Shedding some crocodile tears
More than 5,000 people, including the prime minister, are expected to cram the “Crocoseum” at the Australia Zoo today to say farewell to “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.
Giant television screens have been set up in Irwin’s home state of Queensland to broadcast the service. Actor Russell Crowe reportedly will be among those paying tribute by video.
Irwin, 44, was killed Sept. 4 when a stingray barb pierced his chest while he was filming on the Great Barrier Reef. His family held a private funeral service Sept. 9.
His widow, Terri Irwin, originally from Eugene, Ore., is expected to make her first public appearance today since his death, along with their daughter, Bindi, 8, and son Bob, 2.
“There will be one seat alongside of the family for Steve because he loved the Crocoseum; he built it,” said John Stainton, Irwin’s manager and close friend.
“And his Australia Zoo cap that he always wore watching all the shows with his daughter will be on the seat.”
Mediation and Mathers
Eminem‘s second divorce from his high-school sweetheart is headed for mediation after an hourlong conference with a Michigan judge on Tuesday produced no progress.
The rapper, aka Marshall Mathers III, filed for divorce from Kimberley Mathers on April 5 – 82 days after their second wedding.
The couple had daughter Hailie in 1996, married in 1999, divorced in 2001, remarried on Jan. 14 and then quickly separated again.
Responsible rappers, take one
Sean “Diddy” Combs urged students at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin High School to work hard and stay in school.
“This is a really important time for you all right now,” said the rap icon, who called some students onstage to talk to them one-on-one about their goals.
“This is the time that is going to dictate your future. … Take responsibility for your future. No excuses!”
The school district plans to use his message as part of an anti-truancy campaign.
Responsible rappers, take two
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons says young people should focus on financial planning and credit ratings, rather than spending their money on material items.
“They don’t need to just pay attention to the bling,” he said during an appearance at Morris Brown College that also featured Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris and Paul Wall.
“Rappers spending countless money are on television. But in real life, these artists are very responsible with their money.”
Irresponsible Rachael?
On Monday’s premiere of her new daytime talk show, Food Network fave Rachael Ray prepared a salad recipe calling for arugula – but advised viewers they could substitute “any greens you like, or baby spinach.”
A spokesman later said the show was taped Sept. 7, before the E. coli scare that has led federal officials to warn consumers not to eat any uncooked spinach products.
The birthday bunch
Actress-comedian Anne Meara is 77. Actress Sophia Loren is 72. Actor Gary Cole is 50. Actress Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock From The Sun”) is 39. Singers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (Nelson) are 39.