PASSAGES: Paltrow Appears in Public

By Stephen M. Silverman

Monday October 21, 2002 11:00 AM EDT

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SURFACED: Gwyneth Paltrow, 30, making one of her first public appearances since the death of her father, director Bruce Paltrow, on Oct. 2, turned out to help honor Miramax Films co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein in London Sunday night, the British Press Association reports. The brothers presented the British Film Institute's highest honor for their contribution to cinema. Miramax produced and released films including the Oscar-winning "Shakespeare in Love," for which Paltrow was named Best Actress, "The English Patient," "Clerks," "Chocolat" and "The Cider House Rules."

SEARCHED: Police who stopped and searched Kid Rock's tour bus on Florida's Turnpike this weekend -- just hours after the rap-rock star performed in suburban West Palm Beach -- uncovered a marijuana cigarette and a small amount of cocaine, the Palm Beach Post reports. Rock (real name: Robert James Ritchie), 31, and his band were not in the vehicle, according to a police report. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office reportedly charged Kevin Joseph McMahon, 36, who identified himself as Rock's personal assistant, with drug possession, and he was later released on $16,000 bond.

ADVERTISED: Sean Penn, 42, paid $56,000 for an advertisement in the Washington Post Friday, using the space to accuse President Bush of stifling debate and threatening civil liberties regarding the debate over attacking Iraq. In an open letter to Bush, the Oscar-nominated star of "I Am Sam" and "Dead Man Walking," urged the president to stop a cycle where "bombing is answered by bombing, mutilation by mutilation, killing by killing ... I beg you, help save America before yours is a legacy of shame and horror."

SIGNED: Broadway's newest -- and, some may say, biggest -- star Marissa Jaret Winokur, 29, who brings her ample talents to the musical "Hairspray," has signed a one-year talent holding deal with Disney's Touchstone Television and ABC, Variety reports. The deal is due to begin once Winokur concludes her run in the show, which is based on a John Waters movie.

MOURNED: Derek Bell, 66, best known for playing harp in the Chieftains, has died in Phoenix, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The cause and time of death were not reported. The Belfast-born Bell was one of the world's most renowned interpreters of traditional Celtic music -- a fact recognized two years ago when he was named a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.

QUERIED: McDonald's Golden Arches are losing their luster, as the fast-food behemoth's earnings continue to slump -- so The New York Times asked various culinary and business experts for suggestions on how best to reverse the trend. Among those providing input: Spago restaurant celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, 53, who said: "They have to improve the product. You never hear anyone say they have a great burger. Great French fries, yes, but not a great burger." Puck particularly picks on the chain for putting value ahead of quality. "They keep advertising on price," he complains. "They should talk about better rolls or Black Angus beef." Hear that, Ronald McDonald?