Pop Stand

A mixed verdict has been returned in the case against two doctors and the manager/boyfriend of Anna Nicole Smith, who were accused of obtaining and giving Smith medication illegally before her drug overdose death at age 39. Boyfriend and manager Howard K. Stern was found guilty of two felony counts of conspiracy for obtaining prescription drugs for Smith in his own name, but was acquitted of seven other charges related to supplying drugs to Smith. After the verdict, he said, "Everything related to the appropriateness of the medication, I was acquitted of. ... What the jury did find me guilty of were two conspiracy counts limited exclusively to my name being used on medication for Anna. Now, this was done to protect Anna Nicole's privacy and it was nothing more than that." Smith's psychiatrist, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich, was found guilty of four criminal counts, including two counts of conspiracy and two charges of prescribing and furnishing sedatives and opiates to an addict. On her way out of court, Eroshevich said she was "disappointed" with the verdict. "Both defendants are looking at possible maximum of at least three years in state prison," when they are sentenced Jan. 6, said D.A. spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons. Smith's personal physician, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, was acquitted of all six of the criminal charges he faced, including two counts of conspiracy. Smith died Feb. 8, 2007, five months after the drug-related death of her son Daniel, 20, and the birth of her daughter, Dannielynn, who is being raised by father Larry Birkhead.

• • •

The editor of Shape magazine got so many complaints for putting LeAnn Rimes on the October cover of the magazine that she sent subscribers an apology and said she did not mean to "put a husband-stealer on a pedestal." Readers objected to the cover photo of the bikini-clad Rimes, who left her husband, Dean Sheremet, and moved in with Eddie Cibrian, the husband of Brandi Glanville and father of Glanville's two young children. Editor-in-chief Valerie Latona's email said, "You are all in good company (why I'm e-mailing you all together) as you all agree Shape has made a terrible mistake in putting LeAnn Rimes on the cover. ... Please know that our putting her on the cover was not meant to put a husband-stealer on a pedestal — but to show (through her story) how we all are human. And this woman in particular found strength in exercise in what she said was her most difficult personal moment. But it did not come across that way ... And for that I'm terribly sorry. I hope that we can do better the next time for those of you that will give us another chance." The note was signed, "Humbly, Valerie."

• • •

Lynn Patridge, far left, apologized for her obscenity-filled rant that was recorded Wednesday night, a day after her daughter, Audrina, was booted from "Dancing With the Stars." Lynn Patridge also said she had been drinking before she launched into the diatribe outside Hollywood hotspot Beso. On camera, she said, "Audrina is going to f––ing rise. ... She's got class ... She's a Polish, Catholic, f––ing full-on Italian. Not only that, she was raised right." A friend attempted to end the interview but Patridge resisted. "I've been a celebrity mom for eight years through this Hills bull–," she said, "but Audrina is going to the next level ... She's got it in her. She's a sweetie." About her daughter's elimination from DWTS, she said, "Last night, she f––--g kicked a– . . . It's all show business, baby, the show must go on." Asked about her daughter's co-stars on "The Hills," Lynn Patridge called the women "tramps" and Lauren Conrad a "b----." After sobering up, Lynn Patridge said, "I was extremely emotional after her elimination -– it just came as such a shock. ... I want to apologize for offending anyone." She added, "I am sincerely sorry for the negative things I said in the heat of the moment. ... As a mother, there is no pain in this world like seeing your children upset. I am so proud of my daughter and all she has accomplished on 'Dancing with the Stars.'"

• • •

Céline Dion and husband René Angelil have named their twin sons Nelson and Eddy, both after men they admire. Eddy is named after Eddy Marnay, who produced the singer's first five records. "He was like a father to her," says Dion's rep. "Eddy is a major influence in both Céline and René's lives." Nelson is named after Nelson Mandela, whom Dion met two years ago while kicking off her world tour in South Africa. "René said that in just the few minutes they were able to spend with him, they were impressed by the human being he is," says the rep. "Céline and René want their children to be inspired by their names, because they were so inspired by these men," the rep adds. Before announcing the names, Dion hinted that the family was experienceing a clash of cultures. "I’ve read nearly 15,000 names and nothing has stuck!" Dion told Gala magazine. "Because [9-year-old son] René-Charles goes to school in the United States, he’s suggested English first names. My mother, on the other hand, has been hinting about very French first names and we’re going a little bit crazy trying to decide." She also told Gala, “Honestly if I had a choice, certainly I’d have liked to have a girl. But the day I learned that I was expecting two boys, I wasn’t disappointed. It was a day of tremendous joy. I’m truly happy. Everything went well and the babies are in good health. That’s all that counts.".

