Now, not everyone's a critic

One of New York City's most famous food critics is out of a job.

New York magazine has confirmed that Gael Greene -- known for flamboyant hats and influential opinions -- no longer works for the publication.

Magazine spokeswoman Lauren Starke says that in a "tightening economy, our company is simply no longer able to support four separate restaurant critics." Three other critics remain.

Greene was the magazine's chief restaurant critic from 1968 to 2002. After that, she wrote a weekly column. Greene's last review will appear in Monday's issue.

Continuing view of The View

Friction keeps obstructing The View. While she never mentioned Rosie O'Donnell by name, it was clear who Barbara Walters was referring to when she opened Thursday's show by complaining about "some people who have done this show" who criticize the daytime gabfest after leaving.

Walters said some former hosts feel the need "to dump on it, maybe for their own publicity. That not only hurts me, but I resent it."

O'Donnell told reporters while promoting her upcoming variety special that Walters wanted hosts to pretend they were getting along. O'Donnell says she's experienced something like "post-traumatic stress disorder" since leaving.

Hough's had enough

Julianne Hough says she's not returning to Dancing With the Stars next season.

In an interview on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, the 20-year-old professional dancer says she needs time to concentrate on her country music career.

Hough, who's nabbed two titles in four seasons on ABC's popular dance competition, says she wants to focus on music and be taken seriously. The Utah native and her celebrity partner, Cody Linley, were eliminated from the show Tuesday night. This year, she released a self-titled country album and a holiday album.

Katie's new to Miu Miu

Katie Holmes is set to star in Miu Miu's new advertising campaign.

The 29-year-old actress -- who has a two-year-old daughter Suri with husband Tom Cruise -- will follow in the footsteps of Drew Barrymore, Kirsten Dunst and Lindsay Lohan by appearing in the ads.

An insider said: "Katie is soon going to start shooting the photographs for the spring 2009 campaign.

"She will be posing alongside real models, who will be positioned as 'accessories' in the campaign. It's quite edgy and very different for Katie."

Not too over the top

Robert DeNiro, Lindsay Lohan and Charlize Theron attended the $30-million launch of the world's most expensive hotel.

Around 2,000 VIPs -- including A-list actors, models, musicians, sports stars and business people from around the world -- enjoyed the opening of Dubai's lavish Atlantis Palms resort Thursday.

Guests were welcomed in style with a display of one million fireworks, said to be visible from space, and a special hour-long live performance by Kylie Minogue.

Actors including Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Ben Affleck and Rhys Ifans found themselves alongside Mary-Kate Olsen, Dame Shirley Bassey and Lily Allen -- who reportedly wore $10 million of Chopard diamonds to the bash.

Tennis ace Boris Becker, basketball star Michael Jordan, businessman Sir Richard Branson and Britain's Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, also attended the event.

Foxx wants that Bond

Jamie Foxx wants to be the first black James Bond.

The Oscar-winning actor would jump at the chance to portray the suave British spy.

He said: "Of course I'd take the role. I'd put a little swing in it. A little hip-hop, you know."

Foxx insists he would have no problem perfecting his British accent, and he wouldn't be afraid to suggest some changes for the role.

He said: "Maybe I wouldn't be drinking martinis, but drinking some Hennessey maybe. My Bond would drink dark liquor."

Foxx claims fans are keen to see him fulfil his dream, adding: "I was in London and I had to give an award to the current James Bond, Daniel Craig. I went up and said, 'Bond. Black Bond.' And everybody just lost it. Black Bond would be cool."

The idea of having a black Bond was originally suggested by Craig.

He insisted it would be an exciting prospect following Barack Obama's success in the U.S. presidential election race earlier this month.

A recent survey revealed people would most like to see Will Smith, Djimon Hounsou or Terrence Howard become the first black James Bond.

Get ready to be engulfed

Britney Spears has promised her new album will keep fans on the "edge of their seat."

The singer -- who releases Circus on her 27th birthday, Dec. 2 -- says it is a return to her pop roots and will "engulf" anyone who hears it. "I can't wait to share it with my fans. I worked with producers from some of my earliest albums -- I went old school. I called it Circus because I like the fact that you are on the edge of your seat when you are at a circus. You are never bored. You are engulfed in what is going on and you want to know what is going to happen next."

Say hello to Bronx Mowgli

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer.

Their representative says the pop and rock star couple has named their son Bronx Mowgli. The baby, born Thursday night, weighed seven pounds, 11 ounces.

Bronx is the first child for Simpson-Wentz, best known for the hit Pieces of Me, and Wentz, bassist for Fall Out Boy. They were married earlier this year.

Talk about power couples

$22 million

Forbes magazine's list of Hollywood's Top-Earning Couples, top 10:

1. Jay-Z and Beyonce -- $162 million

2. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith -- $85 million

3. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham -- $58 million

4. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill -- $35 million

5. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie -- $34 million

6. Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann -- $30 million

7. Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani -- $28 million

8. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman -- $25 million

9. Tony Parker and Eva Longoria -- $22.5 million

10. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart

The end nears for Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S

Madonna and Guy Ritchie have been granted a preliminary decree of divorce in a London court.

Neither appeared at yesterday's brief court session in which Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S was one of 17 cases given a preliminary decree.

After six weeks and a day, the divorce can become final.

The decree said the divorce was granted on the basis of Ritchie's "unreasonable behaviour," but did not elaborate. The American pop star married the British film director eight years ago.

British news media reported, without identifying the sources of their information, that the celebrity couple had reached a settlement that would see the pop superstar keep the majority of her estimated $445-million fortune.

Off with them

Kristen Johnston has become the latest celebrity to pose nude for PETA.

The former 3rd Rock from the Sun star -- who recently caused concern with her drastic weight loss -- poses as Lady Godiva, naked and astride a horse, in the photograph which debuted in New York's Central Park Thursday.

The 41-year-old actress has joined forces with the animal rights group to campaign against the horse-drawn carriage rides on offer in New York.

She said: "I was blown away by how these horses live, or actually I should say, don't live. I'd say to tourists who are considering coming to New York, there's so much amazing stuff about Manhattan. Oh my God, just take a walk!

"And I hope within the next year that there are no more carriage horses."

The artist formerly known as Michael

Michael Jackson has become a Muslim.

The singer changed his name to Mikaeel in a ceremony at a friend's Los Angeles home just days before he is due in court.

Jackson, 50, is facing allegations of borrowing L4.7 million ($8.9 million Cdn) from Arab sheik Abdulla Al-Khalifa and failing to repay the sum by recording two new albums, writing an autobiography and penning a musical.

The cash-strapped star -- who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness -- was convinced to turn to Islam by producer Phillip Bubal and songwriter David Wharnsby.

A source told Britain's The Sun: "They began talking to him about their beliefs and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea."