A new platform for Finneran: radio
A week ago, Tom Finneran copped a plea and offered what sounded like a heartfelt apology to his friends, family, and former constituents. Yesterday, the former House speaker was singing a different tune. "I'm immensely proud of my record," the disgraced Democrat declared. "I wouldn't change a thing." And why should he? Just days after admitting that he lied under oath, Finneran has landed on his feet, hired to host a morning talk show on WRKO. Announced yesterday by Entercom execs Julie Kahn and Jason Wolfe, the gig gives Finneran not only a platform from which to prattle on about politics, but also a fat paycheck. "I'll be able to pay the mortgage," Boston's newest drive-time jock said with a wan smile. Finneran wouldn't divulge what, in fact, he's being paid to host the four-hour show, but we're told it's about half as much as the $416,000 he was pulling down as president of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. (The former legislator was forced to quit that lucrative position after pleading guilty to the federal charges.) Unbothered by the felony on Finneran's resume, Wolfe praised his new hire's "intelligence, wit, and passion," promising a show that is both "educational" and "compelling." It remains to be seen, of course, what the listeners think, but Finneran, who's become Boston's very own G. Gordon Liddy, isn't worried. "I have a pretty thick skin," he said. The show starts Feb. 12.
Burton brings an appreciative crowd
Actress Kate Burton is best known to some people as Ellen Pompeo's TV mom on "Grey's Anatomy," but it's her starring role in the Huntington's production of "The Cherry Orchard" that drew a slew of stage veterans -- many of them alums of Huntington productions -- to Wednesday's opening night. Among those walking the red carpet were actresses Debra Monk and Megan Sikora, both of whom will be working soon with David Hyde Pierce in the Broadway production of "Curtains." Also on hand was actress Andrea Martin, who last appeared in the Huntington production of "The Rose Tattoo," Mimi Lieber, who was in "Sisters Rosensweig," and Brooks Ashmanskas, who just finished the Broadway run of Martin Short's "Fame Becomes Me."
Pats’ Seau faces charges, not Chargers
No one said Junior Seau was a gentleman. In fact, the Pats linebacker, who's laid up with a broken arm, is a cad if you believe the claims of two West Coast women. In a lawsuit filed this week in San Diego, the women claim the future Hall of Famer called them "female-specific profanities" and tossed drinks on them during a confrontation in a bar last May. (Seau, a longtime San Diego Charger, signed with the Pats last August.) The plaintiffs, ID'd as "Jane Roe #1" and "Jane Roe #2," say the 37-year-old linebacker "physically threatened and attacked" them at a popular San Diego nightspot called Side Bar. In response, Seau issued this statement: "We reject the allegations. Unfortunately, the facts surrounding a basic disagreement that occurred eight months ago have been greatly exaggerated. Steve Strauss, my attorney, will handle this matter and the truth will be told."
Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253. 
