Guitarist treated after reportedly falling out of tree

Sydney, Australia – Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has been hospitalized for treatment of a mild concussion he suffered while vacationing in Fiji, reportedly when he fell out of a palm tree.

The 62-year-old rocker was injured early in the week and flew to New Zealand for treatment, band spokeswoman Fran Curtis said in a statement Saturday.

The statement did not elaborate on Richards’ condition or explain how he was injured.

But media reports in Australia and New Zealand said Richards hurt his head when he fell out of a palm tree at an exclusive Fiji resort.

The Fijilive.com news Web site said the accident was believed to have happened at Fiji’s exclusive Wakaya Club resort. Resort employee Salesi Finau told The Associated Press that Richards and his wife recently stayed at the resort for about a week but would not say when they left or comment on reports of Richards’ accident.

Pickler not surprised by ‘American Idol’ cast off

Charlotte, N.C. – Kellie Pickler isn’t surprised she was voted off “American Idol” this week.

The 19-year-old waitress from Albemarle says she did feel stung by people making fun of her accent, her malaprops and her inexperience.

But, Pickler says, her time on the hugely popular TV show transformed her life.

She attributes the transformation to her wrenching decision to lay out the painful details of her life, which include a runaway mom and a father in prison.

Pickler says she’s no longer ashamed of her life. She’s looking forward to her father’s release from prison Monday and she’s forgiven her mother.

Half of Phish playing at fundraiser for lawmaker

Montpelier, Vt. – Half of the jam band Phish plan a Vermont-style reunion for a political cause: Rep. Bernie Sanders’ bid for the Senate.

Bassist Mike Gordon will team with Phish drummer Jon Fishman, singer Grace Potter and other Vermont musicians on June 2 at a benefit for Sanders, an independent looking to succeed retiring Sen. James Jeffords.

A Sanders move from the House to the Senate “would give him even more of a chance to shake things up that need to be shaken up,” Gordon said.

Gordon said he was never politically active but changed his mind when he was invited to a Sanders fundraiser a few months ago.

“I was floored, just being reminded of how much integrity he has and how much he seems to represent the people … rather than only for rich corporations and ultraconservatives who seem to be running” the country, Gordon said.

‘Lost’ actress Rodriguez released from Hawaii jail

Honolulu – “Lost” actress Michelle Rodriguez left jail Friday after serving a sentence for drunken driving.

Rodriguez was sentenced to five days in jail and fined $500 after she pleaded guilty Tuesday. She entered the Oahu Community Correctional Center later that day.

Rodriguez, who was credited for one day served because of time spent in custody after her arrest last year, was released after serving about 65 hours.

OCCC Warden Nolan Espinda said inmates receive full credit for any portion of a day served.

It was an uneventful stay for Rodriguez, who lived in a dorm with 60 other female inmates, Espinda said. She could read and watch TV, and she had to keep her area clean, he said.

No media were present when Rodriguez was released.

Rodriguez, 27, who portrays police officer Ana Lucia on the ABC drama, chose the jail time and fine rather than perform 240 hours of community service.