• • •

Billy Ray Cyrus was praying for strength and spiritual support on the day he filed papers seeking to dissolve his 17-year marriage to wife Tish. The singer and father of Miley Cyrus posted lines from Psalm 91 on his Twitter feed: "He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you shall take refuge," it reads. "Truth will be your shield and buckler." In another post, he wrote, "Can I ask for your prayers this morning for my children...our troops...the hungry...the sick...the homeless. AMEN." Cyrus is seeking joint custody of the couple's three children, Miley, who turns 18 in November, Braison, 16, and Noah, 10. The papers also said that Cyrus "will request the court to equitably divide the marital estate."

-- Anne Neville

On balance, I always wish it were Christmas. So I have been getting happy over the last couple of weeks, what with all the yuletide commercials starting early. Months ahead of time, in fact! That most wonderful time of the year just got more wonderful.

Just this morning, I caught a long and tuneful promo for "The Spirit of Christmas," fast approaching -- well, it starts Nov. 19 -- at the Niagara Fallsview Casino.

And for at least -- at least! -- a month, we've been hearing the rolling and thundering of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, pictured above, coming to town exactly a month later, on Dec. 19. It starts with a deafening "Sleigh Bells" and roars into Pachelbel's "Canon."

When I first heard that commercial, way back in August, I could not believe my luck.

License to crack out the eggnog!  While the leaves are still on the trees! Is this a great town or what?

By December, we're all going to be pretty tipsy.

-- Mary Kunz Goldman

Charlie Sheen's mystery woman has been revealed to be a porn star by the name of Capri Anderson, born Christina Walsh. Anderson is the woman who locked herself into the bathroom of Sheen's room at The Plaza Hotel when he police were called to the scene early Tuesday morning over an intoxicated Sheen causing a disturbance.

TMZ reports this morning that Sheen believed that Anderson had stolen his watch, which prompted him to turn his room upside down and become disruptive. The watch angle is different from intial reports that said it was Sheen's wallet and cell phone that were feared stolen. According to TMZ Sheen owns a watch collection valued at more than $5 million, as previously described in legal documents.

The New York Post reports that Sheen allegedly admitted to cops who responded to the scene that he had been drinking and using cocaine that evening, which fueled his outburst. Sheen was about a week away from completing his probation, The Post says.

There was an estimated $7,000 worth of damage to the "Eloise Suite," named after the children's book about a child who lives in the hotel, but no charges have been filed against Sheen.

• • •

It's been speculated upon for weeks, but now it is official: Mariah Carey is pregnant. The popstar confirmed on the 'Today' show this morning, "Yes, we are pregnant. This is true. It's been a long journey. It's been tough because I've been trying to hold on to a shred of privacy." Carey and husband, Nick Cannon, confirmed that Carey had suffered a miscarriage in the past, but so far this pregnancy was going well. They did not reveal a due date, however, only saying, "It's still early."

• • •

Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife, Tish, have filed for divorce yesterday in a Tennessee court after 17 years of marriage. In a joint statement, the Cyruses said, "As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family. We are trying to work through some personal matters. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers." The couple cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the end of their marriage, which saw them welcome three children to the world: teen popstar Miley, 17; Braison, 16; and Noah, 10.

• • •

Randy and Evi Quaid were released from a Canadian jail yesterday when it was learned that Evi's father may have been born in Canada. The Quaids were being held in a Vancouver jail because of an active warrant in Santa Barbara, Calif., related to their squatting case. The Immigration and Refugee Board heard arguments about Evi Quaid's familial link to Canada, and ruled that she be unconditionally released. Randy Quaid was then released on $10,000 bail, and may have to attend another hearing before his charges are officially discharged. With their release, the Quaid's dog was saved from the pound, and possible death. The Quaids dog, Doji, had been in a Vancouver animal shelter since his masters' arrest. Under Vancouver law, dogs held in the shelter for more than 72 hours may be sold, auctioned, adopted or even euthanized.

