News of the arts Friday, September 3 Sistine Chapel pollution levels too high   UPI / 2:05PM VATICAN CITY, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- The level of atmospheric pollution in the Sistine Chapel is too high and the number of visitors threatens priceless art, a Vatican official said Friday. Brendan Fraser heads to Broadway   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Film star Brendan Fraser is preparing for his Broadway debut in "Elling," a U.S. version of a play that ran in London in 2007. Indian filmmaker jailed in Houston   UPI / 12:34PM HOUSTON, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A documentary filmmaker remained jailed in Houston on federal immigration charges for allegedly having brass knuckles in his airplane luggage, authorities said.

Thursday, September 2 Scientists 'listen' to paint pigments   UPI / 5:44PM MONTREAL, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A new technique that can "hear" the sound of colors may help art restorers identify the pigments in centuries-old paintings, researchers say. Tree cathedral grows in Italy   UPI / 5:24PM BERGAMO, Italy, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The world's first tree cathedral has taken root in a forest near Bergamo in northern Italy, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. Kurdish 'Romeo and Juliet' could be staged   UPI / 5:14PM TEHRAN, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A Kurdish version of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" could be staged in Tehran, Iranian stage director Amir Dejakam said.

Wednesday, September 1 Suit: Drunk courier lost $1.3M painting   UPI / 3:05PM NEW YORK, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The owner of Jean Baptiste Camille Corot's "Portrait of a Girl" is suing a courier after the man lost the painting during an alleged drunken night in New York. Webber hopes to salvage 'Love Never Dies'   UPI / 3:05PM NEW YORK, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Lousy reviews, infighting and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's health combined to put a kibosh on the U.S. opening of "Love Never Dies," theater observers say. Prof: Found Books predate 'world's oldest'   UPI / 12:44PM DAEGU, South Korea, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- A professor at a South Korean university said he discovered 12 books printed with movable metal type that are 100 years older than the official oldest book. Japanese-Argentine pair top tango dancers   UPI / 11:24AM BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- A Japanese-Argentine couple took top honors in the stage dancing division of the Eighth World Tango Championships in Buenos Aires.

Tuesday, August 31 Historic NASA photos go on the Web   UPI / 7:24PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- NASA has posted almost 200 pictures covering 50 years of the agency's history on the photo-sharing Flickr Web site for public feedback, officials say. 'DWTS' Sliwinska says she's leaving show   UPI / 2:04PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Edyta Sliwinska, a dancing pro on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," confirmed on her Twitter page she is leaving the popular Hollywood show. Rowling donates $15.5M for MS research   UPI / 1:24PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- British author J.K. Rowling said she donated $15.5 million to the University of Edinburgh to establish a multiple sclerosis research clinic.

Monday, August 30 Bristol Palin joins 'DWTS' cast   UPI / 10:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Bristol Palin and David Hasselhoff are in the cast for the upcoming season of the U.S. TV series "Dancing with the Stars," ABC announced Monday. Sellout crowds for Rappers Eminem, Jay-Z   UPI / 1:24PM DETROIT, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Rappers Eminem and Jay-Z will perform together in two concerts in Detroit and two at Yankee Stadium in what promoters say are landmark events. Titian work water-damaged from fire   UPI / 12:24PM VENICE, Italy, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- A work by the 16th century Italian artist Titian sustained water damage in a fire in a Venetian church, officials said.

Sunday, August 29 It's Shakespeare -- in Klingon   UPI / 6:54PM ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- In the United States, where many people can't speak English properly, a Washington acting troupe says it will perform Shakespeare in Klingon. Oxford dictionary to be digital only   UPI / 3:54PM LONDON, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The next edition of Britain's venerable Oxford English Dictionary will not be printed due to the Internet's impact on declining book sales, its publisher says. Israeli performers boycott settlements   UPI / 10:04AM JERUSALEM, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Some of Israel's most prominent actors, artists and directors are refusing to perform in West Bank settlements.

Saturday, August 28 Texas teen literary festival canceled   UPI / 6:14PM HUMBLE, Texas, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- A teen literary festival in Humble, Texas, was canceled after writers protested the removal of best-selling author Ellen Hopkins from the event. Montalvo Arts Center to be refurbished   UPI / 2:04PM SARATOGA, Calif., Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Actress Joan Fontaine is financing the refurbishment of her mother's namesake Lilian Fontaine Garden Theatre in Saratoga, Calif. Peter Scolari set for latest comedy turn   UPI / 1:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Actor Peter Scolari says he was born for comedy, which will suit him just fine when he opens off Broadway next week in "It Must Be Him." Family illness ends Whoopi's London run   UPI / 12:54PM LONDON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Whoopi Goldberg had to cancel her London run in "Sister Act" after her mother suffered a stroke, the producers of the musical announced. Chicagoans headed to SNL?   UPI / 12:14PM CHICAGO, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The number of Chicagoans working for the NBC comedy program Saturday Night Live continues to grow. John Cusak to play Poe in 'The Raven'   UPI / 11:54AM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor John Cusak will play author Edgar Allen Poe in the upcoming film "The Raven," the project's producers announced.

Friday, August 27 Money motive for educated lap-dancing women   UPI / 6:05PM LONDON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- English lap-dancing women are motivated by money and career choices and 25 percent have a degree, a study indicates. Sisto to star in 'Spirit' on NYC stage   UPI / 4:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Manhattan Theatre Club says Jeremy Sisto will star in the world premiere production of Beau Willimon's stage drama "Spirit Control."

Wednesday, August 25 Hasselhoff, Alley set for 'Dancing'?   UPI / 10:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- David Hasselhoff, Kirstie Alley and Jennifer Grey are to compete on Season 11 of the U.S. series "Dancing with the Stars," Zap2it.com said Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 24 Report: Grand Canyon park at 'risk'   UPI / 3:24PM PHOENIX, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The Grand Canyon, one of America's iconic national parks, is under threat from without and within, a report from a conservation group says.

Saturday, August 21 Van Gogh painting still missing   UPI / 11:24PM CAIRO, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Authorities were hunting Saturday for a $50 million Vincent Van Gogh painting stolen from a Cairo museum, Egypt's culture minister said. iPad may boost e-textbook sales in U.S.   UPI / 1:05PM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A U.S. software developer says the iPad and similar tablet computers have all the makings of a breakthrough in the adoption of digital college textbooks.

Friday, August 20 Purported Caravaggio painted by student   UPI / 10:05PM ROME, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A panel of art scholars assembled by Rome museums superintendent Rossella Vodret has determined a work thought to be a Caravaggio was not painted by the master. Book: Bill Clinton 'immature' about sex   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A new book says President Clinton was one of the smartest men to ever occupy the White House but had an immature attitude when it came to sex.

Thursday, August 19 Harry Potter at center of condom lawsuit   UPI / 10:24PM SCHWYZ, Switzerland, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Warner Brothers is suing a Swiss company for copyright infringement, alleging the packaging for the firm's condoms resembles Harry Potter, a lawyer says. Blago's Elvis fetches $20,500 at auction   UPI / 9:34PM ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- An auction of convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's property pulled in about $30,000 Thursday, most of that going for an Elvis Presley statue. Schulz photo headed to National Gallery   UPI / 8:24PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- An image of late "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz is to be presented to the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, the institution said. NYC theater reopens after bedbugs sprayed   UPI / 1:05PM NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A popular movie theater in New York's Times Square reopened after being sprayed for bedbugs as the city seeks to wipe out the elusive parasites. Shaw falls ill during play performance   UPI / 9:54AM LONDON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Cracked ribs and a chest infection sidelined actor Martin Shaw's performance of "A Country Girl" at Shrewsbury's Severn Theatre, his agent said.

Wednesday, August 18 Rove attacks Obama on mosque   UPI / 8:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Republican strategist Karl Rove says President Barack Obama "did real damage to America's standing " with comments about a proposed New York Islamic Center. Tyler unharmed in Toronto stage fall   UPI / 8:34PM TORONTO, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry sent his band mate Steven Tyler careening off the stage and into the audience at a Canadian concert, the Toronto Star reported.

Tuesday, August 17 White tiger cubs move into Vegas Mirage   UPI / 11:24PM LAS VEGAS, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Twin white-striped tiger cubs named Majestic and Mohan have moved into Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat in Las Vegas. NPR host's play cut from Texas test   UPI / 7:05PM AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- A playwright seems to have inadvertently sabotaged a deal to have one of his works used on a Texas school exam by going public with a dispute about language.

Sunday, August 15 Experts worry Grade's works endangered   UPI / 9:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Scholars say they are concerned the writings of noted Yiddish author Chaim Grade are in jeopardy after the death of his widow in New York. Sale of Elvis ring will pay for college   UPI / 1:14PM MEMPHIS, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The seller of a gold-and-diamond cameo ring once belonging to Elvis Presley said the proceeds would pay for his daughter's college tuition. Miami cops question seller in art theft   UPI / 12:24PM MIAMI, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Authorities say no charges have been filed, but they are still looking at an elderly Miami man who allegedly tried to sell a stash of stolen paintings.

Saturday, August 14 Cable firms to offer movie, show iPad apps   UPI / 9:54AM PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- More TV shows and movies will hit tablet computers like Apple's iPad as cable companies seek to compete with streaming Web video services, observers say.

Friday, August 13 Froderman wins 'SYTYCD'   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Lauren Froderman, an 18-year-old contemporary jazz dancer from Phoenix, has won the U.S. competition series "So You Think You Can Dance."

Thursday, August 12 Mummenschanz set to tour U.S. again   UPI / 7:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The Swiss performance troupe Mummenschanz says it plans to return to the United States for a multi-city tour this fall and winter. Stieglitz exhibit to open in New York   UPI / 7:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- For the first time in nearly 80 years, photographer Alfred Stieglitz's iconic New York photographs will be displayed together in the city where they were taken. Syfy acquires Season 3 of 'Merlin'   UPI / 7:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Syfy said Thursday it has acquired the third season of the popular "Merlin" series from FremantleMedia Enterprises and will give it a U.S. premiere in 2011.

Wednesday, August 11 Banksy wall art for sale on eBay   UPI / 10:54PM DETROIT, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A wall mural purported to have been created by the British graffiti artist known as Banksy is being sold on eBay with an opening bid of $75,000. Attorney wants more Kilpatrick testimony   UPI / 11:35AM DETROIT, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- An attorney representing the family of a slain exotic dancer says he will seek additional deposition testimony from former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Tuesday, August 10 Rashad, Smith to perform at Mead Center   UPI / 9:05PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Phylicia Rashad, Anna Deavere Smith and E. Faye Butler will headline productions in the Mead Center for American Theater's inaugural season, producers said.

Monday, August 9 Broadway theater gets name change   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Broadway's former Hilton Theatre has been renamed the Foxwoods Theatre, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Live Nation said Monday.

Sunday, August 8 Zsa Zsa's going home from hospital   UPI / 10:35AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Zsa Zsa Gabor, 93, will be released from a Los Angeles hospital Monday following hip replacement surgery, her husband says. Pop singer Robbie Williams gets hitched   UPI / 10:24AM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- British pop star Robbie Williams has married actress Ayda Field in a Beverley Hills, Calif., ceremony, a report says.

Friday, August 6 Sting and Trudie perform at Tuscan fest   UPI / 12:24AM CORTONA, Italy, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- British rock star Sting and his wife Trudie Styler starred in a staging of an experimental work known as "Twin Spirits" in the Italian town of Cortona Thursday.

Wednesday, August 4 N.Y. art dealer gets 6-18 years in jail   UPI / 11:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A New York art dealer who admitted selling consigned works for low prices and stealing the money has been sentenced to six years to 18 years in jail. Puppeteers bury $10,000 in New York   UPI / 2:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A pair of New York puppeteers said online videos of their work double as clues pointing to the location of $10,000 they buried at a secret location in the city.

Tuesday, August 3 Stars line up for N.Y. comedy fest   UPI / 6:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Aziz Ansari, Adam Carolla, Margaret Cho and Louis CK are confirmed to perform at this year's New York Comedy Festival, organizers said Tuesday.

Friday, July 30 Barnes & Noble building Nook kiosks   UPI / 11:35AM NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- Amazon.com reduced the cost of its cheapest e-reader, the Kindle, and book retailer Barnes & Noble is launching a counterattack. Price drops for Kindle e-reader   UPI / 8:44AM LOS ANGELES, July 30 (UPI) -- Online retailer Amazon.com has introduced what it says is the least expensive electronic book-reader available.

Wednesday, July 28 Canopy to be erected to catch pigeon poop   UPI / 7:34PM KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 28 (UPI) -- Community leaders in Kansas City, Mo., say they will suspend a fabric canopy under a highway to catch pigeon waste to try to keep a sidewalk clean. Wedding photographer accidentally killed   UPI / 10:14AM ALTOFONTE, Italy, July 28 (UPI) -- A soon-to-be married Italian couple were posing for wedding pictures with a gun when the firearm accidentally discharged, killing the photographer, police said.

Tuesday, July 27 'Heathers' concert planned for September   UPI / 11:05PM NEW YORK, July 27 (UPI) -- A concert version of the new musical adaptation of the iconic 1988 film "Heathers" is to have its New York debut at Joe's Pub in September, Playbill.com said. Expert: Garage sale photos worth $200M   UPI / 8:44PM FRESNO, Calif., July 27 (UPI) -- An art appraisal expert says a cache of negatives bought for $45 at a California garage sale were created by Ansel Adams and are worth about $200 million. Berlusconi snapped in front of Leonardo   UPI / 3:54PM MILAN, Italy, July 27 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was photographed in front of Leonardo's "Last Supper" in full view of signs banning flash photography.

Monday, July 26 Pacino's 'Merchant' moving to Broadway   UPI / 8:34PM NEW YORK, July 26 (UPI) -- Al Pacino is to reprise his role of Shylock in William Shakespeare's stage comedy "The Merchant of Venice" on Broadway this October, producers said Monday. Auditions begin for Abdul's dance show   UPI / 3:24PM LOS ANGELES, July 26 (UPI) -- The audition process for Paula Abdul's upcoming U.S. reality-competition series "Got to Dance" has started, CBS said Monday.

Sunday, July 25 Painting hides marijuana worth thousands   UPI / 5:14PM ATLANTA, July 25 (UPI) -- Getting ready to resell a painting he bought five years ago at auction, an 80-year-old Georgia man says he discovered more than $4,000 worth of pot. Surf statue enveloped by 'Jaws'   UPI / 4:54PM ENCINITAS, Calif., July 25 (UPI) -- Pranksters have defaced an infamous bronze surfer statue in Encinitas, Calif., enclosing it inside the mouth of a papier-mache great white shark, observers say.

Saturday, July 24 Permanent garden to honor Michael Jackson   UPI / 5:04PM SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., July 24 (UPI) -- The National Museum of Dance will honor Michael Jackson with a permanent garden when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame next month. Former Sen. Bob Kerrey to helm MPAA   UPI / 3:05PM LOS ANGELES, July 24 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., is set to become the new head of the Motion Picture Association of America.

Friday, July 23 'Black Swan' named Venice fest opener   UPI / 10:24PM VENICE, Italy, July 23 (UPI) -- "Black Swan," a psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman and Winona Ryder, has been selected to open the Venice film festival, organizers said. National Gallery planning Da Vinci show   UPI / 8:24PM LONDON, July 23 (UPI) -- London's National Gallery says it is borrowing paintings from all over the world for its exhibition "Leonardo Da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan." BP removes another altered photo from site   UPI / 10:44AM HOUSTON, July 23 (UPI) -- BP said it removed another manipulated Gulf of Mexico oil disaster photo from its Web site and warned contract photographers against altering future images.

Thursday, July 22 Russia gets tough in copyright case   UPI / 12:34PM MOSCOW, July 22 (UPI) -- The Moscow Arbitration Court awarded a publishing house $249.6 million in damages in a copyright infringement case, an unprecedented sum, an attorney said. BP Photoshopped pictures revealed   UPI / 1:54AM HOUSTON, July 22 (UPI) -- BP, struggling with its oil blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico, has posted at least three Photoshopped pictures on its Web site, a blog reported Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 21 Painters at greater risk of bladder cancer   UPI / 1:54PM LYON, France, July 21 (UPI) -- People who work as professional painters have a significantly increased risk of developing bladder cancer, researchers in France suggest. Museum to pay estate $19M for stolen work   UPI / 11:44AM VIENNA, July 21 (UPI) -- Austria's Leopold Museum is paying the estate of Lea Bondi Jaray $19 million for a painting the Nazis stole from her during World War II, the BBC said. 'Camelot' starts shooting in Ireland   UPI / 11:14AM BRAY, Ireland, July 21 (UPI) -- Principal photography has begun at Ireland's Ardmore Studios on the new romantic adventure series "Camelot," Starz said Wednesday.

Tuesday, July 20 Palin compares self to Shakespeare   UPI / 2:14PM WASILLA, Alaska, July 20 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin defended a misspelling on her Twitter account with the argument: "Shakespeare liked to coin new words too." Singapore releases British author   UPI / 8:05AM SINGAPORE, July 20 (UPI) -- British author Alan Shadrake has been released on $7,000 bail after being charged with defamation by the government of Singapore, authorities there say.

Monday, July 19 White House pays tribute to Broadway   UPI / 11:34PM WASHINGTON, July 19 (UPI) -- Elaine Stritch, Nathan Lane and Chad Kimball performed at the White House in Washington Monday in "A Celebration of the Music of Broadway." Human rights group wants author released   UPI / 7:54PM SINGAPORE, July 19 (UPI) -- The British author of a book critical of Singapore's death penalty who was arrested by Singapore authorities must be released, a human rights group says. Jones, Hawkins to star in 'Profession'   UPI / 5:24PM NEW YORK, July 19 (UPI) -- Cherry Jones and Sally Hawkins are set to headline the Broadway production of "Mrs. Warren's Profession," the Roundabout Theatre Company said Monday.

Saturday, July 17 IMAX plans major expansion in China   UPI / 2:14PM BEIJING, July 17 (UPI) -- IMAX Corp. will premiere its first non-English film in China on July 22 and plans to double the number of giant-format movie theaters in the country by 2012.

Friday, July 16 This Tony N' Tina getting married for real   UPI / 5:14PM VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 16 (UPI) -- A Canadian couple who got married three times a week for several months as Tony and Tina are about to do it for real as Ashlee and Giovanni.

Thursday, July 15 Fire hits Russian art restoration center   UPI / 2:44PM MOSCOW, July 15 (UPI) -- Two firefighters were killed Thursday in a blaze at a historic Moscow center for the restoration of art work.

Wednesday, July 14 Miss. left off Buffett oil spill shirt   UPI / 6:14PM GULF SHORES, Ala., July 14 (UPI) -- The artist who created a T-shirt for Jimmy Buffett's free concert in Alabama apologized for leaving Mississippi off the list of oil spill-affected states. Tate Donovan joins 'Good People' cast   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, July 14 (UPI) -- Actor Tate Donovan has joined the cast of the upcoming stage production of "Good People," the Manhattan Theatre Club said Wednesday.

Monday, July 12 AI condemns exhibit organizer convictions   UPI / 12:05PM MOSCOW, July 12 (UPI) -- Amnesty International says it condemns Monday's conviction of the organizers of a Russian art exhibition.

Sunday, July 11 'To Kill A Mockingbird' going strong at 50   UPI / 7:14PM MONROEVILLE, Ala., July 11 (UPI) -- Harper Lee's American literary classic "To Kill A Mockingbird" marked its 50th anniversary Sunday, never having gone out of print since it appeared in 1960. Egyptian lawyers seek to censor classics   UPI / 1:24PM CAIRO, July 11 (UPI) -- A group of Egyptian lawyers wants to censor future editions of the Arabian classic "One Thousand and One Nights," saying the tales threaten the purity of Islam.

Thursday, July 8 Panhandlers banned at LA airport   UPI / 5:34PM LOS ANGELES, July 8 (UPI) -- An airport official applauded a federal court ruling allowing police to enforce a city ordinance prohibiting donation solicitations at Los Angeles's airport. Murder rap in 'ThunderCats' writer's death   UPI / 4:24PM ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla., July 8 (UPI) -- The roommate of "ThunderCats" cartoon series writer Stephen Perry was charged with first-degree murder in Perry's death, Florida police said. Getty purchase sets new record for Turner   UPI / 8:24AM LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- A painting by the artist J.M.W. Turner, which has been owned by the same Scottish family for more than a century, is heading to a California museum.

Wednesday, July 7 McDormand to star in B'way's 'People' play   UPI / 11:24PM NEW YORK, July 7 (UPI) -- Frances McDormand is to headline the world premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire's stage drama "Good People," the Manhattan Theatre Club announced.

Tuesday, July 6 Kindle not ready for campus?   UPI / 3:05PM PHOENIX, July 6 (UPI) -- Students who have tested the Amazon Kindle on college campuses across the United States have found it does not yet meet their needs, professors say.

Sunday, July 4 Artist paints giant flag mural in Texas   UPI / 4:35PM HOUSTON, July 4 (UPI) -- New York artist Scott LoBaido presented a "birthday gift" to America in the form of a giant flag mural painted on a rooftop near Houston's Hobby Airport. Every day is 'Flag Day' for Maryland man   UPI / 3:54PM COLUMBIA, Md., July 4 (UPI) -- U.S. history buff Nick Artimovich had no shortage of American flags to display at his Columbia, Md., home Sunday to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Saturday, July 3 Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Winnipeg   UPI / 8:44PM OTTAWA, July 3 (UPI) -- British Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Philip, the duke of Edinburgh, continued their trip through Canada Saturday with a stop in Winnipeg.

Friday, July 2 Streaker runs through Fla. Wal-Mart   UPI / 6:35PM TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 2 (UPI) -- An unidentified man streaked through a Crawfordville, Fla., Walmart store wearing nothing but two bandanas, authorities say. Judy Blume's grandson arrested for rape   UPI / 1:34PM TISBURY, Mass., July 2 (UPI) -- The 18-year-old grandson of author Judy Blume has been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl, authorities in Massachusetts said. Warhol's Taylor portrait sold for $10M   UPI / 1:14PM LONDON, July 2 (UPI) -- An anonymous bidder bought "Silver Liz," Andy Warhol's 1963 portrait of screen siren Elizabeth Taylor, for $10 million at a London auction, Christie's said.

Thursday, July 1 Obama ladies attend 'Poppins' performance   UPI / 11:54PM WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia attended the first Washington performance of "Mary Poppins" Thursday night. Camille and Kelsey Grammer to divorce   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. reality TV personality Camille Grammer has filed for divorce from actor Kelsey Grammer, her husband of nearly 13 years, court records show. Farm's cows increase milk with Shakespeare   UPI / 3:34PM MAIDSTONE, England, July 1 (UPI) -- Workers at a British farm said cows exposed to a theater group performing renditions of a Shakespeare play increased milk production by 4 percent. Saatchi donating gallery to British public   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, July 1 (UPI) -- Art collector Charles Saatchi says he plans to donate his London gallery and 200 works worth an estimated $38 million to the British public.

Wednesday, June 30 British mayor drops pants, apologizes   UPI / 9:44PM LEICESTER, England, June 30 (UPI) -- The lord mayor of Leicester, England, has lost so much weight his pants fell down during an educational event for schoolchildren, attendees said. Seattle writer wins bad fiction contest   UPI / 5:14PM SEATTLE, June 30 (UPI) -- A Seattle author was named the winner of a contest to create an opening sentence to begin the worst possible novel. BP protesters oil and feather Tate   UPI / 1:14AM LONDON, June 30 (UPI) -- A group of artists calling themselves The Good Crude Britannia threw oil and feathers at the Tate Britain to protest the museum's acceptance of BP sponsorship.

Tuesday, June 29 'Miss Daisy' headed to Broadway this fall   UPI / 10:05PM NEW YORK, June 29 (UPI) -- The first New York revival of Alfred Uhry's stage drama "Driving Miss Daisy" is to open this fall, the play's producers said Tuesday. Historian cracks ancient code   UPI / 5:44PM MANCHESTER, England, June 29 (UPI) -- A British science historian says he's cracked "The Plato Code," secret messages said to be hidden in the classical Greek philosopher's writings.

Monday, June 28 Linguist, layman preserve dead language   UPI / 8:54PM FAIRBANKS, Alaska, June 28 (UPI) -- A 21-year-old Frenchman is studying with a Fairbanks, Alaska, linguist to preserve the native language of Eyak, authorities say. Square dancers congregate in Kentucky   UPI / 12:34AM LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 27 (UPI) -- The 59th National Square Dance Convention came to a close Saturday in Louisville, Ky., with one-fifth the number of dancers the event attracted there in 1983.

