People

BOB BARKER TO UNDERGO SURGERY

The dean of American quiz hosts, Bob Barker, will undergo prostate surgery next week at the George Washington University Hospital in the nation's capital. Barker's publicist tells United Press International that the 78-year-old quizmaster will have plenty of time to regain his strength during the time his show, "The Price is Right," is on summer vacation. Barker's operation will reduce the size of the gland to relieve some discomfort. In the past few years he has undergone two other surgeries, one to clean a blocked artery in his neck, the second to repair one of his knees. The resilient Barker is the "king of the quiz show hosts." "The Price is Right" is now the longest-running show of its kind on TV and continues to be a ratings winner.

BROOKS & DUNN FINALLY TAKE TIME OFF

The singing duo Brooks & Dunn is among the busiest in Nashville. But now, according to country.com, each is taking some time off to take care of family matters. Even though they will be with their respective families, they will be appearing on Fourth of July broadcasts in pre-recorded segments. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have separate plans. Dunn will be hosting a barn dance at his rural Nashville home this week. Brooks, on the other hand, has headed for the ocean with family members in tow. Dunn told the news provider that the Fourth of July period is the perfect time to renew the family ties that make America strong. "Good families, friends, neighbors ... and a healthy dose of outdoor cooking."

SHARON OSBOURNE HEADS FOR THE HOSPITAL

The matriarch of the Osbourne family, reality TV's Sharon Osbourne, is having surgery to remove an unspecified cancer. A Los Angeles-based publicist for Osbourne -- the wife of rock star Ozzy Osbourne, and star of the highly successful MTV series "The Osbournes" -- says that her condition is treatable and she is likely to make a full recovery. In a release to national media, it is noted that Mrs. Osbourne's family is backing her 100 percent and husband Ozzy and the couple's three children will be at her side through the operation and her recuperation. The initial two appearances for this summer's Ozzfest tour have been canceled due to her surgery.

CASTRONEVES FINALLY TAKES THE FLAG

It took the time between the first two holidays of summer for racing experts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to officially decide who won this year's Memorial Day classic. Late Wednesday Tony George, the president of the speedway and the Indy Racing League, declared that a panel confirms that Helio Castroneves did win the race. The official outcome had been contested by Canadian driver Paul Tracy. His group had contended that Tracy passed Castroneves on the final lap and should have been the winner. That's true, but close examination of videotape, shot from myriad angles, shows that Tracy passed on a yellow caution flag. Under the rules at Indianapolis, no matter where the cars end up during a "yellow" they officially are listed as being in the order they were in the moment before the caution flags came out and the yellow lights went on. According to the Indianapolis Star, there was ample documentation to show that the pass happened on the "yellow." Additionally, the caution period begins when a call is broadcast via radio to the cars from Master Control, whether the lights have gone on yet or not. The decision means that Castroneves retains the trophy and has now won the venerable race two times in a row.

CHESNEY SALUTES MOM AND THE EAGLES

When country's Kenny Chesney discovered that his mom is "the world's biggest fan of the Eagles," he knew he had to do something special for her and find a way to salute the group. Country Music Television is reporting that Chesney has gone to Knoxville, Tenn., to be with his mother and to be with the band. The Eagles' latest concert date is in Knoxville this week and Chesney has arranged for his mom to attend and also for her to go backstage to meet the members of the band. He notes that during the time he spent growing up his mother provided the family with everything a person could want. "It's time I paid her back," Chesney told CMT. He also said he doesn't know who is the more excited ... himself or his mom.

FDR REMEMBERED ON 70TH ANNIVERSARY

When you see the dwindling number of veterans of the Second World War, you suddenly realize how long ago that worldwide conflict was fought. But another anniversary, being marked this week, is an additional reminder of just how separated we have become from another era in American history ... the Great Depression. It was 70 years ago this week that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was nominated by the Democratic Party to be its candidate for the White House in an effort to unseat Herbert Hoover, the incumbent. Roosevelt had come back from political limbo after seven long years of learning to walk. Stricken with polio, he developed a way of looking as if he was walking, lurching forward, one step at a time, while alternately putting all his weight first on a cane and then on the arm of a companion walking with him -- usually one of his sons. He won the hearts of the country with his optimistically strident tones, ebullient manner, omnipresent smile and plans for a "new deal," all in stark contrast to Hoover's depressing manner. Hoover thought that the depression would just have to take its course and that government could do nothing to help. One of Hoover's aides told a reporter that "sitting in a meeting with Hoover was like sitting in a bath of ink ... if you put a rose in Hoover's hand it would wilt." During his rousing acceptance speech of 70 years ago this week FDR noted: "This is more than a political campaign. It is a call to arms. Give me your help, not to win votes alone, but to win in this crusade to restore America to its own people!" He would go on to win in a total landslide of votes. He would tell the American people that they had nothing to fear but fear itself. In the poignant words of documentarian David Grubin: "On March the 4th, 1933, a man who could not walk would begin to lead a crippled country."

A PERSONAL NOTE: Drive safely, enjoy the Fourth. The UPI Daily Survey returns next week. GBA.