Affleck avoids ‘f' word in reference to J-Lo

 “Classy” choice of words, Ben.

Accepting an award from the liberal People for the American Way Foundation, Ben Affleck didn't use the f-word — as in fiancée — when referring to Jennifer Lopez. “I only accept it in the hopes that the absurd amounts of publicity that I received lately, that as far as I can tell is chiefly because I have a pretty girlfriend, that's what I did, I am a champion of the American way with a pretty girlfriend — bring it on, paparazzi, news at 11 — in the hopes that some of that publicity might be pointed at something more significant, something more positive, productive and meaningful,” Affleck said, according to an Associated Press Television News tape. The actor made the remarks while accepting a Spirit of Liberty Award Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Lopez and Affleck, whose recent film “Gigli” bombed after abysmal reviews, had planned to marry Sept. 14 before abruptly calling off the wedding. It would have been the third marriage for Lopez, 33, and the first for Affleck, 31. Since then, media scrutiny has intensified, with everyone wondering, will-they-or-won't-they? When they bought a pickup truck in Georgia and attended a Red Sox game in Boston, it was news.

Necklace owned by Eva Peron auctioned for $466,700

Photo: A necklace which once belonged to Argentina's legendary former first lady Eva Peron

An antique ruby-and-diamond necklace worn by Eva Peron, Argentina's most famous first lady, was sold Wednesday for $466,700 (U.S.), more than double the pre-auction estimate. The necklace, which dates from the late 19th century, was bought by a member of the jewelry industry in Asia, according to Christie's auction house. The necklace is closely linked to Ms. Peron, who died in 1952. She was seen wearing it in official Argentine postage stamps. She was born in poor, rural Argentina. An actress, she married Juan Domingo Peron in 1945. He became the country's leader and the couple dominated Argentina. Until her death from cancer a few years later, “Evita” was revered by some as a saint and loathed by others as power-hungry and ruthless. Her life story was made into a musical and a movie.

Lennon compilation

Photo: Yoko Ono stands by a poster of John Lennon at the premiere of the DVD containing 20 songs and previously unreleased footage of Lennon

Yoko Ono says compiling a new DVD of John Lennon's solo work was one of the hardest jobs she's ever done. "It was very hard for me to work on this, because there were many footages that reminded me of my life with John," Ono told the audience at a preview screening Tuesday of Lennon Legend. Lennon Legend features 20 of Lennon's songs, illustrated with a mix of restored promo clips, new animation and previously unseen footage of the couple. "Sometimes it made me feel less professional about it, and I wondered if I could go through it," Ono said. As executive producer of the disc, she helped comb through videotapes, home movies and newsreels for footage of the couple in performance, at home in New York City and at the beach. Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building on Dec. 8, 1980. He and Ono were married in 1969.  "His life was a very driven one, a very compressed one," the 70-year-old Ono said.  "In his very short life, he did a lot for us." Lennon Legend, a companion to a 1998 album of the same name, will be released  in Britain.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACTING

Photo: Tara Reid. Tara Reid has lashed out at what she sees as a Hollywood double standard. While Reid has been forced to work desperately to reform her (rather well-deserved) party-girl image, she's annoyed to see Colin Farrell's roguish behaviour rewarded. "You watch that guy smoking endless cigarettes, every other word is f**k, f**k, f**k, 'I'll screw any girl in the world.' If I did that I'd be blackballed out of the industry." You know, Reid may have a point. Of course Tinseltown's selective prejudice is based on talent, not gender. Farrell is a gifted actor whereas Reid's last two credits are National Lampoon's Van Wilder and My Boss's Daughter. Tara, make a decent movie and you too can sleep with as many women as you want.

Speaking of Demi, the dark angel has decided to furnish her new US$4.8 million love palace with furniture from IKEA. While this may sound like she's going cheap on the décor, I think Demi's just a hopeless romantic. Flipping through the IKEA catalogue must remind her of Ashton -- pages and pages of unpolished wood.

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