Banner Graphic, Volume 18, Number 182, Greencastle, Putnam County, 9 April 1988 — Page 4

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THE BANNERGRAPHIC April 9,1988

People in the news Rivers’ libel suit upheld LOS ANGELES (AP) The validity of comedian Joan Rivers’ SSO million libel suit against Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine has been upheld by the state Court of Appeals, which concluded an article about her may not have been gentlemanly. Miss Rivers sued the magazine and writer Ben Stein for a story that claimed she wished her late husband was dead before his suicide last August Stein, who used the psuedonym Bert Hacker for the article, said the story was a parody. The December article quoted the comedian as saying her husband, Edgar Rosenberg, had turned maniacal and was driving her insane. “The average reader reasonably could have understood the statements made in the subject article as a true report of actual events,” the appeals court said Tuesday. “The communication reasonably could be interpreted as conveying a defamatory meaning ‘of and concerning’ (Joan Rivers).” # HONG KONG (AP) American evangelist Billy Graham said Friday the problems of Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart haven’t affected his ministry, but they have increased cynicism outside the church. Graham, in Hong Kong to announce details of his first trip to China, said that the fall of the two television evangelists has “made more people conscious of their need of true faith in Christ and it has made more people discerning.” “It has, I’m sure, made some people outside the church more cynical,” said Graham. He told a news conference Internal Revenue Service audits have failed to uncover any problems in his own ministry. Graham begins a 16-day trip to China on April 13 that will take him to Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai and Canton. He also will visit Huaiyan in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, where his wife, Ruth, was bom. • NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Comedian Robin Williams labeled the Grande Ole Opry House “the Sistine Chapel built by Black and Decker” and took a jab at the state’s portly governor during a benefit performance for the American Cancer Society. Williams, making his first visit to Tennessee, joined Opry star Minnie Pearl and musicians James Taylor and Amy Grant for the show Thursday night. Williams, the frenetic comedian whose performance in “Good Morning, Vietnam” is nominated for an Oscar, went into the audience to offer Gov. Ned McWherter some vanilla wafers the governor’s favorite snack as a peace offering.

Dear Abby

Words of consolation music to mom’s ears

DEAR ABBY: Some time ago you had a letter from “Debating in N.J.,” describing her hurt and disappointment from not hearing from close friends following her serious accident. I have recently had a similar experience. My daughter just had an illegitimate baby, and I left home to be with her and lend my support. On my return home, I told my friends, and now the fact is generally known as it should be. What dismays me is that almost everyone I know has dropped the subject, and it is never mentioned. In my heart, I know they are puzzled about what to say, but the word from here is to say something even if you aren’t sure of what to say. Fumbling for the right words is infinitely better than not saying anything at all. This applies for a new divorce, a new widow (widower), a parent whose child has gone to jail any number of embarrassing incidents when you don’t know exactly what to say. Here’s a sample: “I know Carolyn has a new baby. I hope she’s managing. Does she need anything?” “You've had a great loss. I’m thinking of you.” “Now that you are single again, I will call each week to see how you are. I care.” “We know John is in prison. Is he doing all right? What word have you had?” If any of the above is too difficult, send a card. You can surely find one that will express your feelings perfectly. Thank you, Abby, for letting me say this. PEOPLE LOVER

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KULA, Hawaii (AP) Cher may not win the Best Actress award at Monday night’s Academy Awards, but she already has been rated as having the best public image among the five nominees. Cher was given a 9.9 on a 10-point image scale by Daniel Eastman, a former Hollywood skin care and makeup expert. “For nine years I have rated the nominees on style, personality, character, even the way they walk and talk in public,” Eastman said. “A good self and public image is your most valuable asset, whether you’re a waiter, banker, housewife, or shooting for ‘Best Actress.’” Eastman rated Meryl Streep at 9.7; Glenn Close, 9.5; Sally Kirkland, 9.2; and Holly Hunter, 9.0. • NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Maybe the secret of winning is to avoid thinking about it. That’s one lesson you could learn from the new National Teacher of the Year, Terry Weeks. The seventh-grade social studies teacher in Murfreesboro won the award in a contest sponsored by Good Housekeeping magazine, Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Council of Chief State School Officers. • NEW YORK (AP) Fawn Hall, who made her television debut testifying about former boss Oliver North before a Senate committee, will be co-host of a network special about fashionable people. Miss Hall was chosen “because she is very spontaneous and has a presence that is indicative she can handle this kind of assignment with zest and energy,” Gary Pudney, an ABC television executive, said Friday. “M-W Men and Women,” based upon M and W magazines, will air the first week in June. Pudney said it is to combine “Entertainment Tonight,” “60 Minutes” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The other co-hosts are Ron Reagan, the president’s son; actress Jane Seymour; and Danny Sullivan, the cab-driving Indianapolis 500 winner.

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AbigaH Van Buren

DEAR PEOPLE LOVER: You hit the nail on the head when you said, “People are puzzled about what to say,” but not everyone would welcome an inquiry about a child in prison or some other embarrassing or unfortunate happening. Much depends on how close a friendship exists between you. Talking openly does clear the air, but I wouldn’t presume to console a friend about an embarrassment unless he or she initiated the subject.

DEAR ABBY: My father and I have been debating about an issue for a while dealing with AIDS. I’m a 15-year-old girl and want to get my ears pierced. However, my dad seems to feel that I can receive AIDS from having this done, and insists that I go to a doctor to have a sterilized procedure done. But this is impractical and isn’t worth the trouble and cost. I’m convinced sterilized earrings at the shopping mall are just as good as a sterilized

By Bil Keane

___ POTT S’ ©I MS Universal p™*l Syndicate 4-9 I

CHER BILLY GRAHAM Public image high Detects cynicism

needle. What do you think? Can I get AIDS from ear piercing? NAKED LOBES DEAR NAKED LOBES: As long as sterilized studs are used in the ear piercing, there should be no risk of getting AIDS. »* * * DEAR ABBY: I would like you to settle a major family dispute once and for all. I am a 20-year-old college student who comes from a working-class family and grew up in a blue-collar community. The dispute is this: Is there a distinct difference between a “profession” and a “trade” (job)? My family says a person with a trade is a professional in that area, so there can be no distinction between the two. I disagree. I say lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc. are “professionals” and roofers, auto mechanics, construction workers, etc. are “trade people.” Is there a difference? PROFESSION OR TRADE, RIVER ROUGE, MICH. DEAR P. OR T.: I agree with you, and so does Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, which defines a profession as “a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.” A trade, on the other hand, is defined as “an occupation requiring manual or mechanical skill.”

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