In the news

'Punisher' casting call set for Saturday

An open casting call for extras to work on The Punisher will be held Saturday at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa from noon until 4 p.m. The Punisher is a $30-million adaptation of a Marvel Comics series starring Thomas Jane in the title role and John Travolta as the villain. Production begins locally on July 28.

Nearly 2,000 extras will be hired for various scenes. All extras will be paid $75 per day for 10 hours of shooting (not including meal time), with overtime possibilities. Applicants should bring a recent photograph; a professional publicity shot isn't required. Casting agents are seeking people of all ages and backgrounds.

Ellen Jacoby Casting International True Lies, Ali, There's Something About Mary is handling the film's casting. Call (813) 273-8158 or log onto www.visittampabay.com for information.

Big Brother contestant Scott Weintraub was kicked off the reality series Saturday after throwing a temper tantrum - and furniture - five days into the show's fourth season. The Chicago waiter, 33, was served his walking papers after several contestants said they feared for their safety.

Weintraub began his hissy fit by tossing chairs across the kitchen. When producers summoned him to the off-camera Diary Room, he initially refused. He later apologized to housemates and partly blamed his anger on a past outbreak of genital warts.

The incident wasn't shown on TV, but viewers who paid $24.95 watched it live on the Internet. It's unclear whether the tantrum will end up on the show, which airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Nelly concert scheduled for Wednesday at the University of South Florida Sun Dome has been canceled and will not be rescheduled. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.

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