Not a Good Thing

Martha Stewart’s driver was arrested for undisclosed reasons, and Stewart flipped out because he is Egyptian. Paula Abdul whines and moans a lot on her upcoming Bravo reality show, but it’s good TV. Actors from the Lord of the Rings trilogy are suing New Line, claiming the studio owes them a cut of merchandising revenue. Jean-Georges Vongerichten is set to open an authentic Japanese eatery where 66 used to be in Tribeca. HBO co-president of programming Richard Plepler, ICM agent Esther Newberg, and Lorne Michaels all back Chris Dodd for president. Barbra Streisand may star in a one-woman show on Broadway after her European tour.

Actor Peter Mele auditioned many times for a role in The Sopranos and finally landed one in the final episode. Josh Hartnett is a ladies’ man. Adam Brody is hooking up with Hostel: Part II star Lauren German. New Miss USA Rachel Smith defended former Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo for those Lindsay Lohan knife photos. Ralph Lauren sponsored a D-Day–style press junket for the launch of his new fragrance. Dave Chappelle is performing semi-regularly at the Laugh Factory in L.A. and is still funny. Nick Cannon is D.J.-ing at Dune in the Hamptons tonight. Richie Sambora is in rehab. Rosie O’Donnell’s wife, Kelli, attended a bar mitzvah at the Trump National Golf Club in Westchester. Cindy Adams spent some time in the back of a cop car.