NAMES IN THE NEWS

          DAVID LETTERMAN, on the busy holiday season: "The
     streets are packed, and it just drives you nuts after a
     while.  In fact, this weekend, just to get away from the
     crowds, I'm going to a Jets game" ("Late Show," 12/19).
     ...KARL MALONE, on his new, five-year deal with Apex: "I
     look at it as an opportunity to be with a company starting
     from the ground floor.  You know I wouldn't have done it if
     I didn't think [KPR Founder] Michael Rubin has done a great
     job.  Hopefully I can be the athlete to help the company get
     back up and running" (THE DAILY).