Wishful Shopping

A peek at items in PONCHO's gala arts-benefit auction Saturday at the Seattle Sheraton is like a look at a Neiman-Marcus' holiday catalog on steroids.

PONCHO treasures include the bronze sign off the Bon Marche flagship store (value: ``priceless,'' say auction gurus).

Also up for bid: two tickets for the 2006 British Open Golf Championship (value: $1,800); dinner for 10 at the Schwarz's, with film stars Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, plus blue-topaz-diamond earrings (value: $8,500), and a guitar signed by rocker Elvis Costello (value: priceless).

You may have to battle Mercer Island billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for that one.

'Home with a Heart' effort shows valley's good soul

In these uncertain times when negative stories seem to dominate our television and wonderful human interest stories about good people doing good things seem to fall into the cracks - right after the weather and sports - it has been incredibly rewarding to witness so many of our valley businesses stepping up for a common good.

We have been very active in this valley for many, many years. Our company, Family Development, has experienced unprecedented success - building homes for families all over the valley. We have been so grateful to our homeowners. Their expression of confidence in our mission has been humbling.

When we named our new home building company, we knew that the name we chose carried with it a big responsibility. We needed to build homes that families could be proud to call their own. We needed to select locations that would maintain their quality for years to come, and we needed to provide caring customer service. In other words, we were going to build homes as if we were building them for our own families. We believed that the word "family" would guide us, and if we were fortunate enough to be successful, we would find ways to give something back to the community.

About a year ago, the idea came to us; "Home with a Heart" was born and now the time has finally arrived. On Friday, May 20 to Monday, May 23, with a great deal of help from volunteers, we will be orchestrating a four-day, 'round-the-clock home construction, from foundation to completion at our Shadow Ranch community in north Indio.

On Monday, when the home is complete, we will donate all of the proceeds from the sale of the home, a minimum of $300,000, to two local nonprofit organizations. We selected the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center and the Family YMCA of the Desert because they do so much for families and children in the valley.

We hoped that we could get people and businesses to help us with the home construction, but we never expected the outpouring of participation that we have received.

The Coachella Valley definitely has a heart for helping others. It started with our subcontractors readily volunteering their time and services and now we have an extended family of over 40 businesses throughout the valley taking part. Local restaurants are donating food, local entertainers are donating their talent; we even have local physical therapists coming out to keep the workers loose and in shape.

In addition, many of our country's finest celebrities have joined the cause. Kirk Douglas, Gerald Ford, Yogi Berra, Jerry Vale, Robert Wagner, Tony Danza and so many more have graciously donated personalized artwork.

As each day passes, bringing us closer and closer to the event, more an more people are coming aboard.

It is our hope that valley residents will come out during the event to witness what can happen when a lot of people come together for a common good. We hope the event proves to be exciting and inspirational.

We want to offer a "sincere thank you" to the community for all their support in the last couple of years and a special thanks to those who will be participating during the four-day construction event. Your enthusiasm for "Home with a Heart" says something great about what can be accomplished when a community works together to make a difference.

Couple revives art of letter writing

In the age of faxes, e-mail and on-the-run cellular connections, playwright A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters," starring Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, remains a welcome homage to the intimate, intensely personal and admittedly old-fashioned art of letter writing.

"Love Letters" will be at the Rialto Square Theatre for a dinner/theater engagement at 6 p.m. May 7. Very limited seating is available. Tickets also will be sold to the show only. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $65.50 for the dinner and show or $32.50 to $42.50 for the show only. Tickets can be purchased at the Rialto box office, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet; by calling (815) 726-6600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. and noon Saturdays; or online at www.rialtosquare.com. On performance days, the box office remains open until the completion of intermission. Tickets also may be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (312) 902-1500 or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Gurney's charmingly crafted acting exercise, which takes the form of reading, traces the lifelong correspondence between two friends and sometime lovers. And it suggests that the sound of a pen scratching on paper and the secretive folding of a letter into its envelope may foster relationships that are deeper and more meaningful than those dependent on modern technology.

Since its premiere in 1988, "Love Letters" has become a favorite vehicle for show-biz couples. The latest pairing is between Robert Wagner and his wife, Jill St. John, veterans of film and television.

One of the most popular and successful stars in the entertainment industry, Robert Wagner has had a career highlighted by three hit television series, "Hart to Hart," "Switch" and "It Takes a Thief," and a portfolio of movies for film and television. In summer of 1999, Wagner recreated his role of "Number Two," the villainous henchman to Dr. Evil, a cryogenically revived special agent who squares off against the title character in the sequel to "Austin Powers," starring Mike Myers.

