UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

Blair to Stewart: I like George Bush

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart he truly likes U.S. President George Bush.

Appearing on the popular Comedy Central series this week, the British politician told Stewart he always liked Bush despite the Republican president's declining popularity worldwide, The Times of London reported Saturday.

"Here's something I find always goes down well, particularly back home: I like him," Blair said during Thursday's broadcast.

Ever the comedian, Stewart was quick to retort regarding the leader of his nation.

"I would probably like him too, if he wasn't in charge of me," Stewart told Blair.

Blair, who is set to teach a Yale University course called "Faith and Globalization," also spoke about the public opposition to the war in Iraq.

"None of this is easy, OK," he told Stewart when pressed on the issue.

The Times said Stewart did praise the former prime minister for his open stance on such opposition when compared to critical responses from top U.S. officials.

"You could never run this country buddy, I'll tell you that much," he joked with Blair.

Simpson: Romo a great boyfriend

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Jessica Simpson says Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been a great boyfriend.

Simpson, 28, who has released her first country music album, said at a Rape Crisis Center benefit Thursday at Palms Casino Resort's Pearl Theatre in Las Vegas that she is happy the NFL star is in her life, People magazine reported Friday.

"Tony is a great quarterback, but he's a better boyfriend," Simpson said at the Nina's Night Out event. "I'm seriously proud of myself for letting him into my life.

"Through all the chaos and torment and ."

She told People that having her as a girlfriend can be a tough assignment, even for a football star.

"To be my man, you have to put up with a lot," she confessed. "I toot under the sheets, I spend a lot of money and I can belch the ABC's."

'Idol' star Daughtry headed to 'CSI: NY'

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- "American Idol" star Chris Daughtry will soon be back on U.S. TV screens in a guest appearance on "CSI: NY," People magazine says.

The fifth-season "Idol" finalist has joined an expanding group of guest stars for the CBS crime drama's upcoming 100th episode, entertainment publication reported Saturday.

In addition to Daughtry, "CSI: NY" producers are bringing in actress Rumer Willis, the daughter of Hollywood stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, for the November episode.

Also signed on for guest spots are rapper Nelly, actor Scott Wolf, former NFL star Marshall Faulk and actress Julia Ormond.

People said the episode will follow a story line in which individuals named Mac Taylor, the name of the series' lead character, are targeted by a killer.

The magazine said Daughtry will play a character named Machiavelli Taylor, while Willis and Wolf will be featured as other Mac Taylors.

'Edgar Sawtelle' newest Winfrey book pick

CHICAGO, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey says the next book her fans should read is "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski.

Winfrey said on her TV show this week the book from the first-time novelist is worthy of her Book Club because of its reworking of Elizabethan-era playwright William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Updating Shakespeare's tale of a Danish prince, Wroblewski's novel is set in the Midwestern United States and includes characters ranging from police officers to dog breeders.

The book, which Wroblewski said took him a decade to write, is a best seller and earned rave reviews in Winfrey's Oprah magazine, the Times said.

Winfrey's Book Club has an estimated 2 million members.