Billy Ray to the Rescue

NEW YORK — Who says chivalry is dead? OK, maybe it’s almost dead, but every so often, a real gentleman can be found. Just ask country singer Carlene Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash. Carlene was en route to Nashville’s star-packed “Fan Fare” early Tuesday when her car broke down. Standing on the highway, looking distressed and getting dusty, Carlene was amazed when a limousine pulled over and who should emerge but Billy Ray Cyrus. Billy Ray rolled up his sleeves and offered to make an attempt at fixing Carlene’s stalled auto, but she had already phoned for assistance. Still, the “Achy Breaky” hunk kept Carlene company and said: “I’ve always been such a big fan of yours. Of course, I never expected we’d meet on the side of the road.” Carlene was pretty thrilled herself: “He was so sweet, so nice. I have to admit, he was nothing like I expected . . . but since I’m in this business, I should know better!”

*

On Monday, a nine-member team of Princeton University students begins a perilous climb up Mt. McKinley. The expedition is part of AmFAR’s innovative AIDS fund-raising campaign, “Climb for the Cure.” The young cliffhangers will carry a disc encoded with thousands of messages sent by people from around the world, wishing the mountaineers well and expressing their thoughts about a cure for AIDS. This is to be placed in a time capsule and buried at the foot of Mt. McKinley. When a cure is found--hopefully soon--the capsule will be retrieved. If you want to send a message of support for these mountain-climbing activists, write to: Joseph Green, Hopes and Prayers for the Cure, American Foundation for AIDS Research, 733 3rd Ave., 12th Floor, New York City 10017.