Pappy doesn’t do propane

Atlanta He made it to the final episode of “Survivor: Marquesas,” but “Pappy” English’s recent commercials are getting criticism.

Superior Court Judge Paschal A. English Jr., a finalist on the CBS reality series, is part of an advertising campaign for Atlanta Gas Light Co. touting the benefits of natural gas instead of propane.

“Pappy doesn’t do propane,” the ads say.

The ads do not identify English as a judge, but some legal experts say judges shouldn’t do advertising at all.

English said he doesn’t care about the opinions of law professors “in their ivory towers.

“The fact that someone knows me as a judge does that preclude me from doing anything?” English said.

Poundstone loses court ruling

Santa Monica, Calif. A judge refused to change probation terms for comedian Paula Poundstone in a child abuse case.

Superior Court Judge Bernard J. Kamins denied a defense motion to modify her probation conditions, her attorney, Mark Werksman, said Friday.

“We’re trying to get this court to allow the dependency court to take over all decisions” regarding the reunification of Poundstone with her foster children, the attorney said.

Poundstone lost custody of her three adopted children after pleading no contest last year to a felony count of child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of infliction of injury on a child. The endangerment charge involved driving while drunk with children in her car.

“She wants her kids back,” Werksman said. “She’d like to have them returned to her.”

Designs on citizenship

Bridgeport, Conn. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is among the newest citizens of the United States.

The New Milford resident, who was born in Belgium, was among 72 other new citizens from 35 countries who on Friday attended a swearing-in ceremony at U.S. District Court in Bridgeport.

“She has been very successful and this is something she didn’t have to do,” said presiding Judge William Garfinkel. “The fact that she took the time to become a citizen speaks well of her.”

China lifts ban on singer

Taipei, Taiwan Taiwanese pop star Chang Hui-mei, previously banned in China, plans to kick off a world tour next month with a concert in Shanghai, Taiwanese news reports said.

The tour is Chang’s first major one in three years and comes a year after China lifted a ban on her performances, the Min Sheng Daily, a mass-circulation entertainment daily, reported Friday.

Beijing banned Chang, also known as “A-mei,” two years ago after she sang at the inauguration ceremony of Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian, who is distrusted by China’s communist leadership. China lifted the ban without explanation.

Chang’s tour will begin Aug. 3 in Shanghai and will include shows in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the United States.