Sunday, June 27 British home for sale; artwork comes free   UPI / 5:54PM LONDON, June 27 (UPI) -- A painting by Britain's most expensive living painter can be had for free -- if you buy the house where it was painted on a dining room wall, observers say. Rahman delays North American tour dates   UPI / 2:04PM TORONTO, June 27 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame says he is postponing the remaining North American dates of his current concert tour.

Thursday, June 24 Photog: Lohan photo shoot worth the wait   UPI / 11:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 24 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Lindsay Lohan denies she was hours late for a magazine layout shoot and accuses Bravo of setting her up "for ratings." Edie Falco gets Sardi's caricature   UPI / 8:24PM NEW YORK, June 24 (UPI) -- Edie Falco has been honored with an iconic wall caricature of herself at New York's famed Sardi's restaurant, publicists for her current Broadway project said. Inexpensive camera diagnoses cancer   UPI / 4:54PM HOUSTON, June 24 (UPI) -- U.S. cancer scientists said they've modified an inexpensive off-the-shelf digital camera so it can distinguish cancerous cells from healthy ones.

Wednesday, June 23 Rubella may have shifted abortion views   UPI / 10:24PM URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill., June 23 (UPI) -- Ten years before 1973's Roe vs. Wade decision, German measles played a major part in shifting public attitudes toward abortion laws, a new book contends. B'way's 'Next Fall' to wrap up July 4   UPI / 9:34PM NEW YORK, June 23 (UPI) -- The Broadway play "Next Fall" is to close in July after playing 26 previews and 132 regular performances, the show's producers say.

Tuesday, June 22 Editor out after Palin-McGinniss set-to   UPI / 6:54PM WASILLA, Alaska, June 22 (UPI) -- The Wasilla, Alaska, newspaper managing editor said he was let go soon after he wrote a veiled threat directed at an author living next to Sarah Palin. Author: No simple answers for Abu Ghraib   UPI / 10:24AM DETROIT, June 22 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army attorney says the abuse of inmates at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq was not merely the aberrant behavior of a few misfits.

Monday, June 21 Band playing 29 NYC pianos in one day   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, June 21 (UPI) -- A musician inspired by the public pianos installed at New York parks and public spaces was on a quest Monday to play 29 pianos in a single day.

Saturday, June 19 WGA eases credit standard for screenplays   UPI / 11:34AM LOS ANGELES, June 19 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America said its members have approved support for a new uniform standard for giving credit on non-original screenplays.

Friday, June 18 Rare Shakespeare volume now evidence   UPI / 11:44PM DURHAM, England, June 18 (UPI) -- A Shakespeare First Folio, one of the most valuable printed books in the world, made an appearance Friday in an English courtroom as evidence in a trial. Bakker's 'Twin' wins Dublin lit award   UPI / 9:44PM DUBLIN, Ireland, June 18 (UPI) -- Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker has been presented with the International Impac Dublin Literary Award for his first novel "The Twin." Sharriff boogies at home after 55 years   UPI / 1:14PM MARSHALL, Texas, June 18 (UPI) -- Boogie-woogie piano legend Omar Sharriff visited his Texas hometown for the first time since 1955 to celebrate its labeling as the music's birthplace.

Thursday, June 17 Owen, Kidman cast in Hemingway TV film   UPI / 9:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 17 (UPI) -- Film stars Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman have been cast in an upcoming HBO film about late U.S. author Ernest Hemingway, TVGuide.com said. Artist plans 23-story high walk   UPI / 2:04PM BUFFALO, N.Y., June 17 (UPI) -- A French performance artist announced his intention to walk across a steel cable between two 23-story towers in Buffalo, N.Y.

Wednesday, June 16 Researchers say they found Caravaggio   UPI / 10:54PM FLORENCE, Italy, June 16 (UPI) -- Researchers from four Italian universities say they found the remains of Renaissance artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio in a church in Tuscany.

Tuesday, June 15 Broadway's 'Red' to close in 2 weeks   UPI / 11:24PM NEW YORK, June 15 (UPI) -- "Red," the Broadway play that won six Tony Awards Sunday, is wrapping up its final two weeks of performances, its producers said. Comedian Daniel Tosh plans U.S. tour   UPI / 3:54PM NEW YORK, June 15 (UPI) -- Daniel Tosh, star of TV's "Tosh.0," is planning a U.S. stand-up comedy tour this fall, Comedy Central announced. Lea Michele to star in 3D 'Oz' musical   UPI / 2:05PM LOS ANGELES, June 15 (UPI) -- "Glee" star Lea Michele has signed on to play the title character in the upcoming 3D movie musical "Dorothy of Oz," E! News reported.

Monday, June 14 Denzel, Catherine win their first Tonys   UPI / 9:24AM NEW YORK, June 14 (UPI) -- "Red" was named best play and "Memphis" best musical at the Tony Awards ceremony in New York.

Sunday, June 13 Michael Jackson death: Joe blames mother   UPI / 2:04PM LOS ANGELES, June 13 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's father, Joe, says he blames mother Katherine for Michael's death.

Friday, June 11 Etheridge set for 'Quartet' appearance   UPI / 5:24PM NEW YORK, June 11 (UPI) -- Melissa Etheridge has agreed to appear in a single performance of the Broadway musical "Million Dollar Quartet," the show's producers said Friday. Foster denies teen's assault allegations   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 11 (UPI) -- Jodie Foster's publicist says the Hollywood actress is denying a teenager's allegation that she assaulted him after he approached and asked her for a photo.

Thursday, June 10 Kingsolver wins Orange Prize for Fiction   UPI / 3:34PM LONDON, June 10 (UPI) -- U.S. author Barbara Kingsolver won the Orange Prize for Fiction for her novel "The Lacuna" at a ceremony in London Wednesday night, organizers said.

Wednesday, June 9 Homeland Security gets a new tool   UPI / 2:14PM WASHINGTON, June 9 (UPI) -- U.S. security experts say they've developed a 360-degree surveillance system using image-stitching technology to create detailed edge-to-edge views. Stars line up to be Tonys presenters   UPI / 12:24PM NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- Katie Holmes, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Angela Lansbury, Daniel Radcliffe and Paula Abdul are to be presenters at Sunday's Tony Awards ceremony in New York.

Tuesday, June 8 Family seeks court order on Astaire Awards   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, June 8 (UPI) -- The wife of the late U.S. dance icon Fred Astaire says the family has asked for a court order against producers of the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. Warhol's Liz Taylor portrait for sale   UPI / 10:05PM LONDON, June 8 (UPI) -- "Silver Liz," Andy Warhol's 1963 portrait of screen icon Elizabeth Taylor, is going up for sale in London this month, Christie's auction house said. Homosexuality in religion exhibit canceled   UPI / 3:05PM GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 8 (UPI) -- Sweden's Museum of World Cultures said it has canceled an exhibit about homosexuality in religion because it might offend some believers. Creator of Mohammed bomb cartoon retires   UPI / 2:24PM ARHUS, Denmark, June 8 (UPI) -- Kurt Westergaard, the Danish artist who created a controversial cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed, said he has decided to retire.

Monday, June 7 Bourne's 'Swan Lake' returning to New York   UPI / 12:44PM NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- Matthew Bourne's production of "Swan Lake," which first played on Broadway in 1998, is returning to New York for a limited engagement, producers said.

Saturday, June 5 Eminem's 'Not Afraid' video debuts online   UPI / 4:54PM DETROIT, June 5 (UPI) -- Eminem's video for "Not Afraid" debuted online Saturday with images of the U.S. rapper jumping off the edge of a building and flying through the air. Artist withdraws winning city art entry   UPI / 4:05PM LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., June 5 (UPI) -- A California artist has withdrawn his winning entry in a municipal art competition rather than comply with requested alterations to its design, observers say. Carey quits, Newton takes over film role   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 5 (UPI) -- Thandie Newton will take the place of Mariah Carey in director Tyler Perry's new movie. Maxwell, Jill Scott on summer R&B tour   UPI / 12:34PM PHILADELPHIA, June 5 (UPI) -- Jill Scott and Maxwell say they're teaming up for an R&B summer tour that will take them through Scott's hometown of Philadelphia.

Friday, June 4 Bourne's 'Swan Lake' returning to New York   UPI / 7:54PM NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- Matthew Bourne's production of "Swan Lake," which first played on Broadway in 1998, is returning to New York for a limited engagement, producers said. Fisher's 'Drinking' show headed to HBO   UPI / 7:24PM NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- HBO says it is working on a documentary blending archival footage with U.S. actress and author Carrie Fisher's one-woman show "Wishful Drinking." Author adapts Dickens to 'yoof speak'   UPI / 1:44PM LONDON, June 4 (UPI) -- A British author said he has "translated" 16 Charles Dickens novels in "yoof speak," the street language of today's British youth.

Wednesday, June 2 McCartney honored at White House gig   UPI / 11:34PM WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and an all-star lineup of musicians Wednesday honored Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at the White House. Queen knights Patrick Stewart   UPI / 5:24PM LONDON, June 2 (UPI) -- Actor Patrick Stewart was knighted Wednesday by the Queen of England at London's Buckingham Palace, officials said. Tonys show to include 'Idiot' performance   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, June 2 (UPI) -- The Tony Awards show in New York is to feature performances from the nominated musicals "American Idiot," "Fela!," "Memphis" and "Million Dollar Quartet."

Tuesday, June 1 Palin biographer moves in next door   UPI / 7:05PM WASILLA, Alaska, June 1 (UPI) -- A biographer said when he moved next door to Sarah Palin's home in Alaska to be near his subject, Palin posted accusations against him on her Facebook page. Banderas, Blanchett to be Tonys presenters   UPI / 9:24AM NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- Antonio Banderas, Justin Bartha, Cate Blanchett, Michael Douglas and Kelsey Grammer are confirmed to attend the Tony Awards show in New York, organizers said. Giant tea cozy stirs protest   UPI / 12:44AM OAKLAND, Calif., May 31 (UPI) -- Saying they acted on a famous quip about Oakland, Calif., as having "no there there," artists knitted a large tea cozy to cover a "T" on a public sculpture.

Monday, May 31 Guitarist files for restraining order   UPI / 12:24PM LOS ANGELES, May 31 (UPI) -- "Eagles" guitarist Joe Walsh has filed for a restraining order against an elderly neighbor who allegedly threatened him, California court records said. Del Toro quits as 'Hobbit' director   UPI / 10:14AM LOS ANGELES, May 31 (UPI) -- Production delays have forced Guillermo del Toro to back out of directing two films in New Zealand based on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," officials said.

Friday, May 28 Sherlock Holmes to return to big screen   UPI / 3:54PM HOLLYWOOD, May 28 (UPI) -- It's elementary, dear moviegoers, "Sherlock Holmes" will have a sequel with U.S. actor Robert Downey Jr. reprising the title role. E-mail: Palin's neighbor approached author   UPI / 11:24AM WASILLA, Alaska, May 28 (UPI) -- A neighbor in Wasilla, Alaska, approached author Joe McGinniss about his renting a house next door to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the author's son said.

Thursday, May 27 Fergie to explain her actions to Oprah   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- Former British Duchess Sarah Ferguson will give U.S. daytime TV queen Oprah Winfrey an explanation of reports she tried to sell access to the royal family.

Wednesday, May 26 First lady promotes mentoring in Detroit   UPI / 5:34PM DETROIT, May 26 (UPI) -- First lady Michelle Obama, with celebrities in tow, was in Detroit Wednesday to promote mentoring and tell the city's young people "we've got your back." LA museum to show Hopper's art   UPI / 10:34AM NEW YORK, May 26 (UPI) -- The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles says it is planning an exhibition of photos and paintings by film star Dennis Hopper. Canada unveils Chretien's portrait   UPI / 9:14AM OTTAWA, May 26 (UPI) -- Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien says being a parliamentarian is a tough life but a noble one.

Tuesday, May 25 Nicole Scherzinger wins 'Dancing'   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, May 25 (UPI) -- Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough were declared the winners on "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday. 'Amityville Horror' house for sale   UPI / 5:24PM AMITYVILLE, N.Y., May 25 (UPI) -- The New York state house that inspired "The Amityville Horror" is back on the market for an asking price of $1.15 million. Duchess says she'd love to go 'Dancing'   UPI / 3:24PM NEW YORK, May 25 (UPI) -- British Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson says she would love to appear on the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars."

Monday, May 24 Cleese planning one-man show tour   UPI / 9:14PM LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- Actor-writer John Cleese has announced plans to tour the United Kingdom next year in a one-man comedy show. Abdul to judge new CBS dance series   UPI / 9:05PM LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- Paula Abdul has been named executive producer and lead judge for the new U.S. competition series "Got to Dance," CBS announced Monday. Sean Hayes named Tony Awards show host   UPI / 1:54PM NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- Sean Hayes has signed on as host of the upcoming 2010 Tony Awards ceremony in New York, organizers announced. U.S. reality TV shows aggressive   UPI / 2:14AM SALT LAKE CITY, May 24 (UPI) -- For those who like an aggressive, autocratic leadership style, U.S. reality programs deliver, with NBC's "The Apprentice" topping the list, researchers say.

Friday, May 21 B'way's 'Tenor' set to close in August   UPI / 8:14PM NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- The limited Broadway engagement of Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" is scheduled to close in August, the stage comedy's representatives said Friday. 'Red,' Molina win Drama League awards   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- "Red," "Sondheim on Sondheim," "A View from the Bridge" and "La Cage aux Folles" won top honors when Drama League Awards were handed out in New York Friday. $123M in paintings stolen from museum   UPI / 3:34PM PARIS, May 21 (UPI) -- Police in Paris said they are hunting for an art thief who took five well-known paintings, including works by Picasso and Matisse, from a museum.

Thursday, May 20 Book checked out by Washington returned   UPI / 5:05PM NEW YORK, May 20 (UPI) -- Staff at a New York library said members of George Washington's estate have returned a book he borrowed from the facility 221 years ago. Picasso, Matisse works stolen from museum   UPI / 10:54AM PARIS, May 20 (UPI) -- Five early 20th century paintings collectively valued at more than $600 million were stolen from the Paris Museum of Modern Art early Thursday, police said.

Tuesday, May 18 'Little Night Music' to close June 20   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- The first Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's "A Little Night Music" is to close next month, the stage musical's producers said Tuesday. Chad Ochocinco booted from 'Dancing'   UPI / 10:14PM LOS ANGELES, May 18 (UPI) -- Chad Ochocinco and his professional dance partner Cheryl Burke were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday. 'Jersey Couture' to air on Oxygen   UPI / 8:24PM NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- Oxygen says its summer lineup will include the reality shows "Jersey Couture," "Dance Your Ass Off," "BGC Miami" and "Hair Battle Spectacular."

Monday, May 17 McGregor to replace Depp in 'Quixote'   UPI / 4:24PM LONDON, May 17 (UPI) -- Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has signed on to replace Johnny Depp in director Terry Gilliam's long-delayed film "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." Septuagenarian memorizes 'Paradise Lost'   UPI / 4:05PM MIDDLETON, Conn., May 17 (UPI) -- Connecticut researchers said they have scientifically verified a man's claims of memorizing the entirety of the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. Alexander loses 30 pounds, dons spandex   UPI / 3:14PM CARLSBAD, Calif., May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and Jenny Craig spokesman Jason Alexander has achieved his weight-loss goal of 30 pounds in 18 weeks. 'Fences' wins big at Outer Critics Awards   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, May 17 (UPI) -- August Wilson's family drama "Fences," which is now playing on Broadway, was named outstanding revival of a play by the Outer Critics Circle in New York Monday.

Sunday, May 16 Laura Bush says no Iraq WMDs was shocking   UPI / 3:14PM WASHINGTON, May 16 (UPI) -- Former first lady Laura Bush says she and her husband were truly shocked when it turned out Iraq had no arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.

Saturday, May 15 Art lovers move graffiti artist's work   UPI / 6:44PM DETROIT, May 15 (UPI) -- A controversy has raged in Detroit over what to do about a graffiti mural left on a decaying plant wall by famed British-born graffiti artist Banksy. Tiny theater livens up Times Square   UPI / 5:24PM NEW YORK, May 15 (UPI) -- A small black structure behind Times Square's TKTS booth in New York City is a "Theatre for One," its designer says. Roger Ebert wants to keep book under wraps   UPI / 10:54AM CHICAGO, May 15 (UPI) -- Renowned U.S. film critic Roger Ebert has confirmed he's writing a book, but has refused to disclose the subject matter.

Thursday, May 13 Arthur Murray schools honor Travis   UPI / 3:14PM CORAL GABLES, Fla., May 13 (UPI) -- Arthur Murray International describes U.S. entertainer Doris Eaton Travis, who died this week at the age of 106, as an "iconic lady of dance." Penn to attend anger-management classes   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 13 (UPI) -- Sean Penn's lawyer entered in a Los Angeles court on the film star's behalf a plea of no contest to misdemeanor vandalism, officials said. Warhol's self-portrait sells for $32M   UPI / 1:24PM LONDON, May 13 (UPI) -- A 1986 silk-screen self-portrait by the late U.S. artist Andy Warhol has been sold at auction in New York for more than $32 million, Sotheby's said. Ricci set to make Broadway debut   UPI / 12:14PM NEW YORK, May 13 (UPI) -- Film actress Christina Ricci is to make her Broadway debut in "Time Stands Still," the play's producers announced Thursday. Rare stamp expected to bring millions   UPI / 11:34AM LONDON, May 13 (UPI) -- The world's most valuable stamp -- the Treskilling Yellow -- is expected to fetch as much as $7.4 million at an auction in Switzerland, collectors said.

Wednesday, May 12 Physicist spots dictionary error   UPI / 2:14PM BRISBANE, Australia, May 12 (UPI) -- An Australian physicist said publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary agreed to fix a 99-year-old definition error he discovered during research.

Tuesday, May 11 Niecy Nash eliminated from 'Dancing'   UPI / 9:24PM LOS ANGELES, May 11 (UPI) -- Comic actress Niecy Nash and professional dancer Louis van Amstel were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday. Olympia Dukakis cast in Williams play   UPI / 4:34PM NEW YORK, May 11 (UPI) -- Olympia Dukakis and Cherry Jones have signed up to star in productions for New York's Roundabout Theatre Company for the 2010-11 theater season. June Playboy centerfold will be in 3D   UPI / 4:24PM CHICAGO, May 11 (UPI) -- Playboy says it will publish its first 3D centerfold in the U.S. magazine's June issue, available on newsstands and online Friday. 'Rogue Taxidermy' mixes and matches   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, May 11 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles art gallery showing pieces of "Rogue Taxidermy" said the unusual art form is aimed at changing perceptions of taxidermy. Trio held in Seattle art-theft probe   UPI / 3:44PM SEATTLE, May 11 (UPI) -- The former owner of an art gallery was arrested Tuesday for allegedly conspiring to steal works from homes in Seattle, prosecutors said. Filmmaker proposes 'virginity auction'   UPI / 12:14PM CARSON CITY, Nev., May 11 (UPI) -- An Australian filmmaker recruiting virgins for an auction says he'll move his production to Nevada to avoid prostitution charges in his country.

Monday, May 10 Lynn Redgrave buried in upstate New York   UPI / 12:05PM NEW YORK, May 10 (UPI) -- A funeral has been held for Lynn Redgrave in Connecticut where the British actress had a home, the BBC reported.

Sunday, May 9 Library books held captive for 'content'   UPI / 5:44PM ORLANDO, Fla., May 9 (UPI) -- A Florida mother who refused to return four Gossip Girl-inspired library books because of their content returned them after almost 2 years, officials say.

Saturday, May 8 Oprah celebrates 'O' magazine in NYC   UPI / 1:54PM NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- Self-help guru Phil McGraw said he felt a little breezy after shaving his trademark mustache on set with U.S. talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey.

Friday, May 7 Stewart to co-star in Kerouac picture   UPI / 11:35AM LOS ANGELES, May 7 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Kristen Stewart has joined the cast of Walter Salles's film version of Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel "On the Road."

Wednesday, May 5 Ginsberg exhibit opens at National Gallery   UPI / 9:54PM WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- An exhibition featuring 79 black-and-white portraits by the late U.S. poet Allen Ginsberg has opened at Washington's National Gallery of Art. Hasselbeck apologizes for Andrews remarks   UPI / 8:34PM NEW YORK, May 5 (UPI) -- U.S. television personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck tearfully apologized on "The View" Wednesday for criticizing Erin Andrews' "Dancing with the Stars" costumes. 'Time Stands Still' to reopen in the fall   UPI / 7:14PM NEW YORK, May 5 (UPI) -- "Time Stands Still," which earned a Tony Award nomination Tuesday for Best Play, is to reopen this fall on Broadway after a hiatus, its producers said. Camera focuses near and far simultaneously   UPI / 4:54PM TORONTO, May 5 (UPI) -- University of Toronto scientists say they have made a breakthrough in video camera design by developing a new distance-mapping technology. Picasso painting sets art auction record   UPI / 2:14AM NEW YORK, May 5 (UPI) -- Pablo Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust" sold for nearly $106.5 million Tuesday, the most ever paid for a piece of art at auction, officials said.

Tuesday, May 4 Anderson eliminated from 'Dancing'   UPI / 10:05PM LOS ANGELES, May 4 (UPI) -- Actress and model Pamela Anderson was voted off of "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Washington, Zeta-Jones up for Tonys   UPI / 12:34PM NEW YORK, May 4 (UPI) -- "American Idiot," "Fela!," "Memphis" and "Million Dollar Quartet" were nominated for the Best Musical Tony Award in New York Tuesday. 'Spider-Man' stops comic book theft   UPI / 10:24AM ADELAIDE, Australia, May 3 (UPI) -- An Australian comic book store owner said he was dressed as Spider-Man for a promotion when he stopped a thief with the help of two Jedi knights.

Monday, May 3 Wong to star in 'East' benefit concert   UPI / 11:14PM NEW YORK, May 3 (UPI) -- Asia Society says Tony Award-winning actor B.D. Wong is to lead the cast in a staged New York concert of the musical "Heading East" by Robert Lee and Leon Ko. DeVoses pledge $22.5M to Kennedy Center   UPI / 9:24PM WASHINGTON, May 3 (UPI) -- Betsy and Dick DeVos have made a $22.5 million commitment for the newly named DeVos Institute of Arts Management at Washington's Kennedy Center. 'Ragtime,' 'Scottsboro' earn 9 Desk nods   UPI / 3:34PM NEW YORK, May 3 (UPI) -- "Ragtime" and "The Scottsboro Boys" led the field with nine nods each in nominations announced Monday for the 55th annual Drama Desk Awards in New York.

Sunday, May 2 Stars gather to help MPTF   UPI / 2:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 2 (UPI) -- More than 600 celebrities gathered on the 20th Century Fox lot in Los Angeles to raise funds for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, organizers said.

Thursday, April 29 Time: Gaga, O'Brien influential artists   UPI / 11:34PM NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Lady Gaga, talk-show host Conan O'Brien and filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow have made Time magazine's list of the most influential artists. Mouse steals show in B'way's 'Tenor'   UPI / 3:14PM NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- "Lend Me a Tenor" stars Tony Shalhoub and Justin Bartha kept their cool at a performance of the Broadway show when a mouse appeared on stage.

Wednesday, April 28 'God of Carnage' wrapping up B'way run   UPI / 9:05PM NEW YORK, April 28 (UPI) -- The Broadway production of "God of Carnage" is to end its run in June, the stage comedy's producers said. Obama comic found while pres. exercises   UPI / 3:05PM DES MOINES, Iowa, April 28 (UPI) -- Members of the media accompanying President Barack Obama to Iowa discovered a comic book featuring the commander in chief in a coffee shop.

Tuesday, April 27 Jake Pavelka booted from 'Dancing'   UPI / 9:14PM LOS ANGELES, April 27 (UPI) -- Reality TV personality Jake Pavelka and his professional partner Chelsie Hightower were voted off of "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday.

Monday, April 26 Leguizamo to host poetry-reading contest   UPI / 9:54PM WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Actor, writer and comedian John Leguizamo is to serve as a host of the national finals of the 2010 Poetry Out Loud Competition in Washington, organizers said. Walken, Denzel up for Outer Critics prize   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, April 26 (UPI) -- Film stars Christopher Walken and Denzel Washington were nominated in New York Monday for the Outer Critics Circle Award for outstanding actor in a play. 'Idiot,' 'Fall' earn Outer Critics nods   UPI / 2:14PM NEW YORK, April 26 (UPI) -- "American Idiot," "Come Fly Away" and "Fela!" were nominated for outstanding new Broadway musical by the Outer Critics Circle in New York Monday.

Sunday, April 25 Denzel Washington returns to Broadway   UPI / 8:44PM NEW YORK, April 25 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Denzel Washington says he started thinking about his next Broadway project soon after wrapping up his run in "Julius Caesar" five years ago.

