Quick Takes: Sharon Stone to aid troops

Sharon Stone is taking on two very different roles — one in a Linda Lovelace biopic, and another on the Web to welcome returning troops.

The 53-year-old actress says she will play Lovelace’s mother in “Lovelace.” But before filming starts, the “Basic Instinct” star has another mission: She’s taking her first steps into the world of social media with a Facebook page that welcomes returning military personnel home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stone says her We Welcome Home Our Troops page will serve as a community bulletin board where people can thank the troops for their service as well as offer them jobs, discounts, a helping hand and a warm welcome.

—Associated Press

‘South Park’ is set into 2016

“South Park” is going to be around for a long time.

Comedy Central has reached a new deal with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of the controversial animated series, that will extend the comedy into 2016, sending “South Park” into a milestone 20th season.

Parker and Stone, who are also key forces behind the smash Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon,” will continue to write, direct and edit each episode, as they have since the show’s 1997 premiere.

—Greg Braxton

‘Wait Wait’ heads to TV

NPR’s “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me” is coming to TV for the first time.

The comedic radio quiz show will debut on BBC America with a year-in-review special Dec. 23. Host Peter Sagal, scorekeeper Carl Kasell and a panel will discuss 2011’s biggest events.

When “Wait Wait” would ever make the leap to television has long been a point of conjecture. Now in its 14th season, the show draws

3.2 million listeners weekly on 595 NPR member public radio stations.

“Wait Wait” creator Doug Berman says it would be a typical show, “except NPR has to add a budget line for pants.”

—Associated Press

Bradley Cooper is sexiest man

Bradley Cooper is the latest Hollywood heartthrob to be named People’s sexiest man alive.

In choosing Cooper, who has enjoyed box office success most notably in “The Hangover” films, the magazine said there was more to the actor than his dazzling baby blues and a killer smile.

The 36-year-old is also a Georgetown University graduate, can cook, rides a motorcycle and is fluent in French.

Cooper’s humility only added to his appeal, People said in its announcement Wednesday.

“I think it’s really cool that a guy who doesn’t look like a model can have this,” he told the magazine. “I think I’m a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying.”

Previous winners included actor Ryan Reynolds, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Mel Gibson, the latter of whom was named the first sexiest man alive by the magazine more than a quarter-century ago.

—Reuters

Botero work draws high bid

A towering bronze sculpture by Fernando Botero and works by several Brazilian artists set auction records during Christie’s Latin American sale, the auction house said Wednesday.

Cast in 2007, Botero’s “Dancers” fetched $1.76 million. At 10 feet, 5 inches tall (and 3,500 pounds), it is probably the tallest Botero sculpture ever auctioned, said Virgilio Garza, Christie’s Latin American art chief.

Mexican artist Franciso Toledo’s set an auction record with his 1975 “Vaca Roja” (Red Cow), which sold for $902,500. Postwar Brazilian art drew the evening’s most fervent and fast-paced bidding, driven by the paucity of work for sale on the international market by key Brazilian artists.

Alfredo Volpi’s “Bandeirinhas Estruradas” (Structured Tiny Flags) fetched $842,500, hitting a record. Auction records were also set for Antonio Bandeira’s 1955 “Blue Streets,” which fetched $482,500 and Franz Weissmann’s 1969 “Estructura,” which sold for $386,500.

—Reuters

TLC plans show on Irish steppers

TLC is getting into the dance competition business with a show called “Irish Dancing Tweens.”

The network, known for series such as “19 Kids and Counting” and “Extreme Couponing,” said it has started production on a new series about the competitive world of Irish step dancing. TLC has ordered eight episodes.

An air date was not announced.

—CNN