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By Marc Peyser
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A FINE ROMANCE
So another "Bachelor" bites the dust, and now we can debate again whether this is the most disgusting, degrading show since, since--well, we can debate that, too. But say what you will, the second installment of America's crassest dating game improved on the first dramatically. For one thing, last week's finale pulled in an average of 26 million viewers, beating the panties off the truly pornographic "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show." And at least Bachelor No. 2--a wealthy banker/stud from Missouri named Aaron Buerge--had the nerve to propose marriage to the woman of his choice, Helene Eksterowicz. He even insisted on paying for the Harry Winston engagement ring himself. No wonder the final woman he rejected, Brooke Smith, is still so distraught that she ripped out her earpiece on "Good Morning America" when the show rebroadcast Buerge's proposal. "I felt like I was getting broken up with all over again," Smith said. "Yes, I am still in love with him."
All that for an engagement that looks less promising than one of Elizabeth Taylor's. There's no wedding date--not even a wedding year. "We're not in a hurry to walk down the aisle," says Buerge now. "We want to make sure we do the right thing." In fact, the couple is planning a long-distance romance: she's not leaving New Jersey for Missouri any time soon. Eksterowicz also admitted she returned the engagement ring to Buerge after the show. "He didn't have insurance for it, so I didn't feel comfortable keeping it," she says. But at least they still love each other, right? "I am in love with her," Buerge said. Then he turned to his betrothed. "Are you in love with me?" Eksterowicz paused. "After watching the show? I think my feelings are the same. Yeah, I can say I'm still in love. Yes." Sounds like a definite maybe.
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--Marc Peyser
LISA LING
After three years as the voice of youth in TV's most successful coven, Lisa Ling announced last week she's leaving "The View" to travel the world for "National Geographic Explorer." She talked with NEWSWEEK's Marc Peyser about her new job, and the ladies she's leaving behind.
You work with the toughest women in television. Who was the toughest about your jumping ship?
Probably Joy Behar. We get along so well. She wasn't particularly excited about me leaving. She gave me a little heat.
Joy was tougher than Barbara Walters?
Barbara knew I had aspirations of getting back to reporting. From day one she said, "I want to keep you forever. But if you come across your dream job, tell me." She's been so warm to me, about everything.
You mean she didn't make you cry? You're ruining her reputation.
It's kind of a crazy notion to tell the most famous person in news you want to quit her show. I was very nervous.
You're probably giving up a hell of a wardrobe allowance to go to "Explorer." Why leave?
I've been feeling very disappointed and disenchanted by the lack of awareness that young people possess about what's going on in the world. My hope is that somehow I can try to raise the level of consciousness.
You sound so serious.
I am more serious than not, which is why it was funny to go to "The View" at all.
If that's the case, how do you explain this other show you're hosting, "Rock Talk"?
It's a great series, interviews with some of the hottest female musicians.
It's on WE? What is WE? Lifetime without the sappy movies?
Sort of--it's Women's Entertainment.
Speaking of which, who's going to replace you on "The View"?
They're not filling my spot. They're going to rotate celebrities. Maybe Debbie Matenopoulos will get a shot!
It could be interesting. I would watch that, although I can't suggest that they do it.
I can.
OFF THE WALL
Last week Berlin police considered investigating Michael Jackson after he dangled his son, Prince Michael II, from a fourth-floor window of his hotel. Back in L.A., his pal Liza Minnelli took issue with the word 'dangling': 'I don't see a picture where he is dangling the child dangerously.' You be the judge.
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