    They are two of the most eccentric, unusual but still lovable families ever to grace the small screen. And on Halloween, the Hallmark Channel is taking viewers on an all-day visit with the Munster and Addams families.

     First, get ready to return to 1313 Mockingbird Lane when the Hallmark Channel shows a "Munsters" marathon from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The 10-hour marathon will feature 20 episodes in the lives of the well-meaning, but hilarious, Munster family (at left) -- Herman (Fred Gwynne), Lily (Yvonne DeCarlo), Grandpa (Al Lewis) and, of course, little Eddie (Butch Patrick) and his werewolf doll.  

  Then at 6 p.m., it's nine hours of the 1960s TV series "The Addams Family" which will run right up through 3 a.m. In addition to seeing Mom and Dad Addams --AKA Morticia (Carolyn Jones) and Gomez (John Astin) --we'll get to laugh to the zany antics of Cousin Itt, Thing and Grandpa Fester.

-- Toni Ruberto

Charlie Sheen was reportedly out of the hospital Tuesday evening and on a private jet back home to Los Angeles less than 24 hours after he wrecked his room in the Plaza Hotel while under the influence of some substance. EOnline reports that "contrary to a report that he's planning to return to rehab at Promises in Malibu, that's not on his immediate agenda and he will likely just head home upon his arrival," while TMZ reports that Sheen doesn't think he needs to return to rehab. But friends say he has been drinking since August, shortly after he pleaded guilty to attacking wife Brooke Mueller in Aspen at Christmas. TMZ says a friend calls Sheen "a tortured soul for months" and other friends have openly discussed their fear for his life. A source close to Sheen says, "There are a number of things in Charlie's business schedule obligated for him to comply with. Promises, shooting a movie and getting back to work on the show are not all mutually exclusive." Sheen was in his Plaza Hotel room with a paid escort early Tuesday morning when he went berserk and wrecked the room, smashing furniture and a chandelier before passing out on the bed. His ex-wife, Denise Richards, and their daughters, Sam, 6, and Lola, 5, were in an adjoining room and Richards was reportedly called in to try to calm Sheen, who was hospitalized after the incident. Police said they believed Sheen was "irrational and intoxicated," but Sheen's spokesman said, "What we are able to determine is that Charlie had an adverse allergic reaction to some medication and was taken to the hospital." Police said that no drugs were found in the room after Sheen was taken away.

• • •

Life and Style reports that Sheen was spotted Monday evening dining with a group that included the paid escort who later called for help from Sheen's hotel room. The group met at a posh upper East Side restaurant called Daniel, and, a witness said, "Charlie was rowdy from the beginning like he had been drinking prior. ... Charlie was stumbling and loud and being very frisky and touchy-feely. Charlie and his date excused themselves to the bathroom together, for a long time. You don't have to be an investigator to know what was going on in that bathroom." Richards stopped by to join the dinner, but "looked like she had enough" and left, the source said.

• • •

Denise Richards played it coy when she made a scheduled appearance on Howard Stern's Sirius radio show Tuesday morning. Sunday, after the family enjoyed some of Manhattan's sights, Richards Tweeted, "Great day with the girls and ended with seeing Mary Poppins!! The girls are loving NY!" but Tuesday morning, she wondered, "Good morning!! Getting ready ... Heading to do Howard Stern this am!! Hmm what could he possibly ask this time?!?!" During the show, Stern did ask her about Sheen, and while Richards first said things were "hunky dory," she added, "It's been a very eventful trip."

• • •

Former Food Network chef Juan-Carlos Cruz pleaded no contest Tuesday to solicitation of murder to satisfy charges that he tried to hire three homeless men to kill his wife. The plea reportedly includes a sentence of nine years in state prison for the former "Calorie Commando" host. Sentencing is set for Dec. 13 and Cruz's wife, Jennifer Campbell, will address the court. On Tuesday, Cruz blew a kiss to his wife as he left court and both smiled at each other. Before Cruz's arrest in May, police set up a sting operation and videotaped him arranging the murder. He even drove one of the homeless men to his apartment and showed him how to get into the secure building.

