Letterman plans return

New York — David Letterman will return Monday to the Ed Sullivan Theater as host of the “Late Show” now that he’s recovered from an eye infection caused by shingles, CBS said.

The condition is a viral infection of the nerve roots that typically results in pain and rash. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Letterman, whose late-night talk show has featured a series of guest hosts since Feb. 26, will welcome comedian Billy Crystal and 18-year-old world whistling champion Michael Barimo as his guests Monday.

He will appear in all of the week’s episodes, CBS said Friday.

Vaughn gets birthday punch

West Hollywood, Calif. — Vince Vaughn got a bloody nose for his 33rd birthday outside a hotel lounge where he was celebrating.

Vaughn’s assailant fled after the incident early Friday, said Sgt. Robert Lewis of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

A witness told authorities someone approached Vaughn, who has costarred in “The Cell,” “Swingers” and “Return to Paradise,” outside The Standard hotel. The suspect spoke first, and Vaughn responded. Police did not say what was said.

“The suspect took offense to him and hit him,” Lewis said.

Vaughn’s nose was bloodied, said his publicist, Ina Teciokas.

“Vince never threw a punch,” Teciokas said. “He was just standing outside and got punched.”

Brown donates tickets to troops

Houston — Soul superstar James Brown donated 400 tickets to military personnel for his concert in Houston.

Brown, 69, said the free tickets for Saturday night’s concert were intended to give a boost to military workers as the U.S.-led war with Iraq continues.

“I grew up as a poor boy and was able to rise up and be an entertainer and help others,” Brown said through a spokeswoman Friday. “I wanted to do what I could do to help our nation in this time of need.”

Backed by the Soul Generals, Brown launched his tour Dec. 27, marking performances with his signature songs, including “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)” and “Make it Funky.”

Ross will share pain in book

New York — Diana Ross is writing a memoir that will offer “a tough look at the recent heartaches in her life,” including her drunken driving arrest, the breakup of her marriage and her disastrous Supremes reunion tour.

“Upside Down: Wrong Turns, Right Turns and the Road Ahead” is scheduled for release this spring from ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

“What readers will discover in this moving memoir is that no one is immune from the pain of loneliness, abandonment, divorce and all of the losses and challenges we each face in our lives,” ReganBooks publisher Judith Regan said in a statement Friday.