Saturday, April 24 Archie comics adds a gay teen   UPI / 12:14PM NEW YORK, April 24 (UPI) -- Archie Comic Publications announced it is adding a gay teen to its popular U.S. comic book series.

Thursday, April 22 Maersk Alabama crew pans captain's account   UPI / 7:54PM UNDERHILL, Vt., April 22 (UPI) -- The Maersk Alabama's captain says he stands by his account of the ship's takeover by Somali pirates even if most of his crew has a different view. Famous Danish cartoonist mulls retirement   UPI / 2:44PM COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 22 (UPI) -- Kurt Westergaard, the Danish cartoonist who became famous or notorious for his depiction of the Prophet Mohammed, is thinking of hanging up his pencil.

Wednesday, April 21 Scottish defendants acquitted of bribery   UPI / 8:04PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, April 21 (UPI) -- A Scottish jury Wednesday found five men not guilty of plotting to extort more than $6.5 million to return a stolen Leonardo da Vinci painting. B'way's 'Carnage' to mark 400th show   UPI / 11:14AM NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- The Tony Award-winning comedy, "God of Carnage," is to mark its 400th performance on Broadway, the play's producers said. Cumming drops out of 'Spider-Man' musical   UPI / 9:34AM NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- Scottish actor Alan Cumming says on his Web site he is no longer set to star in the forthcoming Broadway production of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."

Tuesday, April 20 Gosselin voted off of 'Dancing'   UPI / 9:54PM LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- Kate Gosselin became the latest celebrity voted off of the competition series "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday. 'Spokane,' 'Fences' earn Drama League nods   UPI / 5:54PM NEW YORK, April 20 (UPI) -- "Aftermath," "A Behanding in Spokane" and "The Brother/Sister Plays" were among those nominated for the Drama League Award for best play in New York Tuesday. Damage to relics to be assessed   UPI / 8:14AM BEIJING, April 20 (UPI) -- Chinese officials say they've called for an assessment of damage to historic relics in the earthquake-hit Yushu County, a mostly ethnic Tibetan region. Senior dance therapy reduces fall risk   UPI / 12:44AM COLUMBIA, Mo., April 20 (UPI) -- A dance therapy program developed by a registered nurse and doctoral student improves balance and gait in older adults, U.S. researchers said.

Monday, April 19 Icelandic tourists get free '39 Steps' tix   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, April 19 (UPI) -- The producers of "The 39 Steps" say they are offering Icelandic tourists stranded in New York free tickets to the off-Broadway show.

Friday, April 16 Nude performance art exhibit opens at MoMA   UPI / 10:34PM NEW YORK, April 16 (UPI) -- A performance art installation by Marina Abramovic featuring naked people in various poses has opened at New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Thursday, April 15 Gosselin: It's hard being away from 8 kids   UPI / 6:44PM NEW YORK, April 15 (UPI) -- Reality television personality Kate Gosselin says it is "really hard" to be in Los Angeles working while her eight kids are at home in Pennsylvania.

Tuesday, April 13 Aiden Turner eliminated from 'Dancing'   UPI / 9:44PM LOS ANGELES, April 13 (UPI) -- Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinska became the latest couple eliminated from the competition on "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Leary to tour again with Ferrera, Clarke   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, April 13 (UPI) -- Denis Leary has announced he and his "Rescue Me" co-stars Adam Ferrera and Lenny Clarke are planning a second U.S. summer comedy show tour. Funeral held for actor Corin Redgrave   UPI / 1:34PM LONDON, April 13 (UPI) -- Ian McKellen, Joely Richardson, Liam Neeson, Trevor Nunn and Simon Callow were among the mourners at actor Corin Redgrave's funeral in London.

Monday, April 12 Sade to perform on 'DWTS'   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, April 12 (UPI) -- Sade will perform on the U.S. competition show "Dancing with the Stars," ABC announced Monday. Washington Post wins 4 Pulitzers   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, April 12 (UPI) -- The Seattle Times was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news reporting Monday but The Washington Post won four other news categories.

Saturday, April 10 Hitler art mediocre, but in demand   UPI / 12:54PM SHREWSBURY, England, April 10 (UPI) -- Sketches and watercolors by Adolf Hitler are expected to come up for sale in England next week, but experts say they are mediocre.

Friday, April 9 Mayor apologizes for school play snooze   UPI / 3:05PM WORTHING, England, April 9 (UPI) -- A British mayor has apologized to a class of 11-year-olds for falling asleep during a performance of their school musical.

Thursday, April 8 Roethlisberger sex assault claim reviewed   UPI / 7:24PM MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., April 8 (UPI) -- A Georgia prosecutor declined to say when he will decide whether to charge Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in an alleged sexual assault.

Wednesday, April 7 FBI recovers, returns historic paintings   UPI / 7:35PM WASHINGTON, April 7 (UPI) -- The FBI has returned two recovered historic paintings to Peru after determining they were illegally brought into the United States for sale, officials said. Underground fire injures eight   UPI / 2:24PM NEW YORK, April 7 (UPI) -- An underground explosion in New York's Broadway theater district injured eight people as it shot flames into the air through an open manhole, police said.

Tuesday, April 6 Buzz Aldrin eliminated from 'Dancing'   UPI / 9:14PM LOS ANGELES, April 6 (UPI) -- Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin has become the second celebrity booted from the current season of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars." Internet video shows U.S. attack   UPI / 11:44AM WASHINGTON, April 6 (UPI) -- A video posted on the Internet shows a U.S. helicopter firing on rescuers moving a wounded Reuters photographer in Iraq, the U.S. military confirmed.

Monday, April 5 Students make massive 'Starry Night'   UPI / 6:05PM SMITHFIELD, Utah, April 5 (UPI) -- A Utah high school teacher said he and his students have created a 72-foot-by-90-foot replica of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" from breakfast cereal. Falco, Pill to co-star in Off-B'way play   UPI / 4:05PM NEW YORK, April 5 (UPI) -- Edie Falco and Alison Pill have signed on to star in the U.S. premiere of Chloe Moss's play "This Wide Night."

Saturday, April 3 Moving van spotted at Bullock's home   UPI / 2:24PM LOS ANGELES, April 3 (UPI) -- Movers loaded furniture and boxes into a van outside the California home of Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock Friday afternoon, TZM.com reports. E-book pricing in flux   UPI / 10:05AM NEWE YORK, N.Y., April 3 (UPI) -- Pricing of e-books is in play as book publishers and retailers negotiate the terms of engagement, industry officials say.

Friday, April 2 Tucci's 'Tenor' to open on Broadway   UPI / 9:14PM NEW YORK, April 2 (UPI) -- A revival of Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" is set to open on Broadway, the mistaken-identity comedy's producers said. 300-year-old 'saucy' tales found   UPI / 1:54PM TROUTBECK, England, April 2 (UPI) -- The National Trust custodian for England's Townend House said a cache of 300-year-old erotica was found hidden behind books in the library.

Thursday, April 1 Errors abound Sacramento math books   UPI / 9:05PM SACRAMENTO, April 1 (UPI) -- People in the Sacramento area might be pardoned for asking if the folks who publish their schools' error-filled math books are smarter than a fifth-grader. NASA releases Hubble 20th anniversary book   UPI / 4:14PM WASHINGTON, April 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency says it has published a book celebrating the 20th anniversary of the April 1990 launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Wednesday, March 31 Report: Conan won't host Tony Awards   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, March 31 (UPI) -- Comedian Conan O'Brien has declined an offer to serve as host of the upcoming 2010 Tony Awards show in New York, TVGuide.com reported. Spacecraft snaps photos chosen by public   UPI / 3:34PM PASADENA, Calif., March 31 (UPI) -- NASA says the most powerful camera aboard a spacecraft orbiting Mars has returned the first pictures of locations suggested by the public.

Tuesday, March 30 Doherty booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 9:34PM LOS ANGELES, March 30 (UPI) -- Shannen Doherty became the first celebrity eliminated from this season of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday night.

Monday, March 29 'Miracle Worker' to close on Broadway   UPI / 8:34PM NEW YORK, March 29 (UPI) -- The Broadway revival of "The Miracle Worker" is to close April 4, a message on the play's Web site announced Monday. Four copies of famous urinal discovered   UPI / 2:44PM LONDON, March 29 (UPI) -- A London art expert said four replicas of a urinal famously submitted as a sculpture in 1917 have recently been discovered, bringing the total to 19.

Sunday, March 28 Kate Gosselin wants to keep 'dancing'   UPI / 5:05PM LOS ANGELES, March 28 (UPI) -- Reality-television mom Kate Gosselin hopes to get her 35th birthday wish: to remain on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars."

Friday, March 26 18th century sex toys fetch $5,400   UPI / 10:05AM BRENTWOOD, England, March 26 (UPI) -- An anonymous bidder is paying $5,400 for two 18th Century phallus-shaped wooden sex toys, an auction house in England says.

Thursday, March 25 CBS orders U.S. version of 'Got to Dance'   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- CBS says it has ordered "Got to Dance," a new U.S. reality-competition series based on the hit British show. Kids to boycott prom if they can't 'freak'   UPI / 1:05PM BRIGHTON, Mich., March 25 (UPI) -- High school students in Brighton, Mich., say they'll boycott a prom because they've been asked to sign contracts against "freaking," a style of dancing. Street art: Elicits meaningful discussion?   UPI / 9:24AM SOUTH BEND, Ind., March 25 (UPI) -- A U.S.-led multinational study suggests street art provokes meaningful discussion about the world's urban landscape.

Wednesday, March 24 'Cheers' co-stars to announce theater nods   UPI / 9:54AM NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- Former "Cheers" co-stars Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth are to announce the nominations for the upcoming 76th annual Drama League Awards in New York.

Tuesday, March 23 Study: Last Supper portions grew   UPI / 6:14PM LOS ANGELES, March 23 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said their analysis of 52 artistic renditions of the New Testament's Last Supper found the portions depicted have grown over the years. Hughes to be memorialized in Poets' Corner   UPI / 11:05AM LONDON, March 23 (UPI) -- England's former poet laureate Ted Hughes, who died of cancer in 1998, is to be memorialized in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner, abbey officials said.

Saturday, March 20 It's a new LA city landmark, man   UPI / 11:54AM LOS ANGELES, March 20 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles City Council has named a Venice hangout for the Beat Generation as a new city landmark, officials say.

Friday, March 19 Champion pole dancer defending title   UPI / 5:14PM NEW YORK, March 19 (UPI) -- The returning champion of the U.S. Pole Dance Federation competition says she is ready to repeat her feat in New York. Mayor's charity headed for change   UPI / 11:44AM NEW YORK, March 19 (UPI) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg isn't commenting on reports that his charitable giving is about to undergo a major change, aides say. Obama postponement doesn't upset Indonesia   UPI / 10:44AM JAKARTA, March 19 (UPI) -- The Indonesian government said it understood that U.S. President Barack Obama has delayed a visit because of the political situation in the United States.

Thursday, March 18 Cameras set to roll on 'Jane Eyre' film   UPI / 5:05PM LONDON, March 18 (UPI) -- Production on the latest screen adaptation of the literary classic "Jane Eyre" is to begin next week in the United Kingdom, Focus Features said.

Wednesday, March 17 Osmonds cancel more Vegas dates   UPI / 9:04PM LAS VEGAS, March 17 (UPI) -- Donny and Marie Osmond have canceled this week's performances in Las Vegas as Marie grieves for her late son, Michael, an assistant to the entertainer said.

Tuesday, March 16 Horse turns artist to beat winter boredom   UPI / 7:44PM IRON RIDGE, Wis., March 16 (UPI) -- Carol Jensen, a Wisconsin artist, decided all creatures need a winter pastime, including her horse, so she taught it how to paint.

Sunday, March 14 'Ugly Betty' star returns to the stage   UPI / 3:34PM NEW YORK, March 14 (UPI) -- Actress/singer Vanessa Williams says it has been "seamless" juggling her starring roles in ABC's "Ugly Betty" and Broadway's "Sondheim on Sondheim."

Friday, March 12 Malkovich to star in London play   UPI / 6:24PM LONDON, March 12 (UPI) -- U.S. actor John Malkovich has been cast as an Austrian serial killer in the London stage production of "The Infernal Comedy," the BBC said.

Thursday, March 11 Identifying serial killer's pics of women   UPI / 10:24PM SANTA ANA, Calif., March 11 (UPI) -- California prosecutors asked the public for help in identifying women pictured in photographs found in the home and storage locker of a convicted serial killer. 'A Time to Kill' stage play planned   UPI / 6:44PM WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- The play version of John Grisham's legal thriller "A Time to Kill" is to have its world premiere at Washington's Arena Stage.

Wednesday, March 10 Mario Lopez says his girlfriend's pregnant   UPI / 8:04PM LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. television personality Mario Lopez announced Wednesday that his girlfriend, Broadway dancer Courtney Mazza, is pregnant. Paintings stolen from Turkish museum   UPI / 11:44AM ANKARA, Turkey, March 10 (UPI) -- At least 18 paintings are missing from the State Museum of Fine Arts in Ankara, the Turkish Radikal newspaper reported Wednesday.

Tuesday, March 9 Lego blocks patch New York buildings   UPI / 5:54PM NEW YORK, March 9 (UPI) -- A German artist said he is working to fill in cracks in New York buildings with an unusual construction material -- plastic Lego blocks.

Monday, March 8 Burke named new 'Dancing' co-host   UPI / 11:14AM LOS ANGELES, March 8 (UPI) -- Brooke Burke, the winner of Season 7 of "Dancing with the Stars," is to serve as co-host of the U.S. dance competition series, ABC announced.

Sunday, March 7 Middle-aged women living cheerleader life   UPI / 12:44PM DETROIT, March 7 (UPI) -- Julie Hecker of Royal Oak, Mich., says she is part of a group of middle-aged women who don fishnets and go-go boots to serve as cheerleaders for Detroit.

Saturday, March 6 Supergraphic comes down on Hollywood Blvd.   UPI / 11:54AM LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- Workers were removing a supergraphic -- a huge digital advertising graphic -- from a Hollywood Boulevard building, a Los Angeles city official says.

Friday, March 5 McDonagh's 'Behanding' opens on Broadway   UPI / 11:14PM NEW YORK, March 5 (UPI) -- "A Behanding in Spokane," Anglo-Irish playwright Martin McDonagh's first U.S.-set play, has opened on Broadway. Book: Spitzer may have been suicidal   UPI / 7:54PM NEW YORK, March 5 (UPI) -- A close adviser to former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer says in a new book the ex-official's friends put him on a suicide watch following his resignation. Report: O'Brien is planning a stage tour   UPI / 6:44PM LOS ANGELES, March 5 (UPI) -- Recently deposed U.S. late-night television host Conan O'Brien is planning to headline a traveling stage show starting next month, sources told E! News.

Thursday, March 4 Study: Many London theaters have rodents   UPI / 4:04PM LONDON, March 4 (UPI) -- Three quarters of the 250 actors surveyed said the West End London theater where they work has a rodent problem, The Times of London said. Can DNA solve 1990 art heist?   UPI / 1:54PM BOSTON, March 4 (UPI) -- Investigators hope advances in DNA testing will solve the biggest art heist in U.S. history, the 1990 theft of masterpieces from the Gardner Museum in Boston.

Tuesday, March 2 Dame Edna to co-host 'The View'   UPI / 5:04PM NEW YORK, March 2 (UPI) -- Australian entertainer Dame Edna Everage has been booked as a co-host of an upcoming episode of the U.S. chat show "The View," ABC announced.

Monday, March 1 Anderson, Aldrin to compete on 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:44PM LOS ANGELES, March 1 (UPI) -- Actress Pamela Anderson and astronaut Buzz Aldrin will be among the competitors on the 10th season of the U.S. TV series "Dancing with the Stars," ABC said. 'Glee' cast planning four-city stage tour   UPI / 2:44PM LOS ANGELES, March 1 (UPI) -- The cast of the U.S. music-themed dramedy series "Glee" is to appear in a string of stage shows, 20th Century Fox Television announced Monday. 5,000 pose nude in Australia   UPI / 2:34PM SYDNEY, March 1 (UPI) -- A photographer said about 5,000 people stripped nude on the steps of Australia's Sydney Opera House for a photo shoot. Breslin headlines 'Miracle Worker' revival   UPI / 12:34PM NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Teenage U.S. film star Abigail Breslin says the biggest difference between acting in a movie and on stage is how many takes one has to get a scene right.

Sunday, February 28 Kate Gosselin may be Dancing with Stars   UPI / 2:44PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles radio station is reporting reality TV star Kate Gosselin could be among the next batch of "Dancing with the Stars" contestants.

Friday, February 26 Hitler-drawn nudes to be auctioned   UPI / 3:54PM LONDON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Two sketches of nudes by Adolf Hitler, along with a drawing of an elderly woman thought to be his mother, will be sold at auction in Britain, the seller said.

Thursday, February 25 Obama honors arts, humanities medalists   UPI / 9:14PM WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama Thursday honored 20 artists, writers and civic leaders in a ceremony postponed from last year because of the Fort Hood, Texas, massacre.

Wednesday, February 24 Michelangelo drawings on display in U.K.   UPI / 10:34PM LONDON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The Michelangelo Dream exhibition, spotlighting a series of drawings the Renaissance artist created of a possible male love interest, has opened in London. 'Avenue Q' ad rejected for cleavage   UPI / 2:54PM COLORADO SPRINGS, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- An advertising company said it rejected a Colorado bus shelter ad that would have featured the furry pink cleavage of a theater puppet.

Tuesday, February 23 Detroit debates crackdown on strip clubs   UPI / 10:44AM DETROIT, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Strippers and churchgoers traded arguments on whether the Detroit City Council needs to crack down on adult entertainment clubs, officials said.

Friday, February 12 Google Street View shows murder scene   UPI / 2:54PM WINDSOR, Ontario, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- The Google software company agreed to a request from the Canadian city of Windsor, Ontario, to remove its Street View images of a murder scene. Woman sets dancer afire   UPI / 2:24PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A California woman has been convicted of throwing gasoline on an exotic dancer and setting her on fire, court officials say. Report: Baldwin in scuffle with paparazzo   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- TV's "Inside Edition" says it plans to air exclusive footage showing police pulling Alec Baldwin off of a photographer outside his New York home Thursday night. Biker investigation leads to litigation   UPI / 12:14AM PHOENIX, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A federal agent who went undercover to investigate the Hells Angels is involved in cross-litigation with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Wednesday, February 10 Universal Music names next CEO   UPI / 5:44PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Universal Music Group said Lucian Grainge, head of international operations, would succeed Doug Morris as chief executive officer. Kentucky bill would regulate Bible study   UPI / 3:54PM FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A bill before the Kentucky state legislature would create guidelines for teaching the Bible in public high schools. Broadway shows going on despite snow   UPI / 2:34PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Performances of many Broadway shows are expected to go on as planned Wednesday despite the snowstorm pummeling New York and New Jersey, producers said. Celine Dion set for Vegas return   UPI / 2:24PM LAS VEGAS, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Canadian pop star Celine Dion has announced plans to return to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for a three-year residency.

Tuesday, February 9 Mock sign: 'God thinks you are stupid'   UPI / 6:05PM NEW YORK, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A group of New York urban artists are decorating city poles with satirical messages disguised as actual road signs. Brooklyn Decker is 2010 SI cover girl   UPI / 12:44PM NEW YORK, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A photo of U.S. supermodel Brooklyn Decker graces the cover of the 2010 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which appeared on newsstands and SI.com Tuesday.

Monday, February 8 'Priscilla,' 'Sister Act' get Olivier nods   UPI / 3:44PM LONDON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- "Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical" and "Sister Act" were among the shows nominated for the best new musical Olivier Award in London Monday.

Sunday, February 7 Artists create Ice House in Detroit   UPI / 12:14PM DETROIT, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A pair of artists said the Ice House art installation they created in Detroit reflects the city's ongoing housing crisis and so much more.

Thursday, February 4 Lili Taylor joins 'Lips Together' cast   UPI / 7:14PM NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Lili Taylor has joined the Broadway premiere production of Terrence McNally's play "Lips Together, Teeth Apart," the Roundabout Theatre Company said. Optical imaging detects art forgeries   UPI / 2:44PM TORUN, Poland, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Polish scientists say they've used a medical imaging technique to detect the forgery of an artist's signature and changes in paintings hundreds of years old.

Wednesday, February 3 Fla. teens nabbed for defacing synagogue   UPI / 11:44AM CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Six Florida teenagers are facing charges for allegedly spray painting gang signs on a Jewish synagogue, authorities in Coral Springs say.

Tuesday, February 2 Palin uses Sarah PAC to buy 'Going Rogue'   UPI / 8:54AM WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin used her political action committee to buy thousands of copies of her book to mail to her donors, campaign records show.

Monday, February 1 Connolly: People judge comedians harshly   UPI / 9:14PM LONDON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Scottish comedian Billy Connolly says comedians in the United Kingdom are held to a higher standard of conduct than other artists and he thinks that's unfair. 'DWTS' cast to be announced in March   UPI / 3:44PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The cast of the next edition of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars" is to be announced during the season finale of "The Bachelor," ABC said.

Sunday, January 31 Broadway musicals facing criticism   UPI / 4:34PM NEW YORK, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The declining quality of sets used by several major Broadway productions in New York hints at apparent financial cutbacks amid the recession, critics say.

Saturday, January 30 Tenn. approves guidelines for Bible class   UPI / 12:24AM NASHVILLE, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Tennessee high schools will be getting guidelines from the state next fall on teaching the Bible as part of a secular curriculum.

Friday, January 29 USC establishes Robert Redford award   UPI / 4:34PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The University of Southern California School of Theatre will honor filmmaker Robert Redford with an award named for him, the school announced. Va. teacher accepts 'Macbeth' punishment   UPI / 4:24PM CHESAPEAKE, Va., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A high school teacher in Chesapeake, Va., says he deserved to be suspended for five days for showing a racy film version of "Macbeth" without permission.

Thursday, January 28 Roseanne Barr plays Hard Rock in Maui   UPI / 10:44PM LAHAINA, Hawaii, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Roseanne Barr performed to a sold-out audience as part of the new "Maui Celebrity Series," series producers said. West End shows netted $806M in 2009   UPI / 9:05PM LONDON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- West End shows earned more than $806 million in box-office receipts in 2009, the Society of London Theatre said this week. Report: Samantha Harris quits 'Dancing'   UPI / 4:54PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- "Dancing with the Stars" co-host Samantha Harris will not be returning for the U.S. dance competition show's 10th season, ABC said Thursday.

Wednesday, January 27 Can teacher be arrested for showing movie?   UPI / 4:14PM NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The father of a Virginia high school student threatened to have a teacher arrested for showing a class Roman Polanski's 1971 movie of Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Tuesday, January 26 Centennial sparks Twain events in Hartford   UPI / 10:14PM HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The Mark Twain House & Museum says a yearlong celebration of the famous writer's life and work is being planned in Hartford, Conn. Rural Haitians also need provisions   UPI / 4:34PM JACMEL, Haiti, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- With international focus on Port-au-Prince, rural Haitian earthquake victims have largely lacked relief help so far, observers say.

Monday, January 25 Picasso work torn by falling museum patron   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Officials at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art said a hole torn in a Picasso painting by a stumbling patron can be fully repaired. Vast Wild West collection to be auctioned   UPI / 3:14AM NEW YORK, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- A vast collection of letters, maps, photos, stamps, books and documents on America's journey to the Wild West is expected to fetch about $5 million at auction.

Sunday, January 24 Photographers protest use of terrorism law   UPI / 12:14AM LONDON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Hundreds of photographers filled London's Trafalgar Square Saturday to protest the use of terrorism laws to keep them from taking pictures.

Saturday, January 23 Canadian diplomat worked for CIA in Tehran   UPI / 8:34PM OTTAWA, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The Canadian diplomat who shielded six U.S. citizens in his embassy during the occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Iran says he was the CIA's man in Tehran.

Thursday, January 21 Sisters ordered to give up Kafka's papers   UPI / 12:14PM TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Two Israeli sisters will appeal a court order to relinquish manuscripts by Franz Kafka to the National Library of Israel, a lawyer for one of them said.

Wednesday, January 20 Neeson raises $400K for Belfast theater   UPI / 8:35PM LONDON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Actor Liam Neeson presided over a dinner that raised nearly $400,000 to help rebuild the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prize-winning picture used rented wolf   UPI / 7:54PM LONDON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- A London museum stripped its photographer of the year of his award Wednesday because judges now say he rented his subject from a wildlife park.