• • •

Celine Dion's husband, Rene Angelil. says he and his wife both wept when they heard their twin sons cry after being born Saturday in Florida. "We have tried five times since March 2009 to conceive. It's very hard," he said. "So when Saturday at 11:11 came, and they showed us the first baby that was crying, we were crying," he told the Canadian TV show etalk. "It was a very emotional moment, and even though we didn't speak to each other, we were both thinking about the time it took. We are very lucky, very privileged and very fortunate to have these boys." Angelil says that the twins, whose names have not yet been announced, "do look alike, but maybe they won’t look alike in a few months -- because they are not identical twins." Their older brother, Rene-Charles, 9, "was very, very happy that it was boys," Angelil said. "I remember a few months ago when his mom told him the day we would find out the sex of the baby, his reaction pointing to his mom’s belly was 'I hope there's not too many girls in there.'"

-- Anne Neville

Charlie Sheen was discovered naked and drunk in a New York City hotel room this morning when police arrived to answer a call about an intoxicated male. Sheen was staying at The Plaza Hotel in midtown New York, where hotel security discovered Sheen in a drunken state and called police.

The room where Sheen was staying was "trashed" according to the report on People magazine's site. A chandelier and furniture were damaged within Sheen's room. Sheen was taken to an area hospital, but no arrest was made.

A witness, according to E! News, described Sheen as an "emotionally disturbed individual." Sheen was reportedly in New York with his ex-wife, Denise Richards, and their children.

The New York Post reports that Sheen retired to his room with an unidentified woman, and later became enraged when his wallet and cell phone came up missing.

• • •

After being ousted from the "American Idol" judges table, Kara Dio Guardi has been cast as the lead judge on a new songwriting reality competition on the Bravo network. Dio Guardi will anchor 'Going Platinum' which begins taping this month and features 12 musician/songwriters competing weekly in a variety of genres, from hip-hop, to love songs, to dance tracks. Of her casting, Dio Guardi said, "Hit songs are the backbone of the music industry, and as a publisher, nothing excites me more than finding new songwriting talent. I am happy to be a part of a show that helps up and coming songwriters pursue their dreams, while giving the public a look into the creative process."

• • •

Madonna is ready to get the world in shape, and has opened what may be the first of several high-end health clubs. The first Hard Candy Fitness club will be opened in Mexico City, the singer announced yesterday. The 30,000-square-foot facility is slated to open Nov. 29, and there are plans for 10 other locations around the globe. "Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna's point of view and will reflect her input on every detail, including music space, light and other design cues. Madonna's touch will be everywhere," partner Mark Mastrov said of the venture.

• • •

Randy and Evi Quaid may find themselves expelled from Canada this week, according to E! News. The couple fled the country after bench warrants for their arrest were issued in Santa Barbara in their squatting case. The Quaids were arrested in Vancouver, and have been held after authorities learned that there were outstanding warrants in California. The Quaids are stating that they fear for their lives in the United States, and are seeking asylum in Canada. They've argued that actor friends of Randy Quaid -- including former co-star Heath Ledger -- have been murdered in recent years, and they fear that they may be targets of 'Hollywood star whackers.' The Canadian Border Services Agency says that the Quaids are in the country illegally, and are moving to have them returned to the U.S., and possibly banned permanently from Canada.

You've heard of Sweater Weather? How about Sweater Dress Weather? Yes, the sweater dress
is back again, and many celebs are sporting the look.

In recent weeks, Nicole Richie wore one to sign copies of her book "Priceless" at a Barnes
& Noble" bookstore in Los Angeles (air-conditioned, no doubt).

Claudia Schiffer wore a turtleneck style with a skinny belt during Milan Fashion Week. Natalie Portman,
Katy Perry, Megan Fox, Shelby Young and Australian-born singer Micky Green have all been
photographed in sweater dresses lately.

We're liking the look, especially with tights and boots ... even if Micky Green's bright blue
sweater dress makes us feel itchy.

Here's a look at some of the dresses they're wearing. Clockwise from top left: Nicole Richie (looking chic), Claudia Schiffer (polished), Natalie Portman (artsy) and Micky Green (fuzzy) .

