People talk 10/8

Mary Hart signs 5-year contract to emcee 'ET'

LOS ANGELES -- Mary Hart will continue to report the news and celebrity happenings for at least five more years for "Entertainment Tonight."

Hart, who has anchored the show for two decades, signed a deal giving her more than $5 million annually, said Joel Berman, president of Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the program.

The contract allows Hart to take a more creative role in possible "ET" spinoffs, including a children-oriented project and a celebrity homes show.

Hart joined the 21-year-old newsmagazine program in 1982 during its second season.

"Entertainment Tonight" has ranked among the top five syndicated shows in ratings, and tied "Oprah" as the highest-rated syndicated program among women 25 to 54 last year.

Rev. Graham to start four-day crusade Oct. 14

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- A few weeks after giving a consoling sermon at the National Cathedral to a nation pained by the terrorist attacks, the Rev. Billy Graham will bring his message to the masses during a four-day crusade.

Graham will be at Fresno State University's 40,000-seat stadium Thursday through Oct. 14. Video screens will be set up at an adjacent baseball field with seats for an additional 10,000 people.

"I sense a greater urgency than ever before to use what time God has given me to share his word, and in response to the invitation from local leaders, I believe the time is now right to share that message with a new generation in this area," Graham said.

Graham is to highlight the hope found in the gospel as he has for 50 years.

"With this heightened sense of ministry, we're preparing for an overflow audience," said Scott Lenning, coordinator for the Central Valley Billy Graham Crusade.

Rock band Phish helps another band with grant

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Fans of one band are helping another.

The Mockingbird Foundation, founded by fans of the rock band Phish, awarded a $4,760 grant to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The tribe plans to use the grant to establish a music program aimed at sharing American Indian heritage and culture with the community, said Shocko Hall of the Grand Traverse Band's Behavioral Health Department.

"We plan to hold classes for the community on learning to make and play traditional instruments," Hall said. "We use big drums for powwows and hand drums for ceremonies and two-step competitions. We also use rattles for sweat lodge ceremonies and feasts."

The foundation has raised more than $116,000 from "The Phish Companion," a book about the Vermont-based band's 17-year history, and "Sharin' the Groove," an album by various artists covering Phish songs. Proceeds are donated to music education programs.

Osmond brother opens store of show-biz items

PARK CITY, Utah -- Jimmy Osmond is hoping to cash in on the family name with his new venture: the Osmond General Store.

The shop offers a combination of show business memorabilia, trinkets and home products.

Shoppers can buy a $2,195 toy pistol once owned by Elvis, a $3,995 pair of leather dress gloves worn by Marilyn Monroe, a $2,995 guitar autographed by Garth Brooks, or a $3,295 string tie with a silver horse owned by John Wayne.

"We worked with a lot of these people," said Osmond, 38, the youngest member of the singing Osmond family.

"I got the memorabilia from them, from their agents, and from other collectors. I guarantee it all personally. If its authenticity is questioned, I'll buy it back," he added.

-- From wire reports