Lawrence.com

Oprah to aid in AIDS battle

Johannesburg, South Africa -- American television host Oprah Winfrey cuddled South African children whose parents died from AIDS and promised to use her name to help humanize the pandemic that has ravaged sub-Saharan Africa.

Winfrey, who has been traveling in South Africa for the past three weeks, said in an interview published in the Saturday Star that she feels a "higher calling" to raise international awareness of the plight of the children who are losing parents and dying of the disease themselves.

South Africa has more HIV positive people than any other country in the world.

Singer celebrates new career

New York -- Singer Patti LaBelle kicked off her new management company, Pattionium, on a high note -- with a swanky penthouse party at the home of friend Denise Rich.

LaBelle was joined by guests including Joan Collins, Star Jones, music producer Rodney Jerkins and others at the event, held Thursday at the songwriter's Manhattan apartment.

LaBelle, 58, says she got into the management business in part because she was so impressed by her backup singer, Mary Griffin, who is now one of her artists.

Nobel Prize on display

Atlanta-- Former President Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize medal is going on display at the Carter Library.

Carter received the medal in Oslo, Norway, earlier this month for "his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

After he returned to the United States, Carter said the medal should be shown publicly as soon as possible, said Jay Hakes, director of the library and museum in Atlanta.

The display, which opened Saturday, includes the diploma awarded to Carter at the Peace Prize ceremonies.

Caution flag raised in divorce

Delray Beach, Fla. -- Jeff Gordon estimates he's worth about $48.8 million and earned more than $18 million in 2001, according to an affidavit filed in his divorce.

Brooke Gordon filed for a divorce in March, citing the NASCAR driver's "marital misconduct." She was a Miss Winston when she met Gordon in the victory lane after a race at Daytona International Speedway.

The racer has countersued his wife for divorce, saying he shouldn't have to equally split their estate because he risked his life to collect it.

Brooke Gordon has asked for exclusive use of a Highland Beach mansion, valued at $10.2 million, as well as alimony, two cars and periodic use of their boats and an airplane. She also wants him to continue to pay the salaries of their housekeepers, maintenance workers and chef.