Entertainment Today: Showbiz news

JAY LENO

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" will do something special for the U.S. military on Thanksgiving, beaming that night's telecast to men and women in uniform -- stationed in 175 countries and aboard 150 Navy ships around the world -- over Armed Forces Radio and Television Services (AFRTS).

Besides that, "Tonight Show" producers said the live audience for the show at NBC's Burbank, Calif. studio will be made up of servicemen and women bused in from various military installations in Southern California.

The network also announced Wednesday that Leno will personally visit U.S. military personnel during December to entertain the troops. Highlights of the visit will be featured on "The Tonight Show" on Dec. 26-28.

Leno first entertained troops overseas in 1990, when he performed for servicemen and women stationed in Saudi Arabia while guest-hosting for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

In 1995, Leno again entertained troops at the Aviano air base in Italy.

PAULA POUNDSTONE

Paula Poundstone spent a few hours in jail Tuesday -- ordered there by the Santa Monica, Calif., judge who sentenced her last month to 180 days at a rehab clinic in Malibu, because she had used an unprescribed drug or medication at the clinic.

Poundstone pleaded no contest on Sept. 12 to felony child endangerment charges. In addition to the rehab assignment, she was also placed on five years' probation.

After Poundstone's brief stay behind bars, she was back in Judge Bernard Kamins' courtroom.

"You've been in (jail) for half a day," said Kamins, "and I always let people have a break on the first violation. To me, this is a relapse rather than just a slip."

Kamins knew about Poundstone's lapse because he was notified by the clinic, Promises, that she had violated probation by using unprescribed drugs or medications. Prosecutors did not identify the substance in question.

He said Poundstone had made impressive progress until she slipped on Monday, and said putting her in jail for a few hours was intended to send her a message.

"I know you wouldn't want to spend a couple of months back there in a custody environment," he said.

Poundstone was charged in June with three counts of committing a lewd act on a girl under 14 and endangering four other children. The lewd conduct charges were dropped when Poundstone pleaded no contest to child endangerment.

(The above two items thanks to UPI Hollywood Reporter Pat Nason)

HARRY POTTER

The young star of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" says he was so enchanted the first time he saw the complete, high-spirited fantasy film, he nearly forgot he was in it.

"I was speechless," 12-year-old Daniel Radcliffe told UPI, recalling the first time he had seen the finished product -- complete with its computer-generated ghosts, talking hats, speeding brooms, horrifying monsters and shape-shifting wizards.

"I cried, but I am not a wimp; don't let this mislead you! I was really, really pleased. I hate watching myself. I really don't like it, but I was able to watch the film, thanks to the direction, obviously, the story and the script, and especially the cast because they allowed me to kind of sit back as if I wasn't in it and really enjoy it."

The PG-rated, live-action film is based on the best-selling J.K. Rowling children's book of the same name. It was shot entirely in England with an all-British cast.

Radcliffe insists that his newfound fame hasn't changed his life that much. He still does his schoolwork and hangs out with his non-acting friends -- many of whom he described as being "obsessed" with all things Potter.

The movie opens nationwide on Friday.

(Thanks to UPI's Karen Butler in New York)

CELEBRITY COOKBOOK

Jeff Bridges, Pierce Brosnan, Bo Derek, Steve Guttenberg, Beverly Johnson and Kathy Ireland are among the celebrities who've lent their favorite recipes to an innovative new cookbook designed to raise awareness about childhood hunger in America.

"Cooking Up An End to Childhood Hunger in America" combines celeb recipes with facts about the current epidemic of childhood hunger in the United States, and tips on how readers can become involved in their community. The cookbook (Time Books, $24.95) is available online at hungerfreeamerica.org or through a special offer at mymeals.com.

"Today in the United States, 31 million people -- including 12 million children -- are hungry or nutritionally deprived," said Bridges, founder of the End Hunger Network and Campaign Chair of Hunger Free America. "But most Americans are not aware of the extent of hunger in our country. We hope this cookbook will inspire them to learn more about the problem and become part of the solution."

In all, 62 celebrities participated in the cookbook -- including Martin Sheen, Sela Ward, John Travolta, Elizabeth Hurley, Jay Leno, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, and Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen.

RICK SPRINGFIELD

Actor-turned-singer Rick Springfield has indefinitely extended his starring role in "EFX Alive," the MGM Grand's acclaimed stage production in Las Vegas. Springfield debuted in the show on Jan. 30, 2001 and was originally contracted for one year.

"Audiences from around the world have responded to Rick's energetic personality and stage presence," said Richard Sturm, President and COO of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Mirage. "We are delighted that he is staying with the show."

(Web site: mgmgrand.com)