Miscellaneous entertainment news Saturday, July 4 Fireworks firm going for green   UPI / 2:54PM NEW CASTLE, Pa., July 4 (UPI) -- One of the largest pyrotechnic companies in the United States says it's reducing, and wants to eliminate, the pollutant perchlorate from its fireworks.

Friday, July 3 Public memorial set for Michael Jackson   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, July 3 (UPI) -- Tickets for a public memorial service for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles will be distributed through a random drawing, organizers said Friday. Obama prepares for two big birthdays   UPI / 12:24PM WASHINGTON, July 3 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama prepared to celebrate the nation's -- and his daughter Malia's -- July 4 birthdays with several thousand guests, the White House said.

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. NYC runs out of film tax credit cash   UPI / 6:14PM NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- New York City officials say they are out of money to hand out in tax credits for film and television productions. 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. Hillary Duff said set for 'Gossip Girl'   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. actress and pop singer Hillary Duff will appear in several episodes of the CW Network show "Gossip Girl" this fall, sources say. Report: Neverland burial plans dropped   UPI / 3:44PM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson will not be buried at his former California residence, Neverland ranch, despite the wishes of his family, sources say. ABC opts for the force of 'Gravity'   UPI / 3:24PM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. broadcaster ABC has picked up "Defying Gravity," an international science fiction show described as "Grey's Anatomy" in space, its producers say. Jackson will filed, cuts out Debbie Rowe   UPI / 2:24PM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- A will written in 2002 by the late pop superstar Michael Jackson was filed in Los Angeles Wednesday, officials said. Quincy Jones vows to revive Vibe   UPI / 2:04PM NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- Music producer Quincy Jones says he won't let Vibe, the music magazine he co-founded, fold despite an announcement it was ceasing publication. 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. Paramount in talks to merge DVD ops   UPI / 11:54AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. film studio Paramount Pictures is talking with Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox about merging parts of their home video businesses, sources say. '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. O'Neal, others attend Fawcett funeral   UPI / 10:24AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles funeral for actress Farrah Fawcett was attended by her longtime partner Ryan O'Neal and a "Charlie's Angels" co-star, observers said. Nurse: Jackson demanded powerful sedative   UPI / 10:05AM LOS ANGELES, July 1 (UPI) -- A registered nurse says the U.S. pop star Michael Jackson suffered debilitating bouts of insomnia before his death and demanded a powerful sedative from her. Cliff Richard ordered to remove structure   UPI / 9:34AM VIRGINIA WATER, England, July 1 (UPI) -- British 1960s pop singer Cliff Richard must tear down a $50,000 conservatory on his property or face prosecution, a local government council has ruled. Oshkosh, Wis., fetes 'Public Enemies' role   UPI / 9:04AM OSHKOSH, Wis., July 1 (UPI) -- The Wisconsin city of Oshkosh, where key scenes of the 1930s gangster movie "Public Enemies" were filmed, is celebrating its role, observers say. 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 Clooney ditches Warner for Sony Pictures   UPI / 6:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- U.S. actor George Clooney is taking his production company from Warner Brothers to Sony where he's negotiating a two-year deal, Sony officials say. 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. Vibe Magazine ceases publication   UPI / 4:04PM NEW YORK, June 30 (UPI) -- U.S. popular music magazine Vibe, which focused on hip-hip and R&B, is closing immediately, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. Public viewing of Jackson's body set   UPI / 3:44PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- The body of pop star Michael Jackson will be returned to his Neverland Ranch in California for a public viewing, CNN reported Tuesday. Report: Dermatologist is Jacko kids' dad   UPI / 2:54PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- The biological father of two of Michael Jackson's children is not the late pop star but his dermatologist, the U.S. magazine Us Weekly reported Tuesday. Joe Jackson's behavior draws criticism   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- Joe Jackson, father of the late pop star Michael Jackson, is drawing criticism for his actions in the wake of his son's death, observers say. Former supermodel Mulder arrested   UPI / 2:05PM PARIS, June 30 (UPI) -- Former supermodel Karen Mulder was being held in a Paris jail for allegedly threatening a plastic surgeon, French police say. Reggae acts dropped from San Diego fair   UPI / 12:54PM DEL MAR, Calif., June 30 (UPI) -- The San Diego, Calif., County Fair has dropped its annual reggae festival due to "scheduling problems," officials say. Parker, Broderick release photo of twins   UPI / 12:34PM NEW YORK, June 30 (UPI) -- Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have released the first public photo of their new twin daughters, The New York Post reported Tuesday. Martha Reeves's council absences noted   UPI / 12:24PM DETROIT, June 30 (UPI) -- Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves missed one of the most historic days in council history Monday as she barnstormed England performing, observers said. Show in doubt after Billy Mays's death   UPI / 12:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- The future of the show "Pitchmen" is in doubt with the death of popular U.S. infomercial spokesman Billy Mays, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday. Aerosmith's Kramer releases memoir   UPI / 11:05AM BOSTON, June 30 (UPI) -- Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer says he hopes to help those afflicted by depression and drug addiction with his new memoir. Report: Jackson's will names mom, kids   UPI / 10:14AM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- A 2002 will written by Michael Jackson that divides his estate between between his mother and three children could be introduced this week, sources say. 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. Volunteer work will earn free fest tickets   UPI / 9:34AM COLUMBIA, Md., June 30 (UPI) -- Music fans willing to volunteer time for the homeless will be able to snap up the last few tickets to Virgin Mobile's FreeFest in Maryland, officials say. 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. Winfrey throws cruise party in Istanbul   UPI / 9:04AM ISTANBUL, Turkey, June 30 (UPI) -- U.S. television talk show diva Oprah Winfrey has been honored in Turkey with a traditional Ottoman Mehteran band and whirling dervishes, observers say. O'Neal released for Fawcett funeral   UPI / 8:34AM LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- Redmond O'Neal, the jailed son of the late actress Farrah Fawcett, will be temporarily released Tuesday to attend her funeral, officials said.

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. Mental, physical -- then financial fitness   UPI / 10:14PM RICHMOND, Va., June 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. psychology professor advises those stressed by the economy that mental and physical fitness must come before financial fitness. 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." Joe Jackson: No funeral arrangements yet   UPI / 4:35PM ENCINO, Calif., June 29 (UPI) -- No funeral plans have yet been made for Michael Jackson because questions remain over how he died, his father Joe Jackson said Monday. BBC's Glastonbury expenses raises ire   UPI / 4:25PM LONDON, June 29 (UPI) -- The BBC spent about $2.5 million and sent 407 personnel to cover the Glastonbury music festival, but didn't broadcast full music sets, critics say. French film co. ruled at fault in death   UPI / 4:15PM PARIS, June 29 (UPI) -- French filmmaker Luc Besson's EuropaCorp must pay a $140,000 fine for the involuntary manslaughter of a cameraman, a Paris court has ruled. 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. Britney, Ellen death 'tweets' debunked   UPI / 2:44PM CHARLESTON, S.C., June 29 (UPI) -- Messages posted on the Twitpic pages of Britney Spears and Ellen DeGeneres announcing their deaths were planted by hackers, the U.S. company says. Autopsy: Mays died of heart failure   UPI / 2:24PM TAMPA, Fla., June 29 (UPI) -- Iconic U.S. television pitchman Billy Mays probably died of heart failure and not from a blow to the head sustained on an airplane, a medical examiner says. Animatronic Obama to make Disney debut   UPI / 12:04PM ORLANDO, Fla., June 29 (UPI) -- An animatronic Barack Obama will soon make its debut in the Hall of Presidents at Disney's renovated Magic Kingdom attraction in Florida, officials 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." Miss Georgia winner declines honor   UPI / 12:04PM ATLANTA, June 29 (UPI) -- The runner-up in the 2009 Miss Georgia pageant has been named the winner after the first-place finisher turned down the prize, officials say. 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. Calgary papers shun ad against calf-roping   UPI / 11:24AM CALGARY, Alberta, June 29 (UPI) -- Calgary's two biggest newspapers say they've rejected an ad by a humane society calling for a ban on calf-roping at this week's famous Calgary Stampede. Girls Aloud slay fantasist cleared   UPI / 10:54AM NEWCASTLE, England, June 29 (UPI) -- A British blogger who fantasized the kidnapping, rape and killing of the pop group Girls Aloud did not break obscenity laws, a court has ruled. Madness, Blur wow Glastonbury crowd   UPI / 10:44AM GLASTONBURY, England, June 29 (UPI) -- Fans acclaimed British bands Madness and Blur the stars of this year's Glastonbury music festival, observers say. 'Plus-size' reality shows make bows   UPI / 10:44AM LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Three U.S. reality shows featuring overweight people are set to debut or return to the airwaves in the next few weeks, USA Today reported Monday. Wilkinson weds at Playboy Mansion ceremony   UPI / 10:34AM LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Reality television star Kendra Wilkinson was married during the weekend in a ceremony at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, a bridesmaid says. 'Ugly Betty's' Ortiz gives birth to girl   UPI / 10:04AM NEW YORK, June 29 (UPI) -- Ana Ortiz, a cast member of the U.S. television show "Ugly Betty," gave birth to her first child during the weekend, People Magazine reported Monday. 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 Jackson doctor: Drug report 'false'   UPI / 7:44PM LOS ANGELES, June 28 (UPI) -- A lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor says reports the doctor injected the pop icon with a powerful painkiller just before Jackson died are "absolutely false." California mutt wins 'ugliest dog' contest   UPI / 6:34PM PETALUMA, Calif., June 28 (UPI) -- A California mutt ran off Sunday with the title of 2009 World's Ugliest Dog Champion, besting a former Chinese Crested ugliness champ, officials say. 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 family may seek own autopsy   UPI / 10:14PM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Los Angeles detectives have interviewed the doctor who was with Michael Jackson when he collapsed, Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyer said Saturday. 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. Ex-Catholic priest weds in church service   UPI / 4:04PM NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla., June 27 (UPI) -- A Florida man who left the Catholic priesthood after being caught with a woman has exchanged vows with her in an Episcopalian service, witnesses say. Idol all-stars raring to go on U.S. tour   UPI / 4:04PM BURBANK, Calif., June 27 (UPI) -- The all-star cast of this summer's "American Idol" U.S. tour say the pressure is off and they can focus on fun. Sources: Cubs sale talks make progress   UPI / 2:44PM CHICAGO, June 27 (UPI) -- The Tribune Co. and the Ricketts family have made progress in closing a sale for the Chicago Cubs baseball team and Wrigley Field, sources say. Jackson's ex-wife has kid custody edge   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Experts in California child custody law say Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is the early favorite to gain custody of the late singer's three kids. Jackson death causes cyberspace news surge   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Internet traffic generated by the death of U.S. pop singer Michael Jackson rivaled the activity surrounding President Obama's inauguration, major Web sites say. Woods, Cummings join 'Spiderman' musical   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, June 27 (UPI) -- The producers of the new Spider-Man stage musical say Alan Cummings was selected to play villain Green Goblin and Evan Rachel Woods will be their leading lady. Ex-wife: Jackson feared dying like Elvis   UPI / 11:05AM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Lisa Marie Presley says Michael Jackson feared he would die like her father, music legend Elvis Presley, of a suspected prescription-drug overdose. Fawcett services slated for Tuesday   UPI / 10:44AM LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- Funeral services for actress Farrah Fawcett will be held at the Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said. Jacko jokes cut from 'Bruno' premier   UPI / 10:34AM HOLLYWOOD, June 27 (UPI) -- Hollywood studio executives say they are discussing cutting a scene in the new comedy "Bruno" that relates to Michael Jackson.

Friday, June 26 Yanks games go online in hometown market   UPI / 12:54AM NEW YORK, June 26 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees will become the first Major League Baseball team to enable hometown cable subscribers to catch games on computers, officials said.

Wednesday, June 24 HRW denounces Saudi transvestite arrests   UPI / 5:24PM RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 24 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabian authorities should drop charges against 67 men arrested in Riyadh for wearing women's clothing, human rights advocates say. Italian prime minister says model lied   UPI / 11:24AM ROME, June 24 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says a model was paid to spread false accusations that he had prostitutes attend parties at his homes.

Tuesday, June 23 U.S. summer festivals being canceled   UPI / 8:44AM WASHINGTON, June 23 (UPI) -- Summer festivals in Bismarck, Mo., San Francisco, East Boston, Mass., and Toledo, Ohio, have been called off due to the poor U.S. economy, officials say.

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. Fla. cops: Former wrestler beat up kids   UPI / 11:44AM TAMPA, Fla., June 22 (UPI) -- Former professional wrestler and Hillsborough County, Fla., Commissioner Brian Blair has been arrested for allegedly beating up his sons, police say. Rigging collapses, Alice Cooper show off   UPI / 2:14AM NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia, June 22 (UPI) -- Alice Cooper canceled a show in Novosibirsk, Russia, after stage rigging collapsed, a spokesman for the U.S. shock metal singer said.

Friday, June 19 Walter Cronkite said to be gravely ill   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- Veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite, 92, is reported to be gravely ill, multiple sources at CBS have told an online news site.

Thursday, June 18 Former NFL star has heavy child support   UPI / 4:14PM ORLANDO, Fla., June 18 (UPI) -- Former NFL running back Travis Henry made millions dodging the defense but Florida child support records indicate he also fathered a lot of babies.

Wednesday, June 17 Iowa teen wins national texting contest   UPI / 11:54PM NEW YORK, N.Y., June 17 (UPI) -- An Iowa teenager with extraordinarily quick thumbs has beaten 250,000 competitors to win the top prize in a texting competition in New York. Orlando: 'Blacklisted' for gov't meetings?   UPI / 1:34PM ORLANDO, Fla., June 17 (UPI) -- U.S. tourism officials say they believe Orlando, Fla., has been secretly blacklisted as a federal government meeting destination.

Tuesday, June 16 Boston selling Historic Enchanted Village   UPI / 1:24PM BOSTON, June 16 (UPI) -- Boston's 8,000-square-foot Historic Enchanted Village is to be auctioned in entirety with mechanical children and a waving Santa Claus, city officials said. Police detective blogger's ID revealed   UPI / 9:04AM LONDON, June 16 (UPI) -- A British police detective who wrote an anonymous online blog that thinly disguised actual cases can't keep his identity secret, a court has ruled.

Saturday, June 13 Six Flag seeks Chapter 11, parks stay open   UPI / 3:24PM WILMINGTON, Del., June 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. amusement park chain Six Flags, Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Saturday as it wrested with more than $2 billion in debt and slumping attendance.

Friday, June 12 Russian leader salutes Tereshkova, others   UPI / 1:54PM MOSCOW, June 12 (UPI) -- President Dmitry Medvedev marked Russia Day Friday by honoring Valentina Tereshkova and 11 others for science and arts achievements. 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.

Thursday, June 11 S.F. police to interview 'Zodiac' claimant   UPI / 11:44AM SAN FRANCISCO, June 10 (UPI) -- A woman who says her father was San Francisco's infamous Zodiac Killer will soon get her first police interview, a spokesman says. Madonna to hold two gigs in Israel   UPI / 7:44AM JERUSALEM, June 11 (UPI) -- International pop icon Madonna announced plans to hold two gigs in Israel, after tickets for her first show sold out, Israeli media reports said.

Wednesday, June 10 Poland Catholics oppose Madonna's concert   UPI / 11:54AM WARSAW, Poland, June 10 (UPI) -- Catholics are urging the Polish government and organizers to cancel U.S. pop star Madonna's concert scheduled for Aug. 15, the Assumption of Mary feast. Video game dispute leads to fatal shooting   UPI / 10:44AM MEMPHIS, June 10 (UPI) -- Police in Mississippi say an argument over a video game apparently led to the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old boy with his father's shotgun. S.F. police to interview 'Zodiac' claimant   UPI / 9:44AM SAN FRANCISCO, June 10 (UPI) -- A woman who claims her stepfather was San Francisco's infamous Zodiac Killer will soon get her first police interview, a filmmaker says.

Sunday, June 7 Va. contest winner eats 36 hot dogs   UPI / 6:14PM NORFOLK, Va., June 7 (UPI) -- A 41-year-old Alexandria, Va., woman has become a three-time Virginia Hot Dog Eating Champion, contest officials say. Dallas Cowboys open new stadium   UPI / 6:14PM ARLINGTON, Texas, June 7 (UPI) -- More than 60,000 Texas football and country music fans have inaugurated the new $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, team officials say.

Saturday, June 6 Las Vegas gaming revenues dip   UPI / 11:44PM LAS VEGAS, June 6 (UPI) -- Las Vegas gaming revenues declined in April compared to a year earlier, analysts said. Patti Blagojevich TV stint raises hackles   UPI / 3:34PM CHICAGO, June 6 (UPI) -- The appearance of the wife of the indicted former Illinois governor on a TV reality show is raising hackles in her home state, observers say. Versace CEO hands in resignation   UPI / 1:14PM ROME, June 6 (UPI) -- The chief executive of Italian fashion house Gianni Versace SpA has resigned, the firm says, after apparently running afoul of designer Donatella Versace.

Friday, June 5 Major fundraisers eye ambassadorships   UPI / 11:05AM WASHINGTON, June 5 (UPI) -- America's top ambassadorships across the globe likely will go to U.S. President Obama's biggest campaign contributors, observers say.

Wednesday, June 3 Report: Panthers owner nears sale of team   UPI / 2:24PM SUNRISE, Fla., June 3 (UPI) -- Florida Panthers owner Alan Cohen is nearing a deal to sell the NHL team to a New York company that would keep the team in the Miami area, sources say.

Tuesday, June 2 Man charged in abortion doctor slaying   UPI / 8:54PM WICHITA, Kan., June 2 (UPI) -- Scott Roeder, the man suspected of killing a Wichita, Kan., abortion doctor, made his first court appearance Tuesday from jail via closed-circuit TV.

Saturday, May 30 Britons bask in warm, sunny weekend   UPI / 12:04PM LONDON, May 30 (UPI) -- Unseasonably warm weekend temperatures prompted thousands of Britons to flock to beaches and campsites across the country, observers said.

Thursday, May 28 Late mime's possessions auctioned in Paris   UPI / 9:14AM PARIS, May 27 (UPI) -- The belongings of the late mime Marcel Marceau brought about $700,000 at auction in Paris, with the proceeds to pay debts he left behind, officials said.

Wednesday, May 27 CO poisoning linked to video games   UPI / 2:14AM HOUSTON, May 27 (UPI) -- Houston researchers say many of the children treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Ike were playing video games powered by generators.

Tuesday, May 26 Kennedy skips 2nd leg of sail race   UPI / 2:14PM HYANNIS, Mass., May 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., opted to spend time with his family rather than compete in the second leg of a sailboat race this year, his spokesman said.

Wednesday, May 20 Disney buys land near capital district   UPI / 3:34PM WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- Walt Disney Co. said it was working on plans to build a new resort along the banks of the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, May 19 Ricketts family has financing to buy Cubs   UPI / 1:54PM CHICAGO, May 19 (UPI) -- Bond dealer Tom Ricketts has obtained $450 million in financing for his $900 million offer to buy the Chicago Cubs, sources close to the negotiations said. Polish courts pay big money to pop stars   UPI / 10:54AM WARSAW, Poland, May 19 (UPI) -- Polish courts grant bigger damages to celebrities for a printed naked photo than to a person for injuries received in a car accident, a sociologist said.

Monday, May 18 Gambler says casinos plied him with booze   UPI / 2:54PM LAS VEGAS, May 18 (UPI) -- A U.S. philanthropist charged with not paying nearly $15 million in Las Vegas gambling debts says the casinos are at fault for keeping him intoxicated. Olympia Dukakis urges diabetes screening   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, May 18 (UPI) -- Academy-award winning actress Olympia Dukakis said she was stunned that only 10 percent of U.S adults in Medicare take advantage of diabetes screening.

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.

Saturday, May 16 Affie the elephant dead at age 40   UPI / 3:05PM BROOKFIELD, Ill., May 16 (UPI) -- Affie the elephant, a crowd favorite at the Brookfield, Ill., Zoo, has died at the age of 40, exceeding her life expectancy in captivity, zoo officials said. 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.

Friday, May 15 Blago's wife reconsidering reality show   UPI / 1:54PM CHICAGO, May 15 (UPI) -- The wife of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is reconsidering being a contestant on an NBC reality show in June, her attorney says. Moscow police vow to halt gay parade   UPI / 12:24PM MOSCOW, May 15 (UPI) -- Any attempt to hold an unauthorized "Slavic gay parade" in Moscow will be halted, a police official warned Friday. Walgreen Co. taps superheroes   UPI / 9:34AM DEERFIELD, Ill., May 15 (UPI) -- U.S. retailer Walgreen Co., is joining with a team of superheroes to promote customized merchandise, the company said Friday.

Tuesday, May 12 Celebrity lawyer Dreier stays free on bond   UPI / 4:44PM NEW YORK, May 12 (UPI) -- Celebrity attorney Marc Dreier can remain free on bail after pleading guilty to bilking clients out of $700 million, a New York judge says. Hialeah renovation poses big challenges   UPI / 2:44PM HIALEAH, Fla., May 12 (UPI) -- Hialeah, Fla., racetrack owner John Brunetti has a big task ahead of him if he plans to restore the shuttered, once-proud facility, observers say. Obama said driving Chicago Olympics bid   UPI / 11:55AM WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is playing an unprecedented role in trying to lure the 2016 Summer Olympics to Chicago, Olympics experts say.

Monday, May 11 Casino staff reductions play for time   UPI / 4:14PM LAS VEGAS, May 11 (UPI) -- Casinos in Las Vegas are adjusting to the economic downturn by cutting prices and reducing staffing levels, The Las Vegas Sun reported. Future of Preakness in doubt   UPI / 11:05AM BALTIMORE, May 11 (UPI) -- Maryland will use eminent domain, if necessary, to keep future runnings of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico racetrack, the state's governor said.

Saturday, May 9 Pre-White House Dinner parties get stars   UPI / 3:54PM WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- A screening of "Poliwood" and two other gala Washington parties have set the stage for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. ABC picks up 'Flash Forward' sci-fi pilot   UPI / 3:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- The science fiction pilot "Flash Forward" has been picked up by ABC and given a 13-episode order, the network says. Keanu Reeves tapped for 'Jekyll' film   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Keanu Reeves has been pegged to star in a planned new film version of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," the Hollywood Reporter says. 50 Cent says cleared in mansion fire   UPI / 2:54PM YAPHANK, N.Y., May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. rapper 50 Cent says police have cleared him in a fire that almost killed his former girlfriend, but local authorities say no one has been ruled out. Snoop Dogg cleared in fan's lawsuit   UPI / 2:44PM SEATTLE, May 9 (UPI) -- Rapper Snoop Dogg didn't inflict injuries a fan suffered at his 2005 Seattle concert, but his record label must pay the injured man, a jury has decided. Winehouse cuts short concert comeback   UPI / 2:05PM CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, May 9 (UPI) -- Amy Winehouse's comeback concert at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival was thwarted by heavy rain and technical glitches, her spokesman said. Oprah said packing as wildfire nears   UPI / 2:05PM MONTECITO, Calif., May 9 (UPI) -- Staffers have been busy at Oprah Winfrey's Montecito, Calif., mansion, packing up her belongings in case a wildfire threatens the home, sources say. Frye, Kutcher team on Mom's Day giveaways   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actress and children's environmentalist boutique owner Soleil Moon Frye says she's teamed up with Ashton Kutcher to help deserving moms for Mother's Day. Broderick 'nervous' over twin baby girls   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Matthew Broderick says he's nervous at the thought of becoming the father of twin baby girls. Spider-Man star Maguire welcomes new baby   UPI / 1:05PM LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- There's a new Spider-Baby in U.S. movie actor Tobey Maguire's life, his agent says. 'Cold Case' uses Pearl Jam tunes in finale   UPI / 10:44AM LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. hard rock band Pearl Jam is allowing 16 of its songs to be used on the season finale of CBS Television's "Cold Case," producers say. Parade marks Russia's 64th Victory Day   UPI / 7:34AM MOSCOW, May 9 (UPI) -- Thousands of parading armed services members shared Moscow's Red Square with sophisticated weaponry Saturday to mark Victory Day, Russian officials said. Teen sex linked to early adult TV content   UPI / 12:14AM BOSTON, May 9 (UPI) -- Sexual activity among teens may relate to the amount of adult content children were exposed to during their childhood, U.S. researchers said.

