More brevities

Family Feud host Steve Harvey is casting a covetous eye on Dr. Phil territory. He's written another book of advice to the lovelorn, Straight Talk, No Chaser. Steve's moonlighting as a relationship guru hasn't gone uncriticized. This story quotes some nasty comments about his first advice book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: "I was shocked by his misogynistic views on love and marriage" and "the book is sexist, stereotyping all men into knuckle-dragging, sports-loving hunters that just need a little sex to keep them happy." Have to admit I drag a knuckle now and then. Harvey, as you might expect, is unfazed by the razzies.

Match Game stalwart Fanny Flagg is flagg-flogging another book, I Still Dream of You. There seem to be a lot of literary efforts from game show types lately. Most of this account of Fanny's book tour has nothing to do with game shows. But she does say that one of her FAQs is: "Did you really have as much fun on the Match Game as it looked?" To my relief she always answers: "On the Match Game, we all had as much fun as it looked." Interesting how she says "the" Match Game.

Wheel of Fortune continues to grind through announcer auditions. Next week Lora Cain will try out as a possible replacement for the legendary Mr. O'Donnell. The press release says that Lora will be the first female announcer on a game show, which can't be right. Lingo, for instance, featured Randy Thomas as its (pre-recorded) announcer during the show's second season. In fact, Vanna has recently been doing some announcer chores on Wheel itself.