Odds & Ends: Rush, Trisha Yearwood, & Auction Feat. Rock Items

This particular Limbaugh controversy centers on comments the conservative icon made last week regarding Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke who recently testified about women’s health issues, specifically health insurance covering birth control, before a panel of Congressional Democrats.

While ranting about Fluke, Limbaugh called her a “slut” and a “prostitute” and insisted that she post sex tapes online.

Now Rush is going after Rush. That is, the band is going after Limbaugh.

Although Limbaugh called Fluke a slut and a prostitute only once (and has since apologized), he spent several days talking about the college student. And, at least one time during his broadcasts, he allegedly played music by the band that shares his first name.

In a letter to Limbaugh and the company that syndicates his program – Premiere Radio Networks – the attorney for the band, Robert A. Farmer, says Rush’s music is “not licensed for political purposes” and that any such use “is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement.”

Farmer also cites New York Civil Rights Law which states a person’s “name, portrait, picture or voice” cannot be used for advertising or other promotional projects unless that person has granted written consent.

Throughout the years Limbaugh has said he’s merely an “entertainer,” a description that might help rebuff Farmer’s claim that the radio talker is using the band’s music for political purposes.

Plus, while U.S. copyright law grants the rights holder the exclusive use to perform a composition or grant others permission to perform it, most music available commercially is cleared for radio broadcasts via various licensing agencies. Like Gabriel, Rush can complain about Limbaugh using their music, but the talk show host may not necessarily heed the band’s complaint.

What’s cooking at Trisha’s? Expect theme shows such as how to prepare for a baby shower or a family reunion barbecue along with plenty of southern-style cooking tips.

“For me, cooking is very connected to my family and friends,” Yearwood said. “Every recipe on the show carries wonderful memories with my loved ones and I can’t wait to share my meals, stories and family photos with Food Network viewers.”

Yearwood, who has released two cookbooks since 2008, has seen both books reach No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list in the “advice, how-to and miscellaneous” category.

Going … Going …

You can get a piece of the rock and help a worthy cause when you bid on items currently being offered during an online auction.