Tuesday, January 19 'Poe Toaster' fails to show at grave   UPI / 4:24PM BALTIMORE, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- An unknown person who has been leaving cognac at Edgar Allen Poe's original Baltimore grave site for decades failed to show up this year, a curator said. Cincy prepares for lynchings exhibition   UPI / 11:54AM CINCINNATI, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Officials of Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center say they know an exhibition of photographs of lynchings will be controversial.

Sunday, January 17 Debate over Poe burial site rages   UPI / 4:04PM RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A representative for the family of Edgar Allan Poe said the body of the late U.S. author should not be moved from Baltimore despite claims to the contrary. Christian author Dobson to host radio show   UPI / 3:34PM NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Christian author James Dobson said he is leaving his U.S. evangelical organization, Focus on the Family, to host a new radio show. Horse statue designed to survive bombing   UPI / 3:24PM GRAVESEND, England, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The design of a 164-foot high horse statue under construction in England is intended to allow the work of art to survive a bomb attack, an official says. Letters offer insights into Van Gogh   UPI / 12:34PM LONDON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Letters written by Vincent Van Gogh on display at the Royal Academy of Arts in London offer insights into the late artist, observers say.

Saturday, January 16 Journalist authors back anonymous sourcing   UPI / 4:24PM WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Two political journalists about to release books about U.S. President Barack Obama's administration say there is nothing wrong with anonymous sourcing.

Friday, January 15 Painting stolen during historical talk   UPI / 12:05AM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A valuable watercolor was stolen from a library while 200 people were listening to a talk by a bishop on the Reformation's effect on Scotland, authorities said.

Thursday, January 14 Narrow NYC celebrity digs sell for $2.2M   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A Greenwich Village rowhouse, once home to celebrities and believed to be the narrowest in New York, has been sold for $2.175 million. Teens face 46 charges for graffiti 'tags'   UPI / 12:24PM LONDON, Ontario, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Three Canadian teenagers suspected of being responsible for almost half of the graffiti "tagging" in London, Ontario, face 46 charges, police said.

Wednesday, January 13 Steve Martin to publish 2 new books   UPI / 10:14PM NEW YORK, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A New York publishing house said Wednesday it has acquired two new book titles from entertainer Steve Martin, including a children's book with a music CD. 'DWTS' to return in March   UPI / 5:24PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- ABC says the 10th season of its U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars" will start with a two-hour premiere in March.

Sunday, January 10 Google apologizes to Chinese authors   UPI / 6:54PM BEIJING, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Google has apologized to writers in China for scanning their copyright works for its online library without their authorization, a writers association said. Marvel opposes claims from Kirby heirs   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. comic book company Marvel says a federal judge should throw out copyright claims made by heirs of artist Jack Kirby. Alleged plagiarism sparks literary battle   UPI / 2:54PM PARIS, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- French novelist Camille Laurens alleges fellow author Marie Darrieussecq committed "psychological plagiarism" with her 2007 book "Tom is Dead." Would-be pope assassin eyeing media deals   UPI / 12:54PM ANKARA, Turkey, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- A Turkish man imprisoned for trying to assassinate Pope John Paul II says he is seeking deals for book, TV and film projects about his actions.

Friday, January 8 Irons to return to the British stage   UPI / 4:14PM LONDON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Jeremy Irons has signed up to star in Dennis Kelly's new stage drama "The Gods Weep," which begins performances in March, the Royal Shakespeare Company said. Aides: Steele's book surprises GOP leaders   UPI / 2:44PM WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. congressional leaders said they were unaware that party chairman Michael Steele was publishing a book until its release this week.

Wednesday, January 6 Washington, Davis to star in 'Fences'   UPI / 8:14PM NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Film stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are set to star in a new Broadway production of August Wilson's "Fences," the play's producers said. Israel in legal battle over Kafka papers   UPI / 6:44PM TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A battle is on in Israel over unpublished papers of Franz Kafka that could offer new insights into the writer of "The Trial" and "Metamorphosis," experts say. Justin Bartha headed to Broadway   UPI / 1:34PM NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Film actor Justin Bartha has joined the cast of the upcoming Broadway production of Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor," the show's producers said.

Monday, January 4 Grammar vandals awarded book deal   UPI / 7:14PM PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Two U.S. men convicted on federal vandalism charges for fixing typos on public signs said they have landed a book deal to write about their adventures. Library book returned 73 years late   UPI / 6:44PM SCOTTDALE, Pa., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- An 85-year-old man who checked a book out of his Pennsylvania school library in 1936 said he is returning it for a new generation of students to enjoy. Velvet painting museum closing   UPI / 5:54PM PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The Oregon owners of what may be the world's only velvet painting museum said they are closing the attraction after four years.

Sunday, January 3 Actor Broderick calls Broadway 'peculiar'   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Film actor Matthew Broderick, who took part in an off-Broadway production, says the New York theater area is in a "peculiar" state. Chagall work bought at fraction of value   UPI / 3:04PM LONDON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A small art gallery in London said it secretly purchased a painting by famed Russian-French artist Marc Chagall at a fraction of its estimated worth.

Saturday, January 2 Disney buys stake in Stan Lee venture   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The Walt Disney Co. reportedly purchased a 10 percent stake in POW! Entertainment, a production company formed by U.S. comic book creator Stan Lee. Woman brings a bit of color to snowfall   UPI / 3:04PM FARGO, N.D., Jan. 2 (UPI) -- An environmental artist in Fargo, N.D., says she paints the snow on her home's yard a different color each time flakes fall.

Friday, January 1 Sunset Strip's seeking a revival   UPI / 5:14AM HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Sunset Strip in Hollywood is getting repaved for the first time in 75 years to restore some of the fading boulevard's former grandeur, officials say. Lucky New Year's foods also healthy   UPI / 2:05AM NEW YORK, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Many cultures worldwide eat special foods for luck on New Year's Day that, while they may not provide prosperity, do offer good health.

Thursday, December 31 Tyson won't be charged for airport fracas   UPI / 6:24PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson won't be charged for his part in a Los Angeles International Airport altercation, prosecutors said Thursday. Blue fireworks usher in Aussie New Year's   UPI / 1:24PM SYDNEY, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Bright blue fireworks lit up the Australia skies around Sydney Harbor Friday to usher in the hopeful new decade with the theme "Awaken the Spirit." Patrick Stewart knighted in London   UPI / 11:44AM LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- British actor Patrick Stewart has been knighted in London as part of the New Year Honors list for his contributions to drama, officials said. Historic Puccini home threatened by flood   UPI / 9:44AM VIAREGGIO, Italy, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The historic Tuscan villa of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, a pilgrimage site for opera buffs every year, was under a flood threat Thursday, officials said.

Wednesday, December 30 Stolen Picasso sculpture recovered   UPI / 9:44PM ROME, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A man has been arrested in Italy for allegedly stealing a guitar Pablo Picasso sculpted and giving it to a friend, officials said.

Tuesday, December 29 Orwell's Indian birthplace to be a museum   UPI / 11:05PM MOTIHARI, India, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The house in India where author George Orwell was born more than a century ago is being renovated as a museum, officials said. Models strip down in cold Ohio city   UPI / 6:44PM AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A New York photographer visiting Ohio said his project, photos of nude people in public settings, was enhanced by the cold, snowy weather.

Monday, December 28 For one day, digital books surpass print   UPI / 4:24PM SEATTLE, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. online retailer Amazon said 2009 marked a turning point in book sales, with digital book sales surpassing sales of books printed on paper on Dec. 25.

Sunday, December 27 Kindle is top Amazon gift in history   UPI / 2:44PM SEATTLE, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Amazon.com Inc. said the Amazon Kindle is the most gifted item in the U.S.-based company's history thanks to holiday sales.

Tuesday, December 22 Mullally and Oswalt headed to B'way   UPI / 9:35PM NEW YORK, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Megan Mullally and Patton Oswalt have signed up to star in the Broadway premiere production of "Lips Together, Teeth Apart," the show's producers said.

Monday, December 21 People may not be visual, verbal learners   UPI / 11:54PM SAN DIEGO, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The evidence of a meta-analysis does not support the theory that learning styles vary individually, U.S. researchers say. Gilliam: Depp, Duvall set for 'Quixote'   UPI / 9:04PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. filmmaker Terry Gilliam says Johnny Depp and Robert Duvall are onboard for his long-gestating film project, "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." WTO rules against China on entertainment   UPI / 6:05PM WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The World Trade Organization Appellate Court said Monday that China needs to open its doors wider to sales of foreign music, theater, literature and movies. Hollins takes top prize on 'Strictly'   UPI / 1:24PM LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Television sportscaster Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan have won the British competition series "Strictly Come Dancing."

Sunday, December 20 Comic collapses during Florida performance   UPI / 7:14PM FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Comedian Steve Solomon has been discharged from a Florida hospital after collapsing on stage during a performance, his publicist said. Queen to knight 'Star Trek' star Stewart   UPI / 3:04PM LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will knight "Star Trek: The Next Generation" actor Patrick Stewart, Buckingham Palace sources say.

Saturday, December 19 Artist sues art store over supplies   UPI / 8:54PM CHICAGO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A renowned Chicago artist has filed a lawsuit claiming an art store sold him products that made his paintings fade, deform and deteriorate.

Friday, December 18 Sources: Wynn bought $33.2M Rembrandt   UPI / 7:14PM LONDON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The Rembrandt painting sold last week for $33.2 million was bought by a representative for Las Vegas casino owner Stephen A. Wynn, sources say. TV choreographer accused of child abuse   UPI / 5:54PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Choreographer Shane Sparks was arrested Friday and charged with eight counts of felony child molestation, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman said. France says Google broke copyright laws   UPI / 3:34PM PARIS, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A court in France declared Internet giant Google guilty of copyright infringement and ordered it to remove content of some books from its online database.

Thursday, December 17 'Return to Cranford' to air on PBS   UPI / 8:35PM BOSTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- "Return to Cranford," a follow-up to the popular British miniseries "Cranford," is to air on PBS in the United States next month, its producers said. Tucci to direct Shalhoub in Broadway play   UPI / 5:24PM NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Stanley Tucci is directing a Broadway revival of Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor," starring Anthony LaPaglia and Tony Shalhoub, the show's producers said. World's rarest gorilla captured on video   UPI / 2:44PM NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Conservationists say the world's rarest great ape has finally been captured on professional video on a forested mountain in Cameroon. Santa: A public health pariah?   UPI / 12:54PM VICTORIA, Australia, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- In a world where children's role models are from TV and sports, an Australian physician suggests Santa should give up cookies and share the reindeers' carrots.

Wednesday, December 16 Ferguson wins 'So You Think You Can Dance'   UPI / 11:14PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Russell Ferguson was declared the winner Wednesday of the sixth season of the U.S. competition series "So You Think You Can Dance." Library book nearly 100 years overdue   UPI / 12:54PM MANSFIELD, Mass., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts library agreed to waive fines for a book a man says he discovered in his deceased mother's things that was nearly 100 years overdue. New York seeks new condom wrappers   UPI / 12:44PM NEW YORK, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- New York health officials are appealing to the city's residents to submit designs for the official city condom's new wrapper.

Tuesday, December 15 Bonnie Prince Charlie portrait disowned   UPI / 10:05PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The National Galleries of Scotland has acknowledged a portrait long thought to be of Bonnie Prince Charlie more likely depicts his younger brother. Canadian Liberals post assassination photo   UPI / 2:14PM OTTAWA, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Canada's federal Liberal party apologized Tuesday for posting an altered photo on the Internet of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper being assassinated.

Monday, December 14 Matthew Modine joins 'Miracle' cast   UPI / 11:54PM NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Actor Matthew Modine has joined the cast of the upcoming Broadway production of "The Miracle Worker," the show's producers said Monday. Families denied 'Polar Express' ride   UPI / 1:44PM GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Organizers of a ride inspired by the book "Polar Express" say they'll refund money to about 150 people denied access to the train in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Sunday, December 13 Author Watts accused of choking guard   UPI / 4:24PM PORT HURON, Mich., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Canadian author Peter Watts said he did not choke a U.S. border guard during a border crossing despite allegations to the contrary. Original 'Second City' cast reunites   UPI / 3:34PM CHICAGO, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Actor Martin Short said there was "joy" when the original cast members from "Second City Television" reunited in Chicago Racer Hart gets tattoo of singer Pink   UPI / 3:24PM LAS VEGAS, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Motocross motorcycle racer Carey Hart said he got a tattoo of his wife, singer Pink, on his body at a Las Vegas tattoo shop. Stephen King helps U.S. troops visit home   UPI / 3:04PM BANGOR, Maine, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Author Stephen King donated $12,999 to bring 150 troops training in Camp Atterbury, Ind., back to their Maine homes for the holidays, an assistant said. Man accused of cheating L'Oreal heiress   UPI / 11:54AM PARIS, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Authorities in Nanterre, France, allege photographer Francois-Marie Banier cheated L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt out of $1.45 billion.

Saturday, December 12 Imams opposing statue in Senegal   UPI / 4:04PM DAKAR, Senegal, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Muslim imams in Senegal said in an organized sermon text that a large statue being constructed in the capital of Dakar has an idolatrous nature. Dench concerned with British arts funding   UPI / 2:14PM LONDON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- British actress Judi Dench said she is concerned the arts in her country are paying the price for holding the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Palin reads Shatner book on 'Tonight Show'   UPI / 1:24PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin read an excerpt from actor William Shatner's book during an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien."

Friday, December 11 Crypt searched for Caravaggio's bones   UPI / 3:04PM PORTO ERCOLE, Italy, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A crypt in the Tuscan town of Porto Ercole, Italy, could contain the 400-year-old bones of artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, anthropologists said. Artist creating museum explosion   UPI / 12:14PM BEIJING, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Chinese artist who created the fireworks for the Beijing Olympics said he will set off an explosion Friday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Hearing in Madeleine McCann case postponed   UPI / 12:14PM LISBON, Portugal, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The father of missing British girl Madeleine McCann said he and his wife intend to ask a court to permanently ban a book about their daughter. Portman to star in Austen zombie picture   UPI / 10:14AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Natalie Portman has signed on to star in the big-screen adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," a science-fiction take on the classic British romance. Raphael drawing sells for $48M   UPI / 12:14AM LONDON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- "Head of a Muse," a 16th-century drawing by Raphael, was sold at a London auction this week for $48 million, Christie's said.

Thursday, December 10 McQueen to direct 'Fela' film   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Focus Features says it has tapped British filmmaker Steve McQueen to direct a movie about African musician and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who died in 1997. Valerie Harper is Broadway bound   UPI / 8:44PM NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Valerie Harper is set to play Hollywood screen icon Tallulah Bankhead in the Broadway production of "Looped," the comedy's producers said.

Wednesday, December 9 Library book returned after 60 years   UPI / 5:44PM TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- An Ohio library said someone returned a missing copy of a Napoleon Bonaparte biography with a letter apologizing for taking the book 60 years ago.

Tuesday, December 8 Richard Wright wins Turner Prize   UPI / 9:05PM LONDON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- British painter Richard Wright was named the winner of this year's Turner Prize at a ceremony at the Tate Britain, organizers said. Pacino to play Shylock on N.Y. stage   UPI / 8:05PM NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Film star Al Pacino has signed on to play Shylock in a New York stage production of William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," the Public Theater said.

Monday, December 7 Noah fined for throwing ball into stands   UPI / 9:14PM NEW YORK, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The National Basketball Association fined Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah $15,000 Monday for throwing a ball into the stands during a game. Florida art show finds sales are up   UPI / 3:05PM MIAMI, Del., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Art gallery owners in Florida indicated sales have bounced back at the 2009 Art Basel Miami Beach art show, which features more than 2,000 artists.

Sunday, December 6 British photogs told to leave royals alone   UPI / 12:05AM LONDON, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The British royal family wants intrusive photographers to back off and stop using long lenses to catch the royals in private moments, officials said Saturday.

Saturday, December 5 Italian police seize art in Tanzi case   UPI / 8:34PM MILAN, Italy, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Italian authorities have seized nearly $150 million in artwork they say had been concealed by convicted Parmalat founder Calisto Tanzi. App turns iPhones into musical instruments   UPI / 10:34AM PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A group of California iPhone users say they've turned their wireless handsets into orchestral musical instruments.

Friday, December 4 Italian city celebrates Batman's 70th   UPI / 2:54PM PERUGIA, Italy, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The 70th anniversary of Batman's creation is being celebrated in Perugia, Italy, with a five-day festival packed with discussions and movie screenings. Farina to star in indie film 'Joe May'   UPI / 2:54AM CHICAGO, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Dennis Farina has signed on to star in the independent feature drama "The Last Rites of Joe May," the film's producers said. McCain's former home goes up for auction   UPI / 1:24AM PHOENIX, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The former Arizona home of Sen. John McCain, which he and his wife sold in 2006 for $3.2 million, is scheduled for auction on Friday, the auctioneers said.

Thursday, December 3 Lawmaker: Police misuse anti-terrorism law   UPI / 5:14PM LONDON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- British police are misusing their anti-terrorism powers to stop innocent photographers taking pictures of tourist attractions, a British politician said.

Tuesday, December 1 Scholar: Jane Austen likely died of TB   UPI / 11:44PM LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- British novelist Jane Austen most likely died in 1817 of bovine tuberculosis, not Addison's disease as previously believed, a scholar says. Teri Garr adds voice to 33 living with MS   UPI / 11:44PM NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Hollywood star Teri Garr adds her voice to more than 30 others who write about their journey with multiple sclerosis in a new book. Grammer to make Broadway musical debut   UPI / 8:04PM NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Television actor Kelsey Grammer has signed on to make his Broadway musical debut in the revival of "La Cage Aux Folles," the show's producers said. Littell wins 'bad sex' literary award   UPI / 1:34AM LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- They finally got around to translating Jonathan Littell's book "The Kindly Ones" into English and Monday night it won a British award for bad sex in fiction.

Monday, November 30 Walken headed back to Broadway   UPI / 9:05PM NEW YORK, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Christopher Walken will headline the upcoming Broadway production of Martin McDonagh's "A Behanding in Spokane," the play's producers said Monday. Artists not blown over by wind farms   UPI / 6:54AM LA VETA, Colo., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Residents of a small Colorado artists' colony have galvanized resistance against three proposed wind farms, authorities say.

Sunday, November 29 Report: No LAX footage of Tyson fight   UPI / 4:24PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- No Los Angeles International Airport security cameras captured an alleged fight between boxer Mike Tyson and a photographer, TMZ.com reported exclusively. Ancient Persian goods to go on display   UPI / 2:34PM ISTANBUL, Turkey, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Dozens of ancient Persian artworks and inscriptions are set to go on exhibit in Istanbul, Turkey, a media group said. Levi Johnston open to 'Dancing' spot   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Aspiring model Levi Johnston, father of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's grandson, said he is interested in being a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."

Saturday, November 28 Artist documents decade of his life   UPI / 3:05PM MILWAUKE, Wis., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Using self-portrait photos, a Milwaukee artist has posted a time-lapse summation of his last decade -- and a day -- to the video site YouTube.

Friday, November 27 Officials work to save beloved mural   UPI / 5:24PM MADISON, Wis., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- City officials in Madison, Wis., said they are exploring ways of preserving a 45-year-old mural when it comes time to tear down the city library. Charges filed in death of art expert   UPI / 4:05PM SYDNEY, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Police in New South Wales, Australia, said they have charged the son of art expert Nick Waterlow with killing his father and sister. Foundation opposes book's Mandela foreword   UPI / 1:54PM JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso should not have quoted Mandela in his book's foreword. Chinese look to South Korea for weddings   UPI / 1:14PM SEOUL, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A South Korean wedding company says it is using the Internet to woo Chinese couples looking for better services than Chinese firms provide.

Thursday, November 26 Cold War-era manual reveals CIA 'magic'   UPI / 4:04PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A Cold War-era CIA manual instructing agents in the arts of deception and stage-style trickery is headed for U.S. book shelves. Susan Boyle cries after 'Today' appearance   UPI / 11:05AM NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Scottish singer Susan Boyle appeared emotionally overwhelmed after singing on NBC's "Today" show and was comforted by an aide, video of the singer indicated.

Wednesday, November 25 Offensive Michelle Obama image removed   UPI / 7:34PM MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A blog that ran a photograph of U.S. first lady Michelle Obama altered to make her appear ape-like removed the image Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reported. Osmond on 'cloud nine' after 'DWTS' win   UPI / 4:44PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. entertainer Donny Osmond said he is "on cloud nine" after winning the competition series "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday night. Charles Darwin first edition fetches $172K   UPI / 4:44PM LONDON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A first edition of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" has fetched $172,630 at a British auction, Christie's auction house said. Thanksgiving parade goes off-Broadway   UPI / 2:14PM NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The organizers of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade say it will skip New York's Broadway for the first time in its 85-year history.

Tuesday, November 24 Osmond crowned 'DWTS' Season 9 champ   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Donny Osmond and his professional dance partner won the coveted mirrorball trophy on Tuesday's Season 9 finale of "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles. Actor Alan Cumming named OBE   UPI / 10:14PM LONDON, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Scottish-born actor Alan Cumming was made an Officer of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace in London Tuesday. Jermaine backs million-fan MJ portrait   UPI / 9:24PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A million fans are being invited to take part in the composition of a pointillist portrait of the late U.S. pop icon Michael Jackson, organizers said. Real Alice's 'Looking Glass' to be sold   UPI / 7:54PM CALABASAS, Calif., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A copy of "Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There" owned by the inspiration for the Alice character is to hit the auction block in California. Chauffeur charged with Warhol box theft   UPI / 5:54PM NEW YORK, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A chauffeur stole valuable art works, including an Andy Warhol cardboard box, from his New York employer, authorities allege. Sarkozy wants Camus in Pantheon   UPI / 3:44PM PARIS, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy is pressing to re-inter the remains of Albert Camus, one of France's greatest 20th-century writers, in the Pantheon in Paris.

Monday, November 23 Paulson to star in Margulies' 'Stories'   UPI / 9:34PM NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Actress Sarah Paulson has signed on to star in the Broadway premiere of Donald Margulies' "Collected Stories," the Manhattan Theatre Club announced. 'Madoff victim' auction called ploy   UPI / 2:34PM NASHVILLE, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Attendees at a Tennessee auction purporting to sell items put up for bid by the victims of financial fraudster Bernie Madoff say it's a marketing ploy. Washington church features live tattooing   UPI / 12:54PM MILL CREEK, Wash., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Pastors at a church in Mill Creek, Wash., said while they featured live tattooing during a sermon, they are not promoting body art for their parishioners.

Sunday, November 22 Sources say Kafka works hidden in safe   UPI / 3:54PM ZURICH, Switzerland, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Pages from the text "Letter to my father" by the late author Franz Kafka are being stored in a safe in Zurich, Switzerland, unidentified sources claim. Former bathroom book may sell for $99,000   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Christie's auction house in London said a first edition copy of Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species" that once resided in a bathroom could sell for $99,000. Palin book tour travels to Pa., N.Y.   UPI / 12:34PM HENRIETTA, N.Y., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appeared in South Strabane, Pa., and Henrietta, N.Y., in promotion for her book "Going Rogue," event organizers said.

Saturday, November 21 Works of music journalist Palmer collected   UPI / 4:54PM NEW YORK, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The works of the late U.S. music journalist Robert Palmer, best known for his books on the blues, are out in anthology form, the editor behind the book said.

Friday, November 20 Wasikowska, Fassbender up for 'Eyre'   UPI / 10:44PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are in talks to headline a big-screen version of the classic British novel "Jane Eyre," sources told Variety. 'Bo Obama' comic gets book treatment   UPI / 4:24PM BELLINGHAM, Wash., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- A Washington state publisher said an extended version of the educational comic book starring presidential pooch Bo Obama is on the way. Palin returns to Indiana GOP heartland   UPI / 8:44AM NOBLESVILLE, Ind., Nov. 20 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 people braved rain in Indiana's die-hard Republican Hamilton County to catch up with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at a book-signing event.

Thursday, November 19 28 Munch works lost in recent years   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Art Loss Register in London said 28 paintings by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch have been lost or stolen in recent years.

Wednesday, November 18 Colorado fugitive safe in Argentina   UPI / 4:14PM DENVER, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- An American charged with killing his first wife in Denver has become a well-known conspiracy theorist in Argentina, which refuses to extradite him. Palin party starts early in Grand Rapids   UPI / 12:54PM GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Sarah Palin fans lined up just after dawn in chilly western Michigan Wednesday for the rising Republican star's first book signing event. Comic books get no respect but they should   UPI / 1:35AM CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Critics should stop tugging on Superman's cape -- comic books can be just as sophisticated as other forms of literature, a U.S. researcher says.

