Once Upon a Time,

talk shows, both radio and television, were rather civilized, even bland, affairs. Television especially had hosts who could tell a handful of jokes, sing, and maybe even dance a bit. It was a far cry from the Jerry Springers and Maury Poviches of today, people who pander to the lowest common denominator.

A man who was the personification of dull was Mike Douglas, a popular syndicated talk show host of the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s. He died suddenly at the age of 81 today, which happened to have been his birthday.

Douglas suffered from dehydration after playing golf a few weeks ago. He loved the game and played a lot of it after he decided to retire.

And, as the article noted, many people confused him with zillionaire Merv Griffin. Both of them were a lot alike.

You can leave condolences for his family here.

I would be remiss if I omitted the NYT obit.