Watch It: Here are some highlights of what to watch on TV this week:

 MONDAY
8 PM on Channel 2
Chuck
Chuck, Sarah, Casey and Morgan (Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Adam Baldwin, Joshua Gomez) try to stop Dr. Stanley Wheelright (guest star Robert Englund) from releasing a toxin that induces nightmares, but they also question the allegiances of Chuck's mother (guest star Linda Hamilton). Lester and Jeff (Vik Sahay, Scott Krinsky) celebrate Halloween at the Buy More in the new episode "Chuck Versus the Aisle of Terror." (PG)

8 PM on Channel 29
House
House (Hugh Laurie) and his team treat a controversial African politician (guest star James Earl Jones) who has fallen ill, although they must struggle with the moral dilemma of whether they should be helping a merciless dictator who is being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his homeland. Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) tries to make amends with a feuding neighbor, but House's meddling makes the situation worse in "The Tyrant." (14)

TUESDAY
8 PM on TOON
Tower Prep
Pre-teen (and teen) girls and boys may want to check out "Tower Prep," the new live-action sci-fi series starring Justin Bieber-cute Drew Van Acker as hero Ian Archer on the Cartoon Network. The L.A. Times called it "The Prisoner" set at boarding school.

8 PM on Channel 17
NOVA
In 2009, an Air France Airbus A330 with 228 people on board vanished over the Atlantic Ocean. In the new episode "Crash of Flight 447," a team of experienced pilots, safety experts and engineers examines the evidence that came to light in the weeks after the disaster to discover how and why a state-of-the-art aircraft with a flawless safety record and an array of high-tech safety features could simply fall out of the sky. (PG)

8 PM on HISTORY
The Real Story of Halloween
From its roots as a pagan holiday honoring departed souls to modern traditions of breaking rules, pushing boundaries and wearing disguises, Allhallows Eve remains a time for people to confront and reflect on their own mortality in myriad ways. Although many Halloween parties may be festive affairs, most people still enjoy getting a good scare on this witchy holiday. (PG)

10 PM on DISCOVERY
Auction Kings
Paul Brown, owner of the Atlanta auction house Gallery 63, hunts for the most unusual items in America, then beguiles bidders into paying top dollar when they go under the gavel in this new reality series.

WEDNESDAY
  9 and 11 PM on SYFY
Ghost Hunters
After checking out the reportedly haunted Ulster County Jail in Kingston, N.Y., the Ghost Hunters are off to Atlanta to investigate the Antebellum Plantation in Stone Mountain Park, a living museum made up of 18th- and 19th-century buildings from all over Georgia. Here's the hitch: Workers claim spirits of those who once dwelt in these buildings came along for the ride in the new episode "The Oldest House in Georgia." (PG)
    
9 PM on Channel 7
Modern Family
Claire (Julie Bowen) prepares to make the Dunphy house spooky for Halloween, which she dearly loves, but things don't go as she planned. Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) hates the holiday because of a traumatic childhood experience. Jay and Manny (Ed O'Neill, Rico Rodriguez) tease Gloria (Sofia Vergara) about her accent. Ty Burrell also stars in the new episode "Halloween."

10 PM on FOOD
Tailgate Warriors With Guy Fieri
The San Franciso 49ers take on their neighbors, the Oakland Raiders, but the real rivalry may be going on outside the stadium, as Guy Fieri hosts a showdown between the best tailgate team in San Francisco and its counterparts from Oakland, giving them both an hour to prove who has the best chow in the game.

THURSDAY
    8 PM on Channel 7
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
So many Halloween TV specials these days are like getting a rock in your trick-or-treat bag, but some 44 years after its first airing, this animated gem remains one of the best, as idealistic young Linus patiently sits in his "sincere" pumpkin patch waiting for the Santa-like Great Pumpkin to reward him with Halloween largesse. Arguably second only to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" among the many "Peanuts" specials in terms of memorable moments. (G)

8 PM on TOON
Movie: Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster
Roopee! Everyone's favorite snack-lovin', spook-shunnin' Great Dane returns for a new adventure, in which the CGI-rendered Scooby-Doo (voice of Frank Welker) and his live-action buddies Daphne, Fred, Velma and Raggy (Kate Melton, Robbie Amell, Hayley Kiyoko, Nick Palatas) Ñ oops, make that "Shaggy" Ñ run into weird creatures while working at Daphne's uncle's country club. Ruh-roh! (PG)

9 PM and Midnight on LIFETIME
Project Runway
Even if the fashions this season have been somewhat lackluster (except, of course, for some of Mondo Guerra's colorful styles), the eighth cycle of "Runway" definitely has served up some memorable players, including chilly control freak Gretchen Jones and backstabbing "Poison" Ivy Higa. This week, host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn watch as the final three designers compete in the ultimate challenge: New York Fashion Week, in "Finale, Part Two." (PG)