Tuesday, November 17 Obama now subject of 60 kids' books   UPI / 11:44PM MANHATTAN, Kan., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has been the subject of more children's books in less than a year than his predecessor was in eight years, a researcher says. Joanna Krupa eliminated from 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:34PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Joanna Krupa was eliminated in the semifinals of the competition series "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. High Court won't hear Cuba book case   UPI / 12:44PM MIAMI, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A move by the Miami-Dade School Board to remove a controversial book about Cuba from classrooms will stand, court observers say.

Monday, November 16 Cheech & Chong announce 2010 tour   UPI / 3:24PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong announced plans Monday for a 2010 North American comedy tour called "Cheech & Chong: Get It Legal." Expert: Da Vinci painted nude Mona Lisa   UPI / 3:14PM FLORENCE, Italy, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- An Italian art expert says evidence suggests Leonardo da Vinci once painted a nude version of his famous Mona Lisa. Scientist inspired TV's 'Call Girl'   UPI / 2:44PM BRISTOL, England, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The prostitute whose experiences inspired the TV series "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" has revealed herself as a research scientist at a British university. Three finalists to be named on 'DWTS'   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Three finalists are to be named on the upcoming results episode of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars," ABC said. Hasan visited strip club, shooting range   UPI / 12:05PM FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Weeks before the Fort Hood, Texas, shootings, accused gunman Maj. Nidal Hasan frequented a strip club and shooting range in addition to his office and mosque. Sarah Palin promotes new book   UPI / 10:54AM ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is using Oprah, the Internet and smaller cities to promote her book about her life and her time as a vice presidential candidate.

Sunday, November 15 McCartney to receive Gershwin Prize   UPI / 11:35PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Paul McCartney has been chosen to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, a U.S. Library of Congress official confirmed Sunday. 'Belle de Jour' is research scientist   UPI / 7:14PM LONDON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Successful author and London call girl Belle de Jour is really obscure British research scientist Brooke Magnanti, The Sunday Times of London revealed. Professor defines allure of vampire films   UPI / 3:54PM STOCKTON, Calif., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- An English professor in Stockton, Calif., said vampire films are popular because vampires are "human-like" manifestations of evil. Winnie the Pooh at center of legal fight   UPI / 12:44PM NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A lawyer for a New York family said his clients should receive a portion of Disney's royalties from the fictional character Winnie the Pooh. British law allows return of stolen art   UPI / 12:14PM LONDON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A member of the British Parliament said a new law paves the way for the return of pieces of art stolen from their rightful owners during World War II.

Saturday, November 14 Palin 'devastated' by daughter's pregnancy   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she and her husband were "devastated" when they learned their daughter Bristol was pregnant, ABC News reported Saturday. Munch's 'History' stolen from art dealer   UPI / 1:54PM OSLO, Norway, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- An art dealer in Oslo, Norway, says thieves smashed a large window at his dealership and stole the lithograph "History" by Edvard Munch. New terms reached in Google book suit   UPI / 10:14AM SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- An amended settlement between Google and U.S. publishers would allow others to compete with its planned digital library of out-of-print books, analysts say.

Friday, November 13 Madoff victim turns to art therapy   UPI / 6:05PM SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A New Mexico senior who lost her savings in Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme says she has taken to drawing portraits of the convict as therapy. Reynolds bringing stage show to the UK   UPI / 10:44AM LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood screen icon Debbie Reynolds is taking her one-woman show "Debbie Reynolds Alive and Fabulous" to London's West End, producers said.

Thursday, November 12 Warhol painting sells for $43.7M   UPI / 9:05PM NEW YORK, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- "200 One Dollar Bills," one of the late artist Andy Warhol's first silk-screen paintings, has been sold in New York for $43.7 million, Sotheby's said. Palin to start book tour in Michigan   UPI / 4:24PM GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will start her national tour for her book, "Going Rogue," in Grand Rapids, Mich., a publicist said. Expert says no apocalypse in 2012   UPI / 4:05PM SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- An expert says the belief that ancient Mayans predicted the world will end Dec. 21, 2012, has one problem: The Mayans said no such thing.

Wednesday, November 11 Author ordered to return documents   UPI / 1:44AM WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A judge in Washington has ordered the author of "Muslim Mafia" to remove allegedly stolen documents from his Web site.

Tuesday, November 10 Aaron, Karina booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 11:34PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Aaron Carter became the latest celebrity eliminated from Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. How some aromas are bound in memories   UPI / 8:24PM REHOVOT, Israel, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Authors and screenwriters have long been aware that some odors can spontaneously evoke strong memories, but Israeli researchers have explained why. Palin's book tour to stop in Iowa   UPI / 3:24PM SIOUX CITY, Iowa, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Former Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is heading to Iowa on her book tour, its promoters say.

Monday, November 9 Gore takes climate campaign to Nashville   UPI / 12:24PM NASHVILLE, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said during an appearance in Nashville the fight against global climate change can be helped by a variety of methods. U.S. dance troupe to visit Israel   UPI / 7:54AM JERUSALEM, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- American choreographer Mark Morris and his dance troupe plan a series of six performances at the Tel Aviv Opera House, officials said.

Sunday, November 8 'Grinch' ice sculptures star of Texas show   UPI / 3:44PM GRAPEVINE, Texas, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A convention center in Grapevine, Texas, will display a new attraction filled with ice sculptures based on "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," organizers said.

Saturday, November 7 Former 'Idol' contestant joins 'Thriller'   UPI / 4:14PM MEMPHIS, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Former "American Idol" contestant Gedeon McKinney said he is "living the dream" touring Europe with a production of "Thriller Live." China opposes sale of 18th century relic   UPI / 4:05PM BEIJING, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage said it opposes the recent auction sale of an 18th century Qing Dynasty seal. Evangelist Billy Graham turns 91   UPI / 1:14PM MONTREAT, N.C., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Evangelist Billy Graham, who turned 91 Saturday at his home in North Carolina, says he is "enjoying this season of life."

Friday, November 6 Web site: Top five sights for Poe fans   UPI / 4:14PM MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A tourism Web site has issued its "Five Must-See Sights for Edgar Allan Poe Fans" in the United States. Dad angry about retouched photo of girl, 3   UPI / 2:35PM LULEA, Sweden, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A Swedish father said the photographer hired to take pictures for his 3-year-old daughter's preschool digitally removed her scar without permission.

Thursday, November 5 Palin heads to small cities for book tour   UPI / 8:24PM NEW YORK, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's book tour is taking her into friendly territory, avoiding New York and San Francisco, while hitting Fort Wayne, Ind. Playwright Coward's WWI record published   UPI / 4:14PM LONDON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- British military records published online revealed playwright Noel Coward was discharged during World War I with "neuroasthenia." 'Chartjunk' may actually aid understanding   UPI / 3:14PM RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Graphs and charts embellished with "chartjunk" may help rather than hurt people's understanding of data, a study at two U.S. universities indicates. Route 66 artist Waldmire dying of cancer   UPI / 12:05PM SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Illinois artist Bob Waldmire, known for selling his artwork along Route 66, said he is dying of cancer and using his remaining time saying goodbye to friends. J.Lo's ex-husband Cris Judd gets engaged   UPI / 8:54AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-actress Jennifer Lopez's second ex-husband Cris Judd says he has proposed to Kelly A. Wolfe, his girlfriend of about a year. Griffin to host comedic dance show   UPI / 8:24AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian and television personality Kathy Griffin has been tapped to serve as host of "Let's Dance," a new comedic dance program, ABC said.

Wednesday, November 4 Writer challenges critics of Obama's style   UPI / 2:05PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- One of the architects of President Obama's historic 2008 campaign win said saying Obama governs as an incrementalist instead of a visionary is preposterous. Fiennes to direct Butler in 'Coriolanus'   UPI / 1:24PM SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- British actor Ralph Fiennes is set to make his big-screen directorial debut with a film adaptation of "Coriolanus" starring Gerard Butler.

Tuesday, November 3 Mark, Michael booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:35PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Mark Dacascos and Michael Irvin Tuesday became the latest celebrities eliminated from the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars." Masterson gives birth to a son   UPI / 9:05AM NEW YORK, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Mary Stuart Masterson's publicist says the U.S. actress has given birth to her first child, a son.

Monday, November 2 Oxygen orders more 'Dance Your Ass Off'   UPI / 9:44PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Oxygen Media Monday announced its popular U.S. weight loss/dance competition series "Dance Your Ass Off" will return for a second season in 2010. Poll: Readers intrigued most by Rice   UPI / 6:24PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. readers want to read a book by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rather than yet unreleased autobiographies from other Republicans, a poll says.

Sunday, November 1 Daily 'Doonesbury' to go color in D.C.   UPI / 10:34PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The Washington Post will run the "Doonesbury" comic strip in full color beginning this week, the newspaper said Sunday. School district may ban Angelou book   UPI / 4:05PM HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The school district superintendent in Huntington Beach, Calif., said an autobiography by poet Maya Angelou may be banned from local middle school libraries. 'Brighton Beach' Broadway show closing   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- An executive with a Broadway production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs" said the New York show is closing after a lackluster run. Palin book 'Rogue' expected to do well   UPI / 12:24PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The upcoming release of former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue: An American Life," should be met with impressive sales, an expert said.

Saturday, October 31 Letters by poet Byron sell for record sum   UPI / 5:24PM LONDON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A series of letters written by the late British poet George Gordon Byron has sold for a world record $458,000, Sotheby's auction house in London said. Warhol self-portrait to be auctioned   UPI / 5:04PM NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A former receptionist for Andy Warhol says she is auctioning off a 1965 self-portrait the late U.S. pop artist once gave her as a gift. Richie blames paparazzi for accident   UPI / 4:34PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Former reality TV personality Nicole Richie blames two paparazzi photographers for her recent car accident, a Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman says.

Friday, October 30 Rod Stewart to perform on 'DWTS'   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Rod Stewart and Colbie Caillat have been booked to perform on the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars," ABC said Friday. Rare comic books set for auction in Mo.   UPI / 3:24PM ST. CHARLES, Mo., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- An auction official said more than 3,000 comic books, including several rare items, are set to go on the auction block in St. Charles, Mo. Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile huge in Wales   UPI / 1:00AM WREXHAM, Wales, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- That enigmatic Mona Lisa smile, mystifying millions for centuries, has been unveiled in a Wales shopping mall, looming larger than ever, its creators said.

Thursday, October 29 Heiress fights dad's bequest to the arts   UPI / 9:04PM HOUSTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The daughter of a late Texas oil pioneer claims lawyers coerced her father into cutting her share of his estate and convinced him to give it to charity instead. Physicist makes high-res Milky Way photo   UPI / 4:14PM MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. physics professor says he has put together 3,000 individual photographs to produce a high-resolution panoramic view of the Milky Way galaxy.

Wednesday, October 28 Breslin to play Helen Keller on B'way   UPI / 4:34PM NEW YORK, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Abigail Breslin is set to play Helen Keller in the first Broadway revival of "The Miracle Worker," the show's producers said Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 27 Melissa, Louie booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:54PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Melissa Joan Hart and Louie Vito, along with their professional dance partners, were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Streep, Keitel attend 'Magical' show   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Meryl Streep, Harvey Keitel, Mandy Patinkin and Lauren Bacall attended a benefit performance of "The Year of Magical Thinking" in New York, organizers said. Library complains of crossed-out curses   UPI / 3:14PM COLUMBIA, Tenn., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Workers at a Tennessee library said someone has been using blue ink to completely scratch out curse words from books in the collection. Swedish writer calls for 'Bloc of Ice'   UPI / 10:54AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A prominent Swedish social scientist says the five Nordic countries should band together to form a political bloc for big international gatherings.

Monday, October 26 Schreiber, Johansson in B'way's 'Bridge'   UPI / 7:44PM NEW YORK, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson have signed on to star in a new Broadway production of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge," producers said. Pitt not hurt in motorcycle mishap   UPI / 4:05PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. film star Brad Pitt was not hurt when his motorcycle collided with a paparazzo's vehicle in Los Angeles during the weekend, a source told Usmagazine.com. Britons fail to find 'Waldo' record   UPI / 2:24PM GREAT YARMOUTH, England, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- The British organizers of a world record attempt said 901 people dressed as the hero of the "Where's Waldo?" puzzle books, but fell short of a record.

Sunday, October 25 Violence in fiction has reviewer saying no   UPI / 9:24PM LONDON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A British book reviewer says crime fiction has become so graphic in depicting violence against women she is refusing to review new books. Gilbert getting back to 'Prairie' roots   UPI / 3:44PM NASHVILLE, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Melissa Gilbert says it has been an "amazing experience" to rejoin "Little House on the Prairie" in a stage production. Composer Webber diagnosed with cancer   UPI / 2:34PM LONDON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his spokesman said in a statement. Vandalism closes art exhibit in Czech Rep.   UPI / 2:05PM BRNO, Czech Republic, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- An art exhibition was shut down in the Czech Republic after vandals struck twice, a gallery official says. Liberal Jewish event hit by U.S. critics   UPI / 1:14PM WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A liberal Jewish group's Washington conference on Israel and Mideast peace has taken hits from U.S. and Israeli conservatives, organizers say.

Saturday, October 24 Bill Cosby to be honored at Kennedy Center   UPI / 12:54PM WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Comic actor Bill Cosby says he is honored to have been tabbed to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Friday, October 23 Mom not ready to see Jackson film   UPI / 10:14PM BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Katherine Jackson says she's not ready to watch "This Is It," a documentary showing her U.S. pop star son, Michael, rehearsing in the last weeks of his life. Book: Dog, SUV have same carbon footprint   UPI / 5:14PM AUKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A pair of New Zealand researchers claim a medium-sized dog has about the same carbon footprint as a sport-utility vehicle due to its diet.

Thursday, October 22 800,000 words in Historical Thesaurus   UPI / 6:44PM GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Britain's Oxford University Press said it is publishing the world's first historical thesaurus after 44 years of work on the project.

Wednesday, October 21 G20 protesters pack court for hearings   UPI / 9:05PM PITTSBURGH, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Dozens of people arrested during the Group of 20 meeting in Pittsburgh packed municipal court Wednesday morning. Real-life Harry Potter laments name   UPI / 5:54PM PORTSMOUTH, England, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Briton named Harry Potter said the fictional wizard who shares his name has made his life seem as if it were under the influence of a "bad spell." Hugh Dancy to be honored at Ga. film fest   UPI / 10:44AM SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- British actor Hugh Dancy is to be honored with the Spotlight Award at the upcoming 12th annual Savannah Film Festival, organizers said. Broke banker's art collection seized   UPI / 10:34AM SPANBROEK, Netherlands, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The permanent collection of a Netherlands art museum has been seized by ABN Amro Bank in lieu of money owed by DSB Bank boss Dirk Scheringa, officials say.

Tuesday, October 20 Natalie Coughlin booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:54PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin and her professional dance partner, Alec Mazo, were booted from "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Family fears for Holocaust survivor   UPI / 1:14PM PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The family of a Florida Holocaust survivor says they worry for her safety because she is being sued by a notorious 25-year-old Holocaust denier. Osbourne injures foot during 'DWTS'   UPI / 11:44AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- British singer and TV personality Kelly Osbourne was taken to California's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after injuring her foot on "Dancing with the Stars."

Monday, October 19 BBC criticized for changed 'Dumpty' ending   UPI / 6:14PM GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A British politician is criticizing the BBC for a children's show that changed traditional nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" to give it a happy ending. Obama, school children discuss reading   UPI / 2:24PM WHEATON, Md., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama visited a Maryland school Monday where he discussed reading with students. N.Y. nightclub facing bias lawsuit   UPI / 1:44PM NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Plaintiffs in a bias lawsuit against a New York nightclub allege they were not allowed to attend a book-release party because of "the color of our skin."

Sunday, October 18 Author Roth star of N.J. museum tour   UPI / 4:24PM NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Pulitzer Prize-winning author Philip Roth said he took part in the "Philip Roth Tour" as part of his return to his hometown of Newark, N.J. Wigeon painting tops stamp art contest   UPI / 4:05PM BALTIMORE, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A Maryland farmer says winning the 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp contest with a painting of a wigeon was a major relief, following some close calls in the past. Circus acrobat dies from training injuries   UPI / 3:54PM MONTREAL, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Cirque du Soleil said one of its acrobats, Oleksandr Zhurov, died in Montreal after suffering injuries during a training accident. Publisher to release unfinished Arcan work   UPI / 3:44PM MONTREAL, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- A French publisher said 40 pages of an unfinished novel by the late Canadian writer Nelly Arcan will be released next year.

Saturday, October 17 Karzai waits for election report   UPI / 6:34PM KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Foreign leaders have reportedly been pressuring Afghan President Hamid Karzai to accept a second-round vote in the presidential election. Monty Python troupe reunites in N.Y.   UPI / 8:14AM NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The five surviving members of Monty Python reunited in New York to celebrate the premiere of a new documentary about their iconic comedy troupe.

Friday, October 16 Illness sidelines Hough from 'DWTS'   UPI / 8:05PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy will temporarily take over for ailing Derek Hough as Joanna Krupa's partner on "Dancing with the Stars," sources said. New 'Birdie' lands on Broadway   UPI / 4:14PM NEW YORK, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The first Broadway revival of the 1960 stage musical "Bye Bye Birdie" opened Thursday night with John Stamos, Gina Gershon and Bill Irwin in the lead roles. Rycroft says she's battling swine flu   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. reality television personality Melissa Rycroft says she was recently diagnosed with H1N1 flu. Google's bookstore may shake up market   UPI / 11:05AM MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Internet giant Google's online bookstore, Google Editions, looks like a potential game changer for the electronic book industry, a reviewer wrote. New look at Queen Victoria in exhibition   UPI / 7:44AM LONDON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A previously unseen, quite different picture of British Queen Victoria goes on exhibition soon in London, showing her as a glamorous young woman, officials say.

Thursday, October 15 Toilet seat museum named wackiest in U.S.   UPI / 8:14PM ALAMO HEIGHTS, Texas, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A Texas museum dedicated to a retired plumber's artwork -- decorated toilet seats -- has been named the Wackiest Attraction in America by a popular Web site. 'DWTS' is planning a Jackson tribute   UPI / 8:04PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- All 16 professional dancers from Season 9 of the U.S. dance competition series "Dancing with the Stars" are working on a Michael Jackson tribute, ABC said. Smits to star in 'God of Carnage'   UPI / 8:04PM NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Jimmy Smits and Annie Potts have signed on to co-star in the Broadway play "God of Carnage," show representatives said Thursday. Artist wants UNLV painting destroyed   UPI / 4:34PM LAS VEGAS, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Noted minimalist Frank Stella says a painting hanging at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas attributed to him is likely a forgery, his attorney says. Strasberg acting school turns 40   UPI / 2:34PM NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- New York's Lee Strasberg Way is to be closed so the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute can have a class picture taken, organizers said.

Wednesday, October 14 Artist: Misunderstanding caused mural ban   UPI / 5:34PM PLANT CITY, Fla., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- A Florida artist said a city's ban on new downtown murals was triggered by a painting of an armrest that was mistaken for a male sex organ. Gallery swaps Brooke Shields photos   UPI / 4:14PM LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Britain's Tate Modern gallery says it has replaced a controversial nude photo of U.S. actress Brooke Shields as a child with an image of her as an adult. Author, police to probe sweat lodge deaths   UPI / 2:35PM SEDONA, Ariz., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- A self-help expert said he has hired investigators to look into two sweat lodge deaths at his Arizona retreat near Sedona. Patinkin to guest star on 'Three Rivers'   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Mandy Patinkin has signed up to guest star on an upcoming episode of the medical drama "Three Rivers," CBS announced Wednesday. 'Fiesta Latina' at the White House   UPI / 12:05AM WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony headlined a night of Latin music at the White House Tuesday, playing music U.S. President Barack Obama said "speaks to us all."

Tuesday, October 13 Chuck and Anna booted from 'DWTS'   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Chuck Liddell and his professional dance partner Anna Trebunskaya were the latest contestants booted from the U.S. competition show "Dancing with the Stars." Fingerprint points at possible Leonardo   UPI / 7:05PM MONTREAL, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- A fingerprint on what had been thought to be a 19th-century German painting appears to belong to Leonardo da Vinci, a Canadian forensic art investigator says. Scholar's Geneva Bibles to be sold   UPI / 1:34PM MEMPHIS, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- A Shakespeare scholar's collection of Geneva Bibles is to be divided between the University of Tennessee and the Folger Library in Washington, his family says. War vet kills himself in theater   UPI / 11:35AM MUNCIE, Ind., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- A 21-year-old war veteran fatally shot himself while watching a zombie movie in a Muncie, Ind., theater with two of his brothers and a friend, police said. Halloween: Time for creative play   UPI / 2:24AM STREETSBORO, Ohio, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. child development experts say Halloween is an excellent opportunity for creative play for children.

Monday, October 12 Season 5 'Talent' audition dates set   UPI / 9:14PM UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The producers of "America's Got Talent" have set audition dates for the upcoming fifth season of the series in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York, NBC said. Grieving Matt Lucas replaced in play   UPI / 3:34PM LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Con O'Neill has replaced Matt Lucas in the West End production of "Prick Up Your Ears," the show's producers announced. Merkel opposes Google book scan project   UPI / 2:44PM FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she opposes the massive Google Inc. book scanning project if it proceeds regardless of copyright protection. 37 writers get Hellman/Hammett grants   UPI / 7:54AM NEW YORK, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Thirty-seven writers have received Hellman/Hammett awards recognizing their courage in the face of political persecution, a U.S. human rights group says.

Sunday, October 11 Baltimore honoring Edgar Allan Poe   UPI / 1:05PM BALTIMORE, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Baltimore Sunday was wrapping up five days of events honoring Edgar Allan Poe that included a proper burial for the 19th-century U.S. author, organizers say.

Friday, October 9 Knightley to star in London play   UPI / 8:54PM LONDON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- British actress Keira Knightley will star in an upcoming London West End production of Moliere's "The Misanthrope." Judge says man's yard art is too risky   UPI / 4:34PM BALLWIN, Mo., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A judge in Missouri says a retired art teacher's front yard art work is simply too dangerous to allow. Mitterrand refuses to resign over book   UPI / 2:05PM PARIS, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand says he is not resigning over accounts in his 2005 book about paying to have sex with "boys" in Thailand. Cherry Jones, Sarah Paulson break up   UPI / 1:34PM NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Cherry Jones, who last month won an Emmy for her work on TV's "24," has confirmed she has broken up with her girlfriend, Sarah Paulson. Details of major art theft under scrutiny   UPI / 12:14PM SALINAS, Calif., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Authorities in Monterey County, Calif., say they suspect victims of a reported art theft may not be telling the entire truth about the missing artworks.

Thursday, October 8 Jane Austen fans head to Philly   UPI / 7:44PM PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Devotees of author Jane Austen are descending on Philadelphia for the 31st annual general meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America. German author earns Nobel literature prize   UPI / 8:14AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Author Herta Muller's grim portrayal of the underclass and repression earned her the 2009 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Nobel Foundation in Sweden said. List of Nobel Prize in Literature winners   UPI / 8:05AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- List of Nobel Prize in Literature winners:

Wednesday, October 7 Harvard acquires Updike papers   UPI / 11:44PM BOSTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Harvard University says its Houghton Library will house the late U.S. author John Updike's manuscripts, photos and correspondence. Baltimore marking Poe's 200th B-day   UPI / 8:24PM BALTIMORE, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Museum of Art is presenting an exhibit marking the 200th birthday of gothic literature giant Edgar Allan Poe. $27M Calif. art heist may be a hoax   UPI / 4:24PM PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A reported $27 million California art robbery may be a hoax and the alleged victims could be suspects, authorities say. Judge: Enough evidence for Schiele trial   UPI / 3:54PM NEW YORK, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- There is enough evidence in a dispute over who owns the Egon Schiele masterpiece "Portrait of Wally" to send the case to trial, a U.S. judge says. Daughter: Tony Roberts is 'feeling great'   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Actor Tony Roberts, who fell ill during Sunday's performance of the Broadway production of "The Royal Family," is feeling better, his daughter said. Mantel wins Booker Prize for Fiction   UPI / 12:14PM LONDON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Hilary Mantel was declared the winner of the Man Booker Prize for Fiction at a ceremony in London Tuesday night. Amazon hears footsteps, drops Kindle price   UPI / 11:54AM SEATTLE, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. Internet retail giant Amazon.com said it would drop the price of its electronic Kindle reader, saying the fast-selling gadget has a strong retail future. DeLay, Mazar leave 'Dancing'   UPI / 11:44AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Tom DeLay quit "Dancing with the Stars" as expected Tuesday night, while actress Debi Mazar was eliminated from the U.S. competition series. Czech art forger draws prison sentence   UPI / 9:34AM BRNO, Czech Republic, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Notorious Czech art forger Jan Trojan Jr. must serve 7 1/2 years in prison, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Tuesday, October 6 Steve Miller sets USC music school benefit   UPI / 7:44PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Rocker Steve Miller will help the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music mark its 125th anniversary with two benefit concerts, USC said. Report: DeLay's 'Dancing' days are over   UPI / 5:44PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is to drop out of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars," sources told People magazine. Exec feared for life in Williams mishap   UPI / 2:54PM BOSTON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A former official of an Arizona cryonics lab says he was afraid to report that the frozen head of baseball great Ted Williams was hit with a wrench. Lucas drops out of play after ex's death   UPI / 12:44PM LONDON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- British actor Matt Lucas has dropped out of the West End production of "Prick Up Your Ears" to mourn the death of his former civil partner. Nobel prize awarded for optics, imagery   UPI / 7:14AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Three physicists were recognized for accomplishments in their field, sharing the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physics, the Nobel Foundation in Sweden said.

