Novelist’s mention upsets university

Novelist’s mention upsets university

PITTSBURGH — Officials at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh are upset that best-selling author John Grisham mentions the school in connection with a fictional gang rape in his latest novel.

Grisham’s “The Associate” deals with a character who attended the private Catholic college and was involved in a drunken rape scene in an off-campus apartment in 2003.

Duquesne University spokeswoman Rose Ravasio says it’s unfortunate Grisham “chose to use our name and associate it with a fictional incident of this nature.”

Grisham told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he chose the school because he saw it once, and has been to Pittsburgh for Steelers and Pirates games. The novel contains several other references to Pittsburgh.

Singer Amy Winehouse’s home is burglarized

LONDON — Amy Winehouse’s spokesman says the singer’s home in north London was broken into while she was on vacation in the Caribbean.

Spokesman Chris Goodman says Winehouse has reported guitars and music-recording equipment stolen. Goodman said Friday the home was left empty when Winehouse was on her much-publicized vacation on the island of St. Lucia.

He says Winehouse’s neighbors spotted the burglars Thursday and called police. Officers found the front door kicked in. No arrests have been made.

Today’s birthdays

Actress Carol Channing is 88. Actor Stuart Margolin (“The Rockford Files”) is 69. Actress Jessica Walter (“Arrested Development”) is 68. Singer Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band is 58. Singer Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols is 53. Actor Anthony LaPaglia (“Without a Trace,” “Murder One”) is 50. Al Jaworski of Jesus Jones is 43. Actress Minnie Driver is 39. Actress Portia de Rossi (“Arrested Development,” “Ally McBeal”) is 36. Actress Kerry Washington (“Ray”) is 32. Singer Justin Timberlake is 28.