Final Ann Landers Column To Run Saturday

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[chance33_98]

Final Ann Landers Column To Run Saturday 
Famed Advice Guru Died Last Month

POSTED: 7:59 p.m. EDT July 26, 2002 UPDATED: 11:10 a.m. EDT July 27, 2002

CHICAGO -- A newspaper era ends Saturday when the last Ann Landers column appears.

The finale of the popular advice column will be a reprint of a poem.

It defines a successful person as one "whose life was an inspiration, whose memory a benediction."

The columnist, real name was Esther Lederer, died last month at age 83.

Her writing combined straightforward advice with occasional quips, and delved into issues ranging from etiquette to abortion.

Since her death, subscribing newspapers have searched for a columnist to fill the void.

The company that distributes the Ann Landers column has signed about 800 of the 1,200 subscribing newspapers to the spinoff "Annie's Mailbox."

Two of Lederer's former staffers will combine to write the daily advice column.

[chance33_98]

Now if we can get Helen Thomas to follow suit :)

[Dante3]

I always thought Ann and Abby were way overrated.

[waxhaw]

Ann Landers, like Dr. Benjamin Spock, ultimately caused more harm than good to American society. Good riddance.

[Tall_Texan]

Dear Anne Landers:

Now that you're dead perhaps you can help me with a problem. The people in the crypt next door are very smelly. And they tap at all hours of the day and night and I can't get any eternal rest. I thought about going over there and complaining but I haven't been able to move much lately and I'm afraid they'll just resent me. What do you think I should do?

Signed

Rotting in Rotterdam

Dear Rotting:

Unless you're able to reach other spirits who can move you to a better neighborhood, I suggest you lump it, sweetie.

Signed

The late Ann Landers

[SkyPilot]

My wife read my her "Final Column"--some dribble about success is for those who loved children, made the world a better place, smiled at the sunshine....yada yada blah blah blah...............

I highly doubt that was her "last and final advice letter." It's too convienient. More likely, her last written letter was for the bride who got drunk at the wedding to seek counseling and everyone needed to seek counseling, because the thank you note was sarcastic, and they printing company should seek counseling, because the daughter-in-law was coming to visit to seek counseling.............................................

[jaq]

Do you remember the old Ann Landers? She was quite different. Some say that her divorce, which was a shock, changed her. After that, her advice became much more liberal.