Pete's Hit and Run Notes

People Magazine has named Hugh Jackman "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2008.  His co-star in the film "Australia" isn't surprised, Nicole Kidman says quote "The thing that is so appealing about him is his ability to love."  Their movie opens this week. 

Winona Ryder was hospitalized briefly in London yesterday after becoming ill on a flight from Los Angeles. Her British Airways flight requested priority landing for her.  She was released after her check up, and is apparently doing just fine. She'll be a featured actress in next Spring's Star Trek prequel.

Jennifer Garner has sworn out a restraining order against a 35-year-old mental patient who she claims has been stalking and bugging her for 6 years. He's apparently been sending her packages and letters but it's now escalated to dangerous and threatening behaviour.  A hearing in Los Angeles today will likely make the restraining order permanent.

California's highest court has agreed to hear legal challenges to the new ban on gay marriage.  It accepted three lawsuits yesterday seeking to overturn Proposition 8, the amendment passed this month with 52% of the state vote. All three cases claim the ban abridges the civil rights of a vulnerable minority group.  The fight continues.

The Ottawa Sun reports Mounties have warned every police agency in Canada about cellphone jammers after 2 Quebec cops were left with dead radios and 2 suspects on a darkened highway shoulder last month. These handheld jammers are available on ebay for about $200 and are becoming popular with people on buses wanting to silence chatty riders, also cafes , hair salons, hotels and theatre operators.

Flight controllers at Nasa had to revamp their plans yesterday for the remaining 3 spacewalks after a crucial tool bag floated off into space during a repair trip.  The bag drifted away from Heidemarie Stefanyshin-Piper Tuesday as she worked on a solar panel wing. The case somehow became untethered and is one of the largest things ever lost by an astronaut.  Wonder who gets the blame for that mistake?

Suri Cruise, the 2 year old daughter of Tom and Katie has been named by Forbes.com as "Hollywood's Hottest Tot". The second annual list ranks kids 5-and-under based on media attention and their parents' popularity. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt was number 2, then Zahara Jolie-Pitt and Pax Jolie-Pitt, and in number 5 spot was Tiger Woods daughter, Sam Alexis Woods.

Bob Hope is about to get his own postage stamp.  Mr. Hope will be honored by the U.S. Postal service next Spring at a ceremony on New York's Ellis Island, the entry spot through which he came to America from Britain when he was a tot. He became one of the most beloved comedians and entertainers in the world. He died in July of 2003.

Snow clearing here in Hamilton might happen a little more slowly this winter.  Reduced service for snow clearing, water main breaks and traffic lights might occur if the city doesn't contract out or reach a union agreement on overtime. The union refuses to sign an agreement on an overtime cap and says it's not really needed.

Nicole Kidman is the latest Hollywood star to hint she may take a break from her acting career. She says she's in a place where she's had some great opportunities and may choose to have some more children. She adds that although she doesn't know what her future holds, she's very much at peace with where she wants to be.

Starting Monday, part of Kenilworth Avenue here in Hamilton will be close for watermain upgrades and fixups on the railway tracks. The section to be closed is between Dofasco Road and Beach Road and they're hoping to reopen the road 19 December.  Changes to bus routes will be posted on all affected bus stops.

Heather Locklear has been charged with the misdemeanor offense of driving under the influence of a prescription medication in connection with her DUI arrest back in September. She was spotted parked on a highway partially blocking a lane on a state highway in Montecito. Heather had gone through treatment earlier this year for anxiety and depression.