Stivaktakis had never heard of Linda Lavin (who played the title role) or the catchphrase "Kiss my grits!" (which launched a thousand T-shirts) before he bought the diner.

Sometimes, knockoffs manage to become something special in their own right, while at others, they never quite break free of the shadow of the shows they were imitating.

University officials say Brokaw, actress Linda Lavin and developer Sherman Cohen will receive honorary degrees at the May 17 commencement. -- The Associated Press ...