Monday, October 5 Broadway show stopped as actor falls ill   UPI / 10:44AM NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Sunday's matinee performance of the Broadway production of "The Royal Family" was halted when actor Tony Roberts fell ill, show representatives said.

Sunday, October 4 Webber working on 'Phantom' sequel   UPI / 4:44PM LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Quality will determine whether British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber will succeed in his sequel of "Phantom of the Opera," a lyricist says. Mechanic was inspiration for 'Menace'   UPI / 3:34PM LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- A 62-year-old mechanic says he was excited to learn he was the inspiration behind the title character of the British comic strip "Dennis the Menace." Artist Emin may leave Britain over taxes   UPI / 3:24PM LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Britart star Tracey Emin says she is considering leaving Britain because of an increased tax rate introduced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Racial slur shakes up 'Come Dancing'   UPI / 2:44PM LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Professional dancer Anton Du Beke of the British TV series "Strictly Come Dancing" says he is not a racist despite calling TV star Laila Rouass a "Paki." Cowell feted at 50th birthday bash   UPI / 2:14AM LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- American Idol's Simon Cowell celebrated his 50th birthday in high style Saturday at an estate in Wrotham Park, about 17 miles outside of London.

Saturday, October 3 Ted Williams claim to prompt lawsuit   UPI / 4:05PM NEW YORK, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- A New York attorney says he will sue an author who claimed the head of the late baseball star Ted Williams was abused at a cryonics facility.

Friday, October 2 Charney's latest to get NY staged reading   UPI / 11:44PM NEW YORK, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- A staged reading of "The Silent Exile" is being planned at Manhattan's Clurman Theatre, playwright Kuros Charney has announced. Palm Desert gallery plans Picasso show   UPI / 8:24PM PALM DESERT, Calif., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The Heather James Fine Art gallery in Palm Desert, Calif., has announced plans for a major Pablo Picasso exhibition, starting next month. Same-sex penguin book gets most challenges   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- For the third year in a row the tale of a same-sex penguin couple was the most challenged book in the United States, the American Library Association says. Jermaine to judge U.K dance show   UPI / 11:54AM LONDON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Jermaine Jackson has agreed to be a judge on the upcoming British competition television series, "Move Like Michael Jackson," the BBC said.

Thursday, October 1 'So You' contestant was wearing dance gear   UPI / 11:24PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- A woman some U.S. viewers said wasn't wearing underwear at a "So You Think You Can Dance" audition was, in fact, wearing dance gear, Fox said. Versailles planning Louis XIV exhibition   UPI / 10:04PM VERSAILLES, France, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Officials at France's Palace of Versailles say they will pay homage to its famous builder, Louis XIV, with the exhibition "Louis XIV, the Man and the King." Tate pulls controversial Shields photo   UPI / 8:54PM LONDON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- London's Tate Modern gallery has removed a controversial nude portrait of a 10-year-old Brooke Shields from an exhibition after a visit from police.

Wednesday, September 30 Book on slayings shouldn't hurt trial   UPI / 2:14PM HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- A newly released book about the slayings of a Connecticut woman and her two daughters shouldn't impact the case, experts say. Bars installed at Harvard dorm library   UPI / 12:34PM BOSTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Residents of Harvard University's oldest dormitory in Boston are no longer able to remove books from the shelves of the dorm library, a doctoral candidate says. E-book of Palin's memoir delayed   UPI / 9:05AM NEW YORK, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- HarperCollins Publishers, struggling with how to fit e-books into its U.S. sales strategies, says it has delayed the electronic release of Sarah Palin's memoir. Kathy Ireland eliminated from 'Dancing'   UPI / 8:44AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Model Kathy Ireland became the latest celebrity booted from the U.S. dance competition series, "Dancing with the Stars," Tuesday night. Conductor falls 14 ft; no internal injury   UPI / 12:34AM DESTIN, Fla., Sept. 30 (UPI) -- A conductor at the University of West Florida who fell 14 feet from a stage suffered multiple injuries but said his accident could have been worse.

Tuesday, September 29 Luhrmann filling in as 'Dancing' judge   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Australian film and stage director Baz Luhrmann is filling in for judge Len Goodman on U.S. TV's "Dancing with the Stars" this week.

Monday, September 28 Published Kahlo paintings may be fake   UPI / 10:05PM MEXICO CITY, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in Mexico say they are investigating whether hundreds of paintings featured in two books about Frida Kahlo might be fakes. Report: Danes and Dancy marry in France   UPI / 8:14PM NEW YORK, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, who met on the set of the 2007 film "Evening," tied the knot several weeks ago in France, a wedding guest told People.com.

Sunday, September 27 Keillor returns to the air after stroke   UPI / 8:14PM ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. humorist Garrison Keillor has returned to his weekly radio show, saying he is thankful to medical personnel who helped him when suffered had a stroke. Producer: Cincy fest 'turned a corner'   UPI / 8:04PM CINCINNATI, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The MidPoint Music Festival in Cincinnati overcame three days of rain and organizers said the indie music event has "turned a corner." Clintons attend rare Streisand club gig   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- A rare appearance by U.S. singer Barbara Streisand at a small club was attended by Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as other celebrities, witnesses say. Chicago opera opens despite labor troubles   UPI / 5:14PM CHICAGO, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Members of Chicago's Lyric Opera Orchestra played the opening night of the company's new season despite stalled contract negotiations, observers said. Throne moves to stop book about Fergie   UPI / 4:35PM LONDON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The British throne has moved to stop publication of a book about the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson's undercover trip to a Turkish orphanage, sources say. Tawny Kitaen arrested on DWI charge   UPI / 2:14PM NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Tawny Kitaen, who appeared in the reality show "Celebrity Rehab," has been arrested for driving while intoxicated, police say. Graffiti artist draws 6-month sentence   UPI / 1:34PM BOSTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Civil rights advocates and artists say a six-month jail sentence given to a Boston graffiti "tagger" is a draconian punishment.

Saturday, September 26 S.F. site to get Gap founders' collection   UPI / 2:44PM SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The head of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art says he is excited his site will house the art collection of Gap Inc. founders Donald and Doris Fisher. Book: Father's presence made Jackson ill   UPI / 12:14PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- A former confidant of Michael Jackson said the late U.S. singer would occasionally fall ill when he and his father, Joe, would share the same room.

Thursday, September 24 Gray, Hamilton booted from 'Dancing'   UPI / 10:54AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Singer Macy Gray and actor Ashley Hamilton were the first two contestants eliminated from Season 9 of the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars."

Wednesday, September 23 Nader's novel is 'utopian' fantasy   UPI / 4:14PM WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. activist and presidential candidate Ralph Nader says his novel about a group of super-wealthy liberals saving the country is a work of utopian fantasy. La Toya covering 'DWTS' for 'Access'   UPI / 12:05PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- La Toya Jackson has signed on as "Access Hollywood's" guest correspondent covering the ninth season of TV's "Dancing with the Stars," NBC said. 'Fish' film to premiere as free download   UPI / 11:24AM NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- "Scaring the Fish," a new U.S. film starring Anthony Rapp and Max Casella, is to premiere as the first free download-to-own feature film, its producers said.

Tuesday, September 22 School disinvites author after complaint   UPI / 9:35PM NORMAN, Okla., Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A parent's concerns about a book focusing on a teen drug addict prompted an Oklahoma school to cancel an appearance by the book's author, school officials said. Pittsburgh 'flash mob' urges G20 peace   UPI / 4:54PM PITTSBURGH, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- About 300 college students staged a "flash mob" action in downtown Pittsburgh in which they wished for a peaceful Group of 20 summit, witnesses said. Berlin Wall exhibit planned in Vegas   UPI / 11:54AM LAS VEGAS, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- An exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall is being planned in Las Vegas, the Honorary Consul of Germany said Tuesday. New version of 'Tosca' booed at the Met   UPI / 10:44AM NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The director of an avant-garde production of Puccini's audience favorite "Tosca" was met with boos after its premiere at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

Monday, September 21 Mya slices hand open before 'DWTS' debut   UPI / 11:14PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Singer Mya said on her Twitter page she suffered a "deep cut" on her hand shortly before she was to debut on "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles. Google celebrates H.G. Wells' birthday   UPI / 7:44PM BROMLEY, England, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Google has explained the presence of UFO and crop circle doodles on its main page, saying they put were to mark the birthday of British author H.G. Wells. Maksim & Karina argued at Emmys   UPI / 10:04AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Former couple Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff argued before and after their dance performance at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday, a witness said.

Sunday, September 20 Pa. state tax on arts prompts outrage   UPI / 4:24PM PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Officials with art and cultural groups in Philadelphia say they are angered by the state's decision to expand state sales taxes to their businesses. ArtPrize set to honor contemporary art   UPI / 4:14PM GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The upcoming ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids, Mich., offers professionals and amateurs alike a chance to enjoy contemporary art, an expert says. Cast of Toronto 'Phantom' shows reuniting   UPI / 3:34PM TORONTO, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Nearly 300 people with links to a former Toronto production of "The Phantom of the Opera" are set to reunite to honor its 20th anniversary, an organizer says.

Saturday, September 19 Gov't seeks changes in Google books deal   UPI / 8:24AM MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department says it wants changes in a tentative agreement between Google Inc., and the authors of books it wants to put online. Swayze tribute planned on TV's 'Dancing'   UPI / 4:14AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Ten professional dancers are to perform a tribute to the late U.S. movie star Patrick Swayze on "Dancing with the Stars," ABC said.

Friday, September 18 Live Nation sells Boston Opera House   UPI / 11:44PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Live Nation said Friday it has completed the sale of The Boston Opera House, the Orpheum Theatre and Paradise. Campaign seeking photos of fallen soldiers   UPI / 12:44PM WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- A Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund official says a campaign has been started to gather photos of the war dead named on the memorial wall in Washington. Special to air about Jackson VMA tribute   UPI / 12:20PM NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable television network MTV says it plans to air a special called "The Making of Janet Jackson's Video Music Award Tribute Performance."

Thursday, September 17 Prosecutor: Astor's son 'morally depraved'   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Brooke Astor's son was a "morally depraved" man who tricked his Alzheimer's-plagued mother into changing her will to get millions, a New York prosecutor said. Pop media likes predict personality traits   UPI / 5:14PM DURHAM, N.H., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- How people react to, and are affected by, characters in cultural media predicts their personal life themes and media preferences, U.S. researchers found. Reading Kafka could make you smarter   UPI / 4:14PM SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Exposure to surrealism -- works that feature the element of surprise -- like Franz Kafka's "The Country Doctor," may make you smarter, U.S. researchers say. Rome can be built in a day -- with photos   UPI / 11:54AM SEATTLE, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The ancient city of Rome wasn't built in a day and it took nearly a century to build St. Peter's Basilica -- but now the city can be digitized in just hours.

Wednesday, September 16 Dracula's 'memoirs' to be published   UPI / 7:54PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. author R.H. Greene says he expects his book, "Incarnadine: The True Memoirs of Count Dracula," to appeal to adult fans of vampire literature. Collector to sell two early Colonial books   UPI / 7:06PM NEW YORK, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- One of about 32 copies of a rare Revolutionary War-era Bible will be auctioned Thursday in Manhattan for an expected $40,000 or more, the owner said. TV Guide Network to air rare Swayze chat   UPI / 6:34PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- TV Guide Network says it will air an exclusive sit-down interview in which the late U.S. actor Patrick Swayze recounts his favorite "Dirty Dancing" moments. Teen may be charged for restroom photos   UPI / 12:14PM WESTON, Fla., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- A teenager may be charged with a misdemeanor for snapping photos of female coeds in a restroom at his high school, Florida officials say.

Tuesday, September 15 Bob Dylan art show planned in Denmark   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. music icon Bob Dylan is to premiere some of his new paintings at an exhibition at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, Legacy Recordings said. Report: Tom DeLay hurt in 'DWTS' practice   UPI / 6:14PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay says he injured his foot rehearsing for Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars." Assiniboine language to be preserved   UPI / 5:14PM BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- The language of the Assiniboine people, an American Indian group centered in Saskatchewan, Canada, is being preserved by University of Indiana anthropologists.

Monday, September 14 Actor Patrick Swayze dead at 57   UPI / 10:34PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Patrick Swayze died Monday after fighting pancreatic cancer for nearly two years, the popular Hollywood film star's publicist said. He was 57. Nearly 10,000 set cancan record   UPI / 1:54PM GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Organizers of a mass cancan in Scotland said nearly 10,000 people participated in the dance to set a world record. Ex-tribunal employee guilty of contempt   UPI / 8:05AM THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A former prosecution spokeswoman at a tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, has been found guilty of contempt and fined $10,000, the tribunal ruled. Brits bristle at Google's ogling   UPI / 3:44AM BROUGHTON, England, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Broughton, England, residents say they don't want detailed photos of their village on Google Street Finder, so they refuse to cooperate with photographers.

Sunday, September 13 Arrests made for Buddha head thefts   UPI / 3:05PM XIAN, China, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Two men have been arrested and a third is being sought in connection with the disappearance of Buddha heads in China's Shaanxi Province, an official says. Actress Mirren set to return to the stage   UPI / 2:54PM WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- British actress Helen Mirren says her upcoming return to the theater does not necessarily represent a return to her favorite acting discipline. Security concerns nix Canadian art project   UPI / 2:54PM MONTREAL, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A $450,000 public art project being constructed near Montreal has been scrapped due to security concerns, a local official says. A queens-eye view of WW II bombing   UPI / 1:54AM LONDON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A letter from the late Queen Elizabeth of Britain describing the bombing of Buckingham Palace was released Saturday.

Saturday, September 12 Hughes' first children's book due out   UPI / 3:54PM LONDON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A children's book illustrator Jim Downer says was the first by the late British author Ted Hughes will be released 50 years after it was written. Police say Warhol works stolen in LA   UPI / 2:54PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Millions of dollars worth of original art made by the late artist Andy Warhol was stolen from a Los Angeles home, police say. Experts say 'Symbol' heavily sought after   UPI / 2:34PM LONDON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The book "The Lost Symbol" by author Dan Brown has become a heavily sought-after novel in Britain and abroad, experts say.

Friday, September 11 Washington prepares for 'Lost Symbol' fans   UPI / 9:54PM WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Washington tourism officials are gearing up for visitors expected to look for real-life places depicted in Dan Brown's latest novel, "The Lost Symbol." Novelist facing attempted murder charges   UPI / 1:44PM ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A Michigan crime novelist is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting her father with a shotgun, authorities say. U.K. reality show looks for new 'Oz' stars   UPI / 11:44AM LONDON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The winners of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's upcoming U.K. reality competition series will star in a new stage musical version of "The Wizard of Oz," the BBC said. Stolen Van Gogh drawing recovered   UPI / 11:14AM SANTA FE, N.M., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A stolen Van Gogh drawing worth $200,000 was found for sale in a New Mexico consignment shop for just $250, the FBI says.

Thursday, September 10 School to receive tolerance training   UPI / 10:10PM NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A U.S. high school whose male athletes threatened to rape and kill a girl starring in a school play will get tolerance training, a legal settlement stated. Karina and Maksim to dance at Emmys   UPI / 7:44PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff, who recently broke off their engagement, are to dance at the Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles, CBS said. Met borrows Vermeer's 'Milkmaid'   UPI / 4:35PM NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is displaying "The Milkmaid," a painting it borrowed from Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, along with its own Vermeer works.

Wednesday, September 9 Book about McCann case banned by judge   UPI / 7:05PM LISBON, Portugal, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A judge in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday banned the sale of a book about the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann. Squatters move into ex-embassy for art   UPI / 6:14PM LONDON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Six squatters who have taken up residence in the former Mexican Embassy in London say their presence in the building is part of an art project. Owners and museum settle on painting   UPI / 5:44PM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A German expressionist painting will remain in a Swedish museum, but the heirs of the original owner will be compensated, a joint statement said. Springsteen, Brooks up for Kennedy Honors   UPI / 2:05PM WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck, Grace Bumbry, Robert De Niro and Bruce Springsteen are to be this year's recipients of Kennedy Center Honors in Washington. Vanessa Redgrave honored in London   UPI / 11:34AM LONDON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Film star Ralph Fiennes presented actress Vanessa Redgrave with a lifetime achievement award at the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year event in London.

Tuesday, September 8 Smirnoff, Chmerkovskiy break up   UPI / 4:04PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Karina Smirnoff's publicist says the Ukrainian-born dancer has broken off her engagement to fellow dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Europeans slam Google's digital library   UPI / 3:54PM BRUSSELS, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- European publishers voiced objections in Brussels to a deal that would give Google rights to millions of out-of-print books scanned for digital distribution. 'Lord of the Rings' lawsuit is settled   UPI / 3:34PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The Tolkien Trust, New Line Cinema and HarperCollins said Tuesday they have settled a U.S. lawsuit pertaining to "The Lord of the Rings" films. Six authors nominated for Booker Prize   UPI / 11:24AM LONDON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Authors A.S. Byatt, J.M. Coetzee, Adam Foulds, Hilary Mantel, Simon Mawer and Sarah Waters have been nominated for Britain's Man Booker Prize for Fiction. Blagojevich says 'simple truth' clears him   UPI / 10:44AM NEW YORK, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he's using different forums to proclaim innocence to claims he tried to sell a U.S. Senate seat.

Monday, September 7 Hitler paintings fetch $60K at auction   UPI / 10:34PM NUREMBERG, Germany, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Three watercolor paintings believed to have been rendered by German dictator Adolf Hitler were sold for a total of more than $60,000 at an auction in Nuremberg. 903 attempt 'Thriller' record in Atlanta   UPI / 5:14PM ATLANTA, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Officials with an Atlanta science fiction convention said 903 attendees re-enacted Michael Jackson's "Thriller" for a Guinness World Record attempt.

Sunday, September 6 Rude college students increasingly a norm   UPI / 6:44PM CHICAGO, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- College students are ruder and more disrespectful that they were years ago, Illinois college instructors say. 'Dragons' sparks controversy for Joffe   UPI / 4:24PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- British director Roland Joffe is working on a film funded by the conservative Roman Catholic group, Opus Dei, defectors from the group allege.

Saturday, September 5 Photographer Leibovitz sued over portraits   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- An Italian photographer alleges in a New York lawsuit that photographer Annie Leibovitz stole two of his portraits of Italian landmarks. 'CSI' creator to release 'digital novel'   UPI / 1:44PM NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. TV producer Anthony Zuiker, creator of "CSI," says his hybrid digital novel "Level 26" will take place, in part, on the Internet. Universal to offer glimpse of Potter park   UPI / 1:54AM ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Universal Orlando promises a "first-ever glimpse" later this month of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its Islands of Adventure park in Florida.

Friday, September 4 Israeli exhibit of suicide bombers closed   UPI / 1:44AM TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- An Israeli art exhibition featuring images of female suicide bombers inserted in classic images of the Madonna and child was canceled Thursday, officials said.

Thursday, September 3 Perry directing 'For Colored Girls' film   UPI / 11:44PM NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Lionsgate says it has acquired the distribution rights to U.S. filmmaker Tyler Perry's adaptation of the play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide..." High resolution Mars images are released   UPI / 10:24AM PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- NASA says thousands of new images from more than 1,500 telescopic observations by its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have been released.

Wednesday, September 2 'Angels in America' revival planned   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The Signature Theatre Company said Wednesday it plans to stage the first New York revival of "Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes." Bacons and Bellamys play Grand Ole Opry   UPI / 10:34PM NASHVILLE, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The fraternal singing duos The Bellamy Brothers and The Bacon Brothers have performed together for the first time, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry said Wednesday. Piven says he'd love to return to B'way   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Actor Jeremy Piven says he would love to star in another Broadway play, despite the recent controversy regarding his departure from "Speed the Plow." Cate Blanchett injured during play   UPI / 3:24PM SYDNEY, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Cate Blanchett was injured when her co-star in the Sydney stage production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" accidentally hit her with a radio during a fight scene. Less gender-neutral Bible announced   UPI / 2:34PM PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The publisher of the New International Version Bible has announced a revised edition that will "undo the damage" of an earlier effort at inclusive language.

Tuesday, September 1 Baryshnikov, Laguna to start tour in Calif   UPI / 10:54PM SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna are to kick off their U.S. tour with a performance at California's Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, organizers said. Ruben wins 'Dance Your Ass Off'   UPI / 9:44PM NEW YORK, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- A 43-year-old wardrobe designer from Las Vegas was crowned the winner of Oxygen's competition series, "Dance Your Ass Off." Kermit and Piggy booked for 'Talent'   UPI / 9:44PM UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The Muppets' Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are set to "perform" on "America's Got Talent," NBC announced Tuesday.

Monday, August 31 Aquarium sells sea lion art   UPI / 7:44PM NEWPORT, Ore., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Officials with the Oregon Coast Aquarium said they have found a potent fundraiser in paintings created by a pair of sea lions. Art student faked suicide attempt   UPI / 5:24PM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- An art student who faked a suicide attempt as part of a school project has been fined $3,500 by a Swedish court, officials in Stockholm said.

Sunday, August 30 Lopez: Mom prompted 'Dancing' appearance   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Mario Lopez says he took part in the TV series "Dancing with the Stars" because of a request from his mother.

Friday, August 28 Author challenges ban of his book   UPI / 7:14AM NEW DELHI, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Former Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh Friday challenged a state government's ban of his book on Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Thursday, August 27 Piven wins arbitration against producers   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A professional arbitrator has ruled Jeremy Piven didn't violate his contract by dropping out of the Broadway revival of "Speed-the-Plow" for health reasons. Posey diagnosed with Lyme disease   UPI / 10:05PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Actress Parker Posey has dropped out of the upcoming off-Broadway play, "This," after being diagnosed with Lyme disease, a member of the production staff said. Police arrest nude model at museum   UPI / 6:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A New York photographer said his model was arrested for stripping naked during a shoot at the city's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Salvation Army auctions Dali works   UPI / 4:14PM HOUSTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A Houston Salvation Army thrift store is auctioning off some unusual donations -- Salvador Dali originals given by an anonymous donor. Calgary's graffiti project goes very wrong   UPI / 12:44PM CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Young artists in the western Canadian city of Calgary, Alberta, went on a rampage when the city shut down an out-of-control graffiti project after two days.

Wednesday, August 26 Kennedy memoir comes out in Sept.   UPI / 2:14PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The publisher of Sen. Edward Kennedy's memoir "True Compass" says it has moved the publication date up to Sept. 14.

Tuesday, August 25 Web site seeks 1M giraffe drawings   UPI / 9:54PM STAVANGER, Norway, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A Norwegian man seeking to collect 1 million hand-created giraffes for his Web site said the total number of drawings and models has surpassed 130,000. Obama to golf, read while vacationing   UPI / 11:54AM OAK BLUFFS, Mass., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama took in a round of golf and entertained dinner guests while vacationing on Martha's Vineyard.

Monday, August 24 Box, shutter featured in art auction   UPI / 5:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Auction house Christie's in New York said a London artist's bronze sculpture of a cardboard box is expected to fetch $30,000 when it goes on sale next month. Younger star to lead 'Night Music'   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The upcoming Broadway production of "A Little Night Music" may feature a younger star than its previous incarnation, industry sources say.

Sunday, August 23 Jett sues Runaways member blocking film   UPI / 7:24PM NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Joan Jett is suing a member of her first band for attempting to block a movie about her hard rock girl band, a complaint filed in New York said. Bernhard trades wealth for fun, integrity   UPI / 6:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Sandra Bernhard, touring a 20th anniversary version of her famous one-woman show, says she's not wealthy enough to retire, but that's all right.

Saturday, August 22 Comic book icon Lee going online   UPI / 3:44PM LONDON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. comic book writer Stan Lee, known for being the co-creator of Spider-Man, says he is working with Disney on a new online comic book series. Younger cast expected for 'Night Music'   UPI / 2:05PM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The new Broadway production of "A Little Night Music" in New York will feature a younger cast than its previous incarnation, industry sources say.

