People: Madonna dismissed from NYC jury duty
Madonna has spent a little time living in the judicial world.
The pop superstar turned up for jury duty Monday at a Manhattan state courthouse, quickly getting dismissed.
She had gotten excused from a jury service date in May. This time, she was finished within two hours and wasn’t questioned for any case, spending the wait in a clerk’s office instead of in the sprawling juror waiting room.
New York state court system spokesman David Bookstaver said officials cut Madonna loose because there were plenty of prospective jurors for the summer day’s needs, and they didn’t want her presence to create a distraction in the jury selection process.
“The greater good here is that her appearance really goes to show that everyone gets called,” Bookstaver said. “The intent here was not to create a distraction to other jurors or the business of the court.”
Madonna’s spokeswoman said only that the singer did her service.
Pink Floyd releasing new album
A fresh Pink Floyd album is on the way – 20 years after the band last released new material.
Spokesman Doug Wright confirmed Monday that “The Endless River” will be released in October. It’s described as consisting of “mainly ambient and instrumental music” based on 1993-94 recording sessions for the group’s last album, “The Division Bell.”
“The Endless River” features band members David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright, who died in 2008. Roger Waters, who left the group in 1985, is not involved.
Gilmour’s wife, writer Polly Samson, tweeted that the album “is Rick Wright’s swansong and very beautiful.”
The psychedelic superstars last performed together at the 2005 Live 8 charity concert.
Palin’s outdoorsmen show renewed
Sarah Palin is getting another term on television.
The Sportsman Channel said Monday that Palin’s series, “Amazing America,” is being renewed for a second season that will start early next year.
On the series, the former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska ex-governor profiles outdoor enthusiasts and craftsmen. The show aired Thursday nights and finished its first season May 29.
The small network could not say exactly how many people watched Palin. But the Sportsman Channel is now available in more homes than when “Amazing America” started and network executives said they believe the high-profile show helped persuade more carriers to offer it.
The birthday bunch
Singer Steve Lawrence is 79. Actor Jeffrey Tambor is 70. Actress Kim Darby is 67. Children’s singer Raffi is 66. Actress Anjelica Huston is 63. Actor Kevin Bacon is 56. Country singer Toby Keith is 53. Singer Joan Osborne is 52. Actor Billy Crudup is 46. Singer Beck is 44. Actor Milo Ventimiglia is 37. Actress Sophia Bush is 32. Actor Jaden Smith is 16.