He also was in the Sony release, "Crazy in Alabama," directed by Antonio Banderas and starring Melanie Griffith; and TBS's first original movie, "Fatal Error," starring Antonio Sabato Jr. and Janine Turner. In 1998, Wagner was in "Wild Things," starring Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon, for Mandalay Films, playing attorney Tom Baxter. In 1997, he co-starred in New Line's box-office hit "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," starring Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley.

Jill St. John is known throughout the world as a film and television star. At the age of 10, Jill appeared in the first TV movie ever made, the Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol." She made pictures with Frank Sinatra, such as "Tony Rome" and Neil Simon's "Come Blow Your Horn," and acted with Dean Martin in "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed." She also played Tiffany Case in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" with Sean Connery.

She was the host of "Good Morning America's" cooking segment for three years. She is now writing a series of three new cookbooks.

Director to attend opening

South Texas man will appear at 'El Padrino' showing

Damian Chapa, director and star of the new film "El Padrino," hopes his film, which is layered with gunfights, explosions and car chases, captures the reality of gangster life.

Chapa, who is from South Texas, will sign autographs at 7 p.m. tonight at Cinemark 12, 7806 Navarro St., in Victoria. The new gangster/action film opens here on Friday.

The R-rated movie, also starring Academy-Award winner Faye Dunaway, Jennifer Tilly and Robert Wagner, had its debut in El Paso on April 6. The independent film also features Gary Busey and Brad Dourif and showcases Latin actors Sal Lopez, Emilio Rivera, Ileanna Simancas and Ismael "East" Carlo.

The film, set in Los Angeles and Mexico, chronicles the life of a fictional gangster, Kilo Vasquez, played by Chapa. A young Kilo watches his father, a small-time gangster, and as he emulates him, becomes a powerful underworld figure. After Vasquez marries and has children, he questions his choices and finds that getting out of the business is more difficult than he had imagined.

"There are people like this who exist in my community and I express it because I've known people like this growing up," said Chapa of his gangster and drug-dealing characters. "I express it especially to young people so they understand what it's really like to be a gangster."

Chapa said he recognizes that being in gangs and dealing drugs can be profitable and appealing to youngsters at first, but that they may find unexpected and unpleasant consequences of their choices.

Chapa describes his film as a crossover movie that would appeal to those who liked "Scarface" or "Traffic."

Though he was born in Ohio, the 42-year-old Chapa moved to Robstown when he was young.

"I really love it down here," Chapa said. "It's where my whole family is from. I'm very proud of being part of the Tejano group."

Chapa dropped out of high school to do theatre in New York when he was about 20. Later, he moved to Los Angeles and film roles.

For one of his first parts, he captured the lead in Taylor Hackford's "Bound By Honor." The 1993 movie also featured Benjamin Bratt and Billy Bob Thornton. The film, also known as "Blood In Blood Out," became a cult classic.

Chapa also acted in movies such as "Under Siege," "Street Fighter," and "Money Talks." About four years ago, Chapa launched his own production company. "El Padrino" will be his first theatrical release as a director.

Chapa said it was difficult doing triple duty as actor, director and writer, but that it allowed him to better capture his vision.

"I think this is a violent film for intelligent people," Chapa said. "This is done to show the realistic life of a gangster. Sooner or later, the only place for gangsters is the pen or the morgue."

Thousands Participate in the 24th Annual Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The 24th Annual Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon, hosted by Robert Wagner and sponsored by Lexus, was held on Sunday, April 17, 2005 at Griffith Park.

One of the largest five-person relay races in the United States, the relay marathon is comprised of numerous divisions, according to age, gender and corporate/industry affiliation. Race teams are comprised of five people, with each individual running 5.2 miles before passing the baton. There are also special categories for the very young -- like the Diaper Dash and the Children's Race and the second annual media invitational relay challenge.

