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Paula Poundstone is finally getting her adopted kids back. According to Reuters, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bernard Kamins ordered the return of Poundstone‘s three adopted children, who were taken from her in June 2001 when the comedian was arrested and charged with child endangerment and three felony counts of lewd conduct with a child. The sexual abuse charges were dropped and due to Poundstone‘s exemplary record during her probation for child endangerment, the judge ordered the children–two girls and one boy, ranging in ages 4 to 11–be returned. Poundstone‘s lawyer, Richard Pfeiffer, however, told Reuters there are still some delays in getting the kids because of conflicting court orders. Poundstone voiced her frustrations Friday on the syndicated TV show Celebrity Justice. “I’m sick of this. I’m angry on behalf of my children. I’m angry because it’s unfair,” she said. “I am not a public menace. I didn’t molest anyone. That is not what I was charged with and they proceed as if that is … so that everybody can sort of let their imagination go wild.”
Celebs
The three men exonerated of trying to blackmail Russell Crowe over a brawl involving the Aussie actor have filed their own lawsuit, citing malicious prosecution and wrongful arrest, The Associated Press reports. The men were accused by police of trying to extort money from Crowe after the actor was allegedly caught on tape getting into a fight in an Australian pub in November 1999, but were acquitted of the charges. According to AP, they are seeking unspecified damages, claiming “their lives have been ruined.”
Movies
Get ready to be dumbed down. New Line Cinema is making a prequel to the 1994 Farrelly brothers hit Dumb & Dumber called When Harry Met Lloyd: Dumb & Dumberer. The film, starring newcomers Eric Christian Olsen (The Hot Chick) and Derek Richardson (Felicity), will follow best buddies Harry and Lloyd when they first meet in high school.
Upon its opening in the U.K., Michael Moore‘s Bowling for Columbine reaped the highest grosses ever by a documentary, earning $250,000 from 28 screens, Variety reports. In the U.S., the film has earned $8.8 million so far, setting a new record for a non-concert feature documentary.
After having success this year with The Rookie and Far From Heaven, Dennis Quaid is now set to take on the role of Sam Houston in the feature film The Alamo for Disney. The film will vividly recount the legendary but doomed battle at the Alamo and its aftermath. Houston, an ex-governor of Tennessee, led troops to avenge the Alamo and defeat Mexican leader Santa Ana.
DVD
Here’s another DVD/VHS to throw into the current buying frenzy. Along with power sellers such as Spider-Man and Monsters, Inc., Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones has been selling briskly, with 7 million copies purchased since hitting the shelves six days ago. But watch out–the DVD/VHS of Ice Age is on its way.
Tube
Think you’re hot? If so, ABC is looking for you. The network is launching an American Idol-type search for the sexiest person in America. Like Idol, acerbic judges will pass judgment on the contestants and American will get to vote on their favorites. Unbelievable, isn’t it?
Music
Actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer is set to host the 2002 Billboard Music Awards, which Fox will air Dec. 9 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Artists scheduled to perform include Avril Lavigne, Creed, Faith Hill and Justin Timberlake. Cher will receive the Artist Achievement Award.
