The Reliable Source

The faintest flicker of a smile across that deadpan face: "Don't call me Shirley."

HEY, ISN'T THAT . . . ?

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? Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, after her massive fundraiser at the Marriott Wardman Park, heading into a private dinner at Lebanese Taverna Tuesday night with about 50 California assembly members (new state primary date -- Feb. 5!). Instead of walking, the former first couple took a motorcade across Connecticut Avenue to the restaurant. Passing Ellie Smeal and a Feminist Majority Foundation group that had been waiting 20 minutes for a table, HRC made brief friendly hellos before beelining to the back room. Her husband, trailing behind, glad-handed on the sidewalk; then shook every hand at the bar (even those that weren't offered); schmoozed Smeal's group; started into the main room but turned back with an "Oh, that reminds me of a story!"; returned to Smeal's group, more ha-ha-ha-has; then shook hands through the dining room before finally disappearing into the back.

THIS JUST IN . . .

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? Britney Spears left rehab Tuesday night after a month-long stint at the Promises Malibu Treatment Center. Manager Larry Rudolph said the pop star "successfully" completed the program, although the typical stay is two weeks longer. Soon-to-be-ex-husband Kevin Federline canceled plans for a party last night -- his 29th birthday -- but no word if he planned to meet with Spears.

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"My son was born in Walnut Creek, California. I'm very excited. . . . I was talking a little trash to him already. . . . I told him he needs to watch the movie '300,' because he needs to be a Spartan type of man."

-- Gilbert Arenas, writing onhis blogthis week about thebirthof his second son, Alijah Amani Arenas