Friday, May 8 Mexico businesses facing flu regulations   UPI / 9:44AM MEXICO CITY, May 8 (UPI) -- Life is beginning to return to normal in Mexico City although businesses still face tough anti-swine flu regulations, residents say. How parents can monitor child's sexting   UPI / 2:05AM BINGHAMTON, N.Y., May 8 (UPI) -- Sexting, sending sexually charged messages or images by cell phone, can take seconds, but its effects can last an eternity in cyberspace, a U.S. author says.

Thursday, May 7 Ukraine fire kills 9 people, hurts 11   UPI / 8:14AM KIEV, Ukraine, May 7 (UPI) -- Nine people were killed and 11 injured in a fire that broke out in a casino at an apartment building in Dnipropetrovsk in eastern Ukraine, authorities said.

Wednesday, May 6 Medvedev insists on casino move deadline   UPI / 1:24PM MOSCOW, May 6 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says he will tolerate no delays in forcing Moscow gambling operations to move into special zones.

Saturday, May 2 Stepsister denies woman's Zodiac claims   UPI / 3:14PM SAN FRANCISCO, May 2 (UPI) -- A woman who claims her late stepfather was San Francisco's infamous Zodiac killer is dead wrong, another daughter of the man says. MTV shares ad revenue with Web sites   UPI / 9:05AM WASHINGTON, May 2 (UPI) -- U.S. cable network MTV will share ad revenue with social networking Web sites Twitter and Facebook in a content-sharing deal, a trade publication says.

Friday, May 1 Rare Motown single sells for $38K   UPI / 6:44PM LONDON, May 1 (UPI) -- One of only two copies of a 1965 single by Motown artist Frank Wilson has been sold for a record $38,000, a British dealer says. McCanns keep room ready for girl's return   UPI / 6:44PM CHICAGO, May 1 (UPI) -- Madeleine McCann's mother says she keeps the missing British girl's room ready for her return, visiting it twice a day. Leno: 'Exhaustion' caused hospitalization   UPI / 6:34PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- U.S. talk show host and comedian Jay Leno says the cause of his two-day hospitalization last month was exhaustion, People Magazine reported Friday. Daughtry to debut single on 'Idol'   UPI / 5:14PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- Rocker Chris Daughtry, one of the best-selling "American Idol" artists who did not win the competition, says he will return to the show to debut his new single. Polanski gives no signs of returning   UPI / 4:54PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- Movie director Roman Polanski shows no signs of taking advantage of an olive branch from a U.S. judge urging him to return to the country, observers say. Pitt's charity brings tourists to N.O.   UPI / 4:05PM NEW ORLEANS, May 1 (UPI) -- New Orleans' Hurricane Katrina-devastated Lower Ninth Ward has become a tourist attraction thanks to the charity of actor Brad Pitt, residents say. NBC executive dies at show location   UPI / 3:35PM BERKELEY, Calif., May 1 (UPI) -- NBC programming executive Nora O'Brien fainted at a Berkeley, Calif., high school where a television pilot was being filmed and later died, the network says. First-ever 3-D cinema ad released   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- The first-ever 3-D advertisement on U.S. movie screens, for Skittles candy from Wrigley, was released Friday, its creators say. 'Warped' tour creator to do country shows   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- A concert promoter known for his punk rock and heavy metal shows says he's planning a country music version. Obama set for May 27 Hollywood fundraiser   UPI / 2:54PM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama will head to Los Angeles later this month for a Hollywood Democratic Party fundraiser, his first since winning office, observers said. Publishers giving comic books away   UPI / 2:05PM WASHINGTON, May 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. comic book industry says it's capitalizing on the release of the new "Wolverine" movie by giving away free comic books this weekend. Coldplay to give away free CD at shows   UPI / 1:54PM LONDON, May 1 (UPI) -- The British rock group Coldplay says it will give away free copies of a new live CD at most of its remaining live shows in 2009. Parton, Fonda, Tomlin gather for '9 to 5'   UPI / 12:44PM NEW YORK, May 1 (UPI) -- The stars of the 1980 hit movie "9 to 5" appeared in New York to attend the premiere of a new Broadway musical based on the film, observers said. Iranian film takes top Tribeca honors   UPI / 12:05PM NEW YORK, May 1 (UPI) -- The Iranian film "About Elly" from director Asghar Farhadi won the award for best narrative feature at New York's Tribeca Film Festival, organizers said. Redmond O'Neal sent to drug rehab   UPI / 11:54AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- Redmond O'Neal, the son of U.S. actors Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal, has entered a drug treatment program as an alternative to jail, prosecutors said. Flu concerns scrap Cinco de Mayo festival   UPI / 11:14AM NEW YORK, May 1 (UPI) -- A day-long Cinco de Mayo festival in New York's Flushing Meadows-Corona Park was canceled because of swine flu concerns, officials said. Shatner snubs 'Star Trek' premiere   UPI / 10:34AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- "Star Trek's" original 1960s Capt. Kirk, William Shatner, skipped the glittery Los Angeles premiere of the 2009 film, observers said. Hasbro, Discovery plan new kids' channel   UPI / 10:34AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- U.S. game maker Hasbro says it has teamed with the Discovery Channel to produce a new cable channel aimed at children 14 and younger. Rapper Nas, R&B star Kelis splitting up   UPI / 9:44AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. hip-hop couple of Nas and his wife Kelis are breaking up with Kelis, who is pregnant, filing for divorce in Los Angeles, her representative said. 'Wolverine' kicks off blockbuster season   UPI / 8:44AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- The release Friday of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" kicks off a crowded May high-stakes movie blockbuster month, all of them sequels or spinoffs, observers say.

Thursday, April 30 Car hits Dutch parade, queen unhurt   UPI / 10:14PM APELDOORN, Netherlands, April 30 (UPI) -- A speeding car hurtled toward an open top bus carrying Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Thursday before smashing into parade spectators, police said. 2-year-old British genius has IQ of 156   UPI / 3:05PM LONDON, April 30 (UPI) -- Elise Tan-Roberts of Edmonton in North London is a most unusual 2-year-old with an IQ of 156, rated in the top 0.2 per cent of her age group.

Tuesday, April 28 5 million Poles download illegally a month   UPI / 4:05PM WARSAW, Poland, April 28 (UPI) -- About 5 million Poles a month illegally download Internet copies of software, games, music and movies, Polish Radio said.

Monday, April 27 Computer challenges humans on 'Jeopardy!'   UPI / 1:54PM ARMONK, N.Y., April 27 (UPI) -- IBM has unveiled an advanced computing system that will compete with humans on a special edition of the television program "Jeopardy!"

Saturday, April 25 'Rent' protesters shouted down by hecklers   UPI / 3:24PM NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 25 (UPI) -- Hundreds of California counter-protesters shouted down an anti-gay church group picketing a high school production of the play "Rent," witnesses say.

Friday, April 24 Celebrity DUIs = Teachable moments   UPI / 11:34PM BALTIMORE, April 24 (UPI) -- U.S. policy experts say the media ignores the public health context of celebrity driving under the influence arrests.

Monday, April 20 Adobe Flash to move into living rooms   UPI / 6:05PM SAN JOSE, Calif., April 20 (UPI) -- U.S. technology giant Adobe said Monday its online Flash technology would be integrated into devices for television sets. Marijuana fans see signs of change   UPI / 11:44AM NEW YORK, April 20 (UPI) -- There is increasing acceptance of marijuana in the United States, say some advocates, who Monday marked an unofficial day of celebration.

Saturday, April 18 Disney presents first black princess   UPI / 3:05PM WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- Disney's anointing of its first black princess, Tiana, is a milestone with an important message, say some U.S. culture experts. 'Indie' record stores promote local ties   UPI / 1:04PM CHICAGO, April 18 (UPI) -- Independent music stores, facing an onslaught of competition from digital downloading, said they stood together for Saturday's Record Store Day. Rice earns same speech fee as Bush   UPI / 10:14AM WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earns as much per speech -- $150,000 -- as former President George W. Bush, says a speakers bureau. Six Flags seeks debt-for-equity swap   UPI / 9:44AM NEW YORK, April 18 (UPI) -- U.S. theme park operator Six Flags Inc. is asking its debtholders to exchange their $588 million in notes for stock. MGM Mirage backers mull debt-for-equity   UPI / 9:14AM LAS VEGAS, April 18 (UPI) -- Bondholders for struggling casino owner MGM Mirage are discussing swapping debt for equity stakes after a possible bankruptcy filing, sources say.

Friday, April 17 Prison time for Pirate Bay proprietors   UPI / 11:24AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 17 (UPI) -- Four of the founders of the Swedish Pirate Bay file-sharing Web site have been sentenced to a year in jail for violating copyright laws.

Saturday, April 11 Report: Dubai seeking new MGM deal   UPI / 10:34AM LAS VEGAS, April 11 (UPI) -- Dubai World is pushing a plan to rescue a financially troubled Las Vegas project that would pledge billions of dollars needed to complete it, sources say.

Friday, April 10 High-profile surgeon surrenders license   UPI / 9:54AM LOS ANGELES, April 10 (UPI) -- The California physician who operated on the mother of rapper Kanye West a day before she died has surrendered his medical license, officials say.

Thursday, April 9 Buyout clause casts shadow over theme park   UPI / 3:54PM ORLANDO, Fla., April 9 (UPI) -- Movie director Steven Spielberg's contract with Universal Orlando in Florida is lucrative enough to give financiers concern, Moody's Investors Services said.

Sunday, April 5 D.C. tourism up, but sales are flat   UPI / 10:44PM WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- Attendance at Washington's attractions is up following the presidential inauguration in January, but hotels and restaurants say they are not benefiting.

Saturday, April 4 U.S. probes Ticketmaster on resellers   UPI / 10:14AM NEW YORK, April 4 (UPI) -- Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. says U.S. and state officials are investigating its business relationships with concert ticket resellers. Report: MGM Mirage seeks to sell casinos   UPI / 9:44AM LAS VEGAS, April 4 (UPI) -- Casino owner MGM Mirage is courting buyers for its facilities in Detroit and Biloxi, Miss., to meet looming debt obligations, sources say.

Tuesday, March 31 Playboy sued for sexual harassment   UPI / 1:14PM CHICAGO, March 31 (UPI) -- A Chicago lawyer and former Playboy columnist says she is suing the company for more than $4.5 million in damages for alleged sexual harassment.

Monday, March 30 Sanderson: 'Scary' to play normal person   UPI / 2:05AM LOS ANGELES, March 30 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor William Sanderson has specialized in off-center characters so his role as a sheriff in HBO's vampire series, "True Blood," is a change of pace.

Saturday, March 28 St. Patrick's Day parade seeks new home   UPI / 1:05PM CHICAGO, March 28 (UPI) -- The mayor of a Chicago suburb says he'd like to move the St. Patrick's Day parade to his neighborhood now that it's been banished from the city's South Side. Americans watch screens 8.5 hours per day   UPI / 10:34AM WASHINGTON, March 28 (UPI) -- U.S. adults spend 8.5 hours per day staring at video screens of all sorts, from televisions to cellphones to computers, a study indicates. Hundreds of Disney World workers laid off   UPI / 8:24AM ORLANDO, Fla., March 28 (UPI) -- Up to 800 workers were laid off from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., this week, receiving escorts off the property, sources say.

Thursday, March 26 Cartoon branded 'hideously anti-Semitic'   UPI / 2:44PM NEW YORK, March 26 (UPI) -- A syndicated cartoon by Pat Oliphant, appearing in U.S. newspapers and on the Internet Thursday, has drawn the ire of The Anti-Defamation League.

Wednesday, March 25 New Viet cable car judged longest, highest   UPI / 10:24AM DANANG, Vietnam, March 25 (UPI) -- The new Ba Na cable car system in Danang, Vietnam, is officially the longest single-string system in the world, The Guinness World Records organization says.

Tuesday, March 24 Former Gov. Blago to do radio show   UPI / 6:14PM CHICAGO, March 24 (UPI) -- The saga of disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is getting weirder with the impeached chief executive filling in for two Chicago radio hosts.

Monday, March 23 In-flight entertainment systems worry some   UPI / 11:14AM WASHINGTON, March 23 (UPI) -- The installation of more and more electronic entertainment gear in airliners could pose safety hazards, U.S. advocates say.

Thursday, March 19 Sony and Google agree to book deal   UPI / 8:44AM MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 19 (UPI) -- Sony announced a partnership with U.S. Internet giant Google that will open 500,000 classic book titles to free downloads.

Tuesday, March 17 Steroids found in dead wrestler's home   UPI / 1:54PM TAMPA, Fla., March 17 (UPI) -- Florida police say they discovered painkillers and steroids in the Tampa apartment of professional wrestler Andrew Martin, who was found dead last week.

Sunday, March 15 Taliban forces Pakistani singers to preach   UPI / 1:24PM PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 15 (UPI) -- Pakistani singers and actors say the Taliban is threatening them with death if they refuse to join radical preaching groups. Investors sue Trump over Mexican project   UPI / 11:44AM NEW YORK, March 15 (UPI) -- Celebrity U.S. developer Donald Trump owes millions of dollars to investors in a failed bid to build a hotel-resort in Mexico, a lawsuit alleges.

Friday, March 13 Time Warner names new AOL chief   UPI / 11:06AM NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- U.S. cable television giant Time Warner has replaced two top AOL executives with one from Google, the company said.

Thursday, March 12 Man set fire to delay wedding   UPI / 8:54AM KOFU, Japan, March 12 (UPI) -- A Japanese man was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday for setting fire to a hotel allegedly to postpone his wedding date, officials say.

Wednesday, March 11 Sin City stews over president's remark   UPI / 6:54PM LAS VEGAS, March 11 (UPI) -- Three hundred-forty events were canceled in Las Vegas in the past 90 days, a tourist group said, leaving some to wonder how much to blame the president. Octuplet mom says she paid for new house   UPI / 4:24PM LA HABRA, Calif., March 11 (UPI) -- The mother of California octuplets says she herself has paid for a new house in La Habra, Calif., and will move in within days.

Tuesday, March 10 NASA, Honeywell launch science concert   UPI / 10:54AM WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency and Honeywell Inc. say they are launching the 2009 tour of their award-winning hip-hop science education program "FMA Live!"

Monday, March 9 Octuplets to get help from charity group   UPI / 9:44PM BELLFLOWER, Calif., March 9 (UPI) -- Nadya Suleman, who gave birth to octuplets to go with six children she already had, is getting help caring for her children after appearing on a U.S. TV show.

Sunday, March 8 Potter book fetches $19,120 at auction   UPI / 11:54PM DALLAS, March 8 (UPI) -- A soft-cover copy of the first Harry Potter book sold for $19,120 in a rare books auction in Dallas, the auction company said Sunday.

Saturday, March 7 Flower shows halted as economy worsens   UPI / 1:24PM NEW YORK, March 7 (UPI) -- The recession has led to cancellation of traditional late-winter flower shows in Boston, Cleveland, New York and some other U.S. cities, say show organizers. Limbaugh draws Dem ire on Kennedy remark   UPI / 10:05AM WASHINGTON, March 7 (UPI) -- Democrats say conservative talk show radio show host Rush Limbaugh's comments about the health of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., are "reprehensible."

Friday, March 6 Md. horse racing jolted by bankruptcy   UPI / 4:14PM BALTIMORE, March 6 (UPI) -- Magna Entertainment, the biggest player in Maryland's thoroughbred industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Thursday, March 5 New Jersey 10 win lottery millions   UPI / 10:34AM WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., March 5 (UPI) -- Ten New Jersey co-workers say they are laying plans to split a $216 million Mega Millions jackpot -- and it only cost $5 a head.

Wednesday, March 4 GOP leaders fretting over Steele's gaffes   UPI / 9:24AM WASHINGTON, March 4 (UPI) -- Senior U.S. Republicans are worried the party has made a mistake in naming Michael Steele the Republican National Committee chairman, sources say.

Tuesday, March 3 Elderly widow accuses casino of fraud   UPI / 1:35PM ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., March 3 (UPI) -- A 78-year-old New Jersey widow says she'll go to court to try to force Harrah's casino to fork over an $86,000 jackpot she says she won. Agent: Blagojevich has rich book deal   UPI / 8:05AM CHICAGO, March 3 (UPI) -- Ousted Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has a six-figure book deal in which he will discuss the U.S. Senate seat he is accused of trying to sell, his agent says.

Monday, March 2 Indy car driver's tax trial under way   UPI / 4:35PM MIAMI, March 2 (UPI) -- A tax evasion trial for two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves of Brazil began Monday in Miami.

Saturday, February 28 Amazon modifies Kindle text-speech   UPI / 9:24AM SEATTLE, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Kindle electronic-book reader will be changed to allow authors to decide if they want the text-to-speech function enabled for their works, its maker says.

Friday, February 27 Warcraft video game compared to cocaine   UPI / 12:04AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- A Swedish youth organization said the computer game World of Warcraft is dangerously addicting.

Thursday, February 26 Shatner may eye Canada prime minister role   UPI / 6:14PM WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Actor William Shatner, possibly following the footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan, said he might consider running for Canadian prime minister.

Wednesday, February 25 Democrats demand bank return bailout funds   UPI / 2:05PM WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has asked Northern Trust Corp. to return U.S. bailout funds equivalent to the bank's allegedly lavish entertainment expenses. New York Post drops columnist Liz Smith   UPI / 11:54AM NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The New York Post has confirmed it laid off longtime gossip columnist Liz Smith but hasn't offered a reason why, CNN reported. Report: Lawmakers travel lavishly   UPI / 10:05AM WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. lawmakers traveled around the globe during Congress' winter recess on VIP luxury Air Force jets, the U.S. television program Inside Edition says.

Monday, February 23 Oscars ratings improve   UPI / 7:14PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. television audience for this year's Academy Awards was significantly larger than last year's, Nielsen ratings released Monday indicate.

Friday, February 20 Mardi Gras revelers line up   UPI / 9:24PM NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Revelers lined up along Orleans Avenue, braving the cold, to stake out space to watch the Krewe of Endymion Parade at New Orleans' Mardi Gras, officials said. Obama tops Jesus in heroes poll   UPI / 11:34AM ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama succeeded Jesus Christ on a Harris Poll that asked American adults whom would they call heroes, poll data indicated Friday.

Wednesday, February 18 Mental activities reduce memory loss risk   UPI / 7:24PM ROCHESTER, Minn., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Reading, playing games, using a computer or working on crafts in middle age or later reduce the risk of memory loss, U.S. researchers recommend.

Tuesday, February 17 Trump Entertainment files for Chapter 11   UPI / 12:05PM ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. returned to bankruptcy court for the third time Tuesday, to protect itself from rising debt.

Monday, February 16 Song helps memorize presidential order   UPI / 1:05PM WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Honoring past U.S. presidents on Monday's Presidents Day is easy with a song that sets out the order in which they served, The Washington Post reported.

Saturday, February 14 Valentine's retailers feeling less love   UPI / 7:34AM ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Business owners who cater to Valentine's Day shoppers say sales of flowers, jewelry, chocolates and greeting cards are down with the recession.

Thursday, February 12 Lincoln honored on 200th birthday   UPI / 11:14PM WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday recognized the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday by recalling Lincoln's devotion to the United States.

Tuesday, February 10 Ticketmaster, Live Nation agree to merger   UPI / 5:24PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Two U.S. entertainment giants, Ticketmaster and Live Nation, announced an agreement to join forces Tuesday in an all-stock merger worth $2.5 billion.

Monday, February 9 Canadians sue Ticketmaster over prices   UPI / 7:54PM TORONTO, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Giant ticket broker Ticketmaster Monday was slammed with a $500 million class-action suit accusing it of violating Canada's anti-scalping laws, lawyers said. Next 'DWTS' cast named   UPI / 12:14AM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Pop stars, country stars, a rodeo star and a U.S. Olympic gold medalist are in the lineup for the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars," ABC said Sunday.

Sunday, February 8 House used by Fonda, Stewart burned   UPI / 7:54PM WOODS HOLE, Mass., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- A fire has destroyed a house in Massachusetts where actors Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart honed their acting skills in the 1920s and '30s, a historian said.

Friday, February 6 Val Kilmer mulls run for N.M. governor   UPI / 10:44PM SANTA FE, N.M., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Val Kilmer could join the ranks of Hollywood stars to go from the big screen to politics -- he says he's thinking of running for governor of New Mexico.

Thursday, February 5 Some say merger could spoil the show   UPI / 1:05PM NEW YORK, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A possible merger between U.S. entertainment giants Ticketmaster and Live Nation could run into antitrust problems, industry experts said.

Wednesday, February 4 Fla. rock concert promoter in Ponzi probe   UPI / 12:24PM MIAMI, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Criminal investigators have joined a financial probe of former Miami concert promoter Jack Utsick accused of cheating investors in a Ponzi scheme, sources say.

Tuesday, February 3 Blagojevich, the spoof, debuts in Chicago   UPI / 8:24PM CHICAGO, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Chicago's Second City comedy troupe is turning Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment into a one-act musical.

Monday, February 2 Russian ballet troupe attacked   UPI / 10:24PM MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A Minnesota man is accused of assaulting members of the Russian National Ballet Theater at a downtown Minneapolis hotel, officials say. Salvagers find wreck of HMS Victory   UPI / 3:14PM LONDON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Salvagers say they've made the most significant shipwreck find to date, discovering the remains of the mightiest British vessel of the 18th century.

Friday, January 30 LA waives Oscars fees   UPI / 8:24PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to waive $410,000 in fees and personnel costs for the upcoming Academy Awards. NFL expects big Super Bowl audience   UPI / 8:14PM NEW YORK, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The NFL expects a record worldwide audience to watch or listen to Super Bowl XLIII between Pittsburgh and Arizona Sunday at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. China's 'Birds Nest' to turn to retail   UPI / 5:44PM BEIJING, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- One of the prominent symbols of the 2008 Summer Olympics in China will be converted into a shopping and entertainment center, Citic Group said.

Monday, January 26 Daycare suspect eyed in earlier slaying   UPI / 1:14PM DENDERMONDE, Belgium, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The 20-year-old Belgian man arrested in last week's triple slaying in a daycare nursery is also suspected in an earlier killing, officials said Monday. Monster truck show promoter crushed   UPI / 7:54AM MADISON, Wis., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- A monster truck show promoter was killed during a show in Madison, Wis., when he was run over by one of his giant vehicles, authorities said.

Saturday, January 24 Ross's return to BBC watched by 5 million   UPI / 4:24PM LONDON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- More than 5 million people tuned in to watch Jonathan Ross's return to TV following his three-month suspension by the BBC, the British network reported.

Friday, January 23 Video games linked to poor relationships   UPI / 12:44PM PROVO, Utah, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. researcher found a link between a young adults' use of video games and poorer relationships with friends and family. Spector prosecution rests   UPI / 12:14AM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- The prosecution rested Thursday in the Los Angeles retrial of music producer Phil Spector for second-degree murder in the death of actress Lana Clarkson.

Thursday, January 22 Bailout approved for London Olympics   UPI / 2:14PM LONDON, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- The British government has approved a $638.3 million public bailout of the London Olympics after private investment faltered, officials said.

Wednesday, January 21 White Panther founder hails Obama   UPI / 12:14PM LONDON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama's inauguration is a victory for whites who joined the call for an end to the "American apartheid" in the 1960s, a longtime activist says.

Tuesday, January 20 Chicago hotels offer Obama specials   UPI / 10:24AM CHICAGO, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Chicago hoteliers and restaurateurs say Tuesday's inauguration of favorite son Barack Obama as the 44th U.S. president could help make up for a gloomy winter.

Monday, January 19 Video game violence detracts from fun   UPI / 11:14AM ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- For the vast majority of video game players, even those who regularly play and enjoy violent games, violence was not a plus, U.S. researchers say. Writer sentenced for Thai king 'insult'   UPI / 10:54AM BANGKOK, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- An Australian writer has drawn a three-year jail sentence for insulting Thailand's king, observers said Monday.

Sunday, January 18 Police probing 'monster truck' show death   UPI / 1:24PM TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- An investigation is under way to learn how a chunk of metal was launched from a "monster truck" during a show, killing a Washington state boy, officials said.

Tuesday, January 13 Feds bring charges in illegal modem case   UPI / 1:35PM NEW YORK, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors for the first time have targeted an alleged dealer of "hacked" cable modems, which allow users to gain free Internet access, observers say.