FRIDAY
 9 PM on Channel 4
CSI: NY
Despite its title, this procedural drama, now in its seventh season, actually films most scenes in Los Angeles, but new series regular Sela Ward gets her first chance to do some location filming in New York in "Do Not Pass Go," a tense new episode that finds Mac (Gary Sinise) and his team sleuthing the puzzling case of a killer who is able to get his victims' parents to tamper with his crime scenes. (14)

9 PM on HISTORY
Modern Marvels
Even during the current recession, Americans remain superconsumers, and "Mega Stores" looks at the supersized stores that try to keep up with demand on a massive scale, regardless of whether they are offering sandblasters or even scuba divers. (PG)

SATURDAY
     Noon and and 6 PM on HALLMARK
Movie: Bailey's Mistake
A widow (Linda Hamilton) learns that her husband invested all their money in a piece of property on an island off Maine. With her sullen daughter and precocious son (Paz de la Huerta, Jesse James) in tow, she heads for the island to unload the parcel. The place turns out to be populated by eccentric characters who make the denizens of Cicely, Alaska, look like Stepford wives. What's weirder yet is that not only are they throwing off some supernatural vibes, but they're telling her that her late husband was one of them. Did we mention he could fly through the air and heal sick animals? Joan Plowright, Kyle Secor and Julianne Christie also star in this offbeat but sweet fantasy written by acclaimed playwright Oliver Goldstick. (PG)

8:30 PM on Channel 2
Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space
In this holiday spinoff of the hit movie, when mutant pumpkins try to take over Earth on Halloween, the Monsters must combat the gourds and try to end their wicked scheme. Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett and Rainn Wilson reprise their voice roles from the film. (PG)

10:15 PM on AMC
Movie: Evil Dead 2
Ash (Bruce Campbell) continues to have the worst night imaginable in the backwoods cabin from hell as he has assaulted by more demonically possessed beings Ñ including his own hand Ñ in the second film in Sam Raimi's cult horror comedy trilogy. This 1987 sequel, which was preceded by "The Evil Dead" in 1981, was followed in turn by "Army of Darkness" in 1992.

SUNDAY
 7 PM on Channel 7
America's Funniest Home Videos
As you might expect on Halloween, this new episode includes videos of mishaps that befall trick-or-treaters, as well as some nonholiday-themed clips that are scary in their own way, such as a woman riding a roller coaster and a montage of dads changing diapers. Tom Bergeron is host. (PG)
 
9 PM on Channel 7
Desperate Housewives
As Halloween approaches, Susan (Teri Hatcher) has to reveal her secret Internet side job to a stunned Mike (James Denton). Juanita (Madison de la Garza) gets suspicious of Gaby's (Eva Longoria Parker) sudden interest in Grace (guest star Cecilia Balagot). Bree (Marcia Cross) learns a secret about Keith (guest star Brian Austin Green) in the new episode "Excited and Scared." (PG)

Russell Brand and Katy Perry married Saturday night at a luxury resort in India  near where the couple became engaged on New Year's Eve. The eclectic ceremony featured elephants, sitar music and henna painting of the bride's hands, arms and feet. Comedian Brand and singer Perry "were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Brand on Saturday, October 23," reps for the couple confirmed. "The very private and spiritual ceremony, attended by the couples' closest family and friends, was performed by a Christian minister and longtime friend of the Hudson family. The backdrop was the inspirational and majestic countryside of Northern India." Before the ceremony, a lavish Indian bazaar was set up so guests could adorn themselves in jewels and saris. Spectators outside the ceremony could hear traditional Rajasthani folk musicians singing in the Aman-i-Khas resort, as well as sacred Vedic chanting and applause and cheering. Perry's friend Rihanna, who was rumored to be the maid of honor, was not able to make the ceremony, but sources close to the couple said Perry understood that her friend had to get to work in the recording studio.

