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Governor introduces official as ‘sex star’

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DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s flattering comments about Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia turned into a bit of a flub.

The governor mistakenly referred to Garcia as a “rising sex star” Wednesday. He made the remark while introducing him at a childhood literacy event attended by about 40 children at a Denver elementary school.

Hickenlooper routinely introduces Garcia as a “rising star” and a “rock star” at public events. The Democrat immediately caught his slip, which was recorded by radio station KOA. The Denver Post reported the comments.

According to the tape, Hickenlooper says, “Now I get to introduce that rising sex star — symbol. I mean, symbol — not star.”

After some awkward laughter, he deadpanned that it might go down as one of his most difficult news conferences.

Charges dropped against 98-year-old

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus’ attorney general has dropped gambling charges against about 40 elderly women, including a 98-year-old, whose weekly poker-and-bridge party had been raided by police.

The women, mostly in their 70s, had became a local cause celebre after receiving a court summons this week. Interviews with 98-year-old Eftychia Yiasemidou appeared in several media outlets.

An assistant for Attorney General Petros Clerides said Friday the official had been unaware of the case and only found out about it through media reports.

Gambling in Cyprus is punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The ladies were playing at home with small amounts of cash during their weekly afternoon get-together in November 2009 when police raided the house.

The daughter of the 98-year-old said some women were frightened at the police raid in the coastal town of Limassol and attempted to flee. She said two of the women have since died and others are in a nursing home.