People talk 04/07/03

McCaughey septuplets begin to test their limits

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The 5-year-old McCaughey septuplets are still learning how to tie their shoes, but they already know a thing or two about testing their parents.

"They're at the age now where they try to push the limits more and more all the time," Bobbi McCaughey said of her children, the world's first surviving septuplets. "I would say that's our biggest challenge right now. We feel like we're saying, 'No, don't do that' constantly."

"It's tough because we're trying to be really consistent right now," added Kenny McCaughey, the children's father. "Each child responds differently. You can read all the books you want on discipline and setting boundaries. But there isn't a book written when you have seven."

The entire McCaughey family -- Mom, Dad, 7-year-old Mikayla and Kenny, Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Brandon, Nathan and Joel --participated in a women's health fair Saturday. They live in Carlisle, about 10 miles southeast of Des Moines.

The septuplets, born Nov. 19, 1997, began preschool last year and will go to kindergarten this fall. All but two will be in a classroom without a sibling, Bobbi McCaughey said.

"We feel like it's important that they have a chance to develop by themselves, to make their own friends," she said.

Each child has chores to do every day, from cleaning their rooms to helping with the laundry. Hired help comes in one afternoon a week and on Friday night, time the parents use to be alone or with just one or two children.

"The kids are so different when they are in a group," Bobbi McCaughey said. "It's really time for us to enjoy them alone."

Jazz pianist reunites with Army band buddies

WHITTIER, Calif. -- Nearly 60 years after entertaining troops during World War II, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and his former Army band buddies have reunited.

But it was mostly stories, not riffs, that were swapped Saturday by the 11 band members at the home of organizer Slim Tanner. Eighty had attended the last reunion, in 1980.

Tanner, 82, joked that he and the others should re-enlist.

"Dave, I hate to tell you this, but someone has to do latrine detail," said Tanner, 87.

Brubeck, 82, joined the Army in 1942. In 1944, he was about to be sent to the Battle of Bulge when a Red Cross act needed a pianist. Brubeck volunteered and eventually started his own Army jazz band.

At the reunion, the band members showed they still know how to put on a show. Tanner performed a duet by himself, donning costumes and singing male and female parts.

The veterans wanted to honor Brubeck, but he wouldn't let them.

"We're all great musicians," said Brubeck, whose "Take Five" was the first jazz recording to sell more than a million copies.

CMT will pay tribute to Johnny Cash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Music videos became popular nearly 30 years after Johnny Cash had his first big hit, but the legendary baritone will be paid special tribute tonight by Country Music Television.

The cable network is devoting a segment to Cash on its life Flameworthy Video Music Awards, set for 7 p.m.

Vince Gill will emcee the tribute, which will showcase several singers including Cash's daughter, Rosanne Cash.

Cash is recovering from pneumonia and isn't expected to attend, said Brian Philips, the network's general manager.

Awards, voted on by fans, are presented in 11 categories, including video of the year. Among the nominees due to perform are Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney.

Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow also will perform their duet, "Picture," a surprise hit that landed Rock a male video of the year nomination. Rock's true duet partner, actress Pamela Anderson, will co-host the show with Toby Keith.

Philips says the show reflects CMT's broad appeal.

"People who love music aren't narrow in what their perceptions of what country should be," he said. "People love diverse flavors in country music."

N.C. community wants its own statue of Andy Taylor

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- This community wants its own statue of Sheriff Andy Taylor, and it's doing something about it.

About 7,500 residents and fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" signed a petition asking TV Land to erect a likeness of Griffith here in his hometown.

The cable network, which airs "The Andy Griffith Show" and other classic shows, already plans to erect bronze statue of Taylor in the state capital of Raleigh. The statue in Raleigh would be for all of North Carolina, a TV Land spokeswoman has said.

"We wanted to say thank you to TV Land and show our appreciation for the statue in Raleigh, but would be even more appreciative if a similar statue was placed here," said Ann Vaughn, director of the Mount Airy Visitors Center.

Mount Airy is said to have been the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry, which Sheriff Taylor watches over on "The Andy Griffith Show."

-- From wire reports