Penn Jillette apologizes to Newfoundland for insult comedy
LOS ANGELES » Penn Jillette is apologizing profusely for his wisecracks insulting Newfoundland.
The talkative half of the Penn & Teller magic and comedy act called Newfoundland “a euphemism for stupid” during Friday’s “Overtime with Bill Maher.”
Jillette also said that residents of the frozen North, in his words, “club seals” and are his people. Jillette has said he has family roots in Newfoundland, which is part of the Canadian province including Labrador.
A social media backlash was followed by an explanation and succession of apologies Saturday from Jillette on Twitter.
He said that he messed up a comedy bit on “Overtime,” an online follow-up to Maher’s weekly “Real Time” talk show on HBO.
Jillette said he was “wrong,” repeating the word five more times in one tweet alone.
American Girl’s first Native Hawaiian doll set to go on sale
HONOLULU » American Girl has made its first Native Hawaiian doll.
The doll’s name is Nanea Mitchell and she goes on sale Monday. The doll is 18 inches (46 centimeters) tall and is priced at $115.
Her character grows up during World War II. Her wardrobe includes 1940sera outfits, hula attire and many accessories.
A five-member advisory board helped ensure historical accuracy and cultural authenticity when creating the doll, the company said.
“We hope Nanea’s powerful story of resilience, responsibility to others, and contributing for the common good — or kokua, as it’s known in Hawaii — will resonate with girls and show them they have the power within to face the obstacles that come their way,” said Katy Dickson, president of American Girl.
To celebrate the doll’s launch, American Girl will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross Service to the Armed
Rapper’s bodyguard charged in Little Rock concert shooting
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. » A rapper’s bodyguard faces 10 aggravated assault counts for gunfire that erupted during a concert at a Little Rock club.
Kentrell Gwynn was charged Friday. Police say he opened fire at the Power Ultra Lounge during the July 1 concert featuring his boss, rapper Ricky Hampton. Twentyeight people were hurt. Not all of them were gunshot victims.
The 25-year-old Gwynn of Memphis, Tennessee, is already jailed on federal firearms charges related to the Little Rock shooting and one that happened June 25 outside a club in Forrest City, Arkansas.
Gwynn has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.
Hampton, who also is from Memphis and performs as Finese2Tymes, was rapping on stage when the gunfire erupted in Little Rock. He has been indicted on federal weapons charges related to the Forrest City shooting.
Broadway ticketbuying now easier for fans, not re-sellers
NEW YORK » Fans wanting to see the hottest shows often struggle to compete with re-sellers and brokers when tickets go on sale.
Some Broadway productions are turning to a new online system for ticketbuying that aims to keep more tickets in the hands of fans.
Known as Verified Fan, the program from Ticketmaster requires people to register for a specific show in advance. The registrations are reviewed, and those accepted get codes they use when it’s time to get tickets on the sale date.
It’s been used for concert sales for artists such as Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles, and is now being used for Broadway sales. “Springsteen on Broadway” is using the system, as is “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
“Hamilton” has announced it’s using it for some ticket sales.