Some funny stuff in Bette Midler's sitcom.(The Orlando Sentinel)

I've been a Bette Midler fan since I saw her way-back-when on Johnny Carson's show, when the sorely missed Mr. Carson was still based in New York City _ which, all things considered, is a much better talk-show town than L.A.

The entertainment stage is crowded with would-be divas and so-called superstars _ Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Shania Twain (and let's not even go to the fake worlds of Britney and Destiny's Child) _ but Midler is the real thing. Diva and superstar.

Anyhow, I have Midler albums; I've seen her films, and I've enjoyed her in concert three times. The first time, in Tampa, a man dressed as a bride was trying to get on stage to marry her! The …