Monday, January 12 Court delays RS-DVR decision   UPI / 8:14PM WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court Monday delayed deciding if cable TV providers may allow subscribers to record shows in devices housed at cable offices, observers said. Showtime gives 'Tara' big online launch   UPI / 6:14PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. pay cable network Showtime says it will make the first episode of its new show "The United States of Tara" freely available on hundreds of Internet sites. Ryan O'Neal sentenced to drug rehab   UPI / 6:05PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Ryan O'Neal has been sentenced by a Los Angeles judge to undergo an 18-month drug rehabilitation program. Sitcom on 18-year-old lawyer gets nod   UPI / 4:44PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. television network NBC has given a script commitment to "Barely Legal," a half-hour comedy about a young woman who passes the bar at age 18, sources say. Golden Globes show ratings improvement   UPI / 4:14PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. TV ratings for the 66th annual Golden Globe Awards showed marked improvement over last year's truncated version, Nielsen figures show. Actors' guild holds emergency meeting   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The Screen Actors Guild has called an emergency meeting in Los Angeles on whether to cancel a strike authorization vote, observers said. New 'Idol' judge eases in with Cowell   UPI / 3:34PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Kara DioGuardi, the new judge on the U.S. television show "American Idol," says she's coming to terms with her notoriously prickly fellow judge Simon Cowell. Survey: More Americans reading literature   UPI / 2:24PM WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- More U.S. residents, especially young people, are reading literature, the first time that's happened in 25 years, the National Endowment for the Arts says. People: Bundchen, Brady get engaged   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady have made it official by getting engaged, sources told People Monday. CBS upgrades TV.com to stream shows   UPI / 1:34PM NEW YORK, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. television network CBS says it will expand its online offerings of current and former shows on a newly designed Web site. Actress: Hudgens auditions for 'New Moon'   UPI / 1:24PM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- "High School Musical" starlet Vanessa Hudgens has auditioned for a key role in the upcoming sequel to the hit U.S. movie "Twilight," a cast member says. French director Claude Berri dies at 74   UPI / 11:54AM PARIS, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Noted French movie director Claude Berri has died in a Paris hospital, President Nicolas Sarkozy said Monday. He was 74. N.Y. songwriter suspected in rapes   UPI / 10:24AM NEW YORK, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The New York songwriter who penned the ballad "You Light Up My Life" is a suspect in five sexual assaults, police sources say. Fey: Internet critics can 'suck it'   UPI / 9:54AM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- "30 Rock" star Tina Fey says Internet bloggers who criticize her on a Los Angeles Times online forum can "suck it." Ledger's father says win 'bittersweet'   UPI / 9:14AM PERTH, Australia, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- The father of Australian actor Heath Ledger says he received the news of his son's posthumous Golden Globe acting award with both elation and sadness.

Sunday, January 11 Some companies foregoing Super Bowl ads   UPI / 4:34PM SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Some traditional Super Bowl advertisers are sitting out this year as they try to cut costs in the recessionary economy, experts say.

Saturday, January 10 New gadgets 'cool,' but are there buyers?   UPI / 3:34PM LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- This year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas unveiled many cool new gadgets, but an analyst doubts many will find buyers in a poor economy. Disney wants Chinese theme park   UPI / 2:34PM BEIJING, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The Walt Disney Co. is pursuing a proposal to build a $3.59 billion theme park in mainland China, the company said.

Friday, January 9 Gaming revenues down for Nevada   UPI / 7:14PM LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Gambling revenues for the state of Nevada fell 14.8 percent in November compared with a year ago, the state's Gaming Control Board said Friday.

Thursday, January 8 Tribe vows to keep trying for casino OK   UPI / 12:14PM KENOSHA, Wis., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. government has formally rejected the Menominee Nation's Kenosha, Wis., proposed casino project but the tribe vows to keep trying, officials say. Microsoft makes Windows 7 beta available   UPI / 11:34AM LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer used the platform of a Las Vegas trade show to announce the availability of Microsoft's latest operating system. Mathews decides against Senate run   UPI / 10:05AM PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Chris Matthews, the MSNBC host, has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania next year, a network spokesman says.

Wednesday, January 7 Walt Disney World settles 5-year-old suit   UPI / 3:54PM ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Walt Disney World has settled a prolonged legal battle with a Pennsylvania company that designed one of its more controversial rides, officials said. Anna Nicole Smith judge cleared in probe   UPI / 3:14PM MIAMI, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Florida state prosecutors looking into the behavior of the judge in the Anna Nicole Smith case say Larry Seidlin committed no legal wrongdoing.

Friday, January 2 Siblings apart for 40 years are neighbors   UPI / 1:54PM MANCHESTER, England, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A British brother and sister, reunited after nearly 40 years, discovered they had been living just 300 yards from each other, officials say.

Thursday, January 1 Health education narrative drops barriers   UPI / 11:44PM COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Entertainment-education is a common strategy for incorporating health and other educational messages into popular entertainment media, U.S. researchers say.

Wednesday, December 31 Slain man's family seeks Disneyland statue   UPI / 3:54PM ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The parents of a black man mistakenly shot by Anaheim, Calif., police say they want Disneyland to erect a statue of their late son at the theme park. Dubai cancels fireworks, expats scramble   UPI / 1:54PM DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Western expatriates in Dubai scrambled to make other plans Wednesday after the state's rulers called off an opulent New Year's celebration, observers said. Kiwis first to celebrate New Year   UPI / 11:05AM AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- New Year's celebrations were kicked off at midnight Wednesday in Auckland, New Zealand, which welcomed 2009 with a stunning fireworks display, observers said. Year to end on a frugal note   UPI / 8:14AM NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ringing in the new year is expected to be toned down this year, as revelers adjust to the downturn in the U.S. economy, observers said.

Monday, December 29 Writer defends Obama 'Magic Negro' song   UPI / 3:24PM MEMPHIS, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The writer of a controversial song called "Barack the Magic Negro" says critics targeting a Republican Party leader for distributing the parody are misguided.

Wednesday, December 24 Post and Sun agree to share stories   UPI / 9:54AM WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Two prominent newspapers in Baltimore and Washington said they have agreed to share editorial content and photos to trim costs.

Tuesday, December 23 Dozens evacuated from biggest Ferris wheel   UPI / 3:34PM SINGAPORE, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Dozens of passengers trapped for hours on the world's biggest Ferris wheel in Singapore had to be evacuated by being lowered from the device, officials said.

Sunday, December 21 Engdahl resigns as Nobel Prize lit chief   UPI / 9:44AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize for literature, says he is stepping down.

Saturday, December 20 Inauguration festivities begin at memorial   UPI / 4:05PM WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration festivities are to begin at the Lincoln Memorial, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Saturday. Trump sues Calif. city over golf course   UPI / 8:44AM RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A series of run-ins between celebrity developer Donald Trump and the California community of Rancho Palos Verdes is culminating in a lawsuit, observers say.

Wednesday, December 17 Specter apologizes for Polish jokes   UPI / 5:54PM PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., is apologizing for telling off-color Polish jokes in New York last week. R&B star hoping for Obama invite   UPI / 10:05AM DETROIT, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- American R&B artist Raphael Saadiq says he's hoping for an invitation to the nation's capital once President-elect Barack Obama moves into the White House. Darius Rucker joins TNT holiday special   UPI / 8:44AM COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- American singer-songwriter Darius Rucker says he will perform a special, and appropriate, song at this year's "Christmas in Washington" concert.

Monday, December 15 Dropped gun shoots woman at checkout stand   UPI / 12:34PM JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A Jacksonville, Fla., woman waiting in line at a supermarket checkout stand was shot in the leg when the man in front of her dropped his gun, police said. Virgin Media begins high-speed broadband   UPI / 10:05AM LONDON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Virgin Media, saying faster Internet downloads are now available to British customers, launched a fiber optic delivery system Monday. Video games can improve elder cognition   UPI / 12:44AM CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found cognitive skills improved in adults in their 60s and 70s who were trained in playing a video game that rewards nation-building.

Saturday, December 13 Obama inauguration donors listed online   UPI / 7:04AM WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration committee has raised $10 million so far and has disclosed the names of all donors on its Web site, officials say.

Wednesday, December 10 Peace prize winner urges Mideast talks   UPI / 11:34AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, says U.S. President-elect Barack Obama should concentrate on the Middle East.

Tuesday, December 9 Ex-agent faces prison for aiding Pellicano   UPI / 1:05PM WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors say a former FBI agent faces sentencing for supplying confidential information to Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano.

Monday, December 8 Report: Leno to go prime time on NBC   UPI / 8:54PM BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- NBC is going to give Jay Leno a weeknight show in prime time beginning this fall, The New York Times reported Monday. 'Juggernaut' Jones loses in U.S. bar brawl   UPI / 7:24PM SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Police in South Dakota say actor Vinnie Jones faces a simple assault charge after a barroom brawl in which he was cracked in the head with a beer mug. End of instant film is near, Polaroid says   UPI / 4:14PM WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Polaroid Corp. said it would stop making instant film in February, calling a halt to the production of a U.S. product icon

Sunday, December 7 Report: Cops shag balls for Prince Andrew   UPI / 2:24PM LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Guards at Britain's Buckingham Palace have shagged golf balls for Prince Andrew and tiptoe past his father's open window, according to the Mail on Sunday. 'Juggernaut' Jones loses in U.S. bar brawl   UPI / 1:14PM SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Police in South Dakota say actor Vinnie Jones faces a simple assault charge after a barroom brawl in which he was cracked in the head with a beer mug.

Saturday, December 6 Chicago DJ Dahl fired from CBS station   UPI / 3:14PM CHICAGO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Chicago radio legend Steve Dahl says he's been fired from his job as an on-air personality for the city's WJMK-FM 104.3. No copyright fees for China funeral dirge   UPI / 2:24PM BEIJING, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A Chinese music copyright holder says it's not true his group will ask funeral parlors for royalties when they play classic dirges at services. Pin-up girl Page in critical condition   UPI / 2:05PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Famed 1950s pin-up girl Bettie Page has been hospitalized in Los Angeles in critical condition with pneumonia, her agent says. Tanking NBC fires three program execs   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. television network NBC, which has slipped to fourth place in the ratings, has fired three top programming executives, sources say. Satriani sues Coldplay for plagiarism   UPI / 1:24PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. rock guitarist Joe Satriani says the group Coldplay lifted parts of an instrumental he composed and used them in its hit song "Viva La Vida." Lane Garrison crash victim seeks cash   UPI / 12:44PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A survivor of a 2006 California car crash involving Lane Garrison says the former "Prison Break" actor should pay her $25,000.

Wednesday, December 3 Xbox 360 sales jumped on Black Friday   UPI / 4:14PM REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp. says it scored big with Xbox 360 sales on Black Friday, claiming it outsold Japanese rival Sony's PlayStation 3 by a 3-to-1 margin.

Tuesday, December 2 Cruise ships push discounts to fill berths   UPI / 2:05PM MIAMI, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Cruise lines are lining up discounts to entice passengers on board as the U.S. economy weakens, industry representatives said.

Saturday, November 29 Flat-panel TVs are consumer bellwether   UPI / 11:44AM NEW YORK, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Sales of flat-screen, high-definition television sets have become the bellwether for U.S. consumer confidence this holiday season, analysts say.

Wednesday, November 26 Good Charlotte grooves on remix album   UPI / 10:24AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. rockers Good Charlotte had no problem turning over their old songs recast in dance versions for their new album, "The Greatest Remixes."

Tuesday, November 25 Beach sex couple's sentence suspended   UPI / 8:14AM DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A United Arab Emirates judge has suspended the sentences against a British couple arrested in Dubai for having public sex on a beach, attorneys say.

Monday, November 24 Santas face disappointing party season   UPI / 4:05PM CHICAGO, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The association that represents men playing Santa Claus is urging its members to be flexible this year as the Christmas party season crumbles around them. Early teen sex linked to TV, other factors   UPI / 12:14PM MADISON, Wis., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Girls sexually active before age 15 watched a lot of TV, had lower self-esteem, poor relations with parents and underachieved at school, U.S. researchers say. China arcade brawl leaves five dead   UPI / 11:34AM CHONGQING, China, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- A melee at an amusement arcade resulted in five deaths and two injuries in Chongqing, China, officials said Monday.

Saturday, November 22 Doctors warn against excessive video play   UPI / 1:44PM LONDON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The new PlayStation release "World of Warcraft" may cause more children to become addicted to video games, say doctors at the Tavistock Center in London.

Friday, November 21 Indian defends production of 'Dostana'   UPI / 7:05PM MUMBAI, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Indian producer-director Karan Johar said his latest production of "Dostana" isn't offensive to gays and lesbians, as some media have reported.

Wednesday, November 19 New York says coaster risks were known   UPI / 1:44PM NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Lawyers for New York City contend a California man fatally injured on a Coney Island roller coaster should have known the risks.

Tuesday, November 18 'MyLuvCrush' dumped by atty. general   UPI / 6:35PM SEATTLE, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- A Seattle company that targeted users of social networking Web sites with bogus messages from an imaginary "crush" agreed to drop the ads, authorities say.

Monday, November 17 Gaming board says Greektown funds are low   UPI / 2:14PM DETROIT, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Michigan regulators asked a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge to refuse Greektown Casino's request for an extension to file for bankruptcy, court papers show.

Saturday, November 15 More than 600 homes burned in Calif. fires   UPI / 10:05PM SYLMAR, Calif., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Wildfires in Southern California Saturday damaged or destroyed at least 600 homes and forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people, officials said.

Thursday, November 13 Lego must let go of trademark status   UPI / 1:35PM BRUSSELS, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- European judges have overturned the trademark status of the Lego building block, saying the design was functional, not proprietary.

Sunday, November 9 Merle Haggard home following surgery   UPI / 10:44PM BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Country music icon Merle Haggard has returned home following lung cancer surgery last week at a hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., a publicist said Sunday.

Saturday, November 8 McCain 'eager' to return to U.S. Senate   UPI / 1:44PM WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- John McCain, fresh off his White House campaign loss, will return to the U.S. Senate for a possible lame-duck session this month, staffers say.

Sunday, November 2 McCain spoofs McCain on 'SNL'   UPI / 1:44AM NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain spoofed his own campaign in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch featuring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.

Friday, October 31 Another 'Godless' ad in N.C. Senate race   UPI / 5:54PM CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., is blasting her Democratic opponent in a new ad for attending a fundraiser by an adviser for the atheist group Godless Americans.

Tuesday, October 28 ME: Hudson's nephew shot multiple times   UPI / 3:44PM CHICAGO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The 7-year-old nephew of singer and actress Jennifer Hudson died from multiple gunshot wounds, the Cook County, Ill., medical examiner's office said Tuesday. Foreigners use Web to live U.S. election   UPI / 9:54AM WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Foreigners are following every detail of the U.S. presidential election, which because of the Internet has become a truly global experience, bloggers say. Record ad buys seen in U.S. Senate races   UPI / 9:24AM WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Record amounts of campaign money are being spent on televised political ads in 11 states with close U.S. Senate contests, observers say.

Sunday, October 26 Nader claims Guinness speech record   UPI / 3:44PM SHEFFIELD, Conn., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Ralph Nader may not make it into the history books as U.S. president, but he is in the Guinness World Records book, his campaign says.

Saturday, October 25 FBI joins search for Hudson's nephew   UPI / 8:54PM CHICAGO, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The FBI has joined the search for the nephew of Jennifer Hudson, one day after the actress-singer's mother and brother were slain, Chicago police say. Motown icon Stubbs' visitation under way   UPI / 4:05PM DETROIT, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Visitation for Levi Stubbs, best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B group The Four Tops, began Saturday and will continue until his funeral Monday. Retailers report brisk Halloween sales   UPI / 9:34AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. consumers aren't foregoing their Halloween costumes and candy, say retailers who were nervous the poor economy would curtail spending for the holiday.

Wednesday, October 22 Suit over circus elephants heads to trial   UPI / 12:24AM WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A lawsuit filed eight years ago claiming Ringling Bros. Circus has violated U.S. law by mistreating its elephants is finally headed to trial.

Tuesday, October 14 Memphis probes Beale Street management   UPI / 3:44PM MEMPHIS, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Memphis, Tenn., is investigating the company that manages its Beale Street entertainment district on suspicions it has misused funds, court records show. Police: Rejected TV contestant claims bomb   UPI / 1:44PM SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Police allege a San Francisco man angry at being rejected for the "Price is Right" TV show forced the evacuation of a high-rise by claiming he had a bomb.

Monday, October 13 Tina Fey's impersonations may have impact   UPI / 1:24AM WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin may make a cameo on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," but it may not help in the polls, a U.S. expert says.

Saturday, October 11 U.S. news media reduces Iraq presence   UPI / 10:54AM BAGHDAD, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. news media outlets have drastically downsized their presence in Iraq as violence diminishes and news budgets are cut, journalists say.

Friday, October 10 Sony unveils super-thin TV   UPI / 7:06PM LONDON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Sony has unveiled the world's thinnest television, which has a screen less than a quarter-inch thick.

Tuesday, October 7 Appliance tycoon named China's wealthiest   UPI / 1:05AM BEIJING, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A 39-year-old appliance and property magnate estimated to be worth $6.3 billion was ranked the richest this year among China's top 1,000 wealthy people.

Saturday, October 4 Critics 'liberal,' no reviews for 'Carol'   UPI / 12:54AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- A movie made by Hollywood conservatives was released without a screening for critics because distributors said liberal film critics would treat it unfairly.

Friday, October 3 Pro-U.S. publicity planned for Iraqi media   UPI / 8:05AM BAGHDAD, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department plans to spend up to $300 million for pro-American publicity in Iraqi media, officials say.

Thursday, October 2 Violent TV linked to negative attributes   UPI / 1:14AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The amount of violent TV watched is linked to negative personality attributes among white males and females and African-American females, researchers said.

Wednesday, October 1 Bingo compromise signed by Schwarzenegger   UPI / 1:54PM SACRAMENTO, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he signed a bill overhauling state bingo regulations to allow so-called remote-caller games.

Monday, September 29 Casinos abandon theme park look   UPI / 6:14PM LAS VEGAS, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- The new look of Las Vegas, which skips the kitschy themes of the past, has both admirers and detractors, observers say. 'Suitcase girl' in Miami to testify   UPI / 1:05PM MIAMI, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Maria del Lujan Telpuk, a Buenos Aires airport police officer turned celebrity sex symbol, says she came to Miami to "tell the truth" in a high-profile trial.

Sunday, September 28 NFL: Springsteen to play Super Bowl XLIII   UPI / 11:54PM NEW YORK, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will headline the Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show in Tampa, Fla., the NFL and NBC announced Sunday.

Friday, September 26 Pilot makes first Channel rocket ride   UPI / 11:54AM DOVER, England, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- A British airline pilot with a homemade rocket backpack soared into the record books Friday as he zoomed across the English Channel.

Thursday, September 25 Hollywood's Golden Age paid to smoke   UPI / 4:05PM SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- From 1927 to 1951, some of Hollywood's top stars made up to an extra $5,000 per year -- $75,000 in today's dollars -- endorsing tobacco, researchers say.

Wednesday, September 24 Teen chosen for prosthetic TV show   UPI / 11:44PM OKEECHOBEE, Fla., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A Florida teenager who lost his left arm in a battle with an alligator has been picked to receive a high-tech artificial limb on the TV show "The Doctors."

Tuesday, September 23 Officials boost NASCAR Hall of Fame budget   UPI / 7:05AM CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The Charlotte City Council agreed to increase the budget for the NASCAR Hall of Fame by $32 million.

Monday, September 22 GM to skip Super Bowl this year   UPI / 4:54PM DETROIT, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- General Motors Corp. has decided not to buy television ads to air during Super Bowl XLIII in February, the struggling U.S. automaker said. New penny design may spur coin interest   UPI / 12:05PM EDINA, Minn., Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Coin collectors and history buffs will be the main beneficiaries of the newly designed U.S. Lincoln penny, a numismatics expert says. 'Mad Men' wins top drama Emmy   UPI / 11:44AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- "Mad Men," a show about the employees of a 1960s ad agency, won the Emmy Award for outstanding drama series in Los Angeles Sunday night. Yankee Stadium closes with N.Y. win   UPI / 7:44AM NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Baseball's most legendary field, New York's Yankee Stadium, finished its 85-year run Sunday as the sport's cathedral with a 7-3 Yankees win over Baltimore.

Sunday, September 21 Ivanek, Wiest win drama Emmys   UPI / 9:54PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Zeljko Ivanek won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in Los Angeles Sunday night for his work in "Damages." Russians voice support of cartoon network   UPI / 8:05PM ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Several hundred young Russians took to the streets of St. Petersburg Sunday to voice support of an adult-oriented cartoon TV channel.

Friday, September 19 Prized British find turns out to be fake   UPI / 2:24PM SHEPTON MALLET, England, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A silver cross thought to be one of Britain's most important early Christian-era discoveries is a fake, scientists confirmed.

Wednesday, September 17 Obama: Election 'not a reality show'   UPI / 10:34AM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama says the Wall Street crisis has made voters realize the election is "not a reality show."

Saturday, September 13 Chicago proposes giant Ferris wheel   UPI / 3:34PM CHICAGO, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago wants to put a giant Ferris wheel at its Navy Pier that is at least twice the size of the one there now, officials said. 'Dark Knight' to be re-released   UPI / 12:34PM HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. says it will re-release the Batman movie "The Dark Knight" in January at the height of the Academy Awards voting season.

Wednesday, September 10 Microsoft will keep Zune in production   UPI / 3:14PM REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp. said it would keep its mini-music device business going in spite of winning just a small percentage of the U.S. market in the past two years.

Tuesday, September 9 Secaucus sues to move porn convention   UPI / 12:14PM SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The mayor of Secaucus, N.J., says a lawsuit he filed has forced pornography vendors to move this weekend's porn convention to Edison, N.J. China to become top Asia consumer market   UPI / 1:14AM BEIJING, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- China, with a per capita GDP of $2,456, will become Asia's largest consumer market by next year, ahead of Japan, Commerce Minister Chen Deming said Monday.

Saturday, September 6 Seinfeld ads only part of Microsoft push   UPI / 9:14AM REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp. says it's banking on a new U.S. marketing campaign to fix the image problems of its Vista Windows operating system and connect with customers.

Tuesday, September 2 Calories burned with active video games   UPI / 7:05PM HONG KONG, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Children burn more than four times as many calories a minute playing an active video game than playing a seated game, University of Hong Kong researchers say.

Monday, September 1 Microsoft readies new Internet Explorer   UPI / 4:05PM REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. software maker Microsoft says it has released a test version of its latest Internet Explorer Web browser, which incorporates several new features.

Tuesday, August 26 Led Zeppelin members, Bonham in studio   UPI / 7:05PM DETROIT, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Two original Led Zeppelin members and Jason Bonham have been in the studio working on new material, Bonham told a U.S. radio station. AMC moves to close 'Mad Men' Twitterings   UPI / 6:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The AMC network has moved to shut down some of the social networking on the Web site Twitter based on its show "Mad Men," the Hollywood Reporter said. 'Toughest Jobs' posts ratings win   UPI / 6:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- NBC's "America's Toughest Jobs" apparently didn't require much work for U.S. viewers, who gave the network a ratings win Monday, Variety reported. 'House of Payne' creator goes Brown   UPI / 5:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The producer of "House of Payne," the highest-rated original cable TV comedy, will produce a new U.S. sitcom "Meet the Browns," Variety reported Wednesday. Man charged in school bus radio prank   UPI / 5:05PM CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Charlotte, N.C., school officials say they've pressed charges against a radio station employee who boarded and rode a school bus as part of an on-air prank. After Clooney, Venice fest features indies   UPI / 4:44PM VENICE, Italy, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- George Clooney will kick off the 2008 Venice Film Festival with his latest effort but after that independent movies will hold sway, officials said. Estefano's accused shooter takes stand   UPI / 4:34PM MIAMI, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The man charged with trying to kill Miami songwriter Estefano testified at his trial Tuesday that he is innocent, The Miami Herald reported. Cuban punk rock dissident arrested   UPI / 4:24PM HAVANA, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Dissident Cuban punk rocker Gorki Aguila has been arrested in Havana on a charge of "dangerousness," his band members say. Apple's iTunes available again in China   UPI / 3:24PM BEIJING, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Apple's iTunes online music store was available Tuesday in China after apparently being blocked by the government, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Buck, Poehler to curate Merge Records set   UPI / 2:34PM DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Seminal U.S. independent label Merge Records says it's readying a 20th anniversary CD box set curated by REM's Peter Buck and actress Amy Poehler. Rapper Dr. Dre's son found dead   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Andre Romelle Young Jr., the 20-year-old son of rapper and hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, was found dead in his California home, a representative said. Movie work drops off as actors negotiate   UPI / 12:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Union members say major movie production in Los Angeles has come to a virtual halt as producers eye contract talks with the Screen Actors Guild. McCain blasts Madonna's Hitler comparison   UPI / 10:34AM CARDIFF, Wales, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Campaigners for likely Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain say it was "outrageous" for Madonna to compare him to Adolf Hitler at a Wales concert. Springsteen, Bon Jovi to perform at DNC   UPI / 10:14AM DENVER, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are set to perform around likely Democratic Party nominee for U.S. president Barack Obama's acceptance speech, sources say. Notting Hill fest violence mild this year   UPI / 9:54AM LONDON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- London police say they dispersed a group of 40 gang members and arrested 33 others during the city's annual Notting Hill Carnival.

