People

JONES HURT BY BROOKS 'SNUB' AT SHOW?

There has been no comment from country icon Garth Brooks about a report that legendary singer George Jones was hurt because the younger performer would not accept Jones' invitation to join him in his recent "comeback" concert. The Tennessean newspaper had suggested that Jones was upset that Brooks did not appear with him when he returned to the Ryman Auditorium last weekend. As recently as two months ago the pair seemed to be inseparable, taking part in several recording sessions. Now, according to news provider country.com, the relationship seems to have "gone sour." Jones' return to live performing was a great moment in the recent history of country music. Despite a deterioration in his vocal talents, he nonetheless wowed 'em in Nashville at the venerable venue.

SCHWARZENEGGER TALKS TO MIAMI YOUTH

Telling them to say, "Hasta la vista, baby" to gangs, guns and violence, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger met with a large group of Miami-area middle school students this week, telling the kids that there are better ways to success than using violence. The star, known for his often extremely violent film roles, said there is a huge difference between life and fantasy and the two should have definite boundaries. He told the students that America is a "land of opportunity. I came to this country with empty pockets, but I was full of dreams and with those dreams I became successful." The thousand or so who attended the session were all participants in Miami's Inner-City Games program.

FORMER ORGANIST FOR BILLY GRAHAM DIES

One of the most important people involved in the early days of the Billy Graham crusades has died. Assist News Service say that composer and organist Paul Mickelson has died of a heart attack while traveling with his wife in Sacramento, Calif., this week. He was, indeed, a child prodigy. By his early teens he was so much in demand that he was playing on over 20 live radio shows a week in the Los Angeles area. While only in his 20s, the Rev. Billy Graham asked him to join his evangelistic association. Among his first assignments was accompanying Graham to England for the historic 1954 Greater London Crusade where he impressed audiences with his youthful enthusiasm. After leaving the Graham organization he turned to the production of religious music for churches. Along the way he set up Supreme Records and produced some of Pat Boone's earliest efforts. He also worked with Ethel Waters and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Eventually his music company would become part of the Zondervan religious publishing empire. Mickelson was 73.

JAYNE MEADOWS CARRIES ON HUSBAND'S LEGACY

Actress Jayne Meadows will make an appearance Monday at the 20th annual La Canada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild Book and Author Luncheon in the Los Angeles suburbs. Meadows will discuss the book "Vulgarians at the Gate," penned by her late husband, Steve Allen. He finished the book shortly before he died. It's a damning condemnation, from his perspective, of the way the media has become a gutter, pandering to the lowest carnal instincts. It's full title is: "Vulgarians at the Gate: Trash TV and Raunch Radio: Raising Standards of Popular Culture." The sponsoring group has raised millions over the years for its centers that provide medical care for children.

VEGAS BUILDER TO PROCEED WITH PLANS

For decades controversial Las Vegas casino builder Steve Wynn has been in the forefront of the phenomenal building boom in his hometown. With the sudden downturn in tourism in the wake of 9/11 many in the gaming capital began to wonder if the building boom had ended. At the recent meeting of the World Gaming Congress Expo at the Venetian Hotel and Casino, Wynn emphatically told the audience that he has no reason to call off any of his ongoing construction projects. Wynn told the group that his plans to build yet another mega-casino, the highly anticipated Le Reve Resort, are right on track. "I will not be intimidated," he said. The planned facility will have two major show theaters for name talent. Wynn noted that one segment of the tourist trade in Vegas is already returning, visitors from Asian countries.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 190

Today's question is suggested by a friend who is thinking of moving to another country soon, for a change of scenery. So here goes: "If you could live in any other country in the world -- outside the United States -- what country would that be?" Put LIVE in the subject line and mail to [email protected] on the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 185 (COMMENTS)

Last week we put out a call, again, for topic-less comments about anything on your mind. Many of them noted the deterioration of grammar in common speech. Karen S says she agrees with an earlier response from Cathy that people butcher American grammar. She notes that people use "I could care less" when they mean they COULDN'T care less. She also says too many people use "irregardless" when they mean "regardless." Karen, I could NOT agree more! Just for the heck of it, here's a sentence that needs fixing. Let me know what you think is wrong with it. "Hey Danny, were you the guy that condemned the city counsel when they made the somewhat unique comment that the accidental arson fire which destroyed Seattle's Skid Row would impact less street people like it was planned or something?" GBA.