Thursday, June 23, 2011
newsmakers
Lohan: House arrest gives time to reflect
NEW YORK
Being under house arrest seems to have an upside for Lindsay Lohan.
The 24-year-old actress says that since being confined to her 3,000-square-foot home in Venice Beach, Calif., she’s caught up on movies and TV shows, stayed out of the public eye and, most important, had time to finish decorating her house and patio.
Lohan is serving house arrest on a 120-day jail sentence for violating her probation in a 2007 drunken driving case by taking a necklace without permission from a jewelry store in January.
She began serving her sentence last month, and is expected to serve about 35 days.
Lohan says that while not ideal, she treasures these moments alone in her home.
Sean Kingston is released from hospital
miami
Singer Sean Kingston is out of the hospital, almost a month after crashing his watercraft into a Miami Beach bridge.
Kingston’s publicist Joseph Carozza said Wednesday the singer is recovering at home after being released from a Miami hospital.
On his Twitter page Sunday, Kingston posted a message to his fans. He wrote: “Feeling alot better! GOD IS GREAT! Thanks for all the prayers and support! Love you ALL!”
Kingston also posted a picture of himself, in the hospital, flashing a peace sign.
The singer famous for his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls” had been hospitalized in Miami since the May 29 crash.
Glen Campbell has Alzheimer’s
NEW YORK
Country music legend Glen Campbell has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and will put out his final album this summer.
Campbell’s representative Bobbie Gale made the announcement Wednesday. The disease is in its early stages.
The 76-year-old’s wife, Kim, also talked to People magazine and said they wanted to go public with his illness because they wanted fans to know if he has trouble onstage.
Campbell’s CD “Ghost on the Canvas” is scheduled for release Aug. 30. He also is to go on “The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour.”
Rowling to reveal secret of ‘Pottermore’
LONDON
Harry Potter fans are holding their collective breath, as J.K. Rowling gets set to reveal her latest project involving the boy wizard.
Rowling has called a news conference in London today to reveal details of “Pottermore,” a mysterious website that has been taunting fans with the words “coming soon.”
Theories include a Harry Potter encyclopedia, ebook versions of the novels or an Internet-based game.
Several British newspapers received what appeared to be a leaked marketing memo indicating the site is a Web-based game including a hunt for real magic wands.
Philadelphia Orchestra announces big pledges
PHILADELPHIA
The Philadelphia Orchestra is announcing some major gifts and pledges toward its effort to emerge from bankruptcy and get on solid financial footing.
Chief executive officer Allison Vulgamore said Tuesday that since filing for bankruptcy reorganization in April, the orchestra has received $11.2 million from foundations, philanthropists and its board.
She said there’s $16.3 million more in challenge pledges that will be awarded if the orchestra raises $17.5 million more by the end of this year.
The 111-year-old orchestra has struggled with dwindling attendance and donations, shrinking endowment income, pension costs and rent prices at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
A five-year strategic plan sets a goal for the orchestra to raise $100 million in endowment funds and $60 million to fund operations, programming and other expenses.
Vindicator wire reports