Monday, August 25 Trump hypes Dubai project at LA party   UPI / 6:24PM BEL AIR, Calif., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Donald Trump says his luxury hotel project in Dubai has the endorsement of a bevy of A-list Hollywood stars, who attended a gala launch party in Bel Air, Calif. Andy Dick charged with assault, possession   UPI / 5:44PM RIVERSIDE, Calif., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and comedian Andy Dick has been charged with assault and drug possession stemming from a July arrest in California, prosecutors said Monday. Jason Biggs gets off-Broadway comedy nod   UPI / 5:35PM NEW YORK, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Jason Biggs, best known for his "American Pie" movie roles, has been cast in the off-Broadway stage comedy "Boy's Life," Variety reported Monday. Sheen, Mueller expecting first child   UPI / 5:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Charlie Sheen and his wife Brooke Mueller say they are expecting a baby, their first child together. Stewart: Media 'too cozy' with candidates   UPI / 4:54PM DENVER, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Political humorist and U.S. talk show host Jon Stewart says the mainstream media is too cozy with candidates and passes along campaign "spin" too often. Marvel to redesign heroes for Japan market   UPI / 4:14PM TOKYO, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Marvel Entertainment says it's not going to merely adapt but rethink its superhero properties for Japanese anime versions due out in 2010. Webcasters facing song royalty battle   UPI / 4:05PM SEATTLE, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A U.S. congressman trying to broker a royalties deal between Internet music streaming sites and record labels says he's not optimistic. Networks plan more convention coverage   UPI / 4:05PM DENVER, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Trying to rebound from criticism of their 2004 political convention coverage, the U.S. broadcast networks say they will air more convention programming. Leachman, Lucci to compete on 'Dancing'   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- This year's contestants on "Dancing With the Stars" include daytime star Susan Lucci and 82-year-old actress Cloris Leachman, the Fox show's U.S. producers say. Barenaked Ladies singer survives crash   UPI / 1:54PM BANCROFT, Ontario, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Authorities say Barenaked Ladies front man Ed Robertson and three others are "very lucky" to be alive after a float-plane crash in southeastern Ontario. Berlusconi CD aims for Christmas release   UPI / 1:54PM SARDINIA, Italy, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's renditions of Neopolitan love songs may be released on CD in time for Christmas, his music partner says. O'Doherty wins Fringe comedy award   UPI / 12:44PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Irish comedian David O'Doherty has won Britain's most prestigious comedy award for routines delivered at Scotland's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, officials say. Fox launches live Web streaming of shows   UPI / 11:34AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. television network Fox says it will stream the season premieres of two of its shows live on its Web site but only to users with ".edu" addresses. Producer: BBC should do HBO-style channel   UPI / 10:54AM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A British television producer says the BBC should launch an HBO-style premium cable TV network, saying a rival to the popular U.S. channel is needed. Warners sues over 'Hari Puttar' film   UPI / 10:34AM MUMBAI, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The makers of a Indian movie called "Hari Puttar" say their film has nothing to do with the "Harry Potter" series but Warner Bros. has filed a lawsuit anyway. George Michael gives 'final' concerts   UPI / 9:34AM LONDON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- British singer-songwriter George Michael is thanking his fans for "25 amazing years" of support during his "final" concerts in London.

Sunday, August 24 PETA offers to buy SeaWorld property   UPI / 8:54PM NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says it has a donor willing to buy at least one of the three SeaWorld entertainment parks in the United States.

Friday, August 22 Female rapper accuses Shaq of stalking   UPI / 7:35PM ATLANTA, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- An Atlanta hip-hop artist who says Shaquille O'Neal is stalking her has been granted a restraining order against the 7-foot-1 NBA star. Rapper 'Da Brat' draws 3-year sentence   UPI / 7:14PM DECATUR, Ga., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. rap star Da Brat, real name Shawntae Harris, was sentenced to three years in prison Friday for hitting another woman in the head with a liquor bottle. Record dealer bitter as store closes   UPI / 6:34PM PITTSBURGH, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- One of the Pittsburgh area's last independent record dealers says he's bitter about the state of the recording industry that's forcing him to close his doors. Nick Clooney prepares for teaching gig   UPI / 5:14PM CINCINNATI, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. actor George Clooney's 74-year-old father Nick says he's nervous about starting his new career teaching journalism at American University. Rodgers estate donates to bandshell effort   UPI / 4:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The estate of U.S. songwriter Richard Rodgers has donated $1 million to renovate the bandshell in a New York City park, city officials say. Songwriter Estefano says handyman shot him   UPI / 4:14PM MIAMI, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Miami songwriter-producer testified that his former handyman shot him in the head and left him for dead last year. Denver protesters, Public Enemy talk show   UPI / 3:44PM DENVER, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A protest group says it will try to reach an agreement with rap band Public Enemy to give a free concert in Denver during the Democratic National Convention. 'Wire' actress charged with pot possession   UPI / 3:34PM BALTIMORE, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Felicia "Snoop" Pearson, who appeared on the acclaimed HBO series "The Wire," was charged with a minor drug offense, authorities say. Phony restaurant wins wine award   UPI / 3:05PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A U.S. prankster says he made up a fictional Italian restaurant and was able to win an award of excellence for it from a wine magazine. Dido back with album after 5 years   UPI / 12:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- British singer-songwriter Dido is releasing a new album after a five-year absence from the music world, her U.S. record company said Friday. No heart attack for French actor Reno   UPI / 12:34PM FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Contrary to some reports, French actor Jean Reno did not suffer a heart attack while on vacation in the Caribbean, his publicist says. 'Stargate' franchise to continue on Sci Fi   UPI / 12:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The Sci Fi Channel will put in an order for a new entry in the "Stargate" U.S. television show franchise, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday. Nicolas Cage set for Marvel Comics role   UPI / 12:05PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Nicolas Cage has signed on to appear in an indie movie adaptation of Marvel Comics' "Kick-Ass" book imprint, sources say. Report: Seinfeld signs Microsoft ad deal   UPI / 11:24AM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Jerry Seinfeld has signed a $10 million deal to pitch Microsoft software as the company tries to battle negative perceptions, sources say. 'Bond' movie release date pushed back   UPI / 10:54AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Responding to the announced delay of the next "Harry Potter" movie, Sony and MGM say they are moving back the release date of the upcoming James Bond film. Stefani, Rossdale add second son   UPI / 10:34AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Gwen Stafani has given birth to her second son with British rocker Gavin Rossdale, her publicist said. Former pop star Aida marries doctor   UPI / 10:04AM TOKYO, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Shoko Aida, a Japanese pop sensation of the late 1980s, says she has married a 37-year-old doctor. ZZ Top sings Houston's praises   UPI / 9:54AM HOUSTON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Rockers ZZ Top, who call themselves "the little ol' band from Texas," have signed on to pitch tourism for their home town of Houston, officials say. 'Duke of Earl' allegedly dukes it out   UPI / 9:34AM CHICAGO, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The "Duke of Earl" says he's owned an appearance fee by a Chicago doo-wop stage show producer but the promoter alleges the "Duke" started a backstage fight. Glitter returns to Britain, must register   UPI / 9:14AM LONDON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Former rock star and convicted child abuser Gary Glitter was taken from Heathrow Airport to a secret location after arriving Friday in Britain, sources say. Rosanne Cash: Don't speak for Johnny   UPI / 9:14AM NASHVILLE, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash says she's "appalled" by others invoking the name of her father, music legend Johnny Cash, to "further their own agendas."

Thursday, August 21 Singer Will Hoge injured in scooter crash   UPI / 11:14PM NASHVILLE, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-songwriter Will Hoge is expected to recover from serious injuries sustained in a crash of his motor scooter in Nashville, officials said. Crow launches voter registration drive   UPI / 6:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow says she's launching a voter registration drive by giving away free downloads of her new song "Gasoline." Survey: John Stewart gets salary nod   UPI / 6:24PM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Between Comedy Central talk show hosts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Stewart deserves a higher salary, respondents to a U.S. survey said. Janet Jackson unveils lingerie line   UPI / 5:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Janet Jackson, hoping to avoid any further wardrobe malfunctions, says she's launching a new line of fashion lingerie. Disney plans Miley 'Sweet 16' party   UPI / 5:44PM ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Miley Cyrus will celebrate her 16th birthday with a "Hollywood-style bash" at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., park officials say. Distraught elephant to stay in Dallas   UPI / 4:54PM DALLAS, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Dallas Zoo officials say they'll keep Jenny, a distraught African elephant, after their plan to move her to a Mexican park prompted an outcry. Affleck in talks for Judge comedy   UPI / 4:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Ben Affleck is in negotiations to co-star in a new comedy from "King of the Hill" creator Mike Judge, sources say. Ellen, Portia ponder having kids   UPI / 3:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- With the ceremony behind them, U.S. same-sex newlyweds Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi say they're considering having children. Space Invaders art piece draws 9/11 ire   UPI / 3:05PM LEIPZIG, Germany, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks say they think an art installation in Germany depicting the World Trade Center under attack is in bad taste. Judge: Labels must consider 'fair use'   UPI / 2:24PM SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A U.S. judge says record labels cannot order YouTube users to remove videos featuring their music unless they can show it's not a legal "fair use." Kerkorian testifies in L.A. wiretap case   UPI / 12:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian says he doesn't know if celebrity private investigator Anthony Pellicano illegally wiretapped his ex-wife. Matthews emotional after Moore's death   UPI / 12:04PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Hours after learning of the death of founding member LeRoi Moore, the Dave Matthews Band played an emotional concert in Los Angeles, fans say. IAC breaks down to five new companies   UPI / 11:34AM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- InterActiveCorp said Thursday it had completed spin offs that would create five separate companies out of its 60 mostly U.S. brands. Matt Damon welcomes another daughter   UPI / 11:34AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Matt Damon and wife Luciana say they've welcomed their third daughter into the family, named Gia Zavala Damon. Report: 50 Cent hampering house fire probe   UPI / 10:34AM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. rapper 50 Cent isn't cooperating with an investigation of a suspicious May 30 fire at his New York home, sources say. 'Naked Cowboy' signs reality show deal   UPI / 10:24AM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The "Naked Cowboy," a New York City street busker who performs in undies and a ten-gallon hat, says he's signed a television development deal. Jaclyn Smith in at Kmart, Martha out?   UPI / 10:24AM CHICAGO, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. retailer Kmart has signed a deal with former "Charlie's Angels" star Jaclyn Smith to launch a new bed and bath product line, the company says. Britain's fall TV turns to the masters   UPI / 9:34AM LONDON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- British television programmers are turning to the 19th-century masters for inspiration in their fall lineups, a look at the schedule shows. Music fest ticket buyers scammed   UPI / 9:14AM LONDON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Music fans who thought they were ticket holders to Britain's biggest summer festivals say they've been suckered by an online brokerage.

Wednesday, August 20 Glitter denied entry to Hong Kong   UPI / 7:54PM BANGKOK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Former British rock star and convicted child abuser Gary Glitter, released from a Vietnamese jail, has been denied entry to Hong Kong, officials said. Twin sons delivered to Ricky Martin   UPI / 7:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Singer Ricky Martin has become the father of twin boys born to a surrogate mother, his U.S. publicist says. Jackson to write 'The Hobbit' himself   UPI / 6:04PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- After searching for a suitable scriptwriter, movie producer Peter Jackson will write "The Hobbit" himself, U.S. industry sources say. 'Office's' Robinson pleads guilty to drugs   UPI / 5:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Craig Robinson, who plays warehouse supervisor Darryl on NBC's "The Office," has pleaded guilty to felony drug possession, authorities said. Bertinelli signs for TBS sitcom   UPI / 5:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Valerie Bertinelli says has signed to star in a new sitcom for TBS about a single mom trying to run a business, the network says. Garner expecting 2nd child with Affleck   UPI / 4:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Jennifer Garner says she is pregnant with her second child with her husband, fellow actor Ben Affleck. McAvoy, Blunt in 'Gnomeo' talks   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Actors James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are in negotiations to head the voice cast of Elton John's "Gnomeo and Juliet" U.S. animated film, sources say. Jessica Simpson pitches 'healthy' beer   UPI / 2:14PM DALLAS, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-actress Jessica Simpson has become a Texas beer baroness and spokeswoman, her publicist says. Seattle guitarist killed by falling tree   UPI / 2:05PM SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A veteran Seattle rock 'n' roll guitarist was killed by falling tree near Spokane, Wash., his family said. It's all Jonas Bros. on album charts   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. "tween" sensations the Jonas Brothers have scored their first No. 1 album with "A Little Bit Longer," Billboard.com reported Wednesday. Metallica's Ulrich praises 'Guitar Hero'   UPI / 1:04PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Superstar drummer Lars Ulrich of the U.S. band Metallica gives credit to music-based video games for his 10-year-old son's interest in classic rock music. Hip-hop mogul Dash facing foreclosure   UPI / 12:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. hip-hop entrepreneur Damon Dash is facing foreclosure on two homes he owns in New York City, a lawsuit alleges. 'Moonstruck' mansion sells for $4M   UPI / 11:44AM NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The owners of a New York City mansion featured in the 1987 movie "Moonstruck" have struck it rich with a $4 million sale, a broker says. Applegate 'cancer free' after mastectomy   UPI / 11:05AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Christina Applegate says she's "100 percent" free of breast cancer after undergoing a double mastectomy. Publicist: Liz Taylor out of hospital   UPI / 10:54AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Elizabeth Taylor is back home in Los Angeles after spending several weeks in a hospital, her publicist says. Rivers, Rodman to 'Celebrity Apprentice'   UPI / 10:34AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Host Donald Trump is tapping Joan Rivers, Dennis Rodman and other "in-your-face" U.S. stars for his next "Celebrity Apprentice" NBC-TV show, sources say. Coens' newest at Toronto Film Festival   UPI / 9:24AM TORONTO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Organizers say the final selections for this year's Toronto Film Festival have been made, with a new Coen Brothers film headlining. Game makers to launch download suits   UPI / 9:14AM LONDON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Computer game manufacturers say they're launching an offensive in Britain to stem the illegal downloading of their products.

Tuesday, August 19 Rocker's fence angers Calif. neighbors   UPI / 11:05PM TERRA LINDA, Calif., Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Marin County, Calif., neighbors of Metallica's James Hetfield say they're outraged over his move to erect a fence closing off a popular hiking trail. Cable nets want Emmy telecast shot   UPI / 9:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- With their programming increasingly dominating the nominations, basic cable networks say they'd like to host the annual Emmy Awards telecast. NBC's Olympic coverage crushes competition   UPI / 9:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Beijing Summer Olympics have given U.S. television network NBC the biggest weekly ratings win ever recorded by one network over its rivals, analysts say. Roseanne Cash: Don't speak for Johnny   UPI / 7:54PM NASHVILLE, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Singer-songwriter Roseanne Cash says she's "appalled" by others invoking the name of her father, music legend Johnny Cash, to "further their own agendas." 'Happy Days' cast dedicates 'Fonz' statue   UPI / 7:34PM MILWAUKEE, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Henry Winkler, star of 1970s television sitcom "Happy Days," gave the thumbs-up in Milwaukee Tuesday to a new statue of his character, "The Fonz." Harry Potter fans decry movie delay   UPI / 3:05PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Harry Potter fans say they are dismayed over a decision to delay the U.S. release of the next film in the popular series from November until next June. Cruise attached to superhero pic 'Sleeper'   UPI / 2:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Tom Cruise has teamed with producer-director Sam Raimi on plans to make a big-budget adaptation of DC Comics' "Sleeper," sources say. Stars turn out for Isaac Hayes funeral   UPI / 1:54PM MEMPHIS, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A star-studded turnout of mourners remembered U.S. singer-musician Isaac Hayes as a larger-than-life influence on many forms of popular music. Sweden passes on IOC piracy complaint   UPI / 1:44PM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Swedish government says it's passing along to police a request from the International Olympic Committee to shut down an Olympics file-sharing Web site. Donnie Wahlberg, wife seek divorce   UPI / 1:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- New Kids on the Block star and actor Donnie Wahlberg and wife Kim Fey are divorcing after nine years of marriage, court documents show. Fox, Warner spar over 'Watchmen' film   UPI / 12:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. film studios Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. are battling in court over the release of the superhero movie "Watchmen," company officials say. Norway 'Beatles' author releases new novel   UPI / 12:44PM OSLO, Norway, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The long-awaited third and final novel in Norwegian author Lars Saabye Christensen's "Beatles" trilogy is out, the writer says. Phil Collins divorce settlement at $45M   UPI / 11:54AM LONDON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Rock star Phil Collins' $46.5 million divorce settlement shows London courts have become a haven for wives seeking favorable rulings, legal analysts say. Gary Glitter freed, heads for Britain   UPI / 11:05AM HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Former British rock star Gary Glitter has been released from a Vietnamese prison where he served time on a child sexual abuse conviction, his attorney says. Britney's custody fight legal bills hefty   UPI / 9:54AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. pop singer Britney Spears has piled up hundreds of thousands of dollars of legal bills in her child custody battle, court documents show.

Monday, August 18 Jared Leto calls Virgin lawsuit 'insane'   UPI / 5:04PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and musician Jared Leto says his rock band, 30 Seconds to Mars, has not broken up and calls a record company's lawsuit "insane" and "overblown." GM bows out of Oscars and Emmys   UPI / 4:34PM DETROIT, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Financially troubled General Motors Corp. is dropping advertising for the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards, the U.S. company announced. Jesse Ventura could become TV judge   UPI / 4:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura is in negotiations to star in a daytime TV court show, sources say. Roseanne blasts Voight, Jolie's politics   UPI / 3:54PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Roseanne Barr says actor Jon Voight is a "frightened little girl" because of his opposition to likely Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama. Megadeth anthology package due in Sept.   UPI / 3:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A definitive collection of songs from Megadeth, one of the longest-lived U.S. heavy metal rock bands, is due out in late September, the band says. 'Harry Potter' star suffers from dyspraxia   UPI / 3:05PM LONDON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Daniel Radcliffe, the 19-year-old British star of the "Harry Potter" movies, says he has dyspraxia, a brain disorder associated with clumsiness. Fishburne named as new CSI star   UPI / 2:44PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Laurence Fishburne has been named to replace William Petersen as the star of the hit CBS TV series "CSI," network officials said Monday. Indie casting guru Liberman joins CBS   UPI / 2:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Longtime independent casting director Meg Liberman has joined CBS Paramount Network TV as senior vice president for casting, network officials say. N.Y. actors call for federal mediation   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- New York Screen Actors Guild leaders say they want federal mediation in their contract negotiations, representing a split with the California leadership. Fringe Fest's box office glitches probed   UPI / 12:24PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Two major investigations of the faulty box office system used by the Fringe theater festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, are under way, local officials say. Rhys Ifans set for disc jockey role   UPI / 12:24PM CARDIFF, Wales, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Welsh actor Rhys Ifans is teaming up with director Richard Curtis on a new movie about a British pirate radio station in the 1960s, a cast member says. Gervais's next movie set at insurance firm   UPI / 12:14PM LONDON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Ricky Gervais, the British creator of the hit TV comedy "The Office," says he is working on a quirky movie about workers at an insurance company. 'Dora' to explore with new voice cast   UPI / 12:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- For the first time since its debut eight years ago, Nickelodeon says its "Dora the Explorer" U.S. animated kids show is getting a new voice-over cast. Lily Allen blames EMI for album delay   UPI / 11:44AM LONDON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- British singer Lily Allen says her record label, EMI, is to blame for a delay in the release of her second album. Ugly Betty to Bond at AIDS show   UPI / 10:24AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Television stars America Ferrera, Emily Deschanel and Neil Patrick Harris attended the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's benefit in Los Angeles, say organizers. Fate of Kafka papers to be determined   UPI / 10:14AM TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The original manuscripts and papers of Czech author Franz Kafka, long withheld from scholars, may soon become available in Israel or elsewhere. Record labels want bigger video game slice   UPI / 10:04AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. record labels are seething that they aren't getting what they see as their fair share from popular music-based games like Guitar Hero, analysts say.

Friday, August 15 Louisiana last state to ban cockfighting   UPI / 4:34PM NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Cockfighting is a felony in Louisiana -- as of Friday -- leaving a dying breed to contemplate their "heritage" and what comes next.

Thursday, August 14 Jackson Browne sues John McCain   UPI / 3:14PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- California singer-songwriter Jackson Browne has filed suit against Republican Sen. John McCain, charging copyright infringement and false endorsement. Behind the Olympics, a paralyzing fall   UPI / 8:54AM BEIJING, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- A Chinese dancer had prepared for a starring role at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies but after a fall in rehearsals now just seeks to walk again.

Wednesday, August 13 Books, movies as thrilling as real life   UPI / 6:14PM GRONINGEN, Netherlands, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A part of the brain acts the same way whether a person watches a movie, reads a book or experiences something first-hand, Dutch researchers said.

Tuesday, August 12 Hayden Panettiere's dad released on bail   UPI / 1:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Alan Panettiere, the father of U.S. television actress Hayden Panettiere, was released on bail following his arrest for felony domestic violence.

Saturday, August 9 Edwards mistress inspired '80s novel   UPI / 11:54AM NEW YORK, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The 1980s escapades of the woman with whom John Edwards has admitted to having an extra-marital affair were so wild they inspired a U.S. novel, sources say. Collectables gather more value   UPI / 8:34AM LONDON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The value of collectables is soaring, especially as an investment hedge against inflation, officials of the British firm Collins Stewart say.

Friday, August 8 Spectacular ceremony opens Olympics   UPI / 3:54PM BEIJING, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics officially took flight from the Bird's Nest stadium Friday, with the opening ceremony kicking off at 8 p.m. local time.

Wednesday, August 6 Role of big donors rising for Obama   UPI / 9:14AM WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Probable Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama is relying on traditional big-money donors as well as small gifts from Internet users, records show.

Tuesday, August 5 Woman: Rampage run-in ended in miscarriage   UPI / 4:54PM NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A California woman suffered a miscarriage as the result of a car crash with champion martial arts fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, attorneys say. Killing halts 'Grand Theft' sales in Asia   UPI / 10:34AM BANGKOK, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A distributor ordered Grand Theft Auto IV pulled from stores in Thailand after a teen said he killed a cab driver by recreating a scene from the video game.

Monday, August 4 Russian leaders praise Solzhenitsyn   UPI / 11:15AM MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Current and former Russian leaders say Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who died Sunday, was a courageous freedom fighter who changed Russia by exposing its dark past.

Sunday, August 3 NYC comedy club owner sues scary partner   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The owner of a new comedy club in New York's Time Square says his relationship with his partner has degenerated into threats and intimidation. Comcast told to stop blocking Web tool   UPI / 2:54PM WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Broadband Internet customers of cable television giant Comcast should be free to use file-sharing software, the Federal Communications Commission says.

Wednesday, July 30 Kerry demands Web site make correction   UPI / 2:54PM BOSTON, July 30 (UPI) -- A spokesman for U.S. Sen. John Kerry is demanding a gossip news Web site remove what he calls erroneous captions from pictures of the Massachusetts Democrat. Dems campaign for Obama in Canada   UPI / 9:24AM TORONTO, July 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic Party volunteers say they are targeting dual-citizenship voters in Canada in their efforts to help likely presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Tuesday, July 29 Sexy ads sell a lifestyle, experts said   UPI / 1:44PM NEW YORK, July 29 (UPI) -- Ads for teenage products that depict sexual behavior blur the lines between what is acceptable and what is not, a U.S. researcher said.

Monday, July 28 LA food banks see surge in demand   UPI / 2:05PM LOS ANGELES, July 28 (UPI) -- Los Angeles food bank operators say the troubled economy has produced the biggest demand for their help they've ever seen.

Sunday, July 27 Analysts see U.S. advertising slump   UPI / 9:14PM NEW YORK, July 27 (UPI) -- Weak advertising sales that have already troubled local media are starting to be a problem for the rest of U.S. media, advertising analysts said.

