People: Rodman says Kim Jong Un birthday game still on
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea on Thursday to meet leader Kim Jong Un and put the finishing touches on plans to bring 12 ex-NBA players to Pyongyang for a Jan. 8 exhibition game marking the leader’s birthday. Rodman said the game is on track despite the recent execution of Kim’s uncle in a dramatic political purge.
Rodman’s visit comes less than a week after North Korea announced the execution of Jang Song Thaek, an unprecedented fall from grace for one of the most powerful figures in the country. Jang’s execution sparked speculation by foreign analysts over the future of the Kim regime.
But officials in Pyongyang say Jang’s removal has not caused any instability. Rodman’s visit – should it proceed uneventfully – could be a sign that Kim is firmly in charge.
Couric bowing out of ‘Katie’
Katie Couric is calling it quits on her weekday talk show as she heads to Yahoo. Couric and Disney-ABC, which produces the syndicated “Katie” show, said Thursday it will wrap in June after this, its second season. Shuttering the show was a joint decision, both parties said.
The announcement was widely expected. Last month, Couric, 56, announced she is joining Yahoo to anchor an expansion of the Internet company’s video news initiative. She will serve as the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company’s global anchor, a role she described as a “work in progress.”
Boitano confirms he’s gay
Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano came out Thursday, two days after he was named to the U.S. delegation for Sochi along with openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow.
The 1988 gold medalist had always kept his personal life private, saying in a statement that “being gay is just one part of who I am.” But President Barack Obama’s decision to include openly gay athletes in the delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies – and not send high-ranking officials – was widely seen as a message to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians.
“First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance,” Boitano said in his statement. “As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.”
Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning “gay propaganda,” and some suggested the United States should boycott the Sochi Olympics in protest. Obama rejected that idea earlier this year, saying a stronger statement could be made by “gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze.”
The birthday bunch
Actor John Hillerman is 81. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 67. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 65. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 47. Singer David Cook (“American Idol”) is 31. Actor Jonah Hill is 30.