Free Republic

While Ted Turner was in college, his father wrote him a letter that concluded: "I think you are rapidly becoming a jackass." Anyone who has watched the eccentric billionaire over the years might be inclined to admire Dad's prescience.... Far from self-made, Mr. Turner inherited a large billboard business when his father, with whom he had a troubled relationship, committed suicide.... He had been less lucky in 1985 when, without consulting his board, he bought MGM for $1.5 billion. He overpaid and was drowning in debt. Three months later he sold the studio back at a discount. More damaging, he...