Friday, July 25 Al-Alam says Cairo ban only speculation   UPI / 12:05PM CAIRO, July 25 (UPI) -- Al-Alam, Iran's international news TV channel, says it has received no official word that it faces a ban in Egypt.

Thursday, July 24 Obama buys Olympic TV ad package   UPI / 4:34PM NEW YORK, July 24 (UPI) -- The Barack Obama U.S. presidential campaign has bought a $5 million package of television spots for the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Advertising Age said.

Monday, July 21 Redskins get Jason Taylor from Miami   UPI / 4:15AM WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) -- The Washington Redskins announced Sunday they have acquired six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

Friday, July 18 Jury sides with Mattel in Bratz case   UPI / 8:24AM RIVERSIDE, Calif., July 18 (UPI) -- A federal jury in Riverside, Calif., found Bratz dolls were created by a Mattel Inc. contracted designer, possibly costing the doll's maker millions.

Tuesday, July 15 DA has new witness for Spector retrial   UPI / 2:04AM LOS ANGELES, July 15 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in the murder retrial of Phil Spector plan to add to their witness list a woman who says the music producer threatened her with a gun, records show.

Friday, July 11 Indian firm acquires Hollywood's MovieBeam   UPI / 7:34AM MUMBAI, July 11 (UPI) -- Valuable Group has acquired MovieBeam, a U.S. wireless video-on-demand system, for an undisclosed sum in the first such takeover by an Indian firm.

Tuesday, July 8 Mexican comic book irks African-Americans   UPI / 1:24PM HOUSTON, July 8 (UPI) -- African-American activists are demanding that a Wal-Mart store in Houston remove a popular Mexican comic book that they see as insulting and racist.

Monday, July 7 Spain: 13 injured in running of the bulls   UPI / 9:14PM MADRID, July 7 (UPI) -- Thirteen people were hurt Monday in the start of Spain's annual Running of the Bulls, though none seriously, emergency officials said. Kennywood closes ride after malfunction   UPI / 4:54PM PITTSBURGH, July 7 (UPI) -- The King Kahuna wasn't ruling as usual at Kennywood Monday -- the Pittsburgh amusement park says the ride is closed after a malfunction trapped 20 riders. Report: NBC near Weather Channel deal   UPI / 3:26PM NEW YORK, July 5 (UPI) -- Sources say General Electric Co. subsidiary NBC Universal is preparing to pay $3.5 billion to buy the Weather Channel, a U.S. cable television mainstay. Kindle seen as transitional technology   UPI / 3:26PM SEATTLE, July 5 (UPI) -- The Amazon Kindle electronic book device is slowly gaining traction among book readers but still may be too expensive for a mainstream audience, analysts say.

Sunday, June 29 Disney World to close six nightclubs   UPI / 4:24PM ORLANDO, Fla., June 29 (UPI) -- Walt Disney World is shuttering six nightclubs at its Pleasure Island, hoping to make Downtown Disney more family friendly, the company said.

Friday, June 27 FCC to consider product placement rules   UPI / 12:44AM WASHINGTON, June 27 (UPI) -- Federal regulators said Thursday they will begin reviewing rules on how U.S. television programmers may display commercial products in shows.

Tuesday, June 24 'Bambino Curse' bat to be auctioned   UPI / 4:16AM NEW YORK, June 23 (UPI) -- A baseball bat with a direct connection to the "Curse of the Bambino" that hung over the Boston Red Sox for 86 years is set to be auctioned off.

Friday, June 20 Seminoles and N.Y. Yankees team up   UPI / 4:16AM NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees and the Seminole Tribe of Hollywood, Fla., are joining forces to build a chain of steak houses, it was announced Thursday.

Wednesday, June 18 NASA, Disney sign an educational agreement   UPI / 4:54PM WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency and Walt Disney Studios have signed an agreement to promote science and technology to schoolchildren.

Monday, June 16 Regulator to support XM and Sirius merger   UPI / 9:44AM WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- A key U.S. regulator has said he would support the merger between XM and Sirius, the country's two satellite radio operators.

Friday, June 13 Clinton supporters cite sexist reports   UPI / 9:34AM NEW YORK, June 13 (UPI) -- Many women who supported Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., are reported crying foul over perceived sexist news coverage.

Thursday, June 12 Beauties, geeks competing for U.S. visas   UPI / 4:16AM WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- A U.S. congressman from New York says fashion models competing with high-tech workers for precious U.S. visas should be moved into a new immigration slot.

Saturday, June 7 DeGraw goes for soul on new album   UPI / 11:34AM NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- U.S. rock singer Gavin DeGraw says he wanted to make his latest album "more soulful" -- more like his live performances.

Friday, June 6 Climber scales Everest 2nd time in 70s   UPI / 6:34PM NARITA, Japan, June 6 (UPI) -- Japanese skier Yuichiro Miura came home a hero after scaling the summit of Mount Everest for the second time in his 70s. Lauper wants 'music with energy again'   UPI / 11:14AM BOSTON, June 6 (UPI) -- American pop singer Cyndi Lauper says she just wanted to have fun -- and dance -- on her new album.

Wednesday, June 4 Jimmy Buffett relishes still being here   UPI / 4:15AM SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 3 (UPI) -- American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett wants the world to know he plans to keep the spirit of Margaritaville alive for the foreseeable future.

Monday, June 2 Rajasthan Royals win India's IPL title   UPI / 8:44AM MUMBAI, June 2 (UPI) -- The inaugural Indian Premier League cricket final was a thriller as the Rajasthan Royals hit the winning run on the last ball against the Chennai Super Kings.

Saturday, May 31 Dish Network sues TiVo   UPI / 11:44AM ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 31 (UPI) -- U.S. digital video company TiVo Inc. has responded to a suit filed against it by Dish Network Corp. in an ongoing battle over patent infringement.

Tuesday, May 27 Study: Video games might make you smarter   UPI / 12:24PM STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 27 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've determined video games that energize players and induce a positive mood might also enhance the players' creativity. China tourism hurt by quake   UPI / 1:15AM BEIJING, May 27 (UPI) -- China's tourism industry expects to take a big hit in the aftermath of the earthquake in China as trip cancellations to the affected regions mount.

Monday, May 26 Learn to cook or no sex, says chef Oliver   UPI / 1:16AM HAY-ON-WYE, Wales, May 25 (UPI) -- Jamie Oliver, author of "The Naked Chef," says British women should withhold sex from their husbands until their men agree to learn how to cook. Moby highlights Detroit techno festival   UPI / 1:16AM DETROIT, May 25 (UPI) -- Organizers of the Movement 08 techno music festival in Detroit said they were on pace Sunday to break an attendance record in the wake an appearance by Moby. 'High School Musical' actress engaged   UPI / 1:16AM SALT LAKE CITY, May 25 (UPI) -- KayCee Stroh, who plays pop-and-lock girl Martha in the American "High School Musical" television movie series, says she is engaged to be married. Rapper 'Slick Rick' enjoys new freedom   UPI / 1:16AM NEW YORK, May 25 (UPI) -- Rapper Ricky "Slick Rick" Walters was spending his first weekend as a pardoned man by keeping a busy concert schedule in Connecticut and Oregon, his wife said. Kelly trial testimony called sad, shocking   UPI / 1:16AM CHICAGO, May 25 (UPI) -- The Chicago trial of R&B performer R. Kelly on child pornography charges has so far featured alternately shocking and saddening testimony, observers say. Slavery opera restaged in South Carolina   UPI / 1:16AM CHARLESTON, S.C., May 25 (UPI) -- The opera "Amistad," a historical piece about the slave trade, made some white observers uncomfortable at its new South Carolina venue, its composer says. Celine Dion named biggest water user   UPI / 1:16AM JUPITER ISLAND, Fla., May 25 (UPI) -- Singer Celine Dion is the biggest water utility user along Florida's Treasure Coast, consuming 6.5 million gallons in a year, a newspaper reported Sunday. Military museums seek relevance in new age   UPI / 1:16AM WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- Military museums across the United States are suffering this Memorial Day weekend as they try to compete with high-tech entertainment options, experts say. Russia's Bilan takes Eurovision prize   UPI / 1:16AM BELGRADE, Serbia, May 25 (UPI) -- Russia was enjoying its first-ever win in the Eurovision Song Contest Sunday, with pop singer Dima Bilan taking the prize for his Timbaland-produced "Believe." Study: Rock music triggers bar brawls   UPI / 1:16AM GLASGOW, Scotland, May 25 (UPI) -- The Rolling Stones can trigger British bar brawls, while the tunes of Robbie Williams can calm drunken crowds, Scottish researchers say.

Saturday, May 24 Report: Cable TV prices up 77 percent   UPI / 9:05AM NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- The cable television industry is defending itself against a report showing prices consumers pay for cable TV have risen 77 percent since 1996.

Thursday, May 15 Asian antiquities expert dies in custody   UPI / 5:44PM SEATTLE, May 15 (UPI) -- Roxanna Brown, a renowned Asian antiquities expert linked to possible illegal trafficking in Southeast Asian art, has died in federal custody in Seattle.

Tuesday, May 13 Media affects women's body image -- badly   UPI / 2:10PM MADISON, Wis., May 13 (UPI) -- Exposure to media depicting ultra-thin actresses and models significantly increased women's concerns about their bodies, a U.S. review found.

Wednesday, May 7 TV's 'Talk Sex' to end after six seasons   UPI / 11:40AM NEW YORK, May 7 (UPI) -- "Talk Sex with Sue Johanson," the U.S. television call-in show, is set to end after six seasons, the Oxygen network announced.

Monday, May 5 Poll: U.S. consumers are cutting back   UPI / 8:10AM PRINCETON, N.J., May 5 (UPI) -- Rising costs are pressuring most U.S. citizens to spend less, a Gallup poll says.

Thursday, May 1 Abdul explains review confusion   UPI / 10:20AM LOS ANGELES, May 1 (UPI) -- "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul admitted on a U.S. radio program that she mistakenly reviewed a rehearsal, not a live performance on the TV talent show. Olympic flame to get high-tech protection   UPI / 1:40AM BEIJING, May 1 (UPI) -- China says high-tech technology will protect the Beijing Olympic flame from high winds and the oxygen-thin air as it is taken to the summit of Mount Everest.

Wednesday, April 30 Ronaldo linked to transvestites   UPI / 12:20AM RIO DE JANEIRO, April 30 (UPI) -- Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo has been implicated in a sex scandal involving three transvestite prostitutes, according to police officials.

Monday, April 28 Video games like Bookworm relieve stress   UPI / 7:30PM GREENVILLE, N.C., April 28 (UPI) -- "Casual" video games such as Bookworm, Bejeweled 2 and Peggle provide stress-relieving and other mood-lifting effects, a U.S. study found.

Thursday, April 24 Blockbuster tests in-store entertainment   UPI / 1:20PM DALLAS, April 24 (UPI) -- Blockbuster Inc. is experimenting with new formats for its U.S. stores, moving toward in-store entertainment, Chief Executive Officer Jim Keyes said.

Tuesday, April 22 China destroys porn, pirated DVDs   UPI / 9:36PM BEIJING, April 22 (UPI) -- Chinese officials say they are serious about clamping down on pornography and DVD piracy, destroying 47 million pieces this week.

Monday, April 21 Sony plans new role for PlayStation 3   UPI / 4:10PM LOS ANGELES, April 21 (UPI) -- Sony Corp. plans to unveil an online video service that would run through its blockbuster PlayStation 3, various sources said. Paramount group plans new TV movie channel   UPI / 2:10PM LOS ANGELES, April 21 (UPI) -- Paramount Pictures announced a joint venture to create a premium cable television channel that officials of the company said will compete with HBO and Showtime. Hamas opposes dance festival   UPI / 11:30AM RAMALLAH, West Bank, April 21 (UPI) -- A dance festival planned for the West Bank town of Ramallah has come under sharp criticism from leaders of the Hamas government.

Saturday, April 19 Simpsons return to Venezuelan TV   UPI / 11:17AM CARACAS, Venezuela, April 19 (UPI) -- Venezuela returned American cartoon favorite "The Simpsons" to the airwaves after removing the show due to content deemed inappropriate, federal officials said.

Friday, April 18 Reunited rockers promise to play the hits   UPI / 3:40PM LOS ANGELES, April 18 (UPI) -- Reunited U.S. rockers Stone Temple Pilots plan crowd-pleasing shows for their upcoming tour.

Wednesday, April 16 Tropicana gains debt extension   UPI / 8:37PM LAS VEGAS, April 16 (UPI) -- Tropicana Entertainment President Scott Butera says he has gained some breathing room as he tries to stave off U.S. bankruptcy.

Monday, April 14 Show manager accused of imprisoning women   UPI / 2:40PM APOPKA, Fla., April 14 (UPI) -- A reality TV show manager faces criminal charges for allegedly confining several women to a Florida home, despite their requests to leave, a network reported.

Friday, April 11 MySpace videos find a new platform   UPI / 9:40AM NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- ShineReveille International of Britain says it has signed a deal with News Corp. that allows MySpace videos to morph into television shows.

Monday, March 31 Fireworks injure Wrestlemania fans   UPI / 9:50PM ORLANDO, Fla., March 31 (UPI) -- At least 40 Wrestlemania fans were injured when fireworks and cables flew into the audience at the the Citrus Bowl stadium in Orlando, Fla., officials said.

Saturday, March 29 6th World Choir Games set for China   UPI / 1:51PM SHAOXING, China, March 29 (UPI) -- The sixth World Choir Games will be held in Shaoxing, China in 2010, members of the organizing committee have announced. Disneyland changes classic ride   UPI / 10:20AM ANAHEIM, Calif., March 29 (UPI) -- A preservation campaign has formed in response to Disneyland's decision to add famous characters to its "It's a Small World" ride in Anaheim, Calif.

Wednesday, March 26 Digital tunes swing to Amazon's influence   UPI / 3:00PM SEATTLE, March 26 (UPI) -- Amazon's MP3 music store has become the second largest in digital music sales, following Apple in selling songs without digital management protection. Slave girls endure piranhas and snakes   UPI / 10:02AM NAPLES, Italy, March 26 (UPI) -- Italian police freed two teenage Bulgarian girls from a circus where they were forced to swim in a tank of piranhas and allow snakes to crawl over them.

Saturday, March 22 Gibson sues MTV because of Guitar Hero   UPI / 12:50PM NASHVILLE, March 22 (UPI) -- Gibson Guitar is suing MTV Networks and Harmonix in federal court in Tennessee, claiming Guitar Hero games violate a patent, the guitar maker said Friday.

Friday, March 21 Ex-wife of French president to remarry   UPI / 5:36PM NEW YORK, March 21 (UPI) -- The former wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to remarry Sunday in New York.

Thursday, March 20 Russian city embracing English   UPI / 4:46PM ULYANOVSK, Russia, March 20 (UPI) -- Top officials of Russia's city of Ulyanovsk are going back to school to learn English to help international business relations.

Tuesday, March 18 Maradona, Bolivian president duel   UPI / 9:47PM LA PAZ, Bolivia, March 18 (UPI) -- Former Argentine soccer great Maradona and Bolivian President Evo Morales went head to head in a charity soccer event, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Monday, March 17 'Dog Whisperer' to tape 100th episode   UPI / 10:10PM BURBANK, Calif., March 17 (UPI) -- The National Geographic Channel is planning a special reunion to mark the 100th episode of its U.S. reality show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan."

Wednesday, March 12 Tribune Co. hires Abrams from XM   UPI / 9:10AM CHICAGO, March 12 (UPI) -- Media giant Tribune Co. in Chicago has hired the soul of satellite radio Lee Abrams as its first chief innovation officer, the company reported.

Friday, March 7 'Pal Joey' to be revived on Broadway   UPI / 8:41PM NEW YORK, March 7 (UPI) -- New York's Roundabout Theatre Company announced it is planning the first new Broadway revival of the musical "Pal Joey" in more than 30 years.

Wednesday, March 5 'Baby Mama' to open Tribeca film fest   UPI / 4:40PM NEW YORK, March 5 (UPI) -- The big-screen comedy "Baby Mama," written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Michael McCullers, is set to open New York's Tribeca Film Festival.

Monday, March 3 Van Halen tour dates postponed   UPI / 7:00PM LOS ANGELES, March 3 (UPI) -- Four upcoming dates on Van Halen's North American tour have been postponed because guitarist Eddie Van Halen is undergoing medical tests.

Thursday, February 28 ESPN hires Bob Knight as analyst   UPI / 8:21PM BRISTOL, Conn., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Recently retired Bob Knight, the winningest basketball coach in major college history, has joined ESPN as an analyst, the U.S. cable network announced Thursday. Victim sues over O.J. incident   UPI / 1:20AM SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The sports memorabilia collector allegedly robbed in Las Vegas by O.J. Simpson is suing his broker, claiming the incident was a media set-up.

Monday, February 25 Domino's among winners during big game   UPI / 5:20PM RESTON, Va., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Domino's Pizza reaped bigger gains online than two rivals during the biggest game of the football season, a digital statistics company reported Monday.

Friday, February 22 Report: Variety for sale   UPI / 1:01AM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Variety, a trade paper that has chronicled the U.S. and global entertainment industry for more than a century, is for sale, a published report said.

Thursday, February 21 Kinks leader's solo album gets personal   UPI / 7:30PM NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Veteran British rocker Ray Davies says his second solo album, "Working Man's Cafe," is more personal than his first. Page says she doesn't deserve Oscar   UPI / 7:00PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Canadian actress Ellen Page says she does not deserve to win an Academy Award at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. Birthday party inspired Ford's new earring   UPI / 6:30PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Harrison Ford credits singer Jimmy Buffett and late CBS newsman Ed Bradley for his decision to sport an earring.

Monday, February 18 Disney project moves to phase two   UPI / 12:10PM ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Construction at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Villas is moving to a much larger phase two, the company reported Monday. Moon to be eclipsed in prime time   UPI / 11:30AM SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Stargazers are getting ready for Wednesday evening's total eclipse of the moon, which will be visible over much of the United States.

Friday, February 15 Royalty idea plays to European musicians   UPI / 3:01PM BRUSSELS, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The European Commission said it intended to provide for aging musicians and singers by extending the period they receive royalties, it was reported Friday.

Wednesday, February 13 Chinese acrobats stranded in Texas   UPI / 1:50PM DALLAS, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A group of young Chinese acrobats is staying at homeless shelters in Dallas because the businessmen who brought them to the United States ran out of money.

Monday, February 11 Engine fire shuts down Disney World ride   UPI / 11:20AM ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The safari ride at Florida's Disney World was shut down for examination Monday after fire broke out in the engine of one of the transport vehicles.

Saturday, February 9 'No Country,' 'Juno' score WGA honors   UPI / 10:55PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- "No Country for Old Men" and "Juno" were the top winners of this year's Writers Guild of America Awards, the WGA announced Saturday.

Friday, February 8 Hilton: Rude suitors need not apply   UPI / 5:07PM LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Paris Hilton said when it comes to dating, rude guys and those with bad attitudes are just not hot. New Oprah store opens in Chicago   UPI / 3:30PM CHICAGO, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The Oprah Store, a new shop devoted to comfort and enlightenment -- two themes espoused on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" -- has opened in Chicago.

Thursday, February 7 Economic pinch is felt in high places   UPI / 6:40PM LAS VEGAS, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- October 2007 to February 2008 has not been the best of times for casinos and some of Las Vegas' richest citizens are feeling the economic pinch. Producer brings stars out for Franklin   UPI / 2:27PM NEW YORK, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Record producer Phil Ramone says this weekend's MusicCares tribute to Aretha Franklin in Los Angeles will give props to the Queen of Soul's celebrated career. Pilot accused in stolen artifact case   UPI / 11:30AM NEW YORK, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. Army helicopter pilot has been charged in New York with selling more than 80 stolen Egyptian artifacts.

Friday, February 1 NFL halts Super Bowl parties at churches   UPI / 1:00PM WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The National Football League has stopped churches from showing the Super Bowl on big-screen TVs, moving pass, punt and prayer parties to the homes of members.

Monday, January 28 Live 'High School Musical' shows abound   UPI / 1:00PM NEW YORK, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Theater and ice-dance productions of the U.S. "High School Musical" movie are being staged around the world, the Disney Theatrical Group has announced.

Thursday, January 17 BET founder apologizes to Obama   UPI / 9:51PM WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The founder of Black Entertainment Television apologized Thursday to U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama over comments he made this week.

Tuesday, January 15 Oprah, Discovery team up on new network   UPI / 2:51PM CHICAGO, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. television talk-show host Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications said they are joining forces to form OWN -- The Oprah Winfrey Network.

Friday, January 11 Paris court won't block Sarakozy book   UPI / 12:40PM PARIS, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- A French court has rejected an attempt to ban a new book that includes stinging comments about French President Nicolas Sarkozy made by his ex-wife.

Thursday, January 10 VW chief denies knowledge of bonus, dates   UPI / 9:26AM BRUNSWICK, Germany, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The head of Volkswagen told a German court he knew nothing about a reported scheme to provide union leaders with money and prostitutes.

Wednesday, January 9 Cowell promises better 'Idol' season   UPI / 3:50PM LONDON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Simon Cowell, "American Idol's" acerbic British judge, says the show's upcoming season will be "much, much better than its last."

Tuesday, January 8 Bulgaria investigates orphanage sex video   UPI / 1:30PM SOFIA, Bulgaria, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Bulgarian prosecutors said they opened an inquiry into a video displayed on the Internet allegedly showing orphans engaged in sex and violence. Parents of missing girl broker film deal   UPI / 12:10PM LONDON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann are brokering book, interview and movie deals to help pay for search costs.

Sunday, December 30 German Muslims protest TV incest plot   UPI / 7:30PM COLOGNE, Germany, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Some 20,000 Alevi Muslims took to the streets of Cologne, Germany, Sunday to protest a public television plotline depicting incest in an Alevi family. Sun TV Critic red inks 'The Wire' newsroom   UPI / 7:20PM BALTIMORE, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Baltimore Sun television critic David Zurawik Sunday slammed scenes from HBO's "The Wire," set in a thinly veiled mock-up of the newspaper's newsroom.

Saturday, December 29 Wal-mart closes online video service   UPI / 9:41AM BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S.-based retail giant Wal-Mart closed its online video download service less than a year after offering the media to consumers.

Friday, December 28 Study: Violent images promote violence   UPI / 9:40PM AMES, Iowa, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Exposure to violent images in media increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior, with violent video games a special concern, a U.S review found.

Monday, December 24 Pediatrician warns against violent toys   UPI / 11:44AM DALLAS, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Beware of toys with a social-emotional risk and avoid giving gifts with violent messages, a U.S. pediatrician advised.

Thursday, December 20 Zell takes over as Tribune boss   UPI / 4:30PM CHICAGO, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Outspoken billionaire Sam Zell took over the Tribune Company Thursday as chairman and chief executive of the newly private Chicago-based media conglomerate. Jury to Sopranos wannabe: Fuhgeddaboudit   UPI / 4:30PM TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A federal jury in Trenton, N.J. has decided an aspiring writer doesn't deserve to be paid for contributions he said he made to TV's "The Sopranos." People's Choice show gets a makeover   UPI / 2:00PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. singer and actress Queen Latifah is set to host the upcoming People's Choice Awards show, which is getting a new format for 2008.

Wednesday, December 19 Freeman, Nicholson comfortable aging   UPI / 5:56PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Actors Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson said that, for them, its not so bad being a senior citizen in Hollywood. Poll: Strike isn't affecting TV habits   UPI / 4:31PM NEW YORK, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A new poll suggests almost two-thirds of U.S. viewers don't support either side in the Writers Guild of America strike against TV networks and movie studios. Winehouse released on bail after arrest   UPI / 10:50AM LONDON, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- British singer Amy Winehouse has reportedly been released on bail after she was arrested in London on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Pitt considering role in Malick film   UPI / 10:06AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- After dropping out of the film "State of Play," Hollywood actor Brad Pitt is now in talks to star in Terrence Malick's big-screen drama "Tree of Life."

Tuesday, December 18 Actors shot by police while filming   UPI / 4:30PM LUANDA, Angola, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A film director in Angola says police shot and killed two actors filming a crime movie after mistaking the performers for real armed robbers. Report: Amy Winehouse arrested in London   UPI / 3:00PM LONDON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- British singer Amy Winehouse has been arrested in London on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, however, she has not been charged with any crime. Fans complain about 'X Factor' voting   UPI / 2:14PM LONDON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 viewers reportedly complained to Britain's Ofcom that they weren't able to get calls through to cast their votes for the "X Factor" finale.

