Our Sincerest Wishes For A shows," he said. "I also think that the media in general has made a big difference in this area." Of course there are some shows that Mr. Rivera would rather forget. "Al Capone was the most embarrassing," he said, referring to his much- touted opening — on live TV — of what was purported to be the gangster's safe. The safe was virtually empty. "As far as the most outrageous goes, I call them bedroom shows, I guess I would have to say it was 'Men who wear lace panties and the women who love them.' " Despite the fact that Mr. Rivera seems spontaneous on the air, he prepares diligent- ly for each show. "I study for each show just like I studied in law school for each test. It is very important to be fully briefed," he said. Mr. Rivera took issue with other talk-show hosts who don't go to the same trouble, "like Larry King, who says he never reads the book because he wants to be totally un- prepared and uninformed, and then he asks the same kinds of questions that the audience would ask. I don't buy that. I think you have to be very prepared, otherwise you risk wasting your — and the audience's — time." The panelists, however, do not prepare for the shows. In fact, Mr. Rivera said he seldom meets with them before taping. The topics of "Geraldo" are varied and unique. Mr. Rivera said the ideas for his shows come from a number of sources. "I think we are very '60s. We are like an old-style newsroom with a lot of discus- sion." In addition to the more _ than 200 letters filled with story ideas that the show receives each day, and the phone calls from his "1-900 Speak Up" line, which rings every 20 seconds, Mr. Rivera and his staff spend endless hours brainstorming and tur- ning ideas into programs. When asked how his Judaism has influenced his style of reporting, he said, "The more telling part of that question is how it influences me. Rather than influencing my style, it influences the man I am. "I think that there is the tradition of sharing and com- passion. The tradition of sticking up for the underdog. The tradition of if it's two against one, be on the side of the one. I have a sensibility I treasure, as I do my privacy, and I think that comes from my Jewish values." ❑ Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc. TO ALL OUR FRIENDS From May the tree of life be filled with health and happiness for you and your family on the New Year ALBAN'S RESTAURANT HUNTER & MAPLE TELEGRAPH & MAPLE 11 E HOTEL BAKO\ LITE 188 N. Hunter Blvd. Phone: 258-5555 Phone: 258-5788 Fax: 258-DANA '"XIAM.SA __L Y Management and Staff Located at Twelve Oaks Mall, 27790 Novi Road, Novi, Mich. 349.6666 A Very Happy and Healthy New Year To All Our friends and Family The Goldsmith Family of New York Bagel Celebrating Our 70th Year WE CAN'T RUN ON EMPTY. TO ALL OUR FRIENDS & PATRONS Best Wishes For A lanam i ZEE% A rHOENIEIH ••• 6535 Telegraph Rd. Phone: 646-6484 Best Wishes To Our Customers & Friends For A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year • Sameer and Leila Eid 588 S. Woodward • Birmingham • 644.3122 bc n Pv6oe ► Chinese American Restaurant OtM e Wishes It's Customers & Friends A Most Joyous & Healthful New Year PLEASE WATCH FOR THE OPENING OF OUR NEW.. LOCATION IN SEPTEMBER AT SUGAR TREE SQUARE 6257 ORCHARD LAKE RD., WEST BLOOMFIELD 4067 W. Maple, Just E. of Telegraph 642-8386 Healthy & Happy NEW YEAR GIVE BLOOD Our Hearty Wishes To CHUCK JOSEPH'S PLACE FOR STEAK American Red Cross 2555 W. 12 Mile Rd. at Coolidge 399-6750 Everyone For A Healthy and Happy New Year KABOB GRILL 557-5990 29702 SOUTHFIELD RD. AT 121h MILE (In Southfield Plaza) 34637 Grand River, Farmington 442.9490 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 135