Moore, Kutcher and array of celebrities commit themselves to service
Before a crowd of hundreds of activists, educators and politicos at a Washington high school Monday, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher unveiled a Web video directed by Moore called The Presidential Pledge, in which an array of celebrities make service commitments ranging from using fewer plastic bottles to, as Kutcher stated, "always representing my country with pride and dignity."
The video, Variety reported, which also debuted on MySpace on Monday, also features Laura Linney, Cameron Diaz and Jason Bateman.
One purpose of the video is to tap into the extensive involvement of entertainment figures in the candidacy of President Barack Obama, Moore said.
In lining up celebrities, "We were greeted by a chorus of courage," Kutcher told the crowd, "because when you make a pledge, you are making a promise. You are holding yourselves accountable."
Sundance pauses
Many attending the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, rose early to watch the presidential inauguration, a moment many in the film world had awaited or worked toward for up to two years.
At producer Jeff Dowd's breakfast at The Spur on Main Street, indie mainstays such as producers Jonathan Dana, Sam Kitt, Ron Yerxa, Albert Berger and Robbie Little filled the room.
The mood was joyful and respectful, as the crowd of about 75 people watched the inaugural ceremony on a big screen as well as various smaller screens around the bar.
It was hard to find a dry eye in the house throughout the breakfast. Big cheers came after the president and vice president took their oaths of office. The president's speech, especially its references to the environment, drew raucous applause.
Cross' husband's ill
A representative for Marcia Cross says the husband of the Desperate Housewives star, stockbroker Tom Mahoney, has been diagnosed with cancer and is responding well to treatment.
Publicist Heidi Slan didn't provide further details yesterday.
Cross and Mahoney were married in June 2006. They have 23-month-old twin daughters, Eden and Savannah.
The 46-year-old Cross portrays Bree on the ABC show.
A boy for Messina
Country singer Jo Dee Messina and her husband have announced the birth of their first child.
Craig Campbell, the singer's spokesman, says Noah Roger Deffenbaugh.
was born Monday afternoon at a Nashville, Tenn.-area hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces.
Messina, 38, and Chris Deffenbaugh were married in October 2007.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS
Golfer Jack Nicklaus, 69.
Opera singer Placido Domingo, 68.
Singer Richie Havens, 68.
Actress Jill Eikenberry, 62.
Actress Geena Davis, 53.
Rhythm-and-blues singer Nokio, 30.