Sunday, December 16 Celine Dion wraps up Las Vegas run   UPI / 7:35AM LAS VEGAS, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The final performance of chanteuse Celine Dion at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas brought celebrities and fans to the event.

Friday, December 14 Kidman awarded damages for Chanel story   UPI / 5:40PM LONDON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Australian actress Nicole Kidman has been awarded damages from a newspaper that wrongly reported she breached her contract with perfume-maker Chanel No. 5. Report: Princes check out erotic dancers   UPI / 5:30PM LONDON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- British Princes William and Harry reportedly checked out the erotic performers at the "Medium Rare" show in London during a recent night out on the town. Spears tops mag's worst-dressed list   UPI / 4:40PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- US Weekly has named troubled pop star Britney Spears as its worst dressed star of the year. WGA rallies planned in numerous cities   UPI / 4:30PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Film and television writers around the United States have been staging demonstrations to support striking Hollywood scribes. Google plans to open up for guest writers   UPI / 4:01PM NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Google, the Internet search service, plans to invite readers to write in an envisioned unedited, knowledge share-for-all. Will Smith's daughter appears in 'Legend'   UPI / 3:31PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Will Smith says he is proud of how seriously his seven-year-old daughter, Willow, took her work on their new film, "I Am Legend." Some late-night shows may be back soon   UPI / 2:50PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- TV insiders predict U.S. late-night talk show hosts will be back on the air by Jan. 7, regardless of whether the Writers Guild of America is still on strike. 'Enchanted,' 'Juno' win WFCC awards   UPI / 1:45PM NEW YORK, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The New York-based Women Film Critics Circle has announced a tie between "Away from Her" and "Talk to Me" for its 2007 best picture by a woman prize. Microsoft faces another European challenge   UPI / 9:50AM BRUSSELS, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Microsoft's bundling of its Web browser with its Windows operating system has triggered a new complaint before the European Commission at Brussels. Wii repeating huge holiday success   UPI / 9:15AM SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- One holiday season later, Nintendo's Wii is repeating its 2006 success and still is just as hard to find, a San Francisco report said.

Thursday, December 13 Nintendo Wii tops online shoppers' list   UPI / 2:40PM NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Nintendo Wii remained atop America's most wanted holiday gifts among online shoppers, according to a survey of 100 retail Web sites. Rooney stars in short film Oscar hopeful   UPI / 1:06PM HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood screen icon Mickey Rooney is the star of "The Yesterday Pool," a short film entered in the upcoming Oscar race. Madonna, Mellencamp head for Hall of Fame   UPI / 12:45PM NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Madonna, Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp, The Ventures and The Dave Clark Five were chosen to be inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Longoria and Parker: No trouble here   UPI / 11:40AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Eva Longoria and basketball star Tony Parker are refuting reports their marriage is on the rocks after Parker allegedly cheated on Longoria. 'Atonement' grabs 7 Golden Globe nods   UPI / 10:00AM HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- "Atonement" led the field with seven Golden Globe nominations when nods for the prizes were announced Thursday in Hollywood.

Wednesday, December 12 Groban's holiday CD holds at No. 1   UPI / 12:20PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Josh Groban's holiday CD "Noel" is No. 1 on the U.S. album charts for a third straight week. Mirren follows up 'Queen' with 'Treasure'   UPI / 12:10PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Nicolas Cage says he's pleased Helen Mirren chose to co-star with him in the Hollywood film "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" after winning her Oscar. Madonna not officially backing Clinton   UPI / 10:20AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Madonna is not formally backing U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, contrary to rumors and media reports claiming she has.

Tuesday, December 11 Alex Trebek suffers mild heart attack   UPI / 2:51PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. game-show host Alex Trebek suffered a minor heart attack in Los Angeles and been hospitalized, People.com reported Tuesday. Paris rescues injured 'Oompa Loompa'   UPI / 1:20PM MIAMI, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Paris Hilton is being credited with rescuing a performer dressed as an Oompa Loompa after he suffered a bad leg gash in a mishap at a crowded Miami nightclub. Noth still attracting attention for 'Sex'   UPI / 12:10PM NEW YORK, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- New York actor Chris Noth reportedly can't go very far without meeting people who want to discuss his "Sex and the City" character, Mr. Big. Services for rapper Pimp C Thursday   UPI / 11:30AM PORT ARTHUR, Texas, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Services for Chad Butler, the rapper known professionally as Pimp C, are set for Thursday in his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, his publicist said.

Sunday, December 9 TV dancing inspires injuries   UPI / 10:20AM LONDON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- British doctors say TV's "Strictly Come Dancing" is snapping tendons, twisting ankles and wrenching knees in fans who try the tricky routines.

Saturday, December 8 Vivica A. Fox pleads to DUI charge   UPI / 2:30PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Actress Vivica A. Fox was sentenced to three years' probation in California after pleading no contest to drunken driving, it was reported. Parents 'crazy' for Hannah Montana tickets   UPI / 11:06AM CHICAGO, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The price of tickets to see teen music sensation Hannah Montana is soaring despite the faltering U.S. economy.

Friday, December 7 Drowning Pool bassist has Bell's Palsy   UPI / 5:30PM DALLAS, Tenn., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. rock band Drowning Pool canceled the remaining dates on its "This Is For The Soldiers Tour" after its bassist was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Kid Rock copyright lawsuit dismissed   UPI / 4:00PM NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A Louisiana judge has dismissed a copyright infringement lawsuit brought against Kid Rock and three co-defendants by a New Orleans musician. Amy Winehouse happy about Grammy nods   UPI / 2:20PM LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Music producer Mark Ronson says British singer Amy Winehouse was happy to hear she was nominated for six Grammy Awards. Madonna sues NYC co-op board   UPI / 2:00PM NEW YORK, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. pop singer Madonna is suing the co-op board of her New York City apartment building because it won't allow her to buy her neighbor's flat. Mann, Dushku take on 'Thacker Case'   UPI / 1:50PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. actors Gabriel Mann and Eliza Dushku have signed on to star in the independent film "The Thacker Case," The Hollywood Reporter said Friday. 'Obstacle course' TV show in the works   UPI / 1:50PM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. reality TV series that would challenge 50 contestants to navigate the world's largest obstacle course for a $50,000 cash prize is in the works. Amalric to play baddie in Bond film   UPI / 11:30AM LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- French actor Mathieu Amalric says he will play James Bond's nemesis in the next 007 spy adventure, the BBC reported Friday. ABBA museum to open in Stockholm   UPI / 11:20AM STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A new $31 million museum dedicated to the Swedish pop music super-group ABBA is slated to open in Stockholm in June 2009.

Thursday, December 6 'Caddyshack' tournament a bust   UPI / 5:10PM CHICAGO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- An actress who played a supporting role in the comedy "Caddyshack" is in the midst of a legal mess over a failed charity golf tournament in Oak Brook, Ill. 'Seafarer' to open on Broadway   UPI / 5:10PM NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- After being moored for nearly three weeks due to the Broadway stagehand strike, Conor McPherson's new drama "The Seafarer" is set to officially open. Dow Jones CEO resigns before Murdoch era   UPI / 4:40PM NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Richard Zannino, chief executive officer of Dow Jones & Co., resigned Thursday, one week before Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. takes over. China delays U.S. film releases   UPI / 4:06PM BEIJING, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Authorities in China have prohibited the release of U.S. films for at least three, and possibly as long as six months. West, Winehouse lead the Grammy field   UPI / 1:31PM HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. hip-hop artist Kanye West and British soul singer Amy Winehouse racked up the most nods when Grammy Award nominations were announced Thursday. Keys' 'No One' still No. 1 on record chart   UPI / 11:50AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Alicia Keys' song "No One" is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart for a third week, Billboard.com reported Thursday. Spurlock searches for bin Laden in new doc   UPI / 11:30AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Rumors are circulating that U.S. documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock may have actually tracked down al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Winehouse seeks help for drug addiction   UPI / 10:40AM LONDON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse is reportedly getting help in her battle against drug addiction.

Wednesday, December 5 Nothing funny about Al Franken's campaign   UPI / 8:10AM SAINT PAUL, Minn., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Former "Saturday Night Live" cast-member and satirist Al Franken is trying to convince voters in Minnesota he is a serious contender for U.S. Senate.

Saturday, December 1 Leno refuses to pay non-striking staffers   UPI / 10:55AM LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- NBC laid off the Los Angeles staffers on "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" when its host refused to pay them, citing solidarity with the ongoing writers' strike. Hollywood writers strike goes on   UPI / 10:35AM NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Striking television and movie writers in the United States rejected the latest proposal by media executives without discussion, keeping many shows darkened.

Monday, November 26 Argentina will get its 'Spice'   UPI / 1:01AM LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Spice Girls have not canceled their upcoming concert in Argentina, contrary to Internet reports that they had called it off.

Sunday, November 25 Organist plays final Tabernacle refrain   UPI / 10:45PM SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- John Longhurst has played his final notes for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, after 30 years as its organist. Theater producers, stagehands resume talks   UPI / 4:00PM NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Stagehands and theater producers in New York resumed negotiations Sunday, seeking an end to the contract strike that has crippled Broadway since Nov. 10. NYC cracks down on underage celebrities   UPI / 12:40PM NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- New York's State Liquor Authority has warned it is monitoring nightclubs catering to underage pop icons.

Wednesday, November 21 Venezuelan lawmaker slaps reporter   UPI / 2:40PM CARACAS, Venezuela, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A Venezuelan lawmaker slapped a journalist on live television in a dispute about a story on her infant son's death, El Universal reported Wednesday.

Friday, November 16 Talks to resume in Hollywood strike   UPI / 11:40PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Negotiations are set to resume in the Writers Guild of America strike against Hollywood studios, producers and TV networks. Russell Simmons to host UNICEF event   UPI / 5:50PM NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons plans to kick off the holiday season by presiding over UNICEF's 2007 New York Snowflake Lighting. Politicians to join WGA picket lines   UPI / 5:30PM BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, plans to show his support for the Writers Guild of America by joining a picket line. Tim Burton to direct 3D films for Disney   UPI / 4:41PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Hollywood filmmaker Tim Burton is set to direct a pair of 3D movies for Walt Disney Studios, Variety.com reported Friday. Scripted award show telecasts in doubt   UPI / 1:50PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America strike could seriously impact upcoming U.S. awards show telecasts, most of which are scripted, Variety.com reported. Smith and Rogen team up for new comedy   UPI / 1:40PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- "Clerks" and "Dogma" filmmaker Kevin Smith and "Knocked Up" star Seth Rogen are uniting for a bawdy new big-screen comedy. Amy Winehouse's tour manager quits   UPI / 1:20PM LONDON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Amy Winehouse's tour manager has quit his job, claiming drugs he inhales unintentionally as a passenger on the British singer's bus are damaging his health. Paul McCartney pleased with 'Years' DVD   UPI / 12:01PM LONDON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- British pop icon Sir Paul McCartney was pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of material available for his new DVD, "The McCartney Years." Seal sends message to fans on new album   UPI / 11:50AM NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- British pop singer Seal says there's a strong message of empowerment conveyed in his new album, "System." Panettiere: Warrant is defensive behavior   UPI / 11:40AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. actress and activist Hayden Panettiere says a warrant issued for her arrest is an example of "defensive behavior" on the part of authorities in Japan. Sexy airline passenger poses for Playboy   UPI / 10:35AM CHICAGO, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The passenger who was nearly booted off a U.S. flight because her attire was too sexy has posed for a nude pictorial and video feature for Playboy.com. Actress is now Sarah Michelle Prinze   UPI / 10:00AM NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Sarah Michelle Gellar has taken the last name of her husband Freddie Prinze Jr. as a fifth wedding anniversary present.

Thursday, November 15 Oprah chooses 'Pillars' for book club   UPI / 6:30PM CHICAGO, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. television talk show host Oprah Winfrey has chosen Ken Follett's 1989 novel, "The Pillars of the Earth," as the next assignment for her book club. Lohan serves spends 84 minutes in jail   UPI / 6:10PM LYNWOOD, Calif., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan reported to jail in connection with her drunk driving case, but only stayed 84 minutes, TMZ.com reported Thursday. 9 million watched new SpongeBob TV movie   UPI / 6:10PM NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Nearly 9 million viewers tuned in to watch the new U.S. animated TV movie, "SpongeBob Atlantis SquarePantis" when it debuted Monday night, Nickelodeon said. Rumer Willis selected as Miss Golden Globe   UPI / 5:50PM HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Rumer Willis, the daughter of Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, has been named Miss Golden Globe and will assist in the upcoming awards ceremony. WGA strike won't halt Thanksgiving parade   UPI / 5:40PM NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Although the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is scripted, it won't be affected by the Writers Guild of America strike because the scribes are not WGA members. Winehouse concert draws hisses from fans   UPI / 1:20PM LONDON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Singer Amy Winehouse was booed by fans for a lackluster performance as she kicked off Stage versions of '30 Rock,' 'SNL' planned   UPI / 1:10PM NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Stage versions of "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live," popular TV shows shut down by the Writers Guild of America strike, are set to be performed in New York. 'Young & Restless' writers stay on strike   UPI / 12:50PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Striking writers who work for "The Young and the Restless" say reports they plan to cross Writers Guild of America picket lines and resume writing are untrue.

Wednesday, November 14 Munchkins to get star on Walk of Fame   UPI / 4:21PM PFLUGERVILLE, Texas, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The actors who played Munchkins in the 1939 film classic, "The Wizard of Oz," are getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jay-Z's 'American Gangster' No. 1 album   UPI / 12:40PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Rapper Jay-Z's latest album, "American Gangster," has debuted at the top of the U.S. album charts, Billboard.com reported Wednesday. Hemsworth, Collins to star in 'Star Trek'   UPI / 11:50AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. actors Chris Hemsworth and Clifton Collins Jr. have been hired for supporting roles in "Star Trek," the J.J. Abrams prequel that began shooting last week. WGA pickets on Wall Street   UPI / 11:40AM NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Striking members of the Writers Guild of America East picketed on Wall Street Tuesday, Variety.com said. People names Damon 'Sexiest Man Alive'   UPI / 10:50AM NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Matt Damon has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive -- an honor previously bestowed upon Damon's pals George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Tuesday, November 13 Rapper T.I. insists he is innocent   UPI / 5:35PM JONESBORO, Ga., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Rapper T.I. says he is innocent of the charges against him and grateful to the Georgia judge that placed him under house arrest instead of in jail. British writers support WGA strike   UPI / 5:10PM LONDON, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of Great Britain is throwing its support behind the striking Writers Guild of America, Variety.com reported. King loves new 'Mist' ending   UPI / 12:25PM NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. author Stephen King says he loves the new ending writer-director Frank Darabont came up with for his film adaptation of King's novella, "The Mist." WGA picketing with the stars   UPI / 11:10AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Dozens of U.S. television stars are planning to show their support for striking Writers Guild of America members by joining picket lines.

Sunday, November 11 Potter author's suit stuns fans   UPI / 10:10PM NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has sued to halt the release of a Harry Potter encyclopedia based on contributions to a fan Web site.

Friday, November 9 B'way stagehands set to strike   UPI / 11:00PM NEW YORK, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Broadway stagehands are set to go on strike, New York One reported Friday. British debate backing WGA strike   UPI / 4:10PM LONDON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- British entertainment industry players are quietly discussing how the Writers Guild of America strike impacts their operations, Variety.com reported Friday. Osmonds keep date with Oprah   UPI / 3:40PM CHICAGO, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A special appearance by the Osmond family on Oprah Winfrey's U.S. talk show turned into something of tribute to clan patriarch George Osmond, who died Tuesday. Amy Winehouse's hubby arrested   UPI / 3:20PM LONDON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The husband of British singer Amy Winehouse has been arrested in England in connection with an alleged scheme to fix a trial. ABC still planning to air 'Lost' episodes   UPI / 2:20PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- ABC still plans to kick off its fourth season of the hit supernatural drama, "Lost," in February, despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. DeGeneres will work through writers strike   UPI / 2:00PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Ellen DeGeneres is continuing work on her U.S. television talk-show, despite the current Writers Guild of America strike.

Thursday, November 8 Schwarzenegger not involved in WGA strike   UPI / 4:30PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Movie star-turned-California-governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, says he has not yet been approached to help resolve the Writers Guild of America strike. Rourke nabbed for DUI on a Vespa   UPI / 4:00PM MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke was arrested in Miami Beach Thursday morning for allegedly riding his Vespa while intoxicated. 12 considered for animated Oscar nods   UPI / 3:50PM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Twelve movies have been submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category of the 80th Academy Awards, it was announced Thursday. Snipes requests venue change for tax trial   UPI / 3:10PM OCALA, Fla., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes has requested a change of venue for his tax-evasion trial so he stands a better chance of getting a racially diverse jury.

Wednesday, November 7 Canadian writers support WGA   UPI / 6:20PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of Canada is showing its support for the Writers Guild of America, which is currently on strike, Variety.com said Wednesday. 'Office,' 'Housewives' shut down   UPI / 6:10PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America strike has shut down production on TV's "Desperate Housewives" and "The Office," the Los Angeles Times reported. No end in sight for WGA strike   UPI / 2:22PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Anxiety is rippling through the U.S. entertainment industry as it appears the Writers Guild of America strike could stretch into 2008. Doherty reps confirm drug relapse   UPI / 12:56PM LONDON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Representatives for Pete Doherty have confirmed the troubled British rock star suffered a relapse and used drugs last week, People.com reported Wednesday. Eagles perch atop the U.S. album chart   UPI / 12:10PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Eagles have landed at the top of the U.S. album chart with "Long Road Out of Eden," their first new studio disc in 28 years, Billboard.com reported. Avril Lavigne readies North American tour   UPI / 11:11AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Pop star Avril Lavigne is gearing up for a 2008 North American tour with special guests, Boys Like Girls, Live Nation announced. Meat Loaf cancels European tour   UPI / 10:51AM LONDON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. rock star Meat Loaf has canceled his European tour due to illness, but assures fans he has no immediate plans to retire, the BBC reported.

Tuesday, November 6 LaBeouf polite during Chicago arrest   UPI / 4:10PM CHICAGO, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf was polite and well-behaved during his recent arrest for trespassing at a Windy City Walgreens, police told the Chicago Tribune. Oprah partners with YouTube   UPI / 3:00PM NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Oprah Winfrey has partnered with YouTube on a channel that features authorized content from, and behind-the-scenes of, Winfrey's U.S. television show. Rosanne Cash to undergo brain surgery   UPI / 12:40PM NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash has canceled the four remaining dates on her "Black Cadillac: In Concert" tour so she can undergo brain surgery. WGA: Both sides want to resume talks   UPI / 11:06AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Both the Writers Guild of America and the studios and networks they are striking against reportedly want to resume talks to end the walkout that began Monday. Tripplehorn to play Jackie in 'Gardens'   UPI / 10:35AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Jeanne Tripplehorn has signed on to play former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis in HBO Films' "Grey Gardens." Roseanne Cash to undergo brain surgery   UPI / 10:10AM NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash has canceled the four remaining dates on her "Black Cadillac: In Concert" tour so she can undergo brain surgery.

Monday, November 5 Hollywood writers on strike   UPI / 2:01AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Hollywood writers went on strike Monday against producers, networks and studios, despite last-minute talks aimed at averting a walkout.

Saturday, November 3 iTunes offers direct-to-download movie   UPI / 1:20PM CUPERTINO, Calif., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Apple's first direct-to-download movie release will be available through the online iTunes Store later this month. Ex-manager: Britney forced me to sue   UPI / 11:30AM ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Britney Spears' former manager said he only filed suit against the U.S. pop music star in Florida as a last resort. Hollywood parade to feature Bob Barker   UPI / 10:22AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The city of Los Angeles has hired a private producer to revamp a holiday parade in Hollywood to keep the season's spirit alive despite rising costs.

Thursday, November 1 Rowling finishes first post-Potter book   UPI / 1:45PM LONDON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- British author J.K. Rowling has finished writing "The Tales of Beedle the Bard," a collection of fairy stories to remain unpublished, the Times of London said. 'Buffy' creator, star reunite for series   UPI / 1:35PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly" creator Joss Whedon has received a seven-episode commitment from Fox for his new sci-fi series "Dollhouse." Streep to portray Julia Child in film   UPI / 12:30PM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Actress Meryl Streep is set to play culinary icon Julia Child in Nora Ephron's screen adaptation of Julie Powell's book, "Julie & Julia," Variety.com said. Roberts, Owen to star in 'Duplicity'   UPI / 11:52AM LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- "Closer" co-stars Julia Roberts and Clive Owen are reuniting for the Hollywood film, "Duplicity," to be helmed by "Michael Clayton" director Tony Gilroy. MTV's Don Vito guilty of molesting girls   UPI / 11:06AM GOLDEN, Colo., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Vincent Margera, star of MTV's "Viva La Bam," threw himself on the floor of a Colorado courtroom and sobbed when he was found guilty of molesting two girls.

Wednesday, October 31 Elvis king of the top-earning dead celebs   UPI / 9:55PM NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley has topped Forbes' seventh annual list of Top-Earning Dead Celebrities, the magazine reported. Streisand to play Planet Hollywood opening   UPI / 12:55PM LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Barbra Streisand and award-winning comedian Jon Stewart are set to perform at the upcoming grand opening of Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. Country CDs debut at top of album chart   UPI / 12:45PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- For the first time, three country music CDs, led by Carrie Underwood's latest, have debuted at the top of the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. No significant progress in WGA talks   UPI / 10:50AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers have agreed to continue trying to hammer out a new contract.

Tuesday, October 30 Mekhi Phifer, fiancee welcome baby boy   UPI / 5:45PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Mekhi Phifer and his fiancee, Oni Souratha, are the excited new parents of a baby boy, People.com reported Tuesday. Penn, Ledger in talks for 'Tree'   UPI / 5:35PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Hollywood actors Heath Ledger and Sean Penn are considering roles in the big-screen drama, "Tree of Life," the Hollywood Reporter said. Laurie suffering from 'mild depression'   UPI / 5:20PM SYDNEY, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Award-winning British actor Hugh Laurie admits that playing his brilliant, ill-tempered character on television's "House" can be exhausting. Hepburn documents go to NY library   UPI / 11:12AM NEW YORK, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The estate of actress Katharine Hepburn has given the New York Public Library a treasure trove of letters, journals and photos chronicling her theater career. Stagehands, producers to meet next week   UPI / 10:32AM NEW YORK, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The New York stagehands working without a contract since July have agreed to resume negotiations with Broadway theater producers next week.

Monday, October 29 BBC Worldwide planning 30 more channels   UPI / 11:30AM LONDON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- BBC Worldwide is planning to establish 30 more channels internationally, Britain's daily the Guardian reported Monday. Slash tells all in new autobiography   UPI / 10:01AM EDMONTON, Alberta, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Los Angeles-based hard rocker Slash tells all in his new autobiography, "Slash." Backstreet Boys turn loss into gain   UPI / 9:51AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The American pop group Backstreet Boys considered the loss of a veteran member a challenge when making its new album.

Saturday, October 27 Spice Girls tired before they start   UPI / 1:15PM LONDON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Bickering has begun among the Spice Girls with just a month remaining before the launch of their $23 million sold-out world tour. DiCaprio obsessed with sex says Crowe   UPI / 11:35AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Australian actor Russel Crowe said in an interview that screen heart-throb Leonardo DiCaprio was a 18-year-old virgin fixated on sex. Vietnam sex video scandal leads to arrests   UPI / 9:11AM HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Four Vietnamese students were in custody Saturday accused of posting on the Internet a sex video clip showing a television actress and her boyfriend. WGA: AMPTP demands more rollbacks   UPI / 12:52AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The Writers Guild of America said Friday it had agreed to several contract proposals by producers, but said producers responded with new calls for rollbacks.

Friday, October 26 Stars line up for 10th annual 'DukesFest'   UPI / 6:00PM HAMPTON, Ga., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- All of the major stars of the classic 1980s TV show, "The Dukes of Hazzard," are planning to attend the 10th Annual DukesFest in Hampton, Ga., next summer. Brooke Smith checks into 'Grey's'   UPI / 4:05PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Actress Brooke Smith, a former guest star on the U.S. medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy," has signed on as a series regular, the Los Angeles Times said Friday. Valli rises to new album's challenge   UPI / 4:05PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. singing legend Frankie Valli enjoyed revisiting his past on his new album, "Romancing the '60s." Laurie leaves 'House,' goes home to UK   UPI / 1:00PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Actor Hugh Laurie is expected to be back on the set of his TV drama, "House," Monday after suddenly leaving Los Angeles and flying home to England.

