Schwarzenegger, Shriver separate
LOS ANGELES — It was a storybook marriage in 1986 on a spring weekend on Cape Cod that united a princess of an American political dynasty, Maria Shriver, and the gap-toothed muscle-clad movie star famous enough to be known by one name, Arnold.
In many ways, it was a pairing of opposites: Her uncle was a U.S. president; his father was an Austrian policeman. She was the rising star of a network TV news show; he was the pot-puffing star of Pumping Iron. He was a Republican with a soft spot for Richard Nixon; her family was a pillar in the nation’s Democratic establishment.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced their separation late Monday, cleaving a sometimes-turbulent 25-year relationship after “a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us,” the couple said in a joint statement.
The breakup comes about four months after Schwarzenegger ended a bumpy, two-term run as California governor, a job his wife never wanted him to pursue. Since then, Schwarzenegger, 63, has been fashioning a role as an international advocate for green energy, giving speeches and lining up work in Hollywood. Shriver, 55, has guested-edited an edition of Oprah Winfrey’s magazine but also talked about the stress of changing roles after serving as California’s first lady.
‘South Park’ mocks royal wedding
TORONTO — Canada gets to celebrate an over-the-top royal wedding of its own this week, thanks to “South Park.”
The foul-mouthed animated series spoofs the nuptials of Will and Kate on Wednesday with a special episode all about a Canuck royal union.
This mock ceremony features “the prince of Canada,” who is “aboot” to wed a princess in a televised wedding watched by “literally thousands.”
But just before the big event, the bride is abducted, sending waves of panic across the continent.
Kyle’s adopted younger brother Ike, who is Canadian, makes a valiant attempt to rescue the bride.
The episode airs today on the Comedy Network and repeats Friday.
Winfrey plans Frey interview
CHICAGO — Oprah Winfrey’s interview with author James Frey will stretch over two episodes during the final full week of her talk show.
The shows will air May 16 and 17, more than five years after Winfrey accused Frey on live television of lying in one of his books. During a short promotional clip on Tuesday’s episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show an announcer deemed it “the biggest controversy in Oprah show history.”
Winfrey chose Frey’s substance abuse story A Million Little Pieces, for her book club in September 2005, making it a million-seller.
Frey subsequently acknowledged on Winfrey’s show in January 2006 that he had lied in the book. Winfrey told him she felt duped and that he had betrayed millions of readers.
Winfrey’s show ends May 25 after 25 years.
Lady Gaga to debut songs on FarmVille
LOS ANGELES — Lady Gaga is turning to an unusual method to expand her fan base: The pop icon is releasing songs from her new album on a section of online game FarmVille.
The singer, known for her outrageous styles and hits such as Poker Face and Bad Romance, will allow singles from Born This Way to be heard within a neighbouring farm called “GagaVille.”
Players have to complete tasks to hear one new track per day from May 17 to 19. The album is due to be released on May 23.
