newsmakers

October 30, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

newsmakers

Ohio event marks Chaplin anniversary

ZANESVILLE

Silent-film comedian Charlie Chaplin’s first visit to the U.S. 100 years ago is being commemorated with an international conference in Ohio. Conference coordinator Lisa Stein at Ohio University’s Zanesville campus in eastern Ohio says a Chaplin look-alike contest and screenings of rare films are part of the three-day event that began Thursday. She tells the Times Recorder newspaper that people registered to attend from 11 countries, including France, Ireland and Japan.

Chaplin came to America for the first time in 1910 as part of a London comedy troupe. Stein says organizers planned the conference to introduce Chaplin to a younger generation so he won’t be forgotten.

‘Modern Family’ slight offends Peruvians

LOS ANGELES

Peruvians are miffed over a “Modern Family” episode in which a character suggests that the Andean nation is full of backward, violent people. The offending dialogue comes during an argument between Jay, played by Ed O’Neill, and his Colombian wife, Gloria, played by Sofia Vergara.

“Now, maybe in Colombia ...” Jay begins. “Ah, here we go,” Gloria interrupts. “Because, in Colombia, we trip over goats and we kill people in the street. Do you know how offensive that is? Like we’re Peruvians!”

Peruvian cyberspace lit up with criticism of ABC, which airs “Modern Family,” and Vergara, who brushed aside a torrent of insulting tweets. After one Twitter user asked her to clarify what happened with the script, the actress responded in Spanish: “Get a life!!!!!!”

ABC did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

Bieber to debut video during World Series

NEW YORK

Game 3 of the World Series will be targeted to teenyboppers, thanks to Justin Bieber. Major League Baseball says Bieber will debut the music video for his song “Never Say Never” tonight during Game 3’s pre-show on Fox.

The best-of-seven series is between the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants. Game 3 will take place in Arlington, Texas. Former “American Idol” champion Kelly Clarkson will sing the national anthem in her home state.

The 16-year-old Bieber sports gear from both teams in the “Never Say Never” clip, which was shot at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The song is from the platinum-selling singing sensation’s upcoming acoustic CD, due out Nov. 23.

Singer Randy Travis, wife-manager divorce

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Randy Travis and his wife-manager, Elizabeth, Travis have divorced. Family spokeswoman Maureen O’Connor confirmed to The Associated Press on Friday that the divorce was final.

No further details were given, but an earlier statement that the couple had “parted ways” said Elizabeth Travis would continue to be Travis’ personal manager. The statement said the couple would have no further comment and asked for “respect for their privacy during this time.”

Neither could be reached to comment.

A petition for dissolution of marriage was filed by Randy Travis in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday.

Vindicator wire services