Winners of the Relay Marathon were:

1st Place: Nike Team Run LA with a time of 2:15:57

2nd Place: Run With Us #1 with a time of 2:20:24

3rd Place: Spiros III Mexico with a time of 2:23:27

Winners of 2nd Annual Media Invitational 5 mile Relay
Challenge were:

Electronic Media Division

1st Place: KCAL-9/KCBS-2 with a time of 37:35

2nd Place: KNBC News with a time of 38:59

3rd Place: KEARTH 101 Radio with a time of 39:48

Print Media Division

1st Place: LA Sport & Fitness #1 with a time of 31:01

2nd Place: LA Sport & Fitness #2 with a time of 35:13

3rd Place: SurfSantaMonica.com with a time of 38:44


All proceeds benefit programs and services at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica. Since the first race in 1982, the Relay Marathon has raised $8.5 million.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

Robert Wagner to Host 24th Annual Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon at Griffith Park -- April 17

WHAT: Join host Robert Wagner, community leaders, runners and
spectators of all ages in celebrating the 24th Annual
Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon at Griffith
Park.

WHEN: Sunday, April 17, 2005

Media Check-in: 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Relay Marathon: 8:00 a.m.

Media Invitational Relay Challenge: 10:30 a.m.

All media credentials will be available at the media tent
adjacent to the VIP/Sponsor compound on Sunday, April 17.
Please call Julie Watt at 310-656-4668 to obtain media
parking passes and event maps.

WHERE: Griffith Park

WHO: -- Marathon host Robert Wagner

-- Actors Faith Ford and Ted McGinley, stars of ABC
television's "Hope and Faith"

-- More than 10,000 participants including runners,
members of the media participating in the media
invitational relay challenge and spectators.

(Complete list of media participants follows)

WHY: All proceeds from the Marathon will benefit programs and
services at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica.
Since the first race in 1982, $8.5 million has been
raised.

DETAILS: One of the largest five-person relay marathons in the
United States, the Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay
Marathon is comprised of over 20 divisions, according to
age, gender and corporate/industry affiliation. Each
individual runs 5.2 miles before passing on the baton for
a total of 26 miles. The Relay Marathon has categories
for everyone including the Diaper Dash and the Kids
Races, as well as the second annual media invitational
relay challenge.

Teams Entered in the Media Invitational Relay Challenge

-- KCAL/KCBS TV

-- FOX NEWS

-- KEARTH 101 RADIO

-- ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

-- KNBC TV

-- KVEA TV (TELEMUNDO)

-- LA SPORT AND FITNESS MAGAZINE

-- LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE

-- SURFSANTAMONICA.COM

-- THE MALIBU TIMES

-- LA CITY TV

Contacts

BBPR, Inc.
Julie Watt, 310-656-4668

Celebrating Robert Wagner's Birthday

Robert Wagner celebrated his birthday in style at the Peninsula Hotel with his three darling daughters, Natasha, Courtney and Katie — and a surprise birthday cake presented by the still ravishing Charlie’s Angel, Jaclyn Smith. Unfortunately his wife, Jill St. John, was home recuperating from a terrible skiing accident that occurred in Aspen.

They were all at a cocktail reception to announce the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon which will be held April 17 at Griffith Park. This is one of the largest marathons in the U.S., and all proceeds from the marathon benefit programs and services at St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica. Wagner has been hosting these races for 22 years, and spoke about carrying on the late Jimmy Stewart’s legacy.

Among the notables at the reception were Jimmy and Annie Murphy, and since it was the day before St. Patrick’s Day, most of the guests were attired in green. Since we spent the last 20 years celebrating at Jimmy’s famous eatery in Century City, we regretted the closing, but the talk on the street is that the Murphys will be associated with the Peninsula in some way. Can’t wait for these superb restaurateurs to be back in business again.

Michael Nathanson, president of MGM Pictures received the Sheba Humanitarian Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Nathanson, known for his strong business acumen and keen eye for talent, went from the mail room to the board room, and among the recent successes under his direction are Die Another Day, Walking Tall, and the Barbershop films. In that respect, Cedric The Entertainer (star of Barbershop 2) was on hand to present the award…and admitted he owes much of his success to his "boss.”

Others in the stellar line up included The Pointer Sisters, Jon Lovitz, Paul Rodriguez and Kathy Griffin, who presented an award to Jamie Masada, owner of the Laugh Factory. No folks, Michael Jackson was not on hand to congratulate Masada, who introduced him to his current accuser.

The money raised at the gala will fund a number of projects at Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive healing complex in Israel and the Middle East. Bravo to all concerned for making this an evening of hope and compassion.

The Duke's horse keeps special bond

Dollor's ears twitch and then get alert when he hears that well-known voice. The horse looks around searching for the man behind that voice. He is looking for an old friend.