Friday, August 21 Sterling Publishing cloth books recalled   UPI / 2:44PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Sterling Publishing cloth books due to a strangulation hazard. CNN one province off in squirrel report   UPI / 2:05PM CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A U.S. news network has been found geographically challenged, coming up one province off in its report on a photo-op hogging squirrel, alert Canadians noted.

Thursday, August 20 Photographer's subjects naked in New York   UPI / 10:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A New York photographer opened a gallery show Thursday highlighting pictures of nude models in iconic New York locations.

Wednesday, August 19 Warhol's Jackson painting sold at auction   UPI / 11:05PM NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Andy Warhol's 1984 portrait of U.S. pop star Michael Jackson has been sold at a New York auction for more than $1 million, MTV News reported. High school grads not ready for college   UPI / 10:44AM IOWA CITY, Iowa, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Only about one-fourth of 2009 U.S. high school graduates have the skills needed to succeed in college, the preparers of a national admissions test say.

Tuesday, August 18 Choreographer Da Silva charged with rape   UPI / 6:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A choreographer for the U.S. television show "So You Think You Can Dance" has been arrested on multiple sexual assault charges, officials said.

Monday, August 17 Potter fans hail crop circle owl   UPI / 4:24PM WOODBOROUGH HILL, England, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- A crop circle discovered in England has been identified by some fans of the Harry Potter book and film franchise as a tribute to the boy wizard's pet owl. Stolen painting mailed back   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The director of a New York museum said one of two recently stolen Russian paintings was mailed back to the gallery in perfect condition. Osmond, DeLay to compete on 'DWTS'   UPI / 10:44AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Singer Donny Osmond, reality TV's Kelly Osbourne and former U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay are to compete on "Dancing with the Stars."

Sunday, August 16 Author Golding admitted to attempted rape   UPI / 4:54PM OXFORD, England, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The late British author William Golding told his wife that he once attempted to rape a girl when he was a teenager, an unpublished memoir says. Crime author missing in South Carolina   UPI / 4:44PM MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Crime author Dale Hudson has been reported missing after his car was found abandoned in Marion County, S.C., authorities say. Fly in salad e-mail leads to lawsuit   UPI / 4:05PM AURORA, Ill., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- An Aurora, Ill., restaurant is suing a city official for allegedly sending out hundreds of e-mails complaining of a fly in his salad, court records indicate. 'Harry Potter' a scholarly phenomenon   UPI / 12:34PM FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The "Harry Potter" books by British author J.K. Rowling have expanded beyond the literary world into scholarly and religious realms, an author says. Yale Press is attacked by professors   UPI / 12:54AM NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Yale University Press has come under harsh criticism for excising images of the prophet Muhammad from a book it is publishing.

Saturday, August 15 Woodstock's 40th anniversary observed   UPI / 10:14AM WOODSTOCK, N.Y., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The 40th anniversary of the U.S. Woodstock Music Festival is being marked by plenty of merchandising, including new books and a documentary, observers say.

Friday, August 14 Squirrel joins couple's travel photo-op   UPI / 3:05PM CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Minnesota resident Melissa Brandts says she and her husband, Jackson, were taking a photo in Canada when a curious squirrel jumped into their shot. Brian D'Arcy James set for 'Time' play   UPI / 9:44AM NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Brian D'Arcy James, currently portraying the titular ogre in Broadway's "Shrek The Musical," has signed on to star in the play "Time Stands Still" next year. 'DWTS' contestants to be revealed on 'GMA'   UPI / 8:14AM NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- "Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron is scheduled to announce the names of the contestants for Season 9 on "Good Morning America," ABC said.

Thursday, August 13 Naked man in art project told to cover up   UPI / 5:44PM LONDON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A man taking part in a London art project promising anyone the opportunity to become a "living statue" shed his underpants and was asked by police to cover up. Boston author accused of plagiarism   UPI / 4:54PM BOSTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Boston-area author Ben Mezrich has denied claims he plagiarized biographical material for a minor character in his book, "The Accidental Billionaires." Smith's friend Stern can sue for libel   UPI / 4:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A federal judge in New York has ruled that Howard Stern, Anna Nicole Smith's companion when she died in 2007, can sue a writer for libel. Woman suing former lover over nude photos   UPI / 12:14PM CHICAGO, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A Chicago woman alleges in a lawsuit against a former lover that the man posted nude photos of her online despite a promise to keep the images private.

Wednesday, August 12 Gay rights group: Marriage vote in 2012   UPI / 9:54PM SACRAMENTO, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Equality California said Wednesday it plans to delay an effort to repeal Proposition 8 until 2012 to ensure gay marriage has the support it needs to win. Mamet to direct 'Diary of Anne Frank'   UPI / 4:14PM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright David Mamet is tapped to write and direct a new version of "The Diary of Anne Frank," studio officials said.

Tuesday, August 11 Mona Lisa takes no lumps in tea tossing   UPI / 6:24PM PARIS, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A Russian woman was held in Paris Tuesday after tossing tea at Leonardo da Vinci's painting, the Mona Lisa, officials said. Guard accused of keying car on movie set   UPI / 4:24PM NEW YORK, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A bodyguard on the New York set of actress Jennifer Aniston's new movie allegedly keyed a photographer's car, topping weeks of building tension, police said. Disney World actor dies in hospital   UPI / 3:34PM ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A performer at Walt Disney World in Florida has died after being hospitalized for injuries he received onstage at the Magic Kingdom, officials said.

Sunday, August 9 Opera singer Miller marries actress   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. opera singer David Miller of the group Il Divo married actress Sarah Joy Kabanuck in New York, his representative told People magazine exclusively. Tomb may hold clues to Shakespeare mystery   UPI / 2:14PM WARWICK, England, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A tomb at an English church may hold manuscripts that could resolve claims that William Shakespeare didn't write all the works attributed to him, searchers say. Abdul mentioned as possible 'Dancing' star   UPI / 11:54AM PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson says he is open to adding singer-choreographer Paula Abdul to "Dancing with the Stars."

Saturday, August 8 Elizabeth, Hough confirm split on Twitter   UPI / 1:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. movie actress Shannon Elizabeth and dancer Derek Hough said in Twitter posts they have ended their romantic relationship.

Friday, August 7 Art thief faces more charges   UPI / 10:05PM WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A man convicted in Florida of stealing two Picasso etchings now faces federal charges of trying to sell one of them. Town offers graffiti class for kids   UPI / 5:14PM CRAWLEY, England, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Officials in an English town that annually spends $66,7000 cleaning up graffiti say they are offering a class for children to improve their spray can technique. S. Florida teen wins 'Dance' competition   UPI / 3:14PM MIAMI, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- An 18-year-old South Florida student was declared the winner of the Fox hit show, "So You Think You Can Dance."

Thursday, August 6 Bird-chasing guards damage royal portrait   UPI / 7:24PM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Guards chasing an errant jackdaw in the royal palace in Stockholm damaged a portrait of the founder of the current Swedish royal family. Livent chiefs to appeal fraud convictions   UPI / 10:14AM TORONTO, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Lawyers for the two former chiefs of Canada's Livent theatrical group said they will appeal their corporate fraud convictions in Toronto.

Tuesday, August 4 Jackman to play Barnum in movie musical   UPI / 2:05PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been tapped to play P.T. Barnum in "The Greatest Showman on Earth," a contemporary movie musical, Variety said.

Monday, August 3 'Fahrenheit 451' adapted as graphic novel   UPI / 9:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Ray Bradbury's classic 1953 science-fiction book "Fahrenheit 451" has been adapted and released as a graphic novel. Gilbert, 'Prairie' cast help out Habitat   UPI / 8:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" star Melissa Gilbert helped build a house with fellow cast members in New York, Habitat for Humanity said. Spielberg planning 'Harvey' re-make   UPI / 8:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg has signed on to direct and produce a new big-screen adaptation of Mary Chase's play "Harvey," Variety.com reported. Play takes audience on the road   UPI / 4:54PM BELFAST, Northern Ireland, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A play in Belfast, Northern Ireland, can only be seen by five people at a time because it's performed by a pair of actors driving and riding in a Hackney cab. Amazon Kindle rival is paper-thin e-reader   UPI / 4:34PM CAMBRIDGE, England, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The screen of a forthcoming Amazon Kindle e-book rival is so thin it can be rolled up and flattened out like a sheet of paper, its British maker says. G20 leaders to see Pittsburgh's best   UPI / 3:24PM PITTSBURGH, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The Andy Warhol Museum is to be highlighted by President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle at next month's Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh, officials say. Dealer claims Knights Templar relic   UPI / 2:05PM LEEDS, England, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A piece of painted wood found at a rummage sale is a priceless 1,300-year-old Knight's Templar relic, a British antiques dealer says. Warhol's Jackson portrait headed to O2   UPI / 12:34PM LONDON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Artist Andy Warhol's 1984 portrait of the late pop star Michael Jackson is going on display at London's O2 arena before it is sold at auction in New York.

Sunday, August 2 Stand-up comedian rabbi entertains Muslims   UPI / 9:34PM MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A U.S. rabbi stood up in front of hundreds of Muslims west of Toronto Sunday with the intention of being laughed at as part of a Muslim festival.

Saturday, August 1 Keillor's book store struck by burglars   UPI / 3:54PM ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Pastor Inqvist of the Lake Wobegon Lutheran Church would be shocked: Thieves have struck author Garrison Keillor's St. Paul, Minn., bookstore, officials say. Rehearsals of 'Birdie' under way in N.Y.   UPI / 2:24PM NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Rehearsals for the Broadway revival of the Tony-winning musical "Bye Bye Birdie" have begun in New York with an opening date of Oct. 15 in mind. Infrared cameras reveal ancient city   UPI / 2:05PM VENICE, Italy, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- An ancient Italian city destroyed by Attila the Hun and now hidden underground has been mapped for the first time via infrared photography, officials said. Developer wants to reopen historic pub   UPI / 12:14PM TWEEDSMUIR, Scotland, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The developer who had big plans for a Scottish pub where Robert Burns and other writers raised their glasses now says he wants to work with preservationists.

Friday, July 31 Swedish men show full monty for calendar   UPI / 4:24PM ARVIDSTRASK, Sweden, July 31 (UPI) -- A group of 12 middle-aged men in Arvidstrask, Sweden, bared all in a calendar for a local fishing competition's anniversary, a participant says. Tartaglia to headline stage variety show   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, July 31 (UPI) -- John Tartaglia is set to lead the cast of "The New Fangled Variety Show" for two performances in New York, show representatives said. Kennedy, O'Connor to get Freedom medal   UPI / 7:14AM WASHINGTON, July 31 (UPI) -- A sitting U.S. senator, a former Supreme Court judge and global rights advocates are among the 16 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 'Potter' bad for newspapers?   UPI / 12:04AM WACO, Texas, July 30 (UPI) -- The way newspapers are represented in the Harry Potter books could have a negative impact on young people's understanding of journalism, U.S. researchers say.

Thursday, July 30 Blagojevich book due for release   UPI / 12:44PM CHICAGO, July 30 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is set to release a book that offers a comprehensive take on his impeachment and removal from office, a publisher says.

Wednesday, July 29 Elderly men pose for nude calendar   UPI / 2:24PM NORFOLK, Va., July 29 (UPI) -- Nine elderly men from a Virginia retirement community will appear naked on a calendar to raise money for a local volunteer rescue squad, officials say. Byatt, Waters up for 2009 Booker Prize   UPI / 10:14AM LONDON, July 29 (UPI) -- Authors Colm Tobin, J.M. Coetzee, A.S. Byatt and Sarah Waters were among the nominees for the 2009 Man Booker Prize announced in England Wednesday.

Tuesday, July 28 Contest winners to appear in 'Shrek' show   UPI / 11:05PM NEW YORK, July 28 (UPI) -- Two winners of a Nick.com contest will get to sing in a performance of Broadway's "Shrek the Musical," show representatives said. Jacko doc told police about Propofol   UPI / 3:05PM LOS ANGELES, July 28 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's personal physician told police in Los Angeles he gave Jackson Propofol the day the singer died, law enforcement sources told TMZ.

Sunday, July 26 Buttafuoco: Stayed with husband for kids   UPI / 4:14PM NEW YORK, July 26 (UPI) -- Mary Jo Buttafuoco says she stayed with her husband Joey for years after she was shot in New York by his mistress, Amy Fisher, because of their children. Busy 'Dancing' stars delay wedding   UPI / 12:34PM NEW YORK, July 26 (UPI) -- Ukrainian professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he and fellow "Dancing with the Stars" performer Karina Smirnoff have delayed their wedding plans.

Saturday, July 25 'Burn the Floor' set for Broadway premiere   UPI / 4:54PM NEW YORK, July 25 (UPI) -- The Broadway dance show "Burn the Floor" is set to begin a 12-week engagement in New York, Playbill reported. Hubble camera trained on Jupiter scar   UPI / 1:44PM BOULDER, Colo., July 25 (UPI) -- The newly repaired Hubble Space Telescope is sending back "exquisite" pictures of debris from an object that collided with Jupiter, NASA officials said.

Friday, July 24 Court: Hutterites must have license photo   UPI / 2:54PM OTTAWA, July 24 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday a Hutterite religious community in Alberta must have their photos taken if they want drivers licenses. Spy's memoirs published   UPI / 2:14AM LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- A memoir by Anthony Blunt, one of the "Cambridge spies" who used their place in the British establishment to work for the Soviet Union, was released Thursday.

Thursday, July 23 Gay version of 'Emma' in the works   UPI / 11:05AM LOS ANGELES, July 23 (UPI) -- Norilana Books has announced it is publishing "James Fairfax," a re-imaging of Jane Austen's novel "Emma," in which same-sex marriage is commonplace.

Wednesday, July 22 McCourt's ashes to be scattered in Ireland   UPI / 10:14AM NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- Frank McCourt's ashes are to be scattered over a river in Limerick, Ireland, where the late author spent much of his childhood.

Tuesday, July 21 Silverstone returning to Broadway   UPI / 4:35PM NEW YORK, July 21 (UPI) -- Actress Alicia Silverstone has signed up to star in the Broadway production of "Time Stands Still," the Manhattan Theatre Club said Tuesday. Recession sign: Shuttered NYC storefronts   UPI / 10:54AM NEW YORK, July 21 (UPI) -- New York City's storefront vacancy rate is 6.5 percent, a near two-decade high, and is expected to top 10 percent next year, real estate data suggest.

Monday, July 20 Ana Gasteyer headed to Broadway   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Actress and comedienne Ana Gasteyer has joined the cast of the new Broadway production of "The Royal Family," the Manhattan Theatre Club said Monday.

Sunday, July 19 Pricey artifacts found in artist's trash   UPI / 3:14PM NEW YORK, July 19 (UPI) -- The head of a rubbish removal company says he found Mexican artifacts worth $16,500 in a barrel he took from an artist's New York home. Author Martel signs deal for new book   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, July 19 (UPI) -- Canadian writer Yann Martel, author of "Life of Pi," has signed a deal to write a book to be published next year, a British publisher says.

Saturday, July 18 Broadway shows enjoy ticket sales bump   UPI / 6:14PM NEW YORK, July 18 (UPI) -- Tickets sales for nearly all Broadway productions in New York are up since the Fourth of July holiday, figures show. Spider-man won't sing in new musical   UPI / 3:54PM NEW YORK, July 18 (UPI) -- U.S. theater director Julie Taymor says Spider-man will not be singing in costume in the forthcoming Broadway production "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark." Kindle users lose Orwell titles   UPI / 1:54AM NEW YORK, July 18 (UPI) -- Amazon.com has deleted two George Orwell books from Kindle devices of customers who had bought the books, the U.S. online content seller said.

Thursday, July 16 Live-action 'Sinbad' film in the works   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, July 16 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Giant Flick Films said Thursday it is in pre-production on the live-action adventure, "Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage."

Wednesday, July 15 Sea monster book inspired by 'Sense'   UPI / 11:24PM NEW YORK, July 15 (UPI) -- The American company Quirk Books has announced plans to release the novel "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" this September. Vatican gives 'Potter' flick its blessing   UPI / 11:50AM VATICAN CITY, July 15 (UPI) -- "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the sixth installment in the magic-themed movie franchise, has earned a glowing review from the Vatican's newspaper.

Tuesday, July 14 Spirit creates a dust devil portrait   UPI / 3:05PM PASADENA, Calif., July 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have combined three images taken seconds apart on Mars using various colored filters to create a portrait of a moving dust devil.

Monday, July 13 Maryland boasts at least 3 Harry Potters   UPI / 6:24PM LEONARDTOWN, Md., July 13 (UPI) -- A Maryland man who shares his name with fictional wizard Harry Potter says he is frequently contacted by young fans of the book and film series. Nearly 1,000 recreate 'Fame' dance   UPI / 4:24PM LONDON, July 13 (UPI) -- Actress Denise Van Outen and comedian Johnny Vegas were among the nearly 1,000 dancers who recreated the street dance scene from "Fame" on a London street. Web site closed for offering Hitler book   UPI / 12:54PM ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, July 13 (UPI) -- The founder of a Web site for Russian history scholars says authorities closed his site for offering downloads of Adolf Hitler's book "Mein Kampf." Yoko Ono signs U.N. Oneness Day petition   UPI / 10:35AM NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- Yoko Ono has joined other prominent people signing a global grassroots petition appealing to the United Nations to declare a Oneness Day, her Web site says.

Saturday, July 11 Superman creator's home gets makeover   UPI / 6:24PM CLEVELAND, July 11 (UPI) -- The Cleveland home where Superman was conceived has undergone a $70,000 renovation paid for by fans of the superhero's creator, the home's owner says. Battle over radio royalties heats up   UPI / 2:44PM WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- Hostilities have escalated in a long-running battle over whether U.S. radio stations should pay royalties to recording artists, observers say. Warner Bros. tabs Reynolds for 'Lantern'   UPI / 2:05PM LOS ANGELES, July 11 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. has tabbed Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds to play the title role in the movie adaptation of the comic book series "Green Lantern." 'Thriller- Live' under way, world tour due   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, July 11 (UPI) -- Producer Paul Walden says the global tour of the stage production "Thriller - Live" should be a hit among fans of the late U.S. singer Michael Jackson.

Thursday, July 9 Book accuses Hemingway of spying   UPI / 7:44PM NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 9 (UPI) -- A new U.S. book claims Ernest Hemingway was a not-very-effective spy for the KGB during the 1940s. Alesha Dixon to be 'Strictly' judge   UPI / 3:05PM LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- Pop star Alesha Dixon will be a judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" when the British TV competition series starts its seventh season this fall, the BBC said. Gallery exhibit to honor Twiggy   UPI / 2:44PM LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- The upcoming 60th birthday of former British supermodel Twiggy is to be marked with a photo exhibit at London's National Portrait Gallery, the gallery says. Ritz to sell or liquidate photo shops   UPI / 12:24PM WILMINGTON, Del., July 9 (UPI) -- Struggling U.S. photo chain Ritz Camera said it was willing to auction off its 370 remaining stores or liquidate the company by July 24.

Wednesday, July 8 500 to perform 'Thriller' in Indiana   UPI / 6:24PM GARY, Ind., July 8 (UPI) -- Organizers of a planned Michael Jackson tribute in his hometown of Gary, Ind., said nearly 500 people are expected to perform his famous "Thriller" dance.

Tuesday, July 7 Nigerian-born writer wins Caine Prize   UPI / 6:05PM OXFORD, England, July 7 (UPI) -- E.C. Osondu, a Nigerian-born writer living in Rhode Island, has been awarded the Britain-based 2009 Caine Prize for African Writing for his story "Waiting." Poll: Sexy reading makes women swoon   UPI / 2:35PM LONDON, July 7 (UPI) -- Give British women a romance novel or a novel with a little raunchy sex and they're in heaven, a survey indicated. Britons volunteer as 'living statues'   UPI / 11:06AM LONDON, July 7 (UPI) -- Britons who climbed onto an empty plinth in London's Trafalgar Square to become "living statues" say the experience is both exhilarating and terrifying. London bombings memorial unveiled   UPI / 10:25AM LONDON, July 7 (UPI) -- A permanent memorial to the July 7, 2005, London bombings was unveiled Tuesday in the city's Hyde Park.

Sunday, July 5 'Prairie Home' fans fill tiny Minn. town   UPI / 6:24PM AVON, Minn., July 5 (UPI) -- Residents of Avon, Minn., say they welcomed the chance to be the host town for the 35th anniversary show of Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion." Children's book due from Tori Spelling   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, July 5 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Tori Spelling says she just finished writing a children's book that could be released within the next year. Choreographer: Holmes ready for 'Dance'   UPI / 4:05PM LOS ANGELES, July 5 (UPI) -- Choreographer Mia Michaels says U.S. actress Katie Holmes has the dancing skills to shine on the 100th episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." Living statues coming to London square   UPI / 12:24PM LONDON, July 5 (UPI) -- Participants in an upcoming public art exhibit in London say they are ready to pose as living statues in Trafalgar Square.

Saturday, July 4 Auction for Warhol's Jackson portrait   UPI / 10:44PM EAST HAMPTON, N.Y., July 4 (UPI) -- A portrait of Michael Jackson by the late pop artist Andy Warhol is up for auction at a gallery in East Hampton, the summer haven of rich New Yorkers. Lloyd Webber confident in 'Love' stars   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, July 4 (UPI) -- Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber says stage stars Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess should enjoy success in London and New York productions of "Love Never Dies."

Friday, July 3 Powerful anesthetic found at Jackson home   UPI / 2:34PM LOS ANGELES, July 3 (UPI) -- Investigators found the powerful anesthetic drug Diprivan in pop icon Michael Jackson's Los Angeles home, ABC News reported.

Thursday, July 2 'Rock of Ages' breaks air guitar record   UPI / 7:05PM NEW YORK, July 2 (UPI) -- Fans, audience members, cast and crew of the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages" set a world record in New York for the largest air guitar jam session. Michelangelo self-portrait found in fresco   UPI / 1:54PM VATICAN CITY, July 2 (UPI) -- A multimillion-dollar renovation of the last frescoes painted by Michelangelo at the Vatican may have uncovered a self-portrait of the artist.

Wednesday, July 1 Judge bans 'sequel' to Salinger work   UPI / 6:35PM NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- A book depicting a 76-year-old version of J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield character from "Catcher in the Rye" cannot be published, a U.S. judge says. Usher's wife says divorce was a surprise   UPI / 5:24PM ATLANTA, July 1 (UPI) -- The wife of U.S. R&B star Usher says that contrary to his divorce petition, they had been living together and the move came as a surprise to her. NASA video tracks 2008 hurricane season   UPI / 5:05PM WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- NASA scientists using satellite data say they've produced a downloadable video outlining last year's Atlantic tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes. Burke's Peerage becomes gender neutral   UPI / 3:05PM LONDON, July 1 (UPI) -- Burke's Peerage and Gentry, the definitive guide to British toffs, has decided to move with the times, listing children by birth order without regard to gender. Jude Law's 'Hamlet' set for Broadway   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- British actor Jude Law is taking his version of "Hamlet" from London's West End to Broadway, producers announced. 'Moneyball' strikeout benches risky pics   UPI / 11:44AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- Doubts that Hollywood can continue to deliver quirky, high-quality films have been raised with the cancellation of "Moneyball," analysts say. Jackson albums take top 9 sales spots   UPI / 11:14AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson albums took the top nine spots on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Catalog Albums chart for the week ending June 28, the U.S. magazine says. Burt Reynolds flick to shoot in Florida   UPI / 10:54AM ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 1 (UPI) -- Burt Reynolds will head the cast of a movie to be shot in Florida about a 1970s teenager who died from bone cancer, the film's writer-director says. Jackson held patent on special shoes   UPI / 8:34AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- The late "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, held a patent for special shoes used while performing his 1988 song "Smooth Criminal," an attorney says.

Tuesday, June 30 Jackman, Hathaway invited to join Academy   UPI / 5:24PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- Some 134 U.S. film industry figures have been invited to become voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, officials say. Mamet's 'Oleanna' bound for Broadway   UPI / 4:04PM NEW YORK, June 30 (UPI) -- The David Mamet play "Oleanna," starring Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles, is Broadway-bound after its Los Angeles run, Variety reported Tuesday. Jackson ticketholders to get refunds   UPI / 9:54AM LONDON, June 30 (UPI) -- Concert promoter AEG Live says ticket-holders for Michael Jackson's planned London concerts can get a full refund or a commemorative ticket. Wash. man wins bad prose contest   UPI / 9:04AM SAN JOSE, Calif., June 30 (UPI) -- A 55-year-old writer from Federal Way, Wash., has won this year's Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for bad opening novel sentences, officials say. 'Bruno' photos infuriate schools chief   UPI / 1:34AM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- Los Angeles' top school official says he is infuriated by published photos of "Bruno" star Sacha Baron Cohen doing drills with a high school football team.

