‘Big Brother’ comment raises ire of autism group

‘Big Brother’ comment
raises ire of autism group

NEW YORK — A national autism advocacy group is demanding an apology from CBS over a disparaging remark a contestant on the reality show “Big Brother” made about people with the disorder. John Gilmore, executive director of Autism United, said Monday that his group has been trying to speak with CBS executives since last week’s broadcast. On that episode, a contestant named Adam, who claims to work for an autism foundation, said he would spend his winnings on a hair salon for people with developmental disabilities “so retards can get it together and get their hair done.” His partner, Sheila, told him: “Don’t call them that.” Adam responded: “Disabled kids. I can call them whatever I want. I work with them all day, OK?” The show’s Web site describes him as a 29-year-old public relations manager from Delray Beach, Fla. “Big Brother” also has been condemned for contestants’ remarks on incest, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Some contestants have been removed following incidents that were deemed violent or racist. The premise of the show is that contestants — or “houseguests” — are isolated from the outside world while under constant surveillance. Once a week, they vote to evict a member of the group.

Disney composer
leads ‘Enchanted’ life

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — If it truly is a pleasure just to be nominated for an Oscar, Alan Menken must be Hollywood’s happiest man. The co-composer of songs from Walt Disney’s musical hit “Enchanted” has three of the five nominations in the original-song category going into Sunday’s Academy Awards. While that’s not a record — three of Henry Krieger’s songs from “Dreamgirls” were nominated just last year — news of the triple play still took Menken by surprise. “My publicist, Ray Costa, called me and said, ’Alan, you’re nominated for “Happy Working Song” ... and “So Close” ... and “That’s How You Know,“’ Menken recalled for AP Television at the Oscar nominees luncheon in early February. “I was really blind-sided, completely blind-sided. Three nominations. I said, ‘Now we’re gonna lose.”’ Menken said he expects the three “Enchanted” entries, co-written with Stephen Schwartz, may split the vote, improving odds for the other song contenders at the ceremony: “Falling Slowly” from “Once” and “Raise It Up” from “August Rush.”

Stage star Turner
enjoys taking the bus

NEW YORK — Kathleen Turner eats out less and often takes mass transit now that she’s doing stage work instead of films — and she enjoys getting compliments on the bus. Turner, who recently directed the comedy “Crimes of the Heart” off-Broadway, said fellow travelers frequently recognize her. “They do very often. People are so nice. They smile and say, ’You’re looking good. I love your work,”’ the 53-year-old award-winning actress told Newsweek for editions on newsstands Monday. “This is a very lovely thing to have in your life.”

Today’s birthdays

Singer Smokey Robinson is 68. Singer Bobby Rogers (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles) is 68. Actress Carlin Glynn is 68. Singer Lou Christie is 65. Actor Michael Nader is 63. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 60. Author Amy Tan is 56. Actor Jeff Daniels is 53. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 52. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 51. Actor Ray Winstone is 51. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 49. Britain’s Prince Andrew is 48. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Hana Mandlikova is 46. Singer Seal is 45. Country musician Ralph McCauley (Wild Horses) is 44. Actress Justine Bateman is 42. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 41. Rock musician Daniel Adair is 33. Pop singer-actress Haylie Duff is 23.