PETA staffer's new name

PETA staffer's new name
NEW YORK -- A 19-year-old PETA staffer has legally changed his name to KentuckyFriedCruelty.com. Chris Garnett, youth outreach coordinator for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said he changed his name in support of the group's anti-KFC campaign. "People don't believe me at first when I tell them my name, but it never fails to spark a discussion," Garnett, er, KentuckyFriedCruelty.com, said in a statement. "Many vow to boycott KFC after I explain the company's indifference to cruelty to animals." Norfolk, Va.-based PETA's complaints against KFC stem from video footage shot last year recording alleged mistreatment of birds at a Pilgrim's Pride Corp. plant in Moorefield, W.Va. The plant is a KFC supplier. Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, has disputed the claims of mistreatment. In June, a grand jury refused to indict former workers at the West Virginia chicken plant. "Stacked" star Pamela Anderson, who has narrated a PETA video showing the alleged abuse, supports Garnett's name change. "I'm sure Chris can't wait 'till KFC stops torturing chickens so he can change his name back," the actress said in a statement.
Keillor to stay at St. Paul
MINNEAPOLIS -- Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" won't be permanently leaving its St. Paul home after all. The humorist said he expects to do about a dozen shows during the 2006-07 season from the Fitzgerald Theater, the longtime base of the public radio program. The rest of the season's shows will air from the road, including a return to the Minnesota State Fair, he said. Keillor said last month the show was looking for a new home. But in the end, he said, it was an impulsive decision to stay at the Fitzgerald, based partly on people he met at coffee shops or parties. "They said it would be terrible if the show were not in St. Paul," Keillor said.
Love triangle plannedfor 'Grey's Anatomy'
LOS ANGELES -- Izzie's going to have her hands full when "Grey's Anatomy" returns from its holiday break next month. "There will be a love triangle for my character," Katherine Heigl, who plays Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens on the hit ABC show, told reporters recently, according to AP Radio. The 27-year-old actress also hinted about upcoming developments: "There's like some kind of prom episode or something, I don't what that is. Somebody leaves the program." But, she added: "I don't know what happens with Meredith and Dr. McDreamy. Nobody will tell us yet what's going on there." Ellen Pompeo stars as Dr. Meredith Grey, a first-year intern, and Patrick Dempsey plays neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd, nicknamed Dr. McDreamy. Meredith was getting cozy with Derek -- until his sexy wife showed up in Seattle. "I love when people come up to me and tell me that they watch it. And ask like, 'Do you think Ellen and Patrick are going to get back together?'" Heigl said. "I love that because we're working hard and it's great to know that that work is being appreciated." "Grey's Anatomy" airs Sunday nights (10 EST). The medical drama returns Jan. 8.
Brando's ex-wife files suit
LOS ANGELES Christian Brando, son of late actor Marlon Brando, was sued by his ex-wife and his stepdaughter, who alleged he abused and threatened to kill them, their attorney said last week. Deborah Brando and her 13-year-old daughter filed a lawsuit against Brando in Superior Court on Tuesday for violation of their civil rights, assault, domestic violence, battery and emotional distress. They are seeking unspecified damages, attorney Brian Oxman said. Brando pleaded guilty to charges of spousal abuse in January and was sentenced to drug and alcohol rehab and three years of probation. The lawsuit alleges he "repeatedly struck Ms. Brando with his hands and fists and threatened to kill her in the presence of her daughter."
Today's birthdays
Author J.D. Salinger is 87. Former Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., is 84. Actor Ty Hardin is 76. Actor Frank Langella is 66. Rock singer-musician Country Joe McDonald is 64. Writer-comedian Don Novello is 63. Actor Rick Hurst is 60. Country singer Steve Ripley (The Tractors) is 56. Rapper Grandmaster Flash is 48. Actress Ren Woods is 48. Actress Dedee Pfeiffer is 42. Actress Embeth Davidtz is 40. Actor Morris Chestnut is 37. Actor Verne Troyer is 37.
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