The 17-year-old chestnut gelding carried that man with that well-known voice on his back for many years. They were movie stars together.

Dollor, a long-legged quarter horse, made his movie debut in one of John Wayne's finest scenes in one of the Duke's best ever movies, "True Grit."

Most John Wayne fans remember that scene at the very end. Rooster Cogburn's other horse, Bo, had been killed when the old, fat, one-eyed marshal charged across the valley at four bad guys. Rooster got them, but they got Bo.

In the final scene, Rooster has found a new horse. Kim Darby's character comments about the new horse. The marshal says that new horse can jump a four-rail fence.

And then with a sweep of his hat, John Wayne jumps his horse across the fence and the film ends with the horse and rider still in the air.

That was Dollor carrying the Duke, said Debra Keffeler of Midlothian, Texas. She's now the proud owner of Dollor.

She said John Wayne first rode the horse in that move when Dollor was just a 2-year-old. The horse then was owned by a California movie production company that furnished horses for John Wayne movies.

"The Duke had an exclusive contract with them that no one could ride Dollor but him," she said. "I think he liked the horse because their temperaments were a lot alike."

"True Grit" was made in 1969. John Wayne made nine more Western movies after that, including "Chisum," "Big Jake," "The Cowboys," "The Train Robbers" and "Rooster Cogburn."

Dollor was in most of those films. He was mentioned specifically by name several times in the Duke's last movie, "The Shootist."

Debra said the Duke had "The Shootist" script rewritten so he could use Dollor's name. That's how much he thought of the horse.

She bought Dollor — "for a whole bunch of money" — about a year ago from an Iowa man. Dollor lives in a $65,000 barn with her nine other horses.

He's in semi-retirement, content to munch on alfalfa hay and oats. But he still likes to go, she said. Dollor was used to traveling to all the Duke's movie locations, she said.

But what he likes best of all is listening to the sounds in one of his old movies. Debra plays the old movies for him.

"He gets all excited when he hears the shooting and that voice," she said. "Then the ears get alert, and he's looking for John Wayne."

Debra manages a Western clothing store in Ducanville, not far from Dallas. Dollor often makes personal appearances at the store. He also appears at banquets and openings of other stores.

"People cry when they see Dollor," she said. "They just want to touch him. It makes them feel good to see John Wayne's horse. John Wayne was an idol to lots of us as well as a legend.

"He was a good man. People want to keep his memory alive. That's why they let out their feelings when they see Dollor."

Debra said only two other stars have ridden Dollor since the Duke's death. Robert Wagner rode the horse in a segment of the "Hart to Hart" television show, and John Forsythe rode him in "Dynasty."

She doesn't ride Dollor. Nor does she allow others to ride him.

Several times requests have been made to allow someone to ride Dollor in a parade.

"I'm not going to allow some flashy blonde to ride John Wayne's horse in a parade," she said. "That just wouldn't be right."

Ol' Dollor is going to live out his days at her place eating good hay and oats, occasionally appearing before the Duke's fans.

And for a treat, he'll get to see a John Wayne movie just as often as possible, she said.

This column, by John Whiteside, originally appeared on Jan. 16, 1985.

Robert Wagner to Host 24th Annual Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon Sponsor Recognition Cocktail Reception

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!: Robert Wagner to Host 24th Annual Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon Sponsor Recognition Cocktail Reception at the Peninsula - Beverly Hills on March 16

WHAT: The 24th Annual Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay
Marathon Sponsor Recognition cocktail reception.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Reception: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Program: 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Peninsula - Beverly Hills
9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills

WHO: Relay Marathon host Robert Wagner, sponsors and special
guests.

WHY: One of the largest, five-person relay marathons in the
United States, the Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay
Marathon is comprised of over 20 divisions, according to
age, gender and corporate/industry affiliation. Each
individual runs 5.2 miles before passing on the baton
for a total of 26.2 miles.

All proceeds from the Relay Marathon benefit programs
and services at Saint John's Health Center in Santa
Monica. Since the first race in 1982, more than $8.5
million has been raised.

The Saint John's Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon will be
held on Sunday, April 17, at Griffith Park.

R.S.V.P.: Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon
310-829-8968

The Fallen Ones

THE FALLEN ONES (Sci Fi) - The telefilm, another in Sci Fi's long line of Saturday originals, is set to air on May 7 at 9:00/8:00c. The network's web site describes the project as follows: "An archaeologist unearths the mummified remains of a giant humanoid. Soon, more evidence is uncovered that reveals the creature to be the offspring of a human woman and a fallen angel — the beginning of a lineage whose terror is about to be reborn into the modern world. Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Robert Wagner (Number Two in the Austin Powers movies) star in this supernatural mystery-thriller."

