Cuba mission
Harry Belafonte, who supports improved U.S. relations with Cuba, performed a benefit concert Monday for the nonprofit Center for Cuban Studies.
"We want to celebrate Cuban culture, especially the music of Cuba, with this concert," Belafonte said. "It is such a major part of the cultural heritage of the Americas, and it would be very difficult to find a nation more committed to the development of the culture of its people, than what I have witnessed in Cuba."
Danny Glover played host for the event at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
Balancing act
Yoga is more than a form of exercise for supermodel Christy Turlington. The discipline is a lifestyle because wellness and balance are needed in all aspects of daily life, says Turlington, who's practiced yoga for about 13 years.
"Yoga dictates the way I eat, the way I get a lot of sleep and drink a lot of water," Turlington said.
Turlington, with partners Ayla Hussain and Cavan Mahoney, has created a line of cosmetics called Sundari, based on the ancient principles of ayurveda that focus on balancing the mind, body and spirit.
Power play
Clint Eastwood wants Gov. Gray Davis to make his day by promoting solar energy as the answer to California's power crisis.
Eastwood's Tehama Golf and Country Club in Carmel has 242 photovoltaic panels powering everything from the clubhouse to the golf carts. The system produces 32 kilowatt a day, and Eastwood sends thousands of surplus kilowatt hours to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. each year, but so far he's never received financial credit.
A bill working its way through the Legislature would change that, giving schools, nonprofit organizations and businesses credit for the wind and solar energy they have added to the state's power grid.
The state Assembly voted 75-1 Thursday to pass the bill. The Senate is expected to pass similar legislation in a few weeks.
Performance gets thumbs-down
Attorney Edward L. Masry, the real-life lawyer portrayed in the film "Erin Brockovich," is receiving less than rave reviews on the Thousand Oaks, Calif., city council.
Masry, 68, won his seat in November, helped along by recognition from the film. Albert Finney portrayed Masry as a compassionate plaintiffs' attorney.
Julia Roberts won the best-actress Oscar for her portrayal of Masry's assistant, Lawrence native Erin Brockovich, at Sunday night's Academy Awards.
On the council, Masry is known for diatribes against city employees and for making motions on items not on the agenda.
"He's a disaster," said Alex Fiore, a former councilman. "Frankly, I think he should resign."
Masry makes no apologies. "If people don't like what I'm saying, I really don't care," he said. "I'm telling it as I see it and if I'm making misstatements of fact, vote me out. I'll sign the recall petition."
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