Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Elton John recovers for fundraiser

New York -- Elton John says he's back on his feet after being sidelined for the flu and an E. coli bacterial infection.

The entertainer spoke about his recovery before Monday's annual benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which honored former President Clinton and Sharon Stone among others.

"The worst thing about being in the hospital was that, actually, it's the first time I've been in bed for about nine days in the whole of my life, except for maybe when I had my tonsils out," he said. "So, I was all right. I had a good rest; I didn't expect it. The worst thing was having to cancel shows. I hate that. But I'm back on my feet, and I'm bouncing around now."

The event, titled "An Enduring Vision," honored Clinton, Evelyn and Leonard Lauder, Lily Safra and Stone.

Stone called John "a legendary performer and ... spectacular person."

"[He's] not always easy because he's true and honest, and he really is passionate, and he really does care," she said. "There isn't any time that I wouldn't show up for him. He's the real thing."

The Elton John AIDS Foundation in part aims to fund innovative HIV prevention programs and to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.

Polanski decision to come

Bellinzona, Switzerland Switzerland's highest criminal court is expected to decide in two or three weeks whether to release film director Roman Polanski on bail pending a decision on his extradition to the United States, a court official said Tuesday.

U.S. authorities want Polanski to face justice in California for a sex case 32 years ago.

This is the Polish-French director's second attempt to overturn a Swiss Justice Ministry decision to deny him bail. In its first ruling, the court agreed with the ministry that there was a risk Polanski would flee the country and that he had offered insufficient guarantees.

Money man sues Cage

Los Angeles Nicolas Cage is being sued by his former business manager, who claims lavish spending, not his advice, is to blame for the actor's financial problems.

Samuel J. Levin filed a countersuit in Beverly Hills on Nov. 12, less than a month after the "National Treasure" star filed a $20 million lawsuit against Levin for fraud and claimed he had led him toward financial ruin.

Levin's suit says he tried to warn Cage when he was hired in 2001 that Cage was outspending even his large Hollywood paychecks. He is seeking a declaration that he acted properly, didn't excessively charge Cage for his services and is owed $129,000 for work he did after he was fired in 2008.

Seacrest stalker banned

Los Angeles A judge has granted a civil restraining order against a man accused of stalking Ryan Seacrest.

The order issued Tuesday requires Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr. to stay 100 yards away from the radio and television personality. A criminal court judge granted a similar order against Uzomah earlier this month.

TV's Ober dies at 52

Los Angeles Ken Ober, who hosted the 1980s MTV game show "Remote Control" and helped produce the shows "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine," has died. He was 52.

His agent, Lee Kernis, says Ober was found dead Sunday in his Santa Monica home. Kernis says Ober complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms on Saturday night, but the cause of his death wasn't clear.

Birthdays today

Actress Linda Evans, 67

Comedian Kevin Nealon, 56

Singer Kim Wilde, 49

Actress Elizabeth Perkins, 49

Guitarist Kirk Hammett, 47

Actor Owen Wilson, 41

Singer Duncan Sheik, 40

Actress Peta Wilson, 39

Actress Chloe Sevigny, 35