Hart to Hart on DVD

H2H is coming to DVD. Season One (with extras) should be put together for release more than likely in October (perhaps sooner depending on the assembly) with the remaining seasons to follow in intervals of about four months apart, so the entire series should be completed and available by early 2007.

Update on JSJ

Jill St. John, recovering from her Aspen ski accident, where she'd averted her eyes briefly for a splitnannosecond, as someone whizzed down the slope beside her, is back home in Pacific Palisades. After an airlift to St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., she now has a new hip, steel rod up her back and pins holding her pelvis together. Jill's only comment to the surgeons? "Fix it so I can ski again."

Romantic TV couples

Kevin Thompson's Valentine's Day picks for the TV couples that snagged our hearts.
Monday, February 14, 2005

Valentine's Day is a time for chocolate covered cherries, mushy cards, candlelight dinners and some really good lovin'.

For a TV critic, it's also a time to ponder which memorable TV couples have made our hearts skip a beat over the years.

No. 1: Mulder and Scully (The X-Files)

The truth is these two alien-chasing FBI agents exuded more sexual heat than most TV couples who fall into bed each week. Mulder and Scully did it with a knowing look. A quick embrace. A soft brush of the other's hair. A frantic cellphone call. The truth was out there: You knew their love was real. And you knew Mulder was the father of Scully's baby.

And the other 49 lovebirds . . .

2. Cliff and Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)

They slow danced with each other. They listened to John Coltrane together. They lovingly showed affection in front of their kids. Simply put, they had the kind of rock solid marriage everyone wants.

3. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy)

If they weren't on this list, I'd have some 'splainin' to do.

4. Rick and Lily (Once and Again)

They showed that divorced parents over 40 could actually act like lustful teens.

5. Bobby and Pam Ewing (Dallas)

For being a modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet. Aw, forget that. Remember, Bobby's six-pack abs? Pam's smokin' bod? That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

6. David and Maddie (Moonlighting)

They fought. They solved crimes. They flirted. They fought. They flirted some more.

7. Ralph and Alice Kramden (The Honeymooners)

For all his "bang, zoom, to the moon" theatrics, deep down blustery Ralph knew his stand-by-your-man Alice was "the greatest." So did we.

8. Diane and Bobby (NYPD Blue)

Ever see them getting it on in a steamy shower? If so, you'd understand.

9. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

He was a brooding vampire. She was a sassy vampire killer. Which meant Buffy and Angel didn't go on many dreamy-eyed dates. But when they were together, their undying passion could raise the dead.

10. Barney and Betty Rubble (The Flintstones)

Because Barney can still make Betty giggle after all these years.

11. Sam and Diane (Cheers)

Their delightful verbal fencing, not all those barflies, made Cheers an instant TV classic.

12. Luke and Laura (General Hospital)

A couple who can survive sexual assaults, kidnappings and living life on the lam before getting hitched. That's love!

13. Doug and Carol (ER)

George Clooney. Juliana Marguilies. What else is there to say?

14. Ross and Rachel (Friends)

Because they were destined to be together. It just took forever.

15. Kevin and Winnie (The Wonder Years)

Ah, young love. So sweet. So innocent. Remember that first kiss in the very first show? 16. Blake and Krystle Carrington (Dynasty)

Sure, bling-blinging Blake sometimes treated his trophy wife like another pricey possession. But he loved Krystle and she loved him right back. Alexis who?

17. Rob and Laura Petrie (The Dick Van Dyke Show)

The way Laura fondly cried, "Ohhh, Robbbbb" oozed a deep-rooted passion that a '60s sitcom couldn't really explore. Rob and Laura slept in separate beds, for crying out loud!

18. Ward and June Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver)

There's something hopelessly romantic about two parents united in their parental duties. Who said every TV couple had to be all sexy?

19. Mike and Gloria Stivic (All in the Family)

They made out an awful lot, didn't they?

20. George and Gracie (The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show)

One of the all-time great show business couples. Say goodnight, Gracie.

21. Sydney and Vaughn (Alias)

Make love in the morning. Thwart a terrorist plot in the afternoon. Make love again at night.

