With a little help ...

This was one tough week for our boy Ringo Starr. First, the home folks in Liverpool get mad at him for a comment that, in retrospect, was probably more jocular than anything else. But when you've got people who want to be remembered by one of their own who left the nest, you get some reaction when people feel they aren't appreciated. A lesson learned for Ringo, we're sure.

Gee whiz, the guy just dedicated his album to the city, practically. But, at the same time, Liverpool was different when Ringo was there and he's moved on. Liverpool is loved by people all over the world because of Ringo and his three famous friends. Like family feuds often do, this one will end sooner rather than later. There's too much history here between the two parties. Remember, folks, all you need is love.

As for the Regis Philbin dustup, that was a stupid move on the part of producer Michael Gelman, who really should know better. You don't treat someone like Ringo Starr like you treat Cindy Starlet from some half-baked network sitcom. We're wondering why Regis didn't run interference here? In the end, though, Ringo came out smelling like a rose and that Gelman guy came out looking like one of those little piggies crawling in the dirt.

If you're one of those folks trying to get Ringo's name in the papers, you did better than you expected.

On the other hand, though, did you notice how the Paul McCartney divorce case has vanished from the gossip pages, at least for the moment? You think Paul's enjoying the moment's rest?