Now he’s really getting ticked off
Andy Rooney wants the world to know he has nothing to do with a racist commentary, falsely attributed to him, that’s circulating over the Internet and through e-mails.
“I suppose it’s not important, but I hate the fact that people think I’ve been writing these things,” the “60 Minutes” essayist says. “That’s hurtful to me.”
The missive, which Rooney said had been passed along to him via e-mail several times, is a list of several anti-minority statements.
One of the printable ones: “I have the right not to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird or tick me off.”
Because of his signature style, Rooney, who turns 88 next month, has been the victim of other such hoaxes in the past.
Another commentary falsely circulated under his name praises the virtues of women over 30.
“Someone on the street yesterday said `I read your piece about older women,”’ Rooney said. “All I ever say is ‘I didn’t write it and I’m trying to sue the guy who did.’ “
Ripped again
Rip Torn, who was acquitted of drunken-driving charges two years ago in New York City, was arrested again Monday in a city suburb after a noninjury collision.
The 75-year-old character actor refused a sobriety test and will be charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.
On the outs
Lance Bass and his boyfriend, Reichen Lehmkuhl, have called it quits.
Bass, who was part of the boy band ‘N Sync, revealed earlier this year that he is gay and was in a relationship with Lehmkuhl, a former Air Force captain and winner of season four of CBS’ “Amazing Race.”
But how many couches?
Tom Cruise and new wife Katie Holmes have reportedly bought Rede Place, a six-bedroom manse (with indoor swimming pool, game room and underground garage) in West Sussex, England, half-an-hour south of London and the same distance away from Paul McCartney‘s Brighton home.
Us Weekly says the joint cost the couple a cool $4.75 million.
Speaking of couches …
As for the aforementioned Paul McCartney, the ex-Beatle says he’s seen a psychiatrist for help since the breakup of his marriage in May.
Sometimes, McCartney says, “Instead of sitting down with a psychiatrist, you sing, ‘I’ve been feeling bad.’ “
But at other times, he adds: “It’s not a bad idea to have someone to talk to. It’s normally over family matters.”
The Queen’s English
Queen Elizabeth II sounds more like her subjects than she did a half century ago, according to a new academic study.
“In 1952 she would have been heard referring to ‘thet men in the bleck het.’ Now it would be ‘that man in the black hat,’ ” explained Jonathan Harrington, professor of phonetics at the University of Munich.
The birthday bunch
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is 86. Actress JoBeth Williams is 58. Actor Tom Hulce is 53. Comedian Steven Wright is 51. Actress Janine Turner (“Strong Medicine,” “Northern Exposure”) is 44.