22. Batman and Robin (Batman)

Holy close quarters! Let's face it: The Dynamic Duo spent way too much time alone in the Batcave. You do the math.

23. Martin and Gina (Martin)

Despite their off-screen problems, Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell boasted a sizzling on-screen comedic chemistry.

24. Herman and Lily Munster (The Munsters)

How often do you see Frankenstein whispering sweet nothings to his vampire squeeze? Never.

25. Mr. and Mrs. C (Happy Days)

They would excitedly rush upstairs for some afternoon delight whenever the kids weren't home. As a thumbs-up Fonz would say, "Aaayyh!"

26. Isabel and Leo (Relativity)

Kimberly Williams and David Conrad kissed like they meant it in this little-watched series that skillfully dealt with the complexities of twentysomething romance and relationships.

27. Joyce and Frank (Hill Street Blues)

No couple looked sexier in bed than those secret lovers played by the ruggedly handsome Daniel J. Travanti (Pizza Man!) and the fetching Veronica Hamel.

28. Niles and Daphne (Frasier)

Because sometimes nice, nerdy, opera-loving guys do get the girl of their dreams.

29. Jonathan and Jennifer Hart (Hart to Hart)

It's Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers, people! Hellooooooo!

30. Gomez and Morticia Addams (The Addams Family)

They did a mean tango. Only really passionate people can do a mean tango.

31. Latka and Simka (Taxi)

The funny accents made 'em so darn cute! Tank you berry much!

32. Kermit and Miss Piggy (The Muppet Show)

We needed a carefree frog and a showboating pig on the list. Seriously.

33. Paul and Jamie Buchman (Mad About You)

For showing that marriage can be hard work — and worth the effort.

34. Ozzie and Harriet (The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet)

See Ward and June Cleaver.

35. Lois and Clark (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

Lois Lane and Clark Kent never looked that pretty in the D.C. Comics version. You can thank Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain for that.

36. Carrie and Big (Sex and the City)

OK, so Big was a first-class cad who often treated Carrie like crud on the bottom of his shoe. But they had chemistry. And all was forgotten when the big lug finally told Carrie, "You're the one."

37. Dharma and Greg (Dharma & Greg)

Dharma was a free-spirited yoga trainer. Greg was an uptight attorney. Yes, sometimes opposites do attract — and make you laugh.

38. Mike and Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)

It's not easy looking chirpy and romantic when six kids are running your house. Go ahead, you try it!

39. Trista and Ryan (The Bachelorette)

Before America got sick of the attention-happy Trista, it actually loved this sweet, made-for-reality-TV couple. Well, they mostly loved the painfully shy, poetry-spouting Ryan.

40. James and Florida Evans (Good Times)

They lived with the buffoonish J.J. and still managed to keep their marriage strong. Big ups to James and Florida for that.

41. Turk and Carla (Scrubs)

They still have that newlywed glow.

42. Boston Rob and Amber (Survivor: All-Stars)

Any couple that can make living in the jungle with 16 smelly castaways look like a tropical vacation deserves a mention, don't ya think?

43. Ren and Stimpy (Ren & Stimpy)

If a scrawny, hot-headed Chihuahua (that's Ren) is gonna spend that much time with his kitty kat roomie (that's Stimpy), it must be love.

44. Remington and Laura (Remington Steele)

It's hard not to look all weak in the knees when you're standing next to the future 007.

45. Marge and Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)

Why not? At 16 years, The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom on TV. You know Homer and Marge have had some serious lovin' in at least half of those years. D'oh!

46. Pebbles and Bamm Bamm (The Flintstones)

OK, they're babies, but they played so well together. Besides, when they grew up and got their own show, we kinda figured that Pebbles and Bamm Bamm were doing more than goo-goo and gaa-gaa-ing together.

47. The Donald and . . . The Donald (The Apprentice)

No one loves himself — or his companies, hotels, casinos and TV shows — more than The Trumpster.

48. Sandy and Kirsten Cohen (The O.C.)

Sandy singing to his wife on their 20th wedding anniversary probably melted every woman's heart in America.

49. Stewart and Sally McMillan (McMillan and Wife)

Rock Hudson was a grizzled police commissioner. Susan St. James was the wife who just wanted to help. Isn't support in a marriage a beautiful thing?

50. Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen (Strange Love)

The cartoonish black rapper and the statuesque Danish actress are TV's oddest freak show couple since, well . . . give me a minute, I'll think of another one. Well, probably not.