• • •

An earlier wrinkle in the nuptial weekend is more serious --a group of photographers who were following Brand and his guests as they toured a tiger sanctuary. left, told police they were beaten and left stranded when Brand's security guys swiped the keys to their Jeep. Photographers from the Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Press and the Hindustan Times) say they were some 330 feet behind two vehicles holding Brand and other members of his party in Ranthambhore National Park when two of Brand's guards jumped out and attacked them and their driver. The attackers also grabbed the car keys, and when AP photographer Mustafa Quraishi tried to grab the keys back, he says he was punched repeatedly by a bodyguard, leaving him with a cut on his arm, smashed glasses and a broken camera. Park rangers eventually responded and retrieved the keys before the blood attracted the big cats. In a statement to Us magazine, Ranthambhore police said, "The photographers have filed an official complaint of assault and all witnesses, including Mr. Brand, will be questioned about this. Police officers will be going to the hotel tomorrow to advise the alleged perpetrators of an arrest and that a case has been filed. It is certainly not a good thing because an Indian photographer has been beaten up in his own country by a foreigner. The photographer would like an apology and if the perpetrator is willing to apologize then we can take back the case."

• • •

Céline Dion gave birth to fraternal twin boys by C-section at 11:11 a.m. and 11:12 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., her rep says, adding, "Celine, René [Angelil] and their son René-Charles are thrilled." The boys, who weigh 5 lbs., 4 oz., and 5 lbs., 10 oz., spent a day or so in an incubator because they were born premature. "René-Charles has been to the hospital to visit his brothers and is just so excited they are here," Dion's rep said of the singer's oldest son, who is 9. On Sunday, Angelil said, "We haven’t been sleeping much the last couple of days but everything is going really well. We’re so happy. ... Taking them in our arms is like nothing else." As of Sunday night, the twins were still nameless. "We thought we’d have chosen the names by now," Angelil said. "But maybe seeing their faces it will help us." Dion had struggled to have another child for years, but her in-vitro attempts were unsuccessful, and a brief pregnancy last year ended in miscarriage.

• • •

Days after Mel Gibson was uninvited to play a tattoo artist in "The Hangover II," Liam Neeson arrived in Los Angeles to begin filming the cameo. Late last week, the film's director, Todd Phillips, announced that dissent among the cast had made it impossible to hire Gibson. He said, "I thought Mel would have been great in the movie and I had the full backing of Jeff Robinov and his team.  But I realize filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and this decision ultimately did not have the full support of my entire cast and crew." TMZ reports that one of the stars who objected most strongly was Zach Galifianakis, and that Bradley Cooper did not object. While some complain that the actors happily worked with convicted rapist Mike Tyson, others say that Gibson's offensive actions are too recent. His attorneys are reportedly seeking testimony from the dentist of ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, who photographed damage to her teeth and mouth after she said Gibson punched her in the face.

• • •

Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana, welcomed their third daughter last week in New York. Stella Zavala Damon was born on Wednesday. "Mom and baby are both healthy," Damon's rep said.  "The whole family is thrilled." The Damons married in 2005 and are parents of Isabella, 4, and Gia, 2. Luciana also has a daughter, Alexia, 11, from a previous marriage.

-- Anne Neville

It is unbelievable, the adventure that flying has become. Once when I flew somewhere, my carton of yogurt was confiscated. Another time when I was flying, I was singled out for "special screening," to quote what they told me. That meant I had to walk into a booth and an air jet blew up my skirt. A recorded voice said: "Air jet operating." (That particular instance was two years ago. I'm sure the technology has advanced since then.)

Ever since then I have enjoyed funny airport screening stories. Today we have a dandy. This comes to us from pianist Stephen Manes, who for a long time was chair of the UB Music Department and is now professor emeritus.

Manes was in town last week to give a recital at UB's Slee Hall. Playing all that Liszt, it turns out, was the easy part. The tough part was getting through security at the Los Angeles airport.

What happened was, inspectors were inspecting his luggage and they found a metal instrument.

"What's this?" Manes was asked. 

"A tuning fork," he told them.

"What's it for?"

"You tune pianos with it," he said.

That is a tuning fork pictured above! A pause ensued while everyone studied the implement Manes, pictured below...

... had handed over. The inspectors muttered amongst themselves. Finally they turned back to him.

"What kind of piano?" they asked.

Manes stared at them, wondering what in the world this question meant. Because a tuning fork is a tuning fork, whatever you are using it for.

"A Steinway," he said, truthfully.

That was the magic word. They waved him on through!

Perhaps they really wanted to ascertain that he could name a certain brand of piano, that he was not making things up. You never know!

In any case, the story has a happy ending.

Harmony in the skies!

-- Mary Kunz Goldman