THE LEFT LANE
Care for Old Glory

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Care hints: Take the flag down during high winds. Keep an eye on the end of the flag, where the rips happen most often. If wear appears, the worn part should be cut off and the flag rehemmed. A clean flag will last a lot longer; pollutants that get into the fabric cause it to degrade. To clean, wash in a mild detergent, rinse and hang dry. Keep your flag away from petroleum and chemical products. Never fold or store a flag when it is wet or it will mildew. Let it hang-dry completely before you put it away.

Taking after Ozzie

We can deal with "The Osbournes." At least they have the "hip factor." But Liza and David? That's entering some truly freaky territory. According to the New York Post's Liz Smith, newlyweds Liza Minnelli and David Gest are ready to star in their own reality TV show, "Liza and David," for the VH1/MTV Network (which isn't confirming or denying).

The idea is to show the oddball couple in their element — show biz. They'll be filmed weekly at their East Side apartment, with a few of their famous friends, from Michael Jackson to Elizabeth Taylor, dropping by. We'd get to see "their dinner parties, their rehearsals, their life and times, people singing impromptu, the fights, the fun, the perils of celebrity marriage."

Big Dave to visit Koppel

Next month, David Letterman will be competing against himself.

For the first episode of Ted Koppel's new post-"Nightline" interviews and profiles show, debuting the second week in July, viewers will be able to switch over from Dave's show on CBS to see Dave as Ted's inaugural guest, reports Entertainment Weekly.

Not only is Letterman giving quite the favor to his late-night rival, but he's giving him quite a "get" as well, since Big Dave hasn't granted an interview in six years. Koppel will return the favor by being on Letterman's "Late Show" that same week.