Robert Wagner Becomes Spokesman for Senior Lending Network; Senior Lending Network To Embark on Nationwide Marketing Campaign

NEW YORK--Feb. 14, 2005--He's been called the nicest guy in Hollywood and today Senior Lending Network introduces Robert Wagner as its official spokesperson. "We are excited to report that the legendary actor, Robert Wagner, whose integrity and generous spirit make him an ideal role model and effective messenger for seniors on the benefits of reverse mortgages, has accepted the role as our spokesman," says David Peskin, president of Senior Lending Network.

Robert Wagner is one of the entertainment industry's most successful stars with an enduring career that includes three hit series and a long list of feature and television films. Perhaps best known for his early 80s hit TV series, Hart to Hart with co-star Stefanie Powers, Wagner continues to work as a Hollywood leading man and has toured the world performing A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters" with Powers. Charitable with his time and talent, Wagner also stages the play at benefit events with his wife, actress Jill St. John.

"I am honored to lend my name and my efforts to improving the lives of seniors. Financial stability is a right earned from years of hard work and every senior should be aware of their options," says Wagner.

Peskin explained that production for a national television commercial will begin immediately and he expects it to start airing in February. Additionally, Wagner will be featured in print ads, educational videos and on the Senior Lending Network website http://www.seniorlendingnetwork.com.

About the Senior Lending Network:

Founded in 2003, the Senior Lending Network, a program by Mortgage Warehouse, was created to inform, educate and assist seniors aged 62 and older about the powerful benefits of reverse mortgages. By supplying interested seniors with an educational video and access to a qualified Reverse Mortgage expert in their area, the Senior Lending Network has to date helped thousands of seniors obtain the means to living a better life. For more information go to http://www.seniorlendingnetwork.com.

Contact:
Bennett & Company, Orlando, Fla.
Laura Bennett, 407-478-4040

Robert Wagner's Birthday

Mr. Wagner went to dinner last night with his daughters, their respective partners, his assistant, and one of his close friends.

When they returned from dinner, Natasha read to him the six-page fax of "Happy Birthday" wishes sent by a rep of his fans.

He was very touched and thanked everyone for their good wishes.

Jill St. John fractures hip in skiing accident

Former James Bond girl Jill St. John fractured her hip in a skiing accident.

St. John, 64, was hospitalized at Aspen Valley Hospital after the accident Saturday, then transferred Monday to an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles, family spokesman Alan Nierob said Thursday.

The actress, who appeared in numerous movies including the 1971 classic, "Diamonds are Forever," underwent successful surgery on Tuesday.

St. John is married to actor Robert Wagner.

JSJ's Surgery

The surgery went well. It lasted four hours. The surgeons were very pleased. She is in pain today though. It is not an easy thing to recover from, but she has a good attitude.

Army Archerd - February 9

Robert Wagner was with wife Jill St. John Wednesday afternoon as she was being moved from the hospital's Intensive Care Unit back to her room. She'd undergone extensive surgery Tuesday on the multiple fractures of her pelvis and right hip, the results of a skiing accident last weekend in Aspen. He said everyone (at the hospital) was wonderful to her. Wagner was to have been partied by Jill Friday at Jimmy's (he'll be 75) ...

Jill St. John injured on the slopes

Aspen Daily News

Former Hollywood star Jill St. John was sent to Aspen Valley Hospital over the weekend after sustaining injuries in a skiing accident.

A spokesman for the family said St. John was hurt while skiing in Aspen on Saturday, although he did not know the full extent of her injuries. Several
sources said St. John sustained a broken hip.

The hospital confirmed the actress was at the hospital Monday and was due to be moved to a different medical facility for further treatment.

"(St. John) is here, in good condition and is being transported to a different medical facility," said AVH spokesman Victoria Seyffert.

Due to Colorado's patient confidentiality laws, Seyffert would not comment further. St. John, 64, declined comment when reached at the hospital.

St. John and her husband Robert Wagner, who is also an actor, are long-time Aspen locals. St. John rose to fame as a wavy-haired starlet in the 60s. Her movie credits include playing Bond girl Tiffany Case alongside Sean Connery in 1971's "Diamonds are Forever."

Jill St. John's Injuries

Jill St. John fell while skiing in Aspen. Her hip came out of the socket and smashed her pelvis in two places.

She had surgery yesterday and has a long recovery in front of her.

Robert Wagner's 75th birthday party is cancelled. (His birthday is Thursday).