Monday, June 29 Detectives interview Jackson doctors   UPI / 11:05PM LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Detectives were interviewing doctors who treated or prescribed medications to pop icon Michael Jackson, a law enforcement source said Monday. Bruno: Aussie PM Kevin Rudd 'uber-cute'   UPI / 6:14PM SYDNEY, June 29 (UPI) -- Comedy movie star Sasha Baron Cohen, in character as gay Austrian fashionista Bruno, said Monday that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is "uber-cute." Will.i.am: He and Jacko recorded new songs   UPI / 4:05PM GLASTONBURY, England, June 29 (UPI) -- Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am says he and Michael Jackson recorded new songs before the U.S. pop superstar's death. Newly found Harper paintings to be shown   UPI / 2:14PM CINCINNATI, June 29 (UPI) -- Dozens of paintings by Cincinnati artist Charley Harper, long thought lost, are set for exhibition after being discovered at the Ford Motor Co., his son says. Industry eyes new book-printing machines   UPI / 12:14PM MANCHESTER CENTER, Vt., June 29 (UPI) -- The publishing world is keeping a close eye on a Vermont experiment in which books are printed on demand in a small bookstore, analysts say. Michael Jackson fans get tattoo memorials   UPI / 12:04PM YBOR CITY, Fla., June 29 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson fans in Florida say they are getting tattoos as tributes to the late "King of Pop." Tech glitches scrap Chicago 'Poppins' perf   UPI / 11:24AM CHICAGO, June 29 (UPI) -- A Chicago audience for a weekend stage performance of Disney's "Mary Poppins" was sent home after computer malfunctions forced its cancellation, producers said. BET Awards winners announced   UPI / 9:14AM LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Following are the list of nominees and winners of the BET Awards, held Sunday night in Los Angeles. Jackson remembered at BET Awards   UPI / 8:34AM LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's contributions to U.S. black entertainment and culture are deep and lasting, attendees at the BET Awards in Los Angeles said.

Sunday, June 28 Zhu Da landscape fetches record price   UPI / 6:54PM BEIJING, June 28 (UPI) -- A landscape by the legendary 17th century Chinese painter Zhu Da fetched a record price at a Beijing auction Sunday, auction officials said. Arts grant awarded for buttocks sculptures   UPI / 6:14PM SWANSEA, Wales, June 28 (UPI) -- A Welsh artist says she has gotten $33,000 to create plaster casts of women's buttocks in a bid to get to bottom of cultural attitudes about female fannies. Auction painting ID'ed as Gainsborough   UPI / 6:14PM LONDON, June 28 (UPI) -- A British television show art expert identified a painting put up for sale for $25,000 as a Thomas Gainsborough original worth $1.2 million, observers say. Elaine Stritch sued by writer   UPI / 11:54AM NEW YORK, June 28 (UPI) -- Actress Elaine Stritch says she rejects accusations in John Lahr's lawsuit that she owes the writer money for helping with her show "Elaine Stritch at Liberty."

Saturday, June 27 Jackson concert promoter may lose millions   UPI / 7:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- It's unclear what kind of financial hit U.S. concert promoter AEG Live will take with the death of Michael Jackson, sources say.

Friday, June 26 Film inspires live Dillinger performance   UPI / 8:54AM ST. PAUL, Minn., June 26 (UPI) -- The trial of bank robber John Dillinger's girlfriend is to be re-enacted in St. Paul, Minn., in honor of the new film "Public Enemies," organizers said.

Thursday, June 25 Oldest musical instruments unearthed   UPI / 12:54PM BOSTON, June 25 (UPI) -- Archaeologists say they've discovered pieces of the oldest musical instruments ever found -- flutes carved from bone and ivory at least 35,000 years ago.

Wednesday, June 24 Killer memorabilia sales thrive in U.S.   UPI / 5:24PM PORTLAND, Ore., June 24 (UPI) -- A Texas victim's rights advocate says a U.S. law is needed to halt the growing market for personal memorabilia sold from prison by notorious killers. Cheney inks deal to write memoir   UPI / 10:05AM NEW YORK, June 24 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney signed a deal to write a memoir about his life in politics, a New York publishing house said. Artist who disappeared in 1934 honored   UPI / 2:24AM SALT LAKE CITY, June 24 (UPI) -- A forum in Utah this week celebrated the life and mystery of a young artist who vanished in southern Utah in 1934.

Tuesday, June 23 Wolf statues quickly stolen   UPI / 7:24PM ABINGTON, Va., June 23 (UPI) -- The 27 painted wolf statues in Abington, Va., are an endangered species after two were stolen soon after they were placed throughout town, police say. Wilson drops Beatles poster lawsuit   UPI / 10:25AM NEW YORK, June 23 (UPI) -- Rita Wilson's representatives said the U.S. actress has dropped her lawsuit against Melissa Pearl pertaining to a Beatles poster.

Monday, June 22 Kodak to retire 'iconic' Kodachrome film   UPI / 5:24PM ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 22 (UPI) -- Eastman Kodak Co. said it would end production of Kodachrome color film 74 years after introducing it to U.S. consumers. Greece urges Britain return sculptures   UPI / 10:44AM ATHENS, Greece, June 22 (UPI) -- Greece used the opening of an Acropolis museum to renew its call to Britain to return sculptures taken from Athens' Parthenon 200 years ago, authorities said.

Sunday, June 21 Einstein photograph sold for $74,000   UPI / 2:04PM AMHERST, N.H., June 21 (UPI) -- An auctioneer in Amherst, N.H., says he sold a famed photograph of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein for $74,324. 'Wheels' combines celebs, disabled dancers   UPI / 12:34PM LONDON, June 21 (UPI) -- The BBC's new series "Strictly Come Dancing on Wheels" will combine celebrities with disabled dancers in wheelchairs, an official for the British network says.

Saturday, June 20 Athens debuts New Acropolis Museum   UPI / 12:24PM ATHENS, Greece, June 20 (UPI) -- The New Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, is the perfect place to showcase the Parthenon Marbles held by Britain, museum officials said at Saturday's opening.

Friday, June 19 Kids make Obama mural from 2.420 dominoes   UPI / 2:14PM WESTFIELD, Mass., June 17 (UPI) -- Students at a Westfield, Mass., school have completed a two-month project to build a mural of President Barack Obama from 2,420 dominoes. Maks and Karina head to Broadway   UPI / 11:54AM NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- "Dancing with the Stars" veterans Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff have signed up to appear in the Broadway engagement of "Burn the Floor."

Wednesday, June 17 Judge blocks publication of 'Rye'   UPI / 8:24PM NEW YORK, June 17 (UPI) -- A New York judge has delayed the publication of "60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye" while she considers whether it violates J.D. Salinger's copyright. Kids make Obama mural from 24,000 dominoes   UPI / 5:05PM WESTFIELD, Mass., June 17 (UPI) -- Students at a Westfield, Mass., school have completed a two-month project to build a mural of President Barack Obama from 24,000 dominoes.

Tuesday, June 16 Scribe: '60 Years' is 'Rye' parody   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, June 16 (UPI) -- The author of "60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye" says his book is a parody of -- not a sequel to -- the classic U.S. novel "The Catcher in the Rye."

Monday, June 15 Cabbie encourages riders to create art   UPI / 6:34PM NEW YORK, June 15 (UPI) -- A New York cab driver says he has collected more than 7,000 sketches from passengers outfitted with a pen and a stack of computer paper. Human statue project includes 'poo' man   UPI / 1:55PM LONDON, June 15 (UPI) -- One of the "living statues" kicking off an art exhibit in London's Trafalgar Square is a man who made a costume meant to resemble feces.

Sunday, June 14 Blagojevich makes stage comedy appearance   UPI / 11:24AM CHICAGO, June 14 (UPI) -- Impeached and indicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich made good on his promise to appear at a Chicago staging of the comedy "Rod Blagojevich Superstar."

Saturday, June 13 Celebrity bodyguard mulling tell-all book   UPI / 3:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 13 (UPI) -- Ex-bodyguard Mickey Brett, who once guarded Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, says he is considering writing a memoir about his time with the U.S. celebrities.

Friday, June 12 Ted Kennedy given big advance for memoirs   UPI / 8:05PM WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- A publisher paid U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., an advance of almost $2 million for his memoirs, his financial disclosure reports indicate. Artist enraged by theft of chainsaws   UPI / 1:44PM DES MOINES, Iowa, June 12 (UPI) -- An artist in Des Moines, Iowa, who makes sculptures with chainsaws says he is enraged over the theft of eight of his dangerous tools. Raccoon upstages Hathaway in play   UPI / 1:35PM NEW YORK, June 12 (UPI) -- A scene-stealing raccoon appeared on stage this week during a Central Park production of "Twelfth Night," starring Anne Hathaway and Audra McDonald. Survey says London landmarks costliest   UPI / 12:05PM LONDON, June 12 (UPI) -- In a world of culture, London landmarks are the most expensive to visit, a British survey indicated Friday.

Wednesday, June 10 Blagojevich to appear at comedy show   UPI / 3:34PM CHICAGO, June 10 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has agreed to appear at a performance of Second City's "Rod Blagojevich Superstar," the stage satire's producer said. Jonny Lee Miller cast in B'way's 'Julie'   UPI / 2:14PM NEW YORK, June 10 (UPI) -- British actor Jonny Lee Miller has been cast in the upcoming Broadway production of "After Miss Julie," the Roundabout Theatre Company said Wednesday. Rosie O'Donnell may head back to Broadway   UPI / 10:24AM NEW YORK, June 10 (UPI) -- A Broadway revival of the musical "Babes in Arms," starring actress and former TV talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, is in the works.

Tuesday, June 9 Valuable Picasso sketchbook stolen   UPI / 9:54PM PARIS, June 9 (UPI) -- French authorities are trying to figure out who took a Pablo Picasso sketchbook worth millions of dollars from a Paris museum. Obama girls see 'Lion King' in London   UPI / 9:14PM LONDON, June 9 (UPI) -- Michelle, Sasha and Malia Obama attended Tuesday night's performance of Disney's "The Lion King" in London, representatives for the musical said. Agent: J.D. Salinger is totally deaf   UPI / 6:54PM NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- J.D. Salinger's longtime literary agent says the 90-year-old U.S. author has age-related health problems and is totally deaf. Report: Shrek and Donkey aided Michaels   UPI / 11:24AM NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- Bret Michaels' publicist says the actors who play Shrek and Donkey on Broadway helped the rocker when he was injured at Sunday's Tony Awards show.

Monday, June 8 7.45M watch Tony Awards show   UPI / 8:54PM NEW YORK, June 8 (UPI) -- An estimated 7.45 million people tuned in to watch Sunday night's Tony Awards show broadcast live from New York, CBS said Monday. Bret Michaels hurt during Tonys show   UPI / 4:54PM NEW YORK, June 8 (UPI) -- Bret Michaels' publicist confirmed the rocker and reality TV star was hurt when he ran into scenery while performing at the Tony Awards show in New York. NASA Lunar Art Contest winners announced   UPI / 12:35PM WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- A painting by Zachary Madere of Lakewood, Colo., has been judged the best of more than 90 entries in the U.S. space agency's Lunar Art Contest. Lansbury wins 5th Tony Award   UPI / 12:35PM NEW YORK, June 8 (UPI) -- Angela Lansbury, star of the Broadway revival of Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit," picked up her fifth Tony Award in New York Sunday night.

Sunday, June 7 Tolstoy relative facing uncertain times   UPI / 4:04PM LONDON, June 7 (UPI) -- Alexandra Tolstoy, a distant relative of famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy, is struggling with a newborn while divorcing her husband, a family friend says.

Saturday, June 6 Burke of 'Stars' enjoying new weight   UPI / 1:14PM CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, June 6 (UPI) -- Professional dancer Cheryl Burke, known for her performances on the U.S. TV series "Dancing with the Stars," says she enjoys her new figure. Art world divided on 'Michelangelo' cross   UPI / 10:24AM ROME, June 6 (UPI) -- Art experts are divided over the authenticity of a small carving of Christ bought by the Italian government after it was attributed to Michelangelo.

Friday, June 5 Spacey to star in Old Vic's 'Inherit'   UPI / 10:14PM LONDON, June 5 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Kevin Spacey has agreed to star in director Trevor Nunn's revival of "Inherit the Wind" at London's Old Vic theater. Newspaper runs racy Berlusconi villa pics   UPI / 8:34AM ROME, June 5 (UPI) -- Photos of nude and semi-nude guests at Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's villa in Sardinia were published Friday in a Spanish newspaper.

Thursday, June 4 'Brighton Beach' headed back to B'way   UPI / 10:35PM NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- New Broadway productions of Neil Simon's stage comedies "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Broadway Bound" are in the works, the shows' producers said. Marilynne Robinson wins Orange Prize   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. author Marilynne Robinson was presented with the Orange Prize for Fiction for her third novel, "Home,"

Wednesday, June 3 'Carnage' stars extend their B'way run   UPI / 2:44PM NEW YORK, June 3 (UPI) -- Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden have agreed to extend their runs in the Broadway play "God of Carnage," producers said. Hirsch set to star in 'Hamlet'   UPI / 10:34AM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 3 (UPI) -- Overture Films has announced it is developing a modern-day film adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragic play "Hamlet" to be set in the United States.

Tuesday, June 2 Diversity to headline 3D movie   UPI / 6:44PM LONDON, June 2 (UPI) -- Diversity, the dance troupe that won the "Britain's Got Talent" TV competition last weekend, is to appear in "Street Dance," a new 3D movie. Parton, Poison to perform at Tonys   UPI / 4:05PM NEW YORK, June 2 (UPI) -- Dolly Parton, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Stockard Channing and Poison have agreed to perform at Sunday's Tony Awards show in New York, CBS said. Salinger sues over 'Catcher' sequel   UPI / 2:44PM NEW YORK, June 2 (UPI) -- Reclusive author J.D. Salinger has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in Manhattan against the publishers of "60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye."

Monday, June 1 'New' photos of Marilyn Monroe at 24 found   UPI / 9:24PM LOS ANGELES, June 1 (UPI) -- Previously unpublished photos taken of Marilyn Monroe at age 24, before she became a Hollywood sex symbol, have been discovered in the archives of Life.com. Zombie version of 'Romeo' set for fest   UPI / 4:35PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 1 (UPI) -- The horror/classic literature mash-up "Romeo & Juliet vs. The Living Dead" is to have its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival, Third Star Films said. Berlusconi stops publication of photos   UPI / 11:34AM ROME, June 1 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has blocked publication of potentially embarrassing photographs taken at his villa in Sardinia.

Sunday, May 31 Book objections on the rise   UPI / 8:04PM NASHVILLE, May 31 (UPI) -- U.S. librarians are facing a growing number of complaints about the books on their shelves these days, records indicate. Russia attempting to save nesting dolls   UPI / 1:14PM SERGIYEV POSAD, Russia, May 31 (UPI) -- An official in Sergiyev Posad, Russia, says the Russian government is attempting to save the country's traditional nesting dolls industry.

Saturday, May 30 RNC slams Obama Broadway date night   UPI / 7:34PM WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- GOP officials chided U.S. President Barack Obama for attending a Broadway play Saturday but the White House said Obama was keeping a campaign promise. U.S. artists being embraced by museums   UPI / 4:14PM SAN MARINO, Calif., May 30 (UPI) -- The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, Calif., is becoming the most recent museum to embrace U.S. artists, experts say. Chavez ponders Lenin book for Obama   UPI / 2:54PM CARACAS, Venezuela, May 30 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he may follow up his gift of a book to U.S. counterpart Barack Obama with a classic work by Vladimir Lenin.

Friday, May 29 Report: Obamas to take in a B'way show   UPI / 9:14PM NEW YORK, May 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are planning to catch a performance of August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" on Broadway this weekend. Reagan statue to be unveiled   UPI / 3:44PM WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- U.S. House and Senate party leaders, usually at odds in Congress, will jointly unveil a statue of former President Ronald Reagan in the Capital Rotunda. Tennant to play Hamlet in BBC production   UPI / 10:05AM LONDON, May 29 (UPI) -- Scottish actor David Tennant has signed on to reprise the title role he played on stage in "Hamlet" in a BBC television production of the drama. Kansas girl, 13, wins 'Bee'   UPI / 9:14AM WASHINGTON, May 28 (UPI) -- Kavya Shivashankar, a 13-year-old girl from Kansas, won "The 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee" in Washington Thursday.

Thursday, May 28 'Elliot,' 'Shrek' numbers set for Tonys   UPI / 2:14PM NEW YORK, May 28 (UPI) -- Performances from the nominated musicals "Billy Elliot," "Guys and Dolls," "Hair" and "Shrek" are to be featured on the upcoming Tony Awards show in New York.

Wednesday, May 27 Hathaway to star in 'Twelfth Night'   UPI / 11:34PM NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- Film actress Anne Hathaway will star in a New York stage production of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," the Public Theater said on its Web site.

Tuesday, May 26 Mnouchkine to receive Ibsen Award   UPI / 5:35PM OSLO, Sweden, May 26 (UPI) -- The 2nd International Ibsen Award is to be presented to the French theater director and founder of Theatre du Soleil, Ariane Mnouchkine. Tony Awards show to air in hi-def   UPI / 4:24PM NEW YORK, May 26 (UPI) -- The 63rd annual Tony Awards show is to be broadcast live from New York for the first time in high definition television, CBS said Tuesday.

Sunday, May 24 Tattoo removal business booming in N.Y.   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- A New York dermatologist says tattoo removal procedures have increased in the city despite the struggling U.S. economy. Former Picasso home being opened to public   UPI / 1:44PM MARSEILLE, France, May 24 (UPI) -- The mayor of the French village of Vauvenargues says a chateau once used by famed Spanish painter Pablo Picasso is set to open to the general public.

Friday, May 22 Parker says she prefers stage to film   UPI / 8:05PM NEW YORK, May 22 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Mary Louise Parker told More magazine she would rather star in the play version of a work as opposed to the film adaptation. Biel: Being American a 'Virtue' on film   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, May 22 (UPI) -- Jessica Biel says being one of the only Americans on the British set of "Easy Virtue" helped her relate to her fish-out-of-water character Larita. Canadian authors lobby for zoo elephant   UPI / 1:44PM EDMONTON, Alberta, May 22 (UPI) -- A 33-year-old Asian elephant living alone in a Canadian zoo in Edmonton has 36 authors calling for her to be moved to a better home with company.

Thursday, May 21 'Super Models Hall of Fame' special to air   UPI / 7:44PM NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- Gary Smith has been hired to produce and direct a two-hour U.S. television special called "Super Models Hall of Fame," Jaffe & Co. Inc. announced Thursday.

Wednesday, May 20 'Kung Fu Panda' live show in the works   UPI / 11:05AM GLENDALE, Calif., May 20 (UPI) -- Hollywood's DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. has announced a live arena show based on its hit film, "Kung Fu Panda," is being developed. Oxygen to air dance/weight loss show   UPI / 10:44AM NEW YORK, May 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable television network Oxygen has announced plans to air a new dance/weight loss competition series called "Dance Your Ass Off."

Tuesday, May 19 Shawn Johnson wins Season 8 of 'Dancing'   UPI / 11:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson was declared the Season 8 winner of "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Final Wyeth painting published in journal   UPI / 9:24PM ROCKLAND, Maine, May 19 (UPI) -- The late U.S. artist Andrew Wyeth's final painting, "Goodbye," is to be published for the first time in the 2009 edition of Island Journal. Cirque du Soleil celebrates 25 years   UPI / 8:54PM LAS VEGAS, May 19 (UPI) -- Canada's Cirque du Soleil company says it is offering specially priced tickets throughout the summer to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Paramount: Crawford to star in 'Footloose'   UPI / 7:44PM LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Chace Crawford has been hired to play the male lead in the movie musical remake of "Footloose," Paramount Pictures told Usmagazine.com exclusively. First lady visits NYC to promote the arts   UPI / 3:44PM NEW YORK, May 19 (UPI) -- Michelle Obama, the wife of U.S. President Barack Obama, was in New York Monday to remind people of the importance of the arts to the nation's identity. NASA book presents Apollo mission photos   UPI / 12:24PM WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency has produced a new book chronicling Apollo mission 7 through 17 using photographs selected by the astronauts.

Monday, May 18 Holly Madison to star in 'Peepshow'   UPI / 1:14PM LAS VEGAS, May 18 (UPI) -- Playboy model and reality television personality Holly Madison has signed on to join the cast of "Peepshow" in Las Vegas, BASE Entertainment said Monday. 'Elliot' wins 10 Drama Desk Awards   UPI / 9:05AM NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- "Billy Elliot the Musical" won 10 Drama Desk Awards, including the prize for outstanding musical, in a ceremony in New York. Cynthia Nixon set to marry girlfriend   UPI / 9:05AM NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Cynthia Nixon says she is engaged to her longtime girlfriend Christine Marinoni. Artist coordinating scream of protest   UPI / 7:34AM LONDON, May 17 (UPI) -- Italian artist Paola Pivi says she wants 1,000 people to come together outside the Tate Modern in London to scream in unison.

Sunday, May 17 Lennon's 'Imagine' played on church bells   UPI / 8:05PM LIVERPOOL, England, May 17 (UPI) -- Hundreds of Britons gathered at Liverpool Cathedral this weekend to hear John Lennon's anti-religion anthem "Imagine" played on its bells, observers said. Home of designer Ashley facing sale   UPI / 4:04PM LLANDRINDOD WELLS, Wales, May 17 (UPI) -- The National Trust says it is in negotiations with the children of Laura Ashley regarding the purchase of the late Welsh designer's rural home in Wales. Simon defends use of death in his plays   UPI / 1:34PM PORTLAND, Ore., May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. playwright Neil Simon says most of his stage works have aspects of death and aging since they are prevalent aspects of everyone's life. Edwards rejects post-scandal criticism   UPI / 1:05PM RALEIGH, N.C., May 17 (UPI) -- Memoir writer Elizabeth Edwards says no one should tell her how she should respond to the infidelity of her husband, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards. Book alleges actor Niven attempted suicide   UPI / 11:54AM LONDON, May 17 (UPI) -- A new book claims British actor David Niven unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in a fit of sadness in 1946.

Saturday, May 16 Living statues to descend on London site   UPI / 5:34PM LONDON, May 16 (UPI) -- Artist Antony Gormley says his plan to have 2,400 people serve as living statues in London's Trafalgar Square will address the question of identity. Surge in movie-going socks Blockbuster   UPI / 3:05PM CHICAGO, May 16 (UPI) -- Quarterly numbers released this week by DVD rental chain Blockbuster Inc. shows it is facing tough competition from a new source -- theaters, analysts say. 'Billy Elliot' wins Drama League Award   UPI / 2:54PM NEW YORK, May 15 (UPI) -- Broadway's "Billy Elliot: The Musical" won the Drama League Award for distinguished production of a musical in New York Friday.

Friday, May 15 British postal carriers balking at leaflet   UPI / 2:14PM LONDON, May 15 (UPI) -- English postal workers are refusing to deliver British National Party election leaflets that carry an anti-immigration message, officials say. Touching exhibits OK at Italian museum   UPI / 12:54PM ANCONA, Italy, May 15 (UPI) -- The director of the State Tactile Museum Omero says guests to the tourist site in the Italian city of Ancona can freely touch its numerous art exhibits. Officials probe killer's art sold online   UPI / 9:05AM WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 15 (UPI) -- Manitoba is investigating if a Web site selling art by a killer who beheaded and dismembered his victim is breaking the law, Justice Department officials said. Gilliam to try again to make 'Quixote'   UPI / 8:05AM CANNES, France, May 15 (UPI) -- U.S. filmmaker Terry Gilliam will attempt for a second time to shoot his Don Quixote dream project, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Thursday, May 14 Harris named Tony Awards show host   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, May 14 (UPI) -- Actor Neil Patrick Harris has agreed to serve as host of the 63rd annual Tony Awards show in New York next month, organizers said. Figurine from cave hints at origins of art   UPI / 11:44AM MANSFIELD, Conn., May 14 (UPI) -- An ivory figurine thought to be 40,000 years old may hold clues to the origins of art, an expert says.

Wednesday, May 13 Gov. Palin, HarperCollins sign memoir deal   UPI / 4:54PM ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 13 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she has signed a book deal with HarperCollins Publishers to produce a memoir, which is due out by next spring. Rocco Landesman to chair the NEA   UPI / 10:54AM WASHINGTON, May 13 (UPI) -- Famous theater producer Rocco Landesman has been nominated as chairman of the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts, the White House said.