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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 27 > Entry
Day honoring pork a natural for the Capitol
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just when we didn’t think it possible to shove any more pork under the Gold Dome came word Tuesday that Gov. Sonny Perdue had proclaimed it HoneyBaked Ham Day in the state.
The Georgia division of the company that makes the holiday staple (celebrating its 50th anniversary) has headquarters in Norcross. The resolution was introduced in the Legislature by Rep. Tom Rice (R-Norcross).
“Receiving this honor from the governor in recognition of our 50 years in service is something everyone can share with pride,” said Linda van Rees, chairman of the HoneyBaked Ham Co. of Georgia.
So did the ever-diet-conscious guv partake of the spiral-sliced glazed goodness?
“No, he didn’t,” HoneyBaked rep Zaneta Hubbard told Buzz. “But he got to keep the ham, and we gave him one for his staff.”
A SCENIC GARDEN
Succumbing to sensory overload was something to actively guard against while covering Elton John’s 60th birthday concert Sunday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Rubbernecking for celebrities and attempting to comprehend the layout of the hulking arena were sizable chores — as was charting the singer’s career-spanning, 34-song set list. Fans who plunked down $20 for the official concert program (all proceeds went to the Elton John AIDS Foundation) got a sneak peek of the 3 1/2-hour event via a list inside. (We even snagged a copy of Sir Elton’s final list, taped near his keyboard onstage.)
In the program were full-page birthday wishes sent along by celeb friends, including U2, Kevin Spacey, Tim Rice, the Pet Shop Boys, George Michael, Billie Jean King, Cliff Richard, Kate Bush, Lenny Kravitz, Andy Roddick and even Mikhail Gorbachev.
VIEW FROM THE SEATS
From our vantage point in Madison Square Garden’s Section 76, we were neighbors with “24” star Kiefer Sutherland, who arrived inconspicuously in an Iron Workers Union Local No. 1 Chicago jacket. Perhaps he was a little too inconspicuous. After the actor ducked out temporarily (a smoke break, we theorized), he had difficulty getting back in. Yes, a Garden usher, nattily dressed in a maroon uniform, completely jacked with TV’s Jack Bauer when Sutherland couldn’t come up with his all-access laminate. So did Sutherland throw the guy over the railing to his certain death below? Did he whip out a gun and shoot the offending official in the kneecaps?
Nope.
He actually started searching his pockets for his pass. Another member of the security team intervened and informed his co-worker that Sutherland did not pose a threat to national security.
The evening’s oddest celebrity sighting came as we were trying to exit the arena early Monday morning. We found ourselves standing next to “To Sir With Love” British pop star Lulu. Sir Elton’s pal and “American Idol” coach was also waiting for the backstage elevator. Taking a cheerful stab at small talk, the adorable petite singer said to the complete strangers surrounding her: “It was a great night, huh?”
DENIED VISA, DOGG, DIDDY DITCH UK GIGS
Rapper Snoop Dogg and his Atlanta restaurateur pal Sean “Diddy” Combs have been forced to scrap a tour of Britain after authorities denied Dogg a visa, according to a statement Tuesday.
The duo, currently on a European tour, had been expected to play five dates in Britain.
“With late notice of Snoop being denied a visa, time has run out, and it is too late to reconfigure the show,” the statement said.
British Home Office rules state that foreign citizens can be barred from entering the country if there are concerns about their presence.
In April 2006, Dogg and five other men were arrested on charges of violent disorder and starting a brawl after they were denied entry to British Airways’ first-class lounge at Heathrow Airport in London.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Ken Howard is 63. Actress Dianne Wiest is 59. Country singer Reba McEntire is 52. Actor Vince Vaughn is 37. Rapper Mr. Cheeks of Lost Boyz is 36. Actress Julia Stiles is 26.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Elton John celebrated his 60th birthday by playing his 60th concert at Madison Square Garden. And then, he beat the Knicks 102 to 94.” — David Letterman, commenting either on the stamina of Sir Elton or the current state of New York’s NBA franchise in his monologue Monday night on “Late Show With David Letterman”
OVERSCENE
Janet Jackson, having difficulty going undetected with an entourage of 20 and a parade of Escalades at Atlantic Station. The pop star/part-time Atlantan and friends dined on sushi and cocktails among the other folks at Strip before heading upstairs to the rooftop VIP section. We’re told that Miss Jackson, “looking beautiful and slim in a curve-hugging print dress,” was also spotted at PJ’s Coffee and Lounge at the Atlanta shopping and dining destination.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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