People

LEGION CHIEF STEAMED OVER COURT RULING

The ruling in a West Coast court that saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools violates the Constitution has the national commander of the American Legion up in arms. Richard J. Santos tells United Press International that "the decision is ridiculous," and he cites several instances of longer-standing American icons that prove his point. In a strongly worded statement made from his headquarters in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Santos wonders the following: Why do we continue to ask witnesses in court to "swear to God" what they are saying is true? Why do we still have "In God We Trust" on our currency? Why does each session of Congress open with a prayer? Why does the very Constitution itself refer to "nature's God" and a "Creator" in its wording. His point is that the Constitution itself should be unconstitutional. Santos further says that his organization will lead the fight against the decision. Well, maybe the only way to get around this is to send all of our kids to parochial, private or home schools. By the way, it's not illegal to pray in public schools, only for public schools to dictate what should be said. Students can still organize prayer, if a majority of their fellows approves. Meanwhile, according to MSNBC, a growing number of legal experts say it's likely that a higher court -- or most certainly the Supreme Court -- will overturn the three-judge decision.

HEARTTHROB HARTNETT HONORS MUSICIANS

Few Hollywood stars seem as content to stay at home as does Josh Hartnett. And home for him is Minnesota. But, on a request from Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, the photogenic actor has taken a trip to the nation's capital for a good cause. He went there this week, according to People magazine, to honor more than 100 student musicians from around the country and to give a special award to jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. Hartnett told the magazine that he seldom makes public appearances and has never helped host an awards presentation before. But how can you turn down a summons from Capitol Hill? Hartnett, 23, comes from a musical family. The students and Marsalis were given congressional gold medals for their achievements in music.

McBRIDE & THE RIDE STAGE REUNION

Years ago, when Billy Ray Cyrus became an "overnight sensation" with his song "Achy Breaky Heart," he scored a huge hit. It stayed at the top of the charts for weeks -- starting its run 10 years ago this month. But, according to country.com, had it not been for the Cyrus song, the ballad "Sacred Ground" by McBride & the Ride, might have topped the charts. As it happened, "Ground" sat at a solid second place, prevented from being king of the hill by Cyrus. McBride & the Ride hung around for a while, putting several albums into gold territory, then went the way of so many other acts. Now the group has been reunited in Nashville, and it's put together a new CD, "Amarillo Sky," for Dualtone Records. About a year ago the trio of Terry McBride, Billy Thomas and Ray Herndon had talked about doing a reunion album, possibly a low-budget effort that would be distributed only on the Internet. Now, with the help of Dualtone, McBride & the Ride are back. The impetus to get back together was sparked by a joint appearance two years ago to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Herndon's nightclub in Phoenix.

ROSIE TALKING TOUGH IN POST-TV WORLD

During her six years as one of television's most popular hosts, Rosie O'Donnell told us much about herself, but was rather restrained in most of her comments. Now, according to published reports, she's letting off a lot of steam in her return to the comedy circuit, unrestrained by the exigencies of TV. Recently, while attending several events, she's refused to talk to the people for whom she says she has little respect, for one reason or another -- from Michael Jackson to Bill Clinton. She also trashed Anne Heche for telling Barbara Walters she was never really gay. Let's hope Rosie doesn't fall victim to the times and lose the original appeal that made her a TV success, now that she's left the tube.

FORMER 'ROSE' BACK IN THE STUDIO

For a few years guitarist John Squire was a visible and vocal part of the group Stone Roses. Now, according to his Web site, Squire has gone solo. Like the group's lead singer, Ian Brown, who put out his first solo venture recently, Squire has decided that being a sideman is OK, but going it alone could be more fun ... and you don't have to split the royalties. The Stone Roses burst onto the scene in 1994 with the release of what some reviewers called the greatest guitar-oriented pop album of all time. By 1996 the group was history and Squire had moved on, forming the somewhat successful group The Seahorses. His first solo venture is due out later this summer. So far he's divulged little information about the project, either via his Web site or to British media. And it's still not known whom he tapped to provide the vocals, unless it's an all-instrumental album, which music pundits predict will not be the case.

TRISHA YEARWOOD WANTS FANS TO HELP

In celebration of her latest hit single, "I Don't Paint Myself into Corners," Trisha Yearwood, according to CMT, is enlisting the help of her many fans in a contest to design an official T-shirt for her next tour. The contest requires that all entries are postmarked no later than July 13. Some of the proceeds from sale of the shirts will be sent to the American Lung Association. The cable network says that full details on the contest are available on Yearwood's official Web site, trishayearwood.com on the Internet. Meanwhile, "I Don't Paint Myself into Corners" is doing right well. It's the third single to hit the charts from her latest album, "Inside Out."

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO.364

Today's question is suggested by Mike E. Here goes: "What is your favorite non-chocolate candy?" Put CANDY in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

A SPECIAL NOTE ...

The results of previous survey questions will return soon. GBA.