A native son’s lament

New York – Legendary bluesman Dr. John, one of New Orleans’ most iconic natives, has reiterated his love for the Louisiana city and urged people to donate to relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“If anybody in the government would’ve done something about the disappearing wetlands for the past 50 years, then this probably wouldn’t have been as bad,” the boogie-woogie pianist said in a recent statement.

“It makes me think of what my friend Rev. Goat just told me, ‘Let me say this before it goes any further, New Orleans didn’t die of natural causes, she was murdered.”‘

The 64-year-old musician, whose real name is Malcolm Rebennack, was born and raised in New Orleans. His unique combination of R&B, blues and rock ‘n’ roll – which he dubbed “voodoo” music – has long been emblematic of the diverse, hodgepodge city.

Lewinsky to study in London

London – Monica Lewinsky has been accepted for a one-year master’s degree course in London, the London School of Economic and Political Science confirmed Wednesday.

Lewinsky, 32, a former White House intern whose affair with President Clinton nearly brought down his presidency, will be working on a degree in social psychology, a school spokeswoman said. She spoke on condition of anonymity, in line with the school’s policy.

Classes will begin the first week of October.

Photographer cited for assault at park

Anaheim, Calif. – A photographer who tried to snap Reese Witherspoon at the California Adventure theme park was cited for allegedly assaulting two employees, police said.

Todd Wallace, 44, of Beverly Hills, was cited for misdemeanor assault and battery Friday and probably will appear in court next month, Sgt. Rick Martinez said.

Wallace was photographing Witherspoon from a distance and then moved in on a group that included the actress and some children, Martinez said.

“It did not become an issue until he got close to the group and became aggressive, frightening members of the party,” the sergeant said.

An employee accompanying the group tried to get them away from the photographer but Wallace “pushed her with his entire body, not just once but numerous times,” Martinez said.

Wallace also allegedly assaulted a second employee, Martinez said. He was cited and released.

Celebrities on ice

New York – Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton will host Fox’s “Skating With Celebrities,” which will pair six personalities with six professional figure skaters.

“No doubt there will be plenty of falls, bruises and scary moments,” Mike Darnell, Fox’s executive vice president of alternative programming, said in a statement Tuesday.

“This competition will require our celebrity skaters to not only demonstrate rhythm, but also athleticism, grace and balance … on ice, and before a team of unforgiving judges with both Olympic and world championship experience,” Darnell said.

Dave Coulier, Bruce Jenner, Todd Bridges, Kristy Swanson, Deborah Gibson and Jillian Barberie with be paired with skating stars including Nancy Kerrigan, Tai Babilonia and Kurt Browning for the six-episode competition.

Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill will be among the judges.

Fox didn’t announce when the show will premiere.

Teen singer named GQ’s woman of year

London – Welsh teenager Charlotte Church, who has transformed herself from child opera prodigy to pop star, has been named GQ magazine’s woman of the year.

GQ hailed the 19-year-old as a role model and praised Church for her efforts to take her voice, dubbed by critics as angelic, into a harder, more rock-star style.

“Charlotte Church is our woman of the year simply because she is larger than life. She is a great singer, a tabloid giant and enjoys life to the full,” said GQ editor Dylan Jones.

After four albums of classical music and opera, Church released her first pop recording, “Tissues and Issues,” this year.

Rapper Jay-Z was named international man of the year.

Pierce Brosnan picked up the editor’s special award. The lifetime achievement award went to Bryan Ferry, of Roxy Music, and the outstanding contribution award went to Bob Geldof.

Rod Stewart must pay for canceled Vegas show

Las Vegas – A federal jury decided Wednesday that Rod Stewart should pay a Las Vegas casino $2 million plus interest for a canceled show in December 2000.

The seven-member jury found unanimously that Stewart should not have kept an advance he was paid for the show at the Rio Hotel Casino.

The 60-year-old Stewart, who was not in U.S. District Court when the verdict was reached, had said he was unable to perform because of throat surgery several months earlier.

One of his attorneys, Kerry Garvis Wright, said the rock star will appeal.