Madam, - One word in the English language which is undergoing a process of casual debasement is "star". It is now applied to actors in native and foreign soap operas; wannabe, hair-gelled and bare-midriffed singers; radio and TV presenters, etc.
Clark Gable and Bette Davis were stars. Our own Colin Farrell is a star. These others are merely a shower of asteroids. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN QUIGLEY, Bettystown, Co Meath.