QUICK TAKES - July 9, 2009

Maria Shriver’s annual women’s conference has always been an A-list affair, and this year’s event is no different. Cindy McCain and Elizabeth Edwards are among those expected for the Long Beach conference in October. But it’s a relative newcomer to the media spotlight -- reality TV personality Kate Gosselin -- who is likely to draw the most attention. Shriver says she invited the star of TLC’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8” at the suggestion of her teenage daughters. The invitation was sent five months ago -- before Gosselin announced her split from her husband after 10 years of marriage.