People

BUSH DAUGHTERS NOT ALL THAT RECKLESS

Being the child of a sitting president is a tough task. Just look at Amy Carter or Chelsea Clinton or the Johnson daughters. Now the current president has had to deal with accusations that his daughters are a little more wild that he would like them to be. But enter someone who has a strong assessment to the contrary. One of Jenna Bush's roommates at the University of Texas paints a glowing picture of her friend. She apparently told an interviewer with KABC Radio in Los Angeles, relayed via columnist Richard Johnson, that Jenna is not a heavy drinker ... "especially in comparison to other college students." The roommate, identified only as Elizabeth, says that the Bush girls got into a peck of trouble when one was busted for underage drinking, but the incident was not symptomatic. Where is Margaret Truman when you need her?

TIGER TRYING THE IMPOSSIBLE

Golfer Tiger Woods is trying to go where no golfer has gone before ... capturing the British Open after taking three other major titles in one year. MSNBC notes that golfing icons Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus both entered the open with three previous "majors" under their belts. Neither could take the British crown. Each failed in his bid to take the quadruple crown of golfing. Now Woods is in the 131st British Open. It begins at the classic Muirfield links Thursday. Again he is the favorite. Again his own army of fans wants to see him succeed. Famous for his "late inning rallies," Woods has inspired a whole new generation of kids to try golfing. In fact, one company has come up with a "junior" golf club that has an adjustable handle so a young person can change the length as he or she gets taller, without having to buy a new club. By the way, five-time British Open winner Tom Watson says that Tiger has a slim chance of doing the impossible, though no one is ruling him out. Should make for some great golf and even greater TV ratings.

RAY PRICE CHANGES RECORD LABELS

One of the most enduring stars of country music, Ray Price, has changed record labels. He's now with Audium Records. His first release with the new company, according to CMT, is due out in the fall. It will be called "Time" and is produced by Fred Foster. It features some of Nashville's top backup artists. Many of those involved in the project are also veterans of decades on the country music scene. Price is best known for the monster hit "For the Good Times." He came to Nashville in the early '50s, quickly becoming a part of the Nashville "establishment." He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame four years ago.

YOKO ONO STILL GOING STRONG

It's hard to believe that Yoko Ono is nearly 70. Alas, time passes for all of us. But she can still crank 'em out and retains her knowledge of how to party. According to the New York Post, Ono recently made a surprise appearance at the Roxy in the Big Apple, coming onto the stage in a canvas bag as if she was to be part of a magic trick. But instead of disappearing, she made her entry that way. She soon was singing along with the latest dance mixes and mixing with the crowd. Looking to all the world like a sunglasses-wearing disco queen, Yoko (whose records used to be best played very loudly -- or for some, not at all) is back in the spotlight again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RHONDA VINCENT

When you think of the resurgent world of bluegrass music, the men of that genre come to mind. There aren't that many female bluegrass stars. For years, though, popular Rhonda Vincent has been the reigning queen of bluegrass. Now her friends in Nashville have helped her celebrate her 40th birthday. The news provider county.com says that she was treated at party at Nashville's fabled Ernest Tubb Record Shop in celebration of No. 40. Among those in attendance were many of her friends and family. There were three birthday cakes. One was decorated to look like a huge box of Martha White Blueberry Muffin Mix. The Southern-based foods company has been a huge backer of Vincent and is sponsoring her current tour. Its commercials are a mainstay on the Grand Ole Opry. One fan came all the way from England to help celebrate.

NEW HORROR FILM FULL OF DIGITALIZATION

It's funny how many modern-day movies are long on special effects and short on plot. One reviewer referred to the first "Mission Impossible" movie as "two special effects wrapped with contrivance." Well the latest horror flick, "Eight Legged Freaks," may be captivating teen audiences, but many reviewers are not thrilled. Take the Houston Chronicle's Bruce Westerbrook. He says that it's fun for monster movie fans with hordes of "Buick-sized spiders" all over the place, but goes not much farther. Unfortunately, the movie is full of clichés. And, if you have seen most of the classic horror films, from "The Thing" and "The Blob" on down, you know what to expect. Oh, and as a journalist, I'm troubled by one other thing ... the movie's title. What is a "Legged Freak?" There appear to be eight of them in the movie. (No hyphen between "eight" and "legged.") Of course, we have "Hey Arnold" with no comma!

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 368

In light of our story about "Freaks," today's question: "What was the scariest movie you can remember? And, do you think it would still scare you today?" Put HORROR in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

A LOOK BACK AT PREVIOUS SURVEYS

Some days ago we asked if there was a member of your family who was a great storyteller. From our STORY question, here is a sampling of replies: Viki M remembers an uncle Angelo who had the ability to hold everyone in complete awe and attention. As a child she says she was swept up in his tales. He now tells Bible stories at his church. Sounds like a great guy, Viki. Anne N has several family members who are great at storytelling ... possibly, she notes, because she's from the Deep South. She remembers a great-grandmother (who died in the late 1930s) who liked to tell a story about her own father lifting her into his arms and kissing her goodbye as he went off to fight in the Civil War. Wow! Brenda admits that she is a great storyteller, often adopting different voices and mannerisms for each character in her tales. Finally, Peggy writes: "Are you kidding? My mother's family was Italian." My favorite storytelling story was related to me by Ed McMahon. He says that his late father, Eddie, could go off on a fishing trip on a weekend and come back with enough side-splitting stories to last a month. TOMORROW: More of your thoughts. GBA.