Bloopers That Made Headlines - And Heads Ache

Once again, it is National Newspaper Week. Or rather was Newspaper Week, two weeks ago. As usual, the newspapers forgot to mention it.

I, on the other hand, like to drag it up as an excuse to reflect on the industry's more memorable stabs at English composition, typified by that legendary Post-Intelligencer headline:

Editor's death recalls fond memories.

This year's collection, our milestone 20th annual headline-and-writing blooper review, includes a few unforgettable golden oldies.

With thanks to readers and the Columbia Journalism Review, here are 1990's fumbles, flubs and other fond memories:

First black mayor; 5

races still undecided

- The Seattle Times

Lowry talking

to friends about

Adams' seat

- Seattle Post-Intelligencer

``An item in Thursday's Nation Digest about the Massachusetts budget crisis made reference to new taxes that will help put Massachusetts `back in the African-American.' The item should have said `back in the black.'''

- The Fresno Bee

Why You Want Sex

Changes as You Age

- San Francisco Chronicle

Ralph Steiner Dead;

A Still Photographer

- The New York Times

`Strapless' features

underrated pair

- The Seattle Times

``Hafen is an enthusiastic reader and claims `Lame is Rob' by Victor Hugo as her favorite book.''

- The Scroll, Rexburg, Idaho

Fleming will leave race; black

leader giving up council bid

- Seattle Post-Intelligencer

``Perhaps the cruelest tragedy in the death yesterday of James E. Dever is that had it happened a few minutes later, he might still be alive.''

- Chester, Pa. Daily Local News

Crack runner to diversify

Vikings' offense

- St. Paul Pioneer-Press

Death of Bette Davis

Brings Flood of Praise

- Gaineville, Fla., Sun

Armless Musician

Touches Audience

- San Antonio Express-News

(From letter to editor by Catholic official, clarifying earlier letter:) ``Catholic Family Center does not make abortion referrals. I regret any misconceptions I may have caused.''

- Rochester, N.Y., Democrat and Chronicle

Crash victim leaves a

hole in her community

- Elkhart, Ind., Truth

``State Rep. Stephen Freind, R-Del., explains legislation that would restrict abortions in Pennsylvania to members of the state House of Representatives.''

- Centre Daily Times, Pa.

After Spill, Jockey's

Business Falls Off

- The Washington Post

Columnist gets urologist

in trouble with his peers

- Lewiston, Idaho, Tribune

``This is the third marriage for the groom. He has also been through World War II.''

- Norman County, Minn., In dex

Frozen Embryos

Ruled Children

- Daily News-Record, Harris burg, Pa.

Woman to drop

suit for sperm

- Today, Cocoa, Fla.

``Jazz tunes, including `Modern Leaves,' `Scrapple from the Apple' and `The Girl with Emphysema' stopped at 8:30 when the volunteer jazz trio packed up.''

- Indianapolis Star

Coach sells wife

on move to Dayton

- Dayton Daily News

Bishop thanks God

for calling

- The Catholic Transcript

``His parents became suspicious when his dog returned home alone and reported him missing.''

- Chicago Tribune

WSU adopts new policy

on minority harassment

- The Seattle Times

Soviets

cut arms

spending

- Seattle Post Intelligencer

``Weather: Cloudy with a chance of this morning.''

- Pasadena Star-News

Rick Anderson's column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Northwest section of The Times.