Seal of disapproval

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Pamela Anderson is renewing calls for her homeland to end its East Coast seal hunt.

Anderson, a native of British Columbia, said Saturday that she was disappointed Prime Minister Stephen Harper had refused her request for a meeting after Canada’s annual Juno music awards shows on Sunday, which she was invited to host.

The refusal prompted the former “Baywatch” star to write Harper a letter warning that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals would escalate its efforts if Canada does not stop the annual seal harvest.

This year’s seal hunt, which began last weekend in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, has attracted several celebrity opponents, including former Beatle Paul McCartney and French actress Brigitte Bardot.

The Canadian government and fishing communities insist they need the winter income. The slaughter of 320,000 seals last season brought in $14.5 million.

‘Apprentice’ contestant owns up to DUIs

Fort Washington, Pa. – Raj Bhakta, the aspiring apprentice turned aspiring politician, acknowledges that he has been arrested twice on drunken driving charges.

Bhakta, who was fired by Donald Trump during the second season of the NBC reality show “The Apprentice,” is the Republican challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz for a seat representing suburban Philadelphia.

Bhakta on Friday confirmed the authenticity of a June 1997 arrest report posted on “The Smoking Gun” Web site. He also disclosed that he had a second such arrest in Colorado.

The 1997 report said Bhakta was arrested in Brookline, Mass., after an officer stopped him for having no license plate. He agreed to undergo an alcohol-education program and pay a $35 fine, according to Smoking Gun.

The second arrest occurred in 2004 when Bhakta lived in Vail, Colo. Bhakta would not discuss details but said the case was dismissed.

Bhakta, 30, said he was ashamed of his “irresponsible” actions.

“Politicians today need to come clean,” Bhakta said. “I ask for the forgiveness and understanding of the voters, while giving them my solemn pledge that this behavior will not happen again.”

Fats Domino skips hall of fame ceremony

Ferriday, La. – Antoine “Fats” Domino didn’t attend his induction into the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame, but he said he was deeply touched by the honor.

“I have received many honors in my lifetime, however none touch my heart as much as being recognized by the people of my home state, Louisiana,” the musician known for “Blueberry Hill” and “Ain’t That a Shame” wrote in a letter. He was inducted Saturday.

Family friend Cleo Banquer delivered the letter, saying Domino, 78, didn’t feel up to the 150-mile trip to Ferriday from Harvey, outside New Orleans, where he is living after riding out Hurricane Katrina in the devastated Ninth Ward.

“Hurricane Katrina led a path of destruction through my home,” Domino wrote. “However, she would not destroy my faith in God and my love of music and my fans.”

Domino still plans to perform at the Jazz & Heritage Festival in May in New Orleans, Banquer said.