People

AT LEAST HE CAN LAUGH ABOUT IT

Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer in both lungs, does not know whether he has weeks to live, or months, but he managed to get a good laugh out of his situation last week. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, when Zevon met one of his doctors for breakfast, he handed over copies of his CDs "Life'll Kill Ya" and "My Ride's Here," and told the doctor: "These are my last two albums. Maybe now you'll understand that eerie acceptance of death you keep asking me about."

The 55-year-old writer of "Werewolves of London," "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and "Excitable Boy" gave the paper a customized version of the quote widely circulated from the prepared statement contained in most news accounts of his illness -- the one about hoping he lives long enough to see the new James Bond movie. "Really, the thing I want is to last through the winter so I don't miss the new James Bond movie," said Zevon. "And I want to wear sweaters, a scarf, the overcoat, the whole thing, like a Winona Ryder movie. And I can be this miserable, classic Walter Matthau invalid. Not that I haven't been that before... "

Jackson Browne told the Times that bravery and candor are the defining characteristics of Zevon's music. "There's a literacy, not just of words but also an emotional literacy," said Browne. "The coin of that realm is honesty and vulnerability. But then, you know, there's a berserk quality to the whole thing when it's done." For the record, the new Bond film, "Die Another Day," opens Nov. 22.

TLC ALBUM DUE

TLC will release its long-awaited, much-anticipated new album, "3D," on Nov. 12. Arista Records president and chief executive officer, Antonio "LA" Reid, said the group's follow-up to the 9.5-million selling "FanMail" is being released as "a loving tribute" by Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins and Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas to their former singing partner Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who died in a car crash earlier this year.

T-Boz and Chilli announced the establishment of a scholarship fund in Left Eye's honor at the MTV Video Music Awards. The new CD features collaborations with producers Dallas Austin, Timbaland & Missy Elliott, Rodney Jerkins, Babyface & Darryl Simmons and Edmund "Eddie Hustle" Clement. The first single, "Quickie," hits radio on Oct. 21.

LIZ AUCTIONS JEWELRY FOR AIDS

Elizabeth Taylor plans to sell her 7-carat emerald ring -- set with a dozen pear-shaped diamonds -- at an auction later this month to raise funds for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Christie's will conduct the auction on Sept. 26, which will also features pieces created especially for Taylor to use in the fund-raiser by leading international jewelers. Taylor said the auction was inspired by her new book, "My Love Affair with Jewelry."

Online bidding is under way (christies.com) on such items as a diamond and yellow diamond ring by Boucheron, a ruby and gold pendant necklace by Bulgari, a diamond and carved gem-set tutti-frutti pendant necklace by Cartier, and other items from Tiffany, Harry Winston and other leading jewelers.

PRINCESS GWYNETH?

According to published reports, Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow ("Shakespeare in Love") is dating Prince Felipe, the son of Spain's King Juan Carlos and his wife, Sophia. The New York Daily News said Paltrow and the price have the blessing of the royal couple. The paper said Paltrow's parents -- actress Blythe Danner and producer-director Bruce Paltrow -- had no comment on speculation that their daughter might become "her generation's Grace Kelly." For you latecomers, the reference is to the marriage of Hollywood star Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

WILL SHE TAKE HER CLOTHES OFF?

Lorraine Bracco -- the Emmy-nominated star of "The Sopranos" -- will take over the role of Mrs. Robinson on Nov. 17 when Kathleen Turner leaves the Broadway production of "The Graduate." Bracco is also an Oscar-nominated actress. She was up for best supporting actress in 1990 for "GoodFellas." Turner caused quite a sensation when she stripped naked during a scene in "The Graduate," based on the 1967 movie of the same name.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 415

Today is another free-for-all Friday. So, give us your thoughts on the topic of your choice and put FORUM in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 410 (CELLULAR)

Good heavens ... did we open a Pandora's Box by asking your feelings on cellular phone use in public. Among the responses drawn at random from the e-mailbox, I could not find a single positive comment. Most lamented the use of cell phones by people driving cars, with nearly 50 percent of those condemning the practice saying it should be totally illegal. As far as the use of phones in public places and restaurants, again the comments were damning.

I love a thought from Fran, who noted that many restrooms have now been turned into phone booths. Finally, Anne in Mississippi used the strongest language in describing what she thinks about cellular phones: "DANGEROUS, STUPID, EXHIBITIONIST, INTRUSIVE, YAHOO-IST." Anne, could you be more specific? NEXT: More of your thoughts.