People

'POTTER' PEOPLE MAY TAP SIR IAN FOR NEXT FILM

There are indications that Sir Ian McKellen may be ready to join the cast of the "Harry Potter" series. He's been best known recently for his portrayal of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Now, in England, the ITV network is reporting that the actor may take over the role started by the late actor Richard Harris, Professor Albus Dumbledore, in the third Harry Potter movie. The film will be called "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Additionally, there are reports in people.com that Warner Bros. has been trying to find a suitable replacement for Harris -- who died several months ago from complications of Hodgkin's disease. Filming of the third Potter film is scheduled to begin sometime in March. Before becoming a major film star, McKellen was best known for his many classical roles and Shakespearian portrayals on the legitimate stage.

KING AND QUEEN OF COUNTRY TOP CHARTS

This has been quite a year for country music, sales-wise. Not only have country stars dominated the country charts (what else?), but many top country acts have hit the top of the "cross-over" mainstream Billboard charts. The music-tracing company says Shania Twain and George Strait continue to rule the top of the charts in both categories. Twain's "Up!" CD has spent its fifth consecutive week at the top of the Billboard 200 charts. Sales of the compilation were up more than 20 percent over the holidays. Meanwhile, Strait's latest project, "Leave You With a Smile," is at the top of the Billboard Hot Country charts. Additionally, Twain is in the top ranks of the country world. Her "Up!" CD is a unique one, featuring two separate disks, one with the songs done in country style, the other in contemporary style. By the way, during a time when the total record industry saw a bad sales year (down by 9 percent), country music sales were up 11 percent. And, if you need more proof that we are all getting older and society is changing, the best-selling album during the past year was not recorded by Bing or Elvis or Tony or Ella, Roy, Dolly or George Shearing, Andy Williams or any other of that ilk. The No. 1 best-selling album was put out by Eminem. More than 73 million "music" fans think he's keen, neat and the big spiff.

GENETICISTS PREPARE 'BO PEEP' FOR DOLLY

First a test-tube baby is born in Britain, then the United Kingdom gets a cloned sheep, Dolly. Now, according to CNN, a baby girl is alleged to be the first human clone. And this could be the week that the baby gets to go home. The company that claims the breakthrough is called Clonaid. It has given out little information about just where "Baby Eve" will be headed. The circumstances and the parents are largely being kept close to the vest. The company says, though, that it will soon give out all the information concerning what some skeptics say is an impossible technical feat. We do know that the mother of the baby is American and in her early 30s. In order to substantiate the claim that the baby is a clone of her mother, scientists will take DNA information for matching tests. After the samples prove positive -- if that happens -- the company promises a full disclosure. The initial announcement was made in Hollywood, Fla., prompting one geneticist working closer to "mainstream" research to say that "Hollywood" was great place for that kind of announcement. The Clonaid company was set up by a religious sect that also believes that Earth was created by beings from outer space who knew the secrets of genetic engineering.

DON'T ASK BILL AND KEN TO THE SAME PARTY

It's amazing, former President Bill Clinton and Kenneth Starr still haven't crossed paths. But it would seem that they are bound to run into each other eventually. Because each has such a hectic personal life, some day, some time the two are likely to find themselves facing each other at a cocktail party. Recently, Starr and Clinton were both invited to a party to pay tribute to the new police chief of Los Angeles, Bill Bratton. But, according to Avenue magazine, though both had invitations, neither attended. It was, of course, Starr's accusations that triggered impeachment proceedings against Clinton.

DON'T MENTION 2002 TO CARDINAL EGAN

This past year was the not the best for Cardinal Edward Egan of New York City ... and he's the first to admit it. According to columnist Richard Johnson, "even distinguished clergymen have to blow off steam" from time to time. Recently Egan "went to confession," confiding in author Mary Higgins Clark that the past 12 months were a "terrible year." Clark, according to the report, relayed the comment to a New York City talk show. She noted that she had been sitting next to the prelate at a charity event. He reportedly confided in the author that he's now 70 and thinks that 2002 was a miserable year ... by a thousand fold.

DON'T TRY TO STOP 'HIGH GEAR' BRITNEY

It must be nice to be young and on the run; at least it would appear that Britney Spears feels that way. The New York Post says that the tummy-showing singer has been burning the candle at both ends in recent weeks, flitting from party to party and nightspot to nightspot. The publication says that the partying didn't really start when the holidays did. By accounts, Spears has been "out and about" for the past half year. During that time she made very few appearances at her Manhattan eatery Nyla, the one that's recently changed the menu ... leaving the original Cajun cuisine behind (it didn't sell) for more traditional American fare (Italian food). Meanwhile, all questions about her wanderings and accompanying fights and melees have fallen on deaf ears at her publicist's office.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 491

Today we're asking a different kind of question. It's being asked today, but you can't send in the answer until Wednesday. So, here goes: "How did your New Year's go compared to the plans you had earlier in the week?" Put EVE in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 486 (PROMISE)

Last week we asked about some of your New Year's resolutions. From our first random dip in to the inbox here are some of your responses: ColinK says that he wants to get out of debt and will try again to put some of his paycheck into a savings account, starting next week. Colin, you're not alone. Several others, including MrPups, suggested that. AmandaBlake says that she knows she's not alone in this, but wants to lose weight during 2003. Pryr tells us that he is determined to get his car running again ... and soon. AlecC says that just getting through 2003 in one piece is his resolution. TOMORROW: More "promises" for the coming year.

SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS HONOREE

On this the Sixth Day of Christmas we continue to honor the unsung heroes you have sent in to us. Today we're remembering yet another teacher and mentor. AllisonR in Sacramento says that she still has fond memories of a high school teacher who went out of her way to help. "I was not a very cute or popular kid," she writes, "but I did have one thing going for me. I could dance. Mrs. R recognized that. At the time there was no instruction in dance in my school and the nearest academy was half an hour away. After getting permission from my parents, she took me across town twice a week for lessons. She never missed a trip and neither did I. Finally, after graduation, I moved to San Francisco and lived out my dreams. I was never a great dancer, but every Christmas, when it's 'Nutcracker' time again, I think of Mrs. R, the long trips across town, and the boost she gave to my life. It all became even more poignant when, in her later years, my mother confided in me that Mrs. R had also paid for the lessons. Funny how many unknown benefactors there are out there. GBA.