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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Her Pooch Won’t Mooch Just South Of The Border

Compiled By Staff Writer Dan Web

Hey, isn’t it time we began to have a sense of humor about Kathie Lee Gifford?

You probably already know that the diva of day-time television was taken to task this week by a Connecticut animal-rights group for complaining about one of her dogs. Seems the pooch, appropriately named Chablis, has been packing on the pounds - prompting Gifford to say she might have to give her away.

“It was so obvious she was joking,” Gifford’s spokesman told USA Today. “She loves those dogs. She’s had Chablis and Chardonnay for 10 years, and she’s certainly not going to give them up now for any reason.”

Of course not. Besides she can always just send them to one of those South American sweatshops for treatment.

Loose talk

Connie Stevens on appearing on “Baywatch” as Pamela Anderson Lee’s mother (in the New York Post): “It was a great incentive to lose 15 pounds, but that wasn’t part of the deal. The first thing I said was, ‘No bikini.”’

He’ll probably consume a tiny bubble or two in celebration

Don Ho turns 66 today.

So, we guess that means no dinosaurs this time, eh?

Steven Spielberg is putting his money where his mouth is. The co-head of DreamWorks SKG will not accept a salary to direct the World War II action drama “Saving Private Ryan,” which will be co-produced by Paramount and will star Tom Hanks. Both Spielberg and Hanks will receive a percentage of the film’s gross receipts. “DreamWorks is Steven Spielberg’s own company and he wants to prove what amazing things you can do for a very reasonable budget,” a source said.

Even with Strug, we score this show a flat 9.0

The selling of Kerri Strug continues. The Olympic gold medal gymnast, who - despite an injured ankle - nailed a vault landing to ensure the U.S. team of a first-place finish, will appear on the fifth episode of next season’s Fox sitcom “Beverly Hills, 90210.” “I’ve always been a fan of the show and I’m flattered and thrilled at the opportunity,” Strug said.

Then somebody rang a bell and he slugged the director

Speaking of former Olympians, U.S. boxer Fernando Vargas will appear in an upcoming episode of the comedy series “Moesha.” “It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Vargas says. “It’s weird because when I auditioned, it was a little like stepping into the ring. I had to perform. There were a lot of people watching me.” Vargas, an 18-year-old welterweight, lost in the second round of Olympic competition.

Dennis Miller? Didn’t he once open for Ray Stevens?

Been to Branson, Mo., lately? Dennis Miller hasn’t. The smug comic describes the Midwest performing mecca as “Las Vegas, only for people without teeth.” “It’s the kind of place,” he says, “you’ll see The Club on a 1973 AMC Pacer.” Back in Branson, entertainer Jim Stafford shot back. “I don’t think that the people who come here even know who Dennis Miller is,” he said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by staff writer Dan Webster