A jewel of a night

Everett's own Ellen Pompeo stepped out with husband, Chris Ivery, the other night, attending the Chanel Fine Jewelry's "Nuit de Diamants" at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Other celebs attending the affair included Blake Lively, Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, President Bush's daughter Barbara Bush, and Christy Turlington and husband, Edward Burns.

Want to be the hip-hop equivalent of Will McDonough, Tom Brady's right-hand man? Well, here's your chance. Someone describing himself as a "hip-hop media mogul" is seeking a personal assistant based in Boston, according to an ad posted yesterday on mediabistro.com. "Prominent celebrity hip-hop mogul is seeking a top-notch, professional and outgoing Personal Assistant to coordinate business, social, and personal affairs," reads the ad. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and possess a "whatever it takes" attitude. The mogul is not ID'd, but prospective applicants are encouraged to e-mail Boston@WorkForPDiddy.com. Hmmm. Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but we're told VH1 is producing a reality TV show that'll track 20 finalists as they compete to land the job of a lifetime: personal assistant to Sean 'P Diddy' Combs.

What strike? While many other movie projects are on the shelf due to the writers walkout, Steve and Paula Mae Schwartz are getting ready to begin work on "The Road," the film version of Cormac McCarthy's critically acclaimed book. The Gloucester couple, who operate the Waltham-based PR firm Schwartz Communications, are the producers of the film, slated to start shooting next month. Financed in part by billionaire Mark Cuban, the film's cast includes Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron, who'll play the wife of Mortensen's character and be seen mostly in flashback. "In Viggo and Charlize, I'd say we have two of the most gifted - and cool - actors working today," Steve Schwartz told us yesterday. "It doesn't get any better than this." Published in '06, "The Road" is the story of a father and son who walk through a desolate, post-apocalyptic American landscape in search of civilization. The film will be shot over 10 weeks in Oregon, New Orleans, and in Washington, on Mount St. Helens, as well as along an abandoned four-lane highway not far from Pittsburgh. "We're looking forward to making a smart and scary movie that reflects the reality of 2008," Schwartz said. "If you're smart, there's a lot to be scared about now." The film will be released later this year. "In time for the Oscars," said Schwartz.

First, Paris Hilton announces she's coming to Boston, now Victoria Beckham's on her way to the Hub. Word is the bride of David Beckham will be at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Prudential Center Jan. 30 from noon to 1 p.m. to promote her line of denim and sunglasses. (Posh's brand is called dVb - designed by Victoria). Can't catch Beckham during the day? No worries. The Spice Girls will be gigging that night at the TD Banknorth Garden.

Ben Affleck, who's talked about running for elected office someday, is busy learning how Washington works. Affleck's been in D.C. for the past few days researching his role in the upcoming film "State of Play." Yesterday, according to snoops, Affleck was wandering the halls of Congress, where he attracted the attention of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Doris Matsui, among others. He was also expected to pay a visit to The Washington Post. In the movie being directed by Kevin Macdonald, Mr. Jennifer Garner plays a congressman embroiled in a conspiracy.

There'll be a familiar face at the starting line of the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. Lance Armstrong, who's run the New York City Marathon twice, told us yesterday he's excited to make the historic 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to the Back Bay. "There's a lot of buzz about the Boston Marathon," said the seven-time Tour de France champ. "It's one of the monuments of marathoning." Armstrong, 36, had no trouble qualifying for the race. He ran New York in 2:46:43. "Running keeps me fit and motivated," he said. "If I know I have a marathon coming up, I'll get off my lazy can." A cancer survivor whose foundation has raised millions for cancer programs, the celebrated cyclist is looking forward to running in Boston. "The streets are narrower, you run by the baseball game, and it's on a Monday," he said. "Also, the crowds are supposed to be insanely supportive." Asked if he'd heard Katie Holmes was thinking of running, Armstrong laughed. "I'm bad about keeping up on celebrity news," he said.

"The Girls Next Door" star Kendra Wilkinson will be in town Sunday cheering her favorite team - the Chargers. But the night before the blond bombshell (and San Diego native) will be partying at The Estate, which sounds like it's going to be pretty crowded. We hear a Style Network crew will be tagging along with hair guru Sandy Poirier, owner of Shag Salon in South Boston. Poirier will guest DJ for the night and film a segment for a reality show called "Split Ends."

The doors opened last night on Sheldon Adelson's newest Vegas venture, Palazzo Las Vegas. The Boston-bred casino tycoon - ranked third on the Forbes list of wealthiest Americans - is one of the high-rollers paying very close attention as Massachusetts considers approving casino licenses.

Going with the green

Looking relaxed as they settled into their courtside seats for the Celtics game Wednesday were Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (left) and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. Also at the Garden that night were state auditor Joe DeNucci, Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz and several other Sox rookie prospects.

'Family' values

Who knew Kevin Garnett's pregame ritual included "Family Guy"? The Big Ticket told WEEI's Dale Arnold and Michael Holley yesterday that he catches the cartoon every night. "Before every game in the locker room, and especially at home, when 6 o'clock comes around, I watch 'Family Guy' for an hour," said Garnett. "I gotta have my 'Family Guy.' It keeps me loose." Asked about the gusto with which he plays the game, the 6-foot-11 Celtic said he's always been a fierce fellow. "I've been emotionally attached to whatever it is," said Garnett. "When I used to work at Burger King, I used to be emotional about Whoppers." He said the song that best exemplifies his energy is Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." "When it gets to that drum part, that's me right there," said Garnett.

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