WASHINGTON – The moment Shawna Riley heard Jon Stewart lay out his plans to hold a “Rally to Restore Sanity” on the National Mall Oct. 30, she raced to get online and book her hotel and airline tickets.
The 41-year-old owner of an advertising firm, who lives in Marble Falls, Texas, described the event as “one of those we-got-to-be-there moments.”
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“I think people are going to be pouring in from around the country,” she said. “We’re tired of the fear-mongering in the mainstream media.”
Stewart’s event — for people “who think shouting is annoying, counterproductive and terrible for your throat,” according to the rally website — is the comedian’s latest mischievous gambit to send up today’s overwrought political discourse. This time, he is keying off the “Restoring Honor” rally hosted by conservative commentator Glenn Beck last month. Stewart’s faux nemesis, fellow Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert, will be holding his own counter “March to Keep Fear Alive” at the same time.
But their fans are not taking it as a joke. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 132,000 people planned to attend, according to the event’s Facebook page, while satellite rallies were being organized in other cities.
Lopez, Tyler joining Jackson to judge ‘Idol’ next season
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will join Randy Jackson as “American Idol” judges next season, after months of turnover and speculation about the future of TV’s top-rated show.
With pomp rivaling that of a U.S. Supreme Court appointment, Fox finally assembled the new pieces of the “Idol” panel that will be returned to its original three-member format for season 10.
Actress-singer-dancer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Tyler will have the job of trying to match the offbeat chemistry of former judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.
The new judges joined host Ryan Seacrest on stage at the Forum arena Wednesday.
Paris cancels Asian tour after Japan just says no
NARITA, Japan – Paris Hilton canceled her Asian tour and returned home when she was denied entry at Tokyo’s airport Wednesday following a drug violation in the U.S. — running afoul of strict Japanese laws that have tripped up celebrities from Paul McCartney to Diego Maradona.
“I’m going back home, and I look forward to coming back to Japan in the future,” a smiling Hilton told reporters before departing on her private jet.
The 29-year-old celebrity socialite had arrived at Narita International Airport, outside the Japanese capital, two days after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in Las Vegas. Japan has strict immigration laws that bar entry to those convicted of drug offenses, although exceptions are occasionally granted.
Twain book discusses split
NEW YORK – Shania Twain will talk about her recent divorce — in her autobiography.
Of course, Twain will discuss much more than her split with music producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. The country superstar announced Wednesday that her book will talk about her difficult childhood, including the death of her mother. She’ll also chart her rise to become one of the top-sellers in music.
The Grammy winner shot to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
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