Celebrity Scoop
Can you picture Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, in a white suit, at the White House? Some people do, partly because the rap mogul has been sending out press releases about polls on political issues. So, is he really thinking about running for president? Combs, who two years ago was instead awaiting his fate on trial in New York, says at age 33, he isn't even old enough for the job. But he promises that if he ever does happen to move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, he'd want "fun, sexy, crazy" people to be in his administration. Doesn't sound like politics are on the front burner right now.
Was Yoko Ono the secret, and successful, bidder for three items at Monday's London auction of John Lennon memorabilia? A spokesman for the auction house says only that the high bid came from a Japanese investor. The mementos in question were a Lennon doodle, a page of handwritten lyrics to his song "Steel and Glass" and an identity card Lennon signed while working for the waterworks in 1959. A few pricier items did not sell: a tape of Yoko and John singing a song to her daughter; Lennon's Phantom Vox organ guitar; and a mosaic called "All Seeing Eye," which was part of a Lennon swimming pool.
Lennon's adopted hometown has been hit with another low blow, with word that a second film about Rudy Giuliani might be shot - where else? - in Canada. "Rudy!" - the first movie about the former NYC mayor to go into production - began shooting this month in Montreal and now the producer of "Emperor of the City: The Story of America's Mayor" says he might go north to take advantage of the incentives Canada offers film productions. Lorenzo Minoli says it's true that the streets of New York can't be replicated anywhere else, but "you have to check with your wallet, and see what you can really afford." According to the Directors Guild, in the past three years about 25 movies with New York settings have migrated instead to Canada, a trend that's sparked calls for tax credits for films made in the U.S.A.
Spike Lee, possibly the most visible fan the New York Knicks have got, when it comes to showing up at their games, doesn't need to prove his love for the city. But he's not averse to a road trip. The writer, actor and director will be given a Special Award Thursday in London by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. "Spike Lee is inspiring to a generation of filmmakers," said the academy, in its announcement. "Lee has established himself as one of the most influential and important filmmakers of our time." Lee was nominated for an Oscar a decade ago for "Malcolm X." Previous recipients of the British award include Dame Maggie Smith, Audrey Hepburn and Dame Peggy Ashcroft.
And just what DO you get the rock star who has everything? Brian May is thrilled at his latest acquisition - an honorary degree from the University of Hertfordshire. The 55-year-old guitarist, a founding member of the rock group Queen, was given an honorary science doctorate Tuesday at the university's campus at Hertford, north of London. May was once an astronomy student at London's Imperial College and was working on his doctorate when his rock career took off. While he maintained a keen interest in astronomy, he never finished his degree. May says the degree "completes a great circle in my life."