QUIBBLES & BITS

. . . During a CNN news feature on singles desperate for a mate, the cable network allowed a woman to give her phone number on the air, inviting available men to call.

. . . Aldo Ray milked a few laughs from the subject of rape on Skip E. Lowe’s public access show. Ray was describing a key scene in “Pop’s Oasis,” a movie he’s about to shoot in South Africa with Chuck (“Porky’s”) Mitchell: “When it’s (Mitchell’s) turn to rape the girl,” he has on women’s clothes and “beats her with a belt.” Ray broke into guffaws: “It’s that kind of film--everybody else has had a piece of her!” Lowe chatted on without comment.

. . . A trailer for “Blind Date” was so badly received by a “Radio Days” audience the other evening at the UA Coronet that somebody hollered, “Wait for cable!” Much applause followed.

. . . Joan Rivers has been running big “Wanted” ads in the local press, asking for Joan look-alikes to audition for a “National Joan Rivers Look-Alike Contest,” to be held Tuesday. Could this be the same Joan Rivers who last October sued female impersonator Frank Marino when he was appearing as a Joan look-alike at Vegas’ Riviera Hotel? Maybe Joan feels Joan impersonators are OK--as long as they’re bona fide female look-alikes.

. . . Let’s salute American Savings for its TV spot reinforcing sexist stereotypes. It begins: “Every family has a secret--mom’s real age, dad’s favorite fishing hole. . . .” You know, Dad’s out doing manly stuff while Mom’s being vain and frivolous.