In September 1973, Time magazine wrote that the impending "Battle of the Sexes" between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs could not have happened five years prior, and "five years from now [will] not mean anything."

In their post-match coverage, they wrote, "[It] was a performance full of tinsel and glamour, signifying nothing — except that the hustle is over."

Boy, did Time magazine ever have it wrong.

In fact, in 1973, almost everyone had it wrong. The Vegas odds were on Riggs, sports commentators favored Rigges, newspaper columnists predicted Riggs, and when Chris Evert was asked on prime time national television who she thought would win the match, she confidently answered, "Bobby Riggs."

In a recent documentary on HBO, Evert covers her face with her hands when she's shown that clip. Laughing, she says, "I was such an idiot."

Last Tuesday was the 35th anniversary of "The Battle of the Sexes" — the epoch that has become the women's sports' world's equivalent of the BC/AD split. … continue reading

The two most prominent memories I have of reading as a child involve Walnut Grove and a beagle with an overactive imagination. I recall vividly how my mother would read me the tales of Laura Ingalls Wilder before bed. I recall equally vividly learning how to read via the Sunday morning comics, which meant Peanuts, Peanuts and more Peanuts. That might have something to do with being from the same vicinity as the guy who created Charlie Brown and his lovable companions. Charles Schultz is so revered around these parts that we put up bronze statues of his creations in our city parks.

After reading all about a new book detailing Schultz's life and some of the stories behind his creations, I began to reminisce about my formative years, years spent watching good ol' Chuck fall for Lucy's tricks, Schroeder bang out Beethoven on his toy piano, and best friends Marcie and Peppermint Patty sell Cheerios. … continue reading

Several years ago, Billie Jean King figured out that sometimes, if you want something to happen, you have to do it yourself. She wanted equality in tennis, so she started a tennis tour: the WTA. She wanted equality in women's sports, so she built her own sports organization for women: the Women's Sports Foundation. And when she wanted to honor women in sports, she created two separate events.

The Annual Salute to Women in Sports is held in October, and specifically honors the achievements of female athletes and those who have contributed to the landscape of women's sports. In April, Billie hosts the Billie Awards, which "recognize media excellence in women's sports and physical activity." The Annual Salute has been around for 27 years, while the Billies event is only in its second year.

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I chatted with Billie Jean King at the 2007 Billies a few weeks ago. "It's not just about famous athletes," said King. "Tonight is about the celebration of women's sports coverage in the media. Women only get about eight percent of the sports coverage in the news from the major sports outlets."

On Wednesday, the 66th annual Peabody Awards were doled out. Not to be confused with that improbably brilliant dog from Rocky and Bullwinkle, the Peabody Awards "recognize distinguished achievement and meritorious service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations and individuals." The original idea was to establish a "Pulitzer Prize for radio." So, you know — just a snootier version of the Emmys, and extended to other formats like radio and the web.

Anyway. Here are some of the winners:

• ABC: Ugly Betty
  Right on. I hope this show can maintain the perfect blend it's got going. It's funny; it's moving; it's gay-friendly; it's beautiful.
  

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