Thursday, October 25 Harrelson, Stone to reunite in 'Pinkville'   UPI / 6:20PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson is reportedly reuniting with "Natural Born Killers" director Oliver Stone for the big-screen war drama, "Pinkville." Tenor Watson has emergency brain surgery   UPI / 5:50PM LONDON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- British opera singer Russell Watson has undergone emergency surgery to treat an aggressive brain tumor, Sky News reported Thursday. Eastwood scores new Cusack film   UPI / 5:25PM NEW YORK, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. filmmaker Clint Eastwood has composed the musical score for John Cusack's new big-screen drama, "Grace is Gone." Hopkins: Alec Baldwin is 'the best'   UPI / 1:35PM NEW YORK, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins says Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin is the "best, most generous guy" he has worked with in his storied career.

Wednesday, October 24 DJ Ed Lover gets community service   UPI / 5:40PM NEW YORK, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Ed Lover, a radio personality charged with punching a woman in the face at a New York nightclub in 2005, has pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge. Spears, Federline attend parenting class   UPI / 5:30PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. pop star Britney Spears and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, had their first Parenting Without Conflict class Wednesday, Usmagazine.com reported. Sandler donates $1M to Boys & Girls Club   UPI / 3:10PM MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Adam Sandler has pledged $1 million to the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, the Manchester Union-Leader reported Wednesday. Colbert could face FEC troubles   UPI / 2:20PM NEW YORK, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert's Doritos-sponsored run for the U.S. presidency could land him in hot water with the Federal Election Commission.

Tuesday, October 23 Soap star charged with assault after brawl   UPI / 6:40PM NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. soap opera star Nathaniel Marston has been charged with assault after a brawl that injured four people, including an officer, the New York Post reported. Hanks touts electric car on MySpace   UPI / 5:50PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Tom Hanks has posted a personal video on his MySpace profile to show his support for all-electric cars and to connect with his fans. Spears criticized by parenting monitor   UPI / 5:40PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The court-appointed monitor accompanying Britney Spears on visits with her kids has submitted a damaging report about the U.S. pop star's parenting skills. Leo, Bar end relationship   UPI / 3:40PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Israeli model Bar Rafaeli have parted ways after dating for more than a year, People.com reported Tuesday. Depeche Mode singer goes solo again   UPI / 12:20PM NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Dave Gahan of the British band Depeche Mode says his second solo album came as something of a surprise. Rocker has no problem getting personal   UPI / 12:20PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Los Angeles rocker Max Bemis maintains his autobiographical bent on the second album by his band Say Anything. Performer dies after freak jousting mishap   UPI / 12:10PM LONDON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A performer died after a splinter from a wood lance pierced his eye socket during a jousting re-enactment at Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire. Obama Gospel singer riles gay activists   UPI / 11:00AM CHICAGO, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Presidential hopeful Barack Obama says he disagrees with gospel singer Donnie McClurkin's anti-gay views but won't stop him from singing at a campaign event.

Monday, October 22 Stagehand union: The show may not go on   UPI / 12:20AM NEW YORK, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The union that represents most Broadway stagehands voted Sunday to give its leaders authority to call a strike.

Saturday, October 20 Film critic Roger Ebert wins Gotham Award   UPI / 11:45AM CHICAGO, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert is to receive the Gotham Award, a prize awarded to only one other film critic, The New Yorker's late Pauline Kael. J.K. Rowling: Dumbledore was gay   UPI / 7:20AM NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Author J.K. Rowling has confirmed what some Harry Potter fans have been speculating -- Hogwart's headmaster Albus Dumbledore was gay.

Friday, October 19 Hollywood writers authorize strike   UPI / 11:30PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Hollywood writers have voted to authorize a strike against studios, networks and producers if the two sides can't agree on a new contract. Coppola: De Niro, Pacino wasting talent   UPI / 2:06PM NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has blasted some of Hollywood's biggest screen actors for worrying more about their paychecks than making good movies. Woman accuses David Copperfield of rape   UPI / 12:51PM SEATTLE, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A Seattle woman has accused magician and illusionist David Copperfield of raping her in the Bahamas,

Thursday, October 18 FCC chief wants to loosen media ownerships   UPI / 2:50PM WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The chief U.S. media regulator wants to scrap a long-standing rule banning a company from owning both a newspaper and a broadcast outlet in the same city. Hasselhoff 'doing good' after relapse   UPI / 10:20AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor and TV personality David Hasselhoff says he is "doing good" after a recent alcohol relapse and subsequent hospitalization, People.com reported. 'Scrubs' star, wife expecting baby   UPI / 10:10AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor John C. McGinley and his wife, Nicole Kessler, are expecting their first child together, People.com has reported. Schreiber in talks to join 'Wolverine'   UPI / 9:40AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Liev Schreiber is in final talks to play a young version of William Stryker in the upcoming movie, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

Wednesday, October 17 Bloomberg offers to mediate B'Way talks   UPI / 6:20PM NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was reportedly rebuffed when he offered to mediate talks between Broadway stagehands, theater owners and producers. Hurley, hubby accused of penny-pinching   UPI / 6:00PM WINCHCOMBE, England, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar have not made an expected donation to the Gloucestershire parish where they were married earlier this year.

Tuesday, October 16 Clay Aiken to join 'Spamalot'   UPI / 5:50PM NEW YORK, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Former "American Idol" star Clay Aiken plans to join the Broadway cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" this winter. Spice Girls team up with Victoria's Secret   UPI / 10:50AM COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. lingerie giant Victoria's Secret will be the exclusive retailer of a Spice Girls greatest hits CD this holiday season, the Wall Street Journal said. Bratt to star in A&E pilot   UPI / 10:40AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Benjamin Bratt has signed on to star in "The Cleaner," a pilot for the A&E Network, the Hollywood Reporter said. Police cancel UK dates because of illness   UPI / 10:10AM LONDON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Sting's throat infection has caused The Police to cancel this week's reunion concerts in Manchester, England, the BBC reported.

Sunday, October 14 Prince William's girlfriend at Balmoral   UPI / 11:20AM ROYAL DEESIDE, Scotland, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- British royal watchers say Kate Middleton turned a corner in her romance with Prince William by being invited to hunt at Balmoral during the weekend. Britain readies for digital television   UPI / 11:00AM LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- British television has begun its five-year switch from analog to digital, The Telegraph reported Sunday. Rapper T.I. arrested on weapons charges   UPI / 10:50AM ATLANTA, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Federal agents in Atlanta Saturday arrested Clifford Harris, known professionally as rapper T.I., for accepting three machine guns and two silencers.

Saturday, October 13 Radiohead's new album free, some pay $200   UPI / 11:35AM LONDON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Radiohead fans paid up to $200 to download the bands' seventh studio album, "In Rainbows," from their Web site, despite it being available for free. The tragedy of 'King Lear' tickets   UPI / 10:50AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Tickets for Ian McKellan's U.S. performances of "King Lear" with the Royal Shakespeare Company are fetching record sums through online distributors.

Friday, October 12 Keys, Kanye West appear in Common video   UPI / 11:10PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. rap artist Common has lined up a list of luminaries for his new video, "I Want You," which was co-directed by Kerry Washington and Sanji Senaka. Orlando Bloom in minor car crash   UPI / 4:10PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- British actor Orlando Bloom was neither hurt nor intoxicated when he had a minor car collision in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles early Friday morning. Clarkson kicks off My December tour in NY   UPI / 3:10PM VERONA, N.Y., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Former "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson has kicked off her 26-city "My December" tour in Verona, N.Y. Search warrants served in Anna Nicole case   UPI / 1:10PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- California's Department of Justice began serving search warrants in connection with the death of Anna Nicole Smith, TMZ.com said Friday. Langella, Diaz to star in 'The Box'   UPI / 11:45AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Frank Langella is set to star in "The Box," a horror film based on Richard Matheson's short story, "Button, Button," Variety.com reported.

Thursday, October 11 Winehouse to perform at mtvU awards   UPI / 8:20PM NEW YORK, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- British soul singer Amy Winehouse plans to make a rare U.S. appearance at the upcoming mtvU Woodie Awards in New York. Gossip sued for posting Britney tracks   UPI / 8:00PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Zomba Recording has filed a federal lawsuit in Los Angeles, charging the proprietor of PerezHilton.com with illegally posting Britney Spears recordings. Photos capture alleged Bardem-Cruz romance   UPI / 1:10PM MADRID, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Spain's Hola magazine has published photos of stars Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz kissing passionately while on a trip to the Maldive Islands, EFE has said. Report: Pam Anderson 2 months pregnant   UPI / 11:10AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Hollywood sex symbol Pamela Anderson is two months pregnant with her new husband Rick Salomon's baby, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported.

Tuesday, October 9 Branagh back to acting in 'Valkyrie'   UPI / 6:25PM NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Northern Irish actor-filmmaker Kenneth Branagh says he loves directing, but every once in a while, it's nice to just be an actor on someone else's set. Costumes helped Abbie get into character   UPI / 2:45PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Australian actress Abbie Cornish says the period costumes she wore in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" helped her get into character. Diana inquest jury wraps up visit to Paris   UPI / 12:35PM PARIS, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The British jury hearing the inquest into the death of Princess Diana returned to England Tuesday after two days in Paris examining the fateful scene. Law, Branagh to reunite for 'Hamlet'   UPI / 12:00PM NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Jude Law says he is eager to tackle the role of Hamlet in an upcoming London stage production. Brothers Affleck to take 'Baby' to Chicago   UPI / 11:50AM CHICAGO, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- First-time director Ben Affleck and his actor brother, Casey, are bringing their new film, "Gone Baby Gone," to the 43rd Chicago International Film Festival.

Monday, October 8 Ving Rhames has got 'The Goods'   UPI / 2:14PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Hollywood actors Ving Rhames and David Koechner are teaming up to make the new big-screen comedy, "The Goods: The Don Ready Story." Diddy a daddy again with baby No. 6   UPI / 12:10PM NEW YORK, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs plans to develop a relationship with and take legal responsibility for his sixth child, the New York Daily News reported. Carvey's new comedy gig is on Web   UPI / 11:30AM LOS GATOS, Calif., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Dana Carvey offers witty commentary on 11 classic films in a new online comedy video, Netflix announced.

Sunday, October 7 Third time's a charm for Pam Anderson   UPI / 6:01PM LAS VEGAS, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- "Baywatch" beauty and one-time Playmate of the Year Pamela Anderson wed Rick Salomon, star of the notorious Paris Hilton sex tape, in Las Vegas Saturday. 'The Boondocks' launches season two   UPI / 11:01AM NEW YORK, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The animated series, "The Boondocks," offering a satirical commentary on black America, is slated for its second season this year.

Saturday, October 6 Janet Jackson touts weight-loss book   UPI / 1:55PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- It's not even published yet but Janet Jackson Friday touted her upcoming book about weight loss at a movie release in Los Angeles. Hollywood braces for writers strike   UPI / 10:35AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Writers and executives expressed strike concerns Saturday after contract negotiations between Hollywood producers and writers broke down in Los Angeles. Pop icons sympathetic for Britney Spears   UPI / 10:05AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. show business figures expressed sympathy Saturday for troubled singer Britney Spears after she lost custody of her children in a Los Angeles court.

Friday, October 5 Gandolfini has cameo in real court drama   UPI / 5:34PM NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Actor James Gandolfini was seated in the front row of a Brooklyn courtroom as a Long Island man sought to have his murder conviction overturned. Locals fear looting at 'Wild' site   UPI / 5:00PM ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Residents of Healy, Alaska, are worried that Sean Penn's new movie "Into the Wild" might bring thrill-seekers and looters to the area. Wilson attends LA 'Darjeeling' premiere   UPI / 2:11PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Owen Wilson attended the Los Angeles premiere of his new movie, "The Darjeeling Limited," Thursday night. 'Halo 3' has earned $300 million   UPI / 2:01PM REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Washington-based Microsoft says its "Halo 3" video game grossed more than $300 million worldwide the first week it was released, Variety.com reported Friday. Schwartzman bonded with Brody, Wilson   UPI / 1:31PM NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Jason Schwartzman says there was a definite fraternal bond among Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and himself on the set of "The Darjeeling Limited." New J.J. Abrams TV project in the works   UPI / 1:00PM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- "Lost" and "Alias" mastermind J.J. Abrams has helped pen the script for a new $10 million U.S. television pilot for Fox, Variety.com reported Friday. Hanson expected to make full recovery   UPI / 10:30AM DALLAS, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Isaac Hanson, the oldest member of the U.S. brother band Hanson, has undergone surgery for a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Thursday, October 4 Disney to open Hawaiian ressort   UPI / 10:01AM ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Walt Disney has announced plans to build an 800-room, oceanfront resort on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

Monday, October 1 Chile, Greece to get own 'Power of 10'   UPI / 5:05PM CULVER CITY, Calif., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Sony Pictures Television International has signed deals to create local versions of its hot new game show "Power of 10" in Australia, Chile, France and Greece. Urban has minor bike accident in Australia   UPI / 2:40PM SYDNEY, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Country music star Keith Urban says a photographer that was following him came to his aid after a minor motorcycle accident in Sydney, Australia, Monday. Still hot Spice Girls sell out London gig   UPI / 11:54AM LONDON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Tickets for an upcoming Spice Girls reunion concert in London have sold out less than a minute after they went on sale, the BBC reported Monday. Affleck: Lot riding on 'Gone Baby Gone'   UPI / 11:24AM LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Ben Affleck admits his new movie "Gone Baby Gone" could give a welcome boost to his career.

Saturday, September 29 Brooke says she's ready for child No. 3   UPI / 1:34PM HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Brooke Shields says she is ready and able to add another baby to her growing family. Oprah Winfrey easily TV's top earner   UPI / 12:50PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey dominated her top TV rivals during the last year, accounting for $260 million of the overall $723 million such stars earned.

Friday, September 28 Biel won't be playing Wonder Woman   UPI / 2:40PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Actress Jessica Biel has decided not to play Wonder Woman in an upcoming live-action version of "Justice League of America." 'Late Bloomers' is Swiss Oscar entry   UPI / 2:10PM ZURICH, Switzerland, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Switzerland has chosen "Late Bloomers," a comic ode to underwear, as its entry in the 2008 Oscars, swissinfo said Friday. Stars line up for Rome film fest   UPI / 12:50PM ROME, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Dozens of the world's most popular movie stars plan to travel to Italy next month for the second annual Rome Cinema Festival. Lee's 'Lust' gets NC-17 rating   UPI / 10:55AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. theaters are being encouraged to show Ang Lee's new erotic spy thriller, "Lust, Caution," even though it carries the dreaded NC-17 rating.

Thursday, September 27 Sixx CD is companion to memoir   UPI / 5:20PM NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Nikki Sixx's "The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star," has debuted at No. 7 on The New York Times non-fiction best seller list. Bono honored with Liberty Medal   UPI / 5:00PM PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Irish rocker Bono has been chosen to receive the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for his global humanitarian work. Vivica A. Fox pleads not guilty to DUI   UPI / 3:10PM VAN NUYS, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Vivica A. Fox has pleaded not guilty to two counts of drunken driving in a Van Nuys, Calif. courthouse, People.com reported Thursday. Ringo, Paul to appear at Liverpool events   UPI / 2:30PM LIVERPOOL, England, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have signed on to perform, separately, in Liverpool, England, as part of the city's Capital of Culture programs. Schwartzman breaks toes playing soccer   UPI / 2:20PM NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Jason Schwartzman appreciates the irony that he ran barefoot in India without incident for a film shoot, then came home and broke his toes. Soulja Boy reclaims No. 1 spot on charts   UPI / 12:30PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Soulja Boy's single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" has toppled Kanye West's "Stronger" from the No. 1 spot at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Pumpkins fan found unconscious, dies   UPI / 11:10AM VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- A 20-year-old man found unconscious at a Smashing Pumpkins rock concert in Vancouver has died, CanWest News reported Thursday.

Wednesday, September 26 Lopez stays mum on baby talk   UPI / 10:50AM NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Jennifer Lopez didn't put those baby rumors to rest when she kicked off her joint tour with husband Marc Anthony at a New York City public school Tuesday. Silverman: Spears jokes not meant to hurt   UPI / 10:40AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Comedian Sarah Silverman says she was surprised by the response her Britney Spears jokes got at the MTV Video Music Awards show in Las Vegas this month.

Tuesday, September 25 Reynolds, Bandit reunite for DIY program   UPI / 5:35PM KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Burt Reynolds is set to star in the five-part DIY Network reality program, "Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit," this fall. Eagles to land at CMA Awards   UPI / 5:10PM NASVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The Eagles are set to perform at The 41st Annual CMA Awards in Nashville this fall, marking the first time the band plays an awards show. Travolta wins supporting actor prize   UPI / 2:31PM HOLLYWOOD, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Organizers of the Hollywood Film Festival have named John Travolta the recipient of its Hollywood Supporting Actor of the Year Award. Spontaneity key for 'Regis and Kelly'   UPI / 2:10PM NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Kelly Ripa says her New York-based show "Live with Regis and Kelly" keeps the energy level high by not over-preparing before the cameras start rolling. Whoopi blasts anchors over mime report   UPI / 1:20PM NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. television personality Whoopi Goldberg blasted two ABC news anchors for the way they reported the death of French mime Marcel Marceau earlier this week. Kiefer Sutherland arrested for DUI   UPI / 10:40AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Television star Kiefer Sutherland was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in West Hollywood, Calif., early Tuesday morning.

Saturday, September 22 Seal, Klum pair up for 'Wedding Day'   UPI / 2:25PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Supermodel Heidi Klum and the British singer Seal are taking their romantic life to the airwaves with a new musical track called "Wedding Day."

Friday, September 21 'Fine Frenzy' to appear on 'CSI: NY'   UPI / 7:51PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Singer Alison Sudol, whose stage name is "A Fine Frenzy," is set to make her acting debut on the season opener of "CSI: NY," CBS said in Los Angeles Friday.

Thursday, September 20 Virgin America now offers music videos   UPI / 5:50PM SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Passengers flying on Virgin America now have an on-demand music video library to entertain them during flights. New Jay-Z album inspired by film   UPI / 5:30PM NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Jay-Z is working on a new album, inspired by the upcoming Hollywood film, "American Gangster." Basil, Manilow to stop by 'Singing Bee'   UPI / 4:40PM BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Toni Basil, the Village People and Barry Manilow are slated to appear on the new season of the U.S. reality show, "The Singing Bee," NBC announced. Kanye's 'Stronger' tops U.S. record charts   UPI / 2:15PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Kanye West's single, "Stronger," has topped the latest U.S. record charts, bumping Soulja Boy's "Crank That" out of the No. 1 spot it held last week. A-list actresses want to play 'The Women'   UPI / 11:06AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Veteran Hollywood actresses Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, Carrie Fisher and Joanna Gleason have joined the cast of the upcoming remake of "The Women." Great White manager to be paroled   UPI / 10:20AM WEST WARWICK, R.I., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The rock 'n' roll tour manager found guilty of starting one of the deadliest fires in Rhode Island history is expected to be paroled after 22 months in prison.

Wednesday, September 19 'ER' episodes may influence healthy habits   UPI / 11:30PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Southern California suggest that some TV viewing may influence healthy behaviors. Kelly hires Reba's manager hubby   UPI / 10:50PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson has hired the husband and manager of her real-life idol, Reba McEntire, to guide her career as well. Spears parties after ruling from judge   UPI / 5:10PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Shortly after a Los Angeles judge called Britney Spears a habitual user of alcohol and drugs, the pop singer was out club-hopping all night, a report said. Whoopi: Manilow will appear on 'The View'   UPI / 2:30PM NEW YORK, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Whoopi Goldberg says Barry Manilow is expected to appear on the New York-based show "The View" in the future -- and sit with panelist Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Jennifer Garner to star in 'Ghosts'   UPI / 1:40PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Jennifer Garner is planning to follow up her starring role in the Broadway production of "Cyrano" with an appearance in the film, "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past." 'Sex and the City' starts filming in NY   UPI / 1:11PM NEW YORK, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- "Sex and the City: The Movie" began shooting in New York Wednesday, reuniting the cast from the hit HBO comedy series. Pitt related to notorious Dalton gang   UPI / 1:01PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A descendent of notorious outlaw Jesse James claims actor Brad Pitt is related to the Dalton Gang which robbed its way across the U.S. west a century ago. Kanye beats 50 Cent for No. 1 charts slot   UPI / 12:31PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Kanye West's "Graduation" has beaten 50 Cent's "Curtis" in a highly publicized race to the top of the U.S. album charts. Pitt thinks Parker adoption a 'great idea'   UPI / 10:35AM NEW YORK, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Brad Pitt is applauding the decision of his co-star Mary-Louise Parker to adopt a baby girl from Africa.

Tuesday, September 18 Spector jury: We can't reach verdict   UPI / 6:20PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The jury in Phil Spector's Los Angeles murder trial believes it is deadlocked, Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said Tuesday afternoon. Madden, Richie planning to marry   UPI / 5:20PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. rocker Joel Madden says he plans to marry his pregnant girlfriend Nicole Richie. Realty TV producer defends 'Kid Nation'   UPI / 4:40PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Tom Foreman, the executive producer of the new U.S. reality TV show, "Kid Nation," says viewers will decide when a show goes too far. Barrymore, Lange to inhabit 'Grey Gardens'   UPI / 3:45PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- HBO Films is planning a dramatic movie based on the 1975 documentary, "Grey Gardens," and starring Hollywood actresses Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. Zoe Saldana cast in new 'Star Trek'   UPI / 3:45PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Zoe Saldana is reportedly the first woman cast in the upcoming "Star Trek" movie. Geddie: Barry doesn't call the shots   UPI / 2:10PM NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- "The View" producer Bill Geddie is standing by Elisabeth Hasselbeck in the wake of Barry Manilow's canceled appearance on the New York TV talk show. Britney Spears' manager, lawyer quit   UPI / 1:11PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Britney Spears' manager reportedly quit just hours after Spears' lawyer announced she had stopped representing the troubled U.S. pop star.

Monday, September 17 Mirren is 'Prime Suspect' for Emmy win   UPI / 1:50AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Helen Mirren earned the prize for best lead actress in a miniseries or movie at the 59th annual Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles Sunday. 'Sopranos' steals best drama Emmy   UPI / 12:25AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- "The Sopranos" was named best drama at the 59th annual Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles Sunday night. Beautiful night for Emmy winner Ferrera   UPI / 12:05AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- America Ferrera picked up the trophy for best lead actress in a comedy at the 59th annual Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles Sunday night.

Sunday, September 16 Field wins Emmy for 'Brothers & Sisters'   UPI / 11:35PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Sally Field won the prize for best lead actress in a drama series at the 59th annual Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles Sunday night. Heigl beats 'Grey's' co-stars for 1st Emmy   UPI / 11:12PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Katherine Heigl won the trophy for best supporting actress in a drama at the 59th annual Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles Sunday night. 'Lost' star Terry O'Quinn wins 1st Emmy   UPI / 9:21PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Terry O'Quinn of "Lost" took the prize for best supporting actor in a drama at the 59th annual Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles Sunday night. Piven wins supporting actor Emmy   UPI / 9:01PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Jeremy Piven was named best supporting actor in a comedy at the 59th annual Emmy Awards show in Los Angeles Sunday night.

Thursday, September 13 Rock: Spat with Lee was 'unavoidable'   UPI / 6:20PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Kid Rock says his altercation with Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas had been a long time coming, People.com reported Thursday. Woody brings third British film to Toronto   UPI / 6:00PM TORONTO, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- New York filmmaker Woody Allen -- who has made his last three films in England -- admits he doesn't know how to write dialogue real British people might say. Rachel Bilson to guest star on 'Chuck'   UPI / 5:40PM BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Rachel Bilson is set to guest-star as a potential love interest for the title character on the new comedy, "Chuck," NBC announced Thursday. 'Queer Eye' to shut after fifth season   UPI / 5:30PM NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The upcoming fifth season of the ground-breaking U.S. reality TV show, "Queer Eye," will be its last, Bravo has said in a statement. Hudgens cancels 'Tonight Show' appearance   UPI / 4:50PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Actress Vanessa Hudgens has canceled a planned appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in Los Angeles, People.com has reported. Remy Ma allegedly tampered with witness   UPI / 12:30PM NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- New Jersey hip-hop artist Remy Ma has been hit with witness-tampering and gang-assault charges connected to her alleged participation in a recent shooting.

Wednesday, September 12 Anderson staying out of Rock-Lee feud   UPI / 6:01PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Pamela Anderson is staying out of the feud that erupted into a Las Vegas brawl between her ex-husbands Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, People.com has said. Jersey Boys to honor 'Sopranos' at Emmys   UPI / 5:00PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The cast of the smash hit musical "Jersey Boys" will salute "The Sopranos" with a special live performance at Sunday's Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. 'Top Chef' star victim of gay-bashing   UPI / 2:10PM SEA CLIFF, N.Y., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A former contestant on Bravo's reality series, "Top Chef," was allegedly the victim of a gay-bashing incident in a posh section of Long Island, N.Y. Stewart to host 80th Oscar telecast   UPI / 2:01PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- "The Daily Show" star Jon Stewart has been tapped to present the 80th Academy Awards telecast in Los Angeles, producer Gil Cates announced Wednesday. Azaria to star in new Sorkin play on B'way   UPI / 1:00PM NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Hank Azaria has signed on to star in the world premiere of Aaron Sorkin's new play, "The Farnsworth Invention," on Broadway. 'High School Musical 2' still No. 1   UPI / 12:30PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The soundtrack for Disney's "High School Musical 2" remains No. 1 on U.S. album charts for the fourth consecutive week, Billboard.com reported Wednesday. Spears' hairdresser quit before VMAs   UPI / 11:10AM LAS VEGAS, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Britney Spears' hair looked so mangy at the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas because she had a spat with her hairdresser before the show.

Tuesday, September 11 Odds of Britney landing Vegas gig slim   UPI / 6:20PM LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Britney Spears' disastrous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards may have killed her chances of nabbing a headlining gig in Las Vegas. Sting, David Bowie back NY burlesque club   UPI / 6:20PM NEW YORK, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A Manhattan community board is poised to decide whether to approve a liquor license for a proposed celebrity-backed burlesque club, the New York Post said. Reese talks about split with Ryan   UPI / 2:10PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon was so overwhelmed by her break-up with Ryan Phillippe she almost couldn't get out of her car one day, People.com reported. Girls Gone Wild offers Hudgens $500K   UPI / 12:50PM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles-based company Girls Gone Wild says it is offering "High School Musical" actress Vanessa Hudgens $500,000 to star in a video and commercial. Theron: Hugs the key to working with Jones   UPI / 11:35AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Charlize Theron admits she was initially nervous about working with Tommy Lee Jones on their new film, "In the Valley of Elah."

Monday, September 10 Neck injury on roller coaster proves fatal   UPI / 1:10PM NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The results of an autopsy will determine whether a wrongful death suit is filed against the owners of Coney Island's Cyclone roller coaster.

Sunday, September 9 Aretha Franklin helps with King monument   UPI / 6:41PM NEW YORK, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Aretha Franklin will sing at the Dream Concert in New York to raise money for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s monument on the National Mall in Washington. Ticket scalping gives way to Web   UPI / 1:50AM WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Ticket scalpers, often shady characters who prowl outside arenas and stadiums, are being replaced by officially sanctioned Web-based resellers.

Friday, September 7 Hollywood to Thompson: We'll call you   UPI / 2:00AM LOS ANGELES, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., gained wealth in Hollywood as an actor but he may not raise much money there for his presidential campaign, a report said.

Friday, August 31 'Scissors' author calls settlement victory   UPI / 11:20AM CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The author of "Running with Scissors," says the legal settlement with the Massachusetts family who sued over the memoir was "a victory for all memoirists." NBC to end sale of shows on iTunes   UPI / 10:50AM NEW YORK, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- NBC Universal, citing an inability to strike a deal on pricing, said it opted not to renew its contract to sell downloads of its American TV shows on iTunes. Updated iPod expected soon   UPI / 9:01AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.'s chief executive, is expected to announce an updated iPod at an upcoming, secretive event, music industry sources say.

Thursday, August 30 Paisley, Strait grab 5 CMA nominations   UPI / 2:51PM NASHVILLE, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Brad Paisley and George Strait paced nominees Thursday with five nods each when the Country Music Association announced its award nominations in Nashville. Historic WB studio site up for sale   UPI / 12:50PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The former Warner Bros. Hollywood studio where the first talking motion picture was shot 80 years ago is up for sale. Book dedicated to Chelsea Clinton   UPI / 12:30PM NEW YORK, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- An ex-boyfriend of Chelsea Clinton dedicated his first book to her and got two thumbs up from her father, the former U.S. president. E! wins network airing of 'Knocked Up'   UPI / 11:50AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- E! Entertainment TV completed the biggest programming buy of its 17-year U.S. cable history, paying nearly $40 million for "Knocked Up" and other titles. Winehouse cancels MTV Awards appearance   UPI / 11:30AM LONDON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse has canceled another performance, this one at the annual MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas. Nokia to release digital music service   UPI / 11:10AM LONDON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Nokia has taken aim at Apple, even using same London backdrop to announce its own digital music store and mobile interface similar to i-products.

Wednesday, August 29 Braxton cancer-free and in 'great health'   UPI / 11:40AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Toni Braxton says she doesn't have breast cancer and is in "great health." Bo Diddley hospitalized for heart attack   UPI / 11:01AM GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Rock 'n' roll icon Bo Diddley was in stable condition at a Florida hospital after suffering a heart attack following a routine check-up, his publicist said. Chicago sax legend wins lifetime award   UPI / 11:01AM CHICAGO, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Tenor sax player Von Freeman was honored with the fifth annual Walter Dyett Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

Tuesday, August 28 Geena Davis sues over non-profit group   UPI / 9:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- "Thelma and Louise" star Geena Davis is suing two Minnesota residents she claimed presented her idea for a charitable foundation as their own. Paula Zahn writes of 'years-long' affair   UPI / 3:04PM NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- News reporter Paula Zahn, separated from her husband of 20 years, has been in a "years-long" relationship with a family friend, it was reported. Wilson's absence could affect film shoots   UPI / 12:00PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The production of two films in which Owen Wilson was cast was cloudy Tuesday as Wilson was being treated for undisclosed reasons in a Los Angeles hospital. Stone, studio nearing 'Pinkville' pact   UPI / 12:00PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Hollywood director Oliver Stone and United Artists reportedly are near agreement on financing "Pinkville," a drama about the My Lai massacre investigation.

Monday, August 27 Starbucks to promo films despite flops   UPI / 4:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Paramount Pictures Corp. executives will work with Starbucks Corp., even though the U.S. coffeehouse chain failed to draw many moviegoers to two recent films. Woman fumes against rap diva anger   UPI / 1:31PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Two bullet wounds cause a New York woman pain, but she says she's also hurt that a female rapper she considered a friend denied shooting her. Nokia brings back N-Gage 'taco' game phone   UPI / 12:40PM ESPOO, Finland, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Nokia Corp.'s failed N-Gage video game-cell phone hybrid is coming back as a multi-player gaming service tied to smartphones, the Finnish company says. MtvU names older poet as as first laureate   UPI / 12:30PM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The first poet laureate of MtvU, the MTV Networks subsidiary broadcast on U.S. college campuses, is an award-winning poet known for his post-modern style. 'South Park' creators strike rich deal   UPI / 11:51AM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- "South Park" creators raised eyebrows with their deal with their New York employer involving a 50-50 ad revenue split, unusual in the television industry. 'Spider Man' fan held in break-in   UPI / 11:10AM NEW YORK, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A "Spider-Man" fan charged with burglary says he knows nothing about a break-in at the New York City home of the actress who plays Spider Man's girlfriend.

Sunday, August 26 Severinsen plays final symphony date   UPI / 7:51PM LAS CRUCES, N.M., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The man once known as "the worlds greatest trumpet player," Doc Severinsen, has played his final show with a symphony orchestra in Las Cruces, N.M.

Thursday, August 23 Stars to descend on Toronto film fest   UPI / 1:30PM TORONTO, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Some of the biggest names in show business -- multiple Michaels and a jumble of Jennifers -- are on the guest list for next month's Toronto film festival. QB Brady, actress Moynahan have son   UPI / 12:00PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and actress Bridget Moynahan are the parents of a baby boy. Oprah opens yard, not home, to Obama event   UPI / 11:50AM SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Guests at an event for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama at Oprah Winfrey's California estate can't go into the house and will dine picnic style. 'Idol' alums reunite on soap opera   UPI / 9:51AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- "American Idol" finalists Elliott Yamin and Constantine Maroulis will share a stage in Los Angeles during an episode of CBS's "The Bold And The Beautiful."

Wednesday, August 22 Stones ignore smoking ban at concert   UPI / 3:24PM LONDON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Rolling Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood could face fines if they persist in smoking on stage in England, The Times of London said Wednesday. 'Transformers' to get IMAX treatment   UPI / 1:24PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- An IMAX version of the summer Hollywood blockbuster "Transformers" is slated to hit theaters next month. Jail time for pregnant Foxy Brown   UPI / 1:14PM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A New York judge has ordered pregnant rapper Foxy Brown to serve jail time for violating her probation, TMZ.com reported Wednesday. Underground Kingz top Billboard album list   UPI / 12:10PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The Underground Kingz have been crowned the new lords of the U.S. album charts, Billboard.com reported Wednesday. 'Heroes' star is young voter spokeswoman   UPI / 11:50AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Hayden Panettiere celebrated her 18th birthday by registering to vote through the Declare Yourself campaign's on-line registration process. Controversy brewing over 'Kid Nation'   UPI / 10:10AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Controversy is brewing over an upcoming CBS reality show that drops 40 children in a New Mexico desert for 40 days and challenges them to build a society. Giamatti plays villain in 'Shoot 'Em Up'   UPI / 9:50AM NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- "Sideways" star Paul Giamatti says he enjoyed being cast against type as a villain in the new Hollywood action thriller, "Shoot 'Em Up." New 'Oz' movie in the works   UPI / 9:10AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Hollywood is working on a dark new big-screen version of author L. Frank Baum's "Oz" fantasy books, Variety.com reported Wednesday. Mom-daughter Rivers team swept off carpet   UPI / 8:40AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Joey Fatone and Lisa Rinna will replace Joan and Melissa Rivers as TV Guide Network's red carpet interviewers,

Tuesday, August 21 Ticket sales up for Met performances   UPI / 1:00PM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- New York's famed Metropolitan Opera has set a record for opening-day ticket sales, selling more than $2.08 million in ducats for the upcoming season. 'Men in Trees' stars living together   UPI / 12:10PM WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- "Men in Trees" co-stars Anne Heche and James Tupper are living together in West Vancouver, British Columbia, People.com reported Tuesday. Doherty ducks drug charges on technicality   UPI / 11:14AM LONDON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The latest drug charges against British rocker Pete Doherty have been dropped due to a legal technicality, TMZ. com reported Tuesday. Concert coincided with Wood's exhibition   UPI / 10:24AM DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- British rocker Ronnie Wood recently played a concert in one part of Ireland, while his paintings were on exhibit in another, the Independent said Tuesday. ITV blasted for grisly entry on 'Talent'   UPI / 9:54AM LONDON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A British television channel has come under fire for allowing a magician named Dr. Gore to perform a mock autopsy on the hit show, "Britain's Got Talent." Garner to star in Broadway's 'Cyrano'   UPI / 9:34AM NEW YORK, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner has signed on to star opposite Kevin Kline in a Broadway revival of "Cyrano de Bergerac," Variety.com reported Tuesday. 'Idol' judge helps country star find soul   UPI / 9:20AM NASHVILLE, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Nashville star Travis Tritt credits soul great Sam Moore for hooking him up with "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson. New Orleans band goes hip-hop on new album   UPI / 9:00AM NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- New Orleans funksters Galactic take a hip-hop direction on their new album, "From the Corner to the Block."

Monday, August 20 Rialto Theater closes after 81 years   UPI / 3:40PM SOUTH PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The Rialto Theater, a beloved jazz-age movie house in South Pasadena, has closed its doors after 81 years, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Seacrest to host Emmy telecast   UPI / 2:34PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- "American Idol" emcee Ryan Seacrest has been selected to host next month's 59th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Variety.com reported Monday. 'Superhero' star to appear in 'Mega Snake'   UPI / 12:54PM NEW YORK, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The new U.S. superhero, Feedback, will have his first small-screen film adventure in the made-for-TV movie, "Mega Snake," the Sci Fi Channel has announced. Kidman, Fiennes sign on for 'The Reader'   UPI / 12:10PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Actors Nicole Kidman and Ralph Fiennes have signed on to star in "The Reader," the big-screen adaptation of Bernhard Schlink's best-seller. 'Vernonica Mars' star lands on 'Heroes'   UPI / 10:14AM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress and former "Veronica Mars" star Kristen Bell is set to appear on the NBC drama, "Heroes," next season, Variety.com said Monday. Garth to release new single and hits CD   UPI / 9:20AM NASHVILLE, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. country music star Garth Brooks is coming out of retirement to release a new single and greatest hits collection, People.com reported.

Thursday, August 16 The Boss, E Street Band making 'Magic'   UPI / 4:30PM NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- New Jersey's musical boss Bruce Springsteen's latest album with the E Street Band could be an enchanting experience with "Magic" as its title. 'Buffy' vampire to play detective   UPI / 2:41PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- James Marsters, known to U.S. audiences as Spike from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," will play a detective in a recurring part on the CBS hit "Without A Trace."

Tuesday, August 14 Actor Sarsgaard contracts Lyme disease   UPI / 4:20PM NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Actor Peter Sarsgaard returned to New York with Lyme disease he got on vacation with girlfriend Maggie Gyllenhaal and their daughter, Ramona, OK! reports. 'Today' about to get longer   UPI / 3:50PM NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- NBC News Tuesday said it would debut its four-hour long "Today" show on Sept. 10. Rentals use EP to preview new material   UPI / 9:44AM BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- California modern rockers the Rentals are giving fans a taste of their next album with their new EP. Great White enjoying 25th anniversary   UPI / 9:24AM PALM SPRINGS, Fla., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Los Angeles rockers Great White are celebrating the band's 25th anniversary with a reunion of the original lineup and a new album.

Friday, August 10 Merv Griffin reported in grave condition   UPI / 1:10PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Entertainment icon Merv Griffin reportedly is in grave condition after having been hospitalized in Los Angeles last month for a recurrence of prostate cancer.

Thursday, August 9 Stars go away during Walk of Fame rehab   UPI / 12:44PM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Construction along Hollywood's famed Vine Street has forced dozens of stars -- Walk of Fame markers anyway -- to go into seclusion during the rehab project.

Tuesday, August 7 Lopez acts in, produces 2 films   UPI / 2:50PM NEW YORK, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress and singer Jennifer Lopez says she is focusing her attention on making films that have something important to say.

Monday, August 6 Canine dock jumping champ killed by car   UPI / 5:40PM STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Kiki, a black Labrador retriever and world champion dock jumper, died last week after he was hit by a car in Stamford, Conn. He was 8.

Sunday, August 5 Teenager thrown from Coney Island ride   UPI / 11:20PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A 15-year-old girl was in stable condition after being thrown from a thrill ride at New York's Coney Island. Father, son killed on ride at Paris fair   UPI / 7:40PM PARIS, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A father and son were killed at a Paris fair this weekend when the amusement ride they were on malfunctioned. Tony Soprano's SUV on eBay   UPI / 3:40PM CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The SUV driven by Tony Soprano on HBO's "The Sopranos" is up for auction on the popular Internet auction service eBay.com for $30,000. Faith Brown collapses on stage in Scotland   UPI / 2:23PM EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- British comedian Faith Brown has cancelled "Faith Brown and her Boys in the Buff" at Edinburgh's Pleasance theater after collapsing onstage. Lindsay Lohan back in Long Island   UPI / 12:50PM LONG ISLAND, N.Y., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A recovering Lindsay Lohan has reportedly returned to Long Island, N.Y., to spend time with her family after a downward spiral in her acting career.

Saturday, August 4 Pop star Usher ties knot in small ceremony   UPI / 7:20PM ATLANTA, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. R&B/pop singer Usher and his pregnant fiancee, Tameka Foster, reportedly were married in a private ceremony in his attorney's Atlanta office. Teenager thrown from Coney Island ride   UPI / 6:10PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A 15-year-old girl was in stable condition after being thrown from a Coney Island thrill ride at the famed New York amusement park. Prices go up again at Walt Disney World   UPI / 4:30PM ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Folks who go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., will have to pay for a little more to feel the magic -- a record $71 for an adult ticket. 'Comic,' 'Talent' renewed by NBC   UPI / 4:13PM LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The solid ratings enjoyed by "Last Comic Standing" and "America's Got Talent" have earned both unscripted NBC series a renewal from the U.S. TV network. Sills a good mother even in death   UPI / 3:53PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The will of famed opera singer Beverly Sills, made public in New York, is directed at maintaining support for her disabled adult children. 'Bandstand' set to enjoy 50th anniversary   UPI / 3:33PM PHILADEPHIA, Pa., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The 50th anniversary of the iconic U.S. TV series "American Bandstand" takes place this weekend, but will do so with little fanfare or dancing. Home shopping networks to get makeover   UPI / 3:33PM PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Home shopping networks such as Pennsylvania-based QVC are set to revamp the industry by introducing musical acts and other entertainment content. Boomer Esiason named as Imus' successor   UPI / 2:33PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- New York's WFAN radio station has tabbed former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason to take over the position once held by controversial radio personality Don Imus. 'GMA's' Roberts has cancer surgery   UPI / 2:21PM NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Robin Roberts, co-host of the U.S. television program "Good Morning America," underwent a successful breast cancer operation this week, a spokeswoman said.

Thursday, August 2 Fourth, fifth 'Shrek' in the offing   UPI / 12:20PM HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Shrek, Fiona and other residents of the realm will return to U.S. theaters for a fourth installment of the lucrative "Shrek" franchise May 10, 2010.

Wednesday, August 1 Elton John says Internet bad for music   UPI / 6:40PM LONDON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The Internet is getting in the way of people creating good music, says British music icon Elton John, so maybe it should be shut down. Beckham a no-show for Dallas game   UPI / 4:50PM DALLAS, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- David Beckham, the injury-plagued superstar who was supposed to revive North American soccer, is proving to be more of an embarrassment so far. Keith Richards to write autobiography   UPI / 1:50PM NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Keith Richards, the British guitarist who helped write such hits as "Jumpin' Jack Flash," will find out whether it's a gas, gas, gas writing about his life. 'Now 25' still Billboard's No. 1 album   UPI / 12:20PM NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The "Now 25" hits compilation remained atop The Billboard 200 chart of U.S. album sales, fending off runs by the "Hairspray" soundtrack and Prince's new disc.

Tuesday, July 31 'GMA' co-anchor tells fans of her cancer   UPI / 4:40PM NEW YORK, July 31 (UPI) -- ABC's Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts told her U.S. fans, "I have breast cancer," and will undergo surgery and treatment in the coming months. People give 237 reasons for having sex   UPI / 1:20PM AUSTIN, Texas, July 31 (UPI) -- Most assume people have sex for pleasure or to reproduce, but a U.S. study found people give many reasons for having sex -- 237 reasons to be exact. Stones donate funds to crash victims   UPI / 12:20PM WARSAW, Poland, July 31 (UPI) -- The Rolling Stones donated a portion of the proceeds from band's concert in Warsaw in memory of the victims of a Polish bus crash, it was reported. Jay-Z seeks dismissal of wage suit   UPI / 11:30AM NEW YORK, July 31 (UPI) -- Hip-hop artist Jay-Z says a federal lawsuit for illegal wage practices at his New York club should be dismissed because he's not involved in daily operations.

Monday, July 30 High-buzz TV show pilots leaked online   UPI / 5:50PM NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- Some of this fall's big-buzz premieres for the U.S. networks are causing a big stir now because the pilots have been leaked online. ABC intern sparks Web site search   UPI / 1:20PM NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- ABC News in New York had to remind staff surfing adult Web sites should be avoided at work after rumors of an intern and nude photos on the Internet surfaced. New York aims to ban 'bitch,' 'ho'   UPI / 12:00PM NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- A New York City lawmaker is pushing to symbolically ban the words "bitch" and "ho" to discourage their use in rap and pop music and among young people.

Sunday, July 29 Broadway bids farewell to Belle and Beast   UPI / 7:51PM NEW YORK, July 29 (UPI) -- "Beauty and the Beast," the first of several Broadway musicals based on Walt Disney Co. properties, ends its 13-year run Sunday.

Friday, July 27 'Dark Horse' revived on MySpace   UPI / 9:10PM SAN DIEGO, July 27 (UPI) -- The comic book "Dark Horse Presents" came back to life Friday in a 21st century form young people gravitate toward -- MySpace, it was announced in San Diego.

Thursday, July 26 Report: Whoopi to join 'The View'   UPI / 11:10PM LOS ANGELES, July 26 (UPI) -- ABC is in final talks to add Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd to the cast of its daytime chat show, "The View," The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday. Stones play in Warsaw after 40 years   UPI / 2:00PM WARSAW, Poland, July 26 (UPI) -- About 40,000 fans of the Rolling Stones attended a concert at a horse track in Warsaw, 40 years after the group's first concert in the Polish capital. Mexico City to host MTV Latin awards   UPI / 1:40PM MEXICO CITY, July 26 (UPI) -- MTV's Latin America awards will be presented in Mexico for the second straight year. Ritchie to direct his 'Gamekeeper'   UPI / 11:40AM HOLLYWOOD, July 26 (UPI) -- Guy Ritchie plans to direct the Hollywood film version of his Virgin Comics series "The Gamekeeper," the first of the series to be developed as a feature. Alba reportedly ditches boyfriend by phone   UPI / 10:10AM LOS ANGELES, July 26 (UPI) -- Actress Jessica Alba, touring Europe to promote "Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer," reportedly dumped her boyfriend in an overseas phone call.

Wednesday, July 25 Aaron Sorkin to Return to Broadway   AP / 6:30PM NEW YORK (AP) -- Aaron Sorkin is trading the Sunset Strip for Broadway.

Monday, July 23 Reardon elected AFTRA president   UPI / 10:50AM PHILADELPHIA, July 23 (UPI) -- Delegates elected Roberta Reardon president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists during the union's convention in Philadelphia. 'Potter' sells 8.3 million in 1st 24 hours   UPI / 12:33AM NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- The new Harry Potter book sold 8.3 million copies in the United States during its first 24 hours on sale, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Sunday, July 22 Celebrities offer advice at teen expo   UPI / 11:21PM INDIANAPOLIS, July 22 (UPI) -- Celebrities offered teens advice on issues of crime and self-esteem at the Indiana Black Expo Holla Back Teen Forum in Indianapolis. Vt. town celebrates 'Simpsons' premiere   UPI / 11:11PM SPRINGFIELD, Vt., July 22 (UPI) -- Springfield, Vt., this weekend celebrated the upcoming premiere of "The Simpsons Movie." TV critics applaud NBC, 'Sopranos'   UPI / 10:51PM LOS ANGELES, July 22 (UPI) -- NBC and HBO's "The Sopranos" were the big winners at the Television Critics Awards in California, with NBC taking awards in four categories. Former actor is Iraqi hangman now   UPI / 10:41PM BAGHDAD, July 22 (UPI) -- Basam Ridha has gone from small roles in Hollywood to a major role in Iraq -- overseer of executions. Woman to be U.S. president -- on '24'   UPI / 10:41PM LOS ANGELES, July 22 (UPI) -- Actress Cherry Jones may play the next president on the hit U.S. television show "24." Facebook spawns new boy band   UPI / 10:31PM LONDON, July 22 (UPI) -- The social networking Web site Facebook has a new claim to fame -- the creation of its first "boy band," a British quartet of classical musicians. 'Gilmore's' Patterson to star in CW comedy   UPI / 10:31PM WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- Former "Gilmore Girls" actor Scott Patterson will play a father on the new U.S. television series "Aliens in America" on the CW network. Australian park named after 'Croc Hunter'   UPI / 9:10PM BRISBANE, Australia, July 22 (UPI) -- "Crocodile Hunter" star Steve Irwin, who died last year in a stingray attack, is being honored in Australia with a wildlife reserve named for him.

Saturday, July 21 NBC tries to hold on to Jay leno   UPI / 6:21PM NEW YORK, July 21 (UPI) -- The decision to have Conan O'Brien take over "The Tonight Show" in 2009 has U.S. TV network NBC wondering what to do with Jay Leno when he leaves the show.

Friday, July 20 Mail carrier asks for Potter books back   UPI / 8:41PM CHICAGO, July 20 (UPI) -- A Chicago-area mail carrier asked a woman on his route to return her copies of the new Harry Potter book, which he delivered before its official release. Randy Quaid to debut on Broadway   UPI / 8:10