, "The Thresher," to call for admission of blacks to the all-white school -- and that was in the late 1940s. In his later years he served as a missionary in Brazil. Brady B. Tyson was 75.

STAFFERS MOURN DEATH OF ELEPHANT

The employees of the Portland (Ore.) Zoo are slowing coming to grips with the unexpected death of the facility's oldest male Asian elephant. An autopsy has been ordered on Hugo, a massive animal purchased from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1983. Hugo, although extremely gentle, weighed 10,000 pounds and stood over 10 feet tall. Over the years he became the favorite animal of the zoo handlers. Over this past weekend employees discovered Hugo was having trouble breathing. A huge sling was constructed so he could be supported, kept upright to help his breathing and make it easier for veterinarians to administer antibiotics.

The Portland Oregonian says experts worked at "150 percent" to try to save the animal's life. Hugo, in addition to being the center of studies in to elephants, was a major "draw" at the zoo. During last year it broke all attendance records. Results of the autopsy could take three weeks to complete.

GENE SIMMONS RE-STARTS RECORD LABEL

One of the driving forces behind Kiss, Gene Simmons, says he is going to put Simmons Records back on store shelves. Simmons tells billboard.com during the first incarnation of the label the endeavor was moderately successful and he wants to try it again. The longtime bass player for the flamboyant group, Simmons says he's looking for talent in the 20-to-30 age group. According to Billboard, he says he's open to all kinds of acts and might even end up with a rapper in his stable. As a matter of fact, he's taking submissions from any single act or group looking for a record label to call home. Just send your tapes to Simmons Records, Box 15097, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 517

Here's another question guaranteed to get you off your chair for some exercise: "How many windows does your home or apartment have?" Put WINDOWS in the subject line and send to comments@upi.com via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 512 (SUPPER)

Last week we asked what you'd fix, from the things you have in fridge and cupboard, if you knew company was coming tonight. From a random dip into the e-mail inbox here are some of your menu suggestions: Terry suggests "chicken or meatloaf, mashed or baked potatoes, corn, spinach and sliced tomato. Gravy and noodles if I serve chicken. Cottage cheese with meatloaf. I would make Jello with pineapple chunks for dessert. Coffee, hot or ice tea, milk, orange juice, sugar-free Squirt or ice water." In case that's not enough, B&BCard suggest "shrimp dip, a nice green salad with mushrooms, bell pepper, peppercorns, olives, bacon and fresh creamy Italian dressing (home made). The soup would be crab bisque and then penne pasta with Asiago cheese sauce and sautéed garlic, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers and carrots." Wow! BillyBob suggest you "take two packages of those Ramen noodles and break them up. Throw into boiling water. After four minutes drain and cover with shredded cheese and a little milk, then stir in two cans of albacore tuna. It's tuna-noodle casserole in five minutes." TOMORROW: Your most amusing places. GBA