With paramilitary soldiers deployed to prevent terrorist attacks, Pakistani designers and models on Wednesday opened the country’s first "Fashion Week." Said designer Rizwan Beyg, "We want to show the world that we’re survivors. There’s so much more to Pakistan; it’s not just suicide jackets and al-Qaida."

 

John Mayer announced he will perform March 20 at Scottrade Center, Kevin C. Johnson reported at STLtoday.com/Blender. It is part of Mayer’s tour for his new work, "Battle Studies," of which he told Rolling Stone magazine, "I was loving the war theme, the battle theme. The militaristic, vulgar, violent side of a relationship on the down slope."

 

 Sarah Palin decided to make her book tour for "Going Rogue" a gift for her base, so instead of making stops in such cities as Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, she will go to such places as Noblesville, Ind.; Washington, Pa.; Rochester, N.Y.; and the Army post in Fort Bragg, N.C. But she will visit Oprah.

 

The White House held a classical music day, with Michelle Obama hosting an afternoon concert featuring children and Barack Obama speaking at an evening concert featuring grown-ups. Michelle Obama complimented youngsters for practicing even when they don’t feel like it and lugging around those heavy instruments.

 

Actress Jenna Fischer will chair AuctioNerinx, a fundraising event for her alma mater, Nerinx Hall, Deb Peterson reported at STLtoday.com/schmooze. Fischer has "dreamed of being a chair of the auction since she graduated from Nerinx," the school said.

 

As Jay Leno’s show continues to sink in the ratings, he told Broadcast & Cable magazine, "Would I have preferred to stay at 11:30? Yeah, sure." Asked if he would be willing to again host the "Tonight Show," Leno said "Sure."

 

Singer Taylor Swift, 19, is worried about hosting NBC’s "Saturday Night Live" this week. "I kinda feel like I might have a heart attack," she Twittered.

 

 Gordon Ramsay will host a new Fox series, "Master Chef," that will try to turn hobbyists into master chefs, Gail Pennington reported at STLtoday.com/TubeTalk. Fox is sure Ramsay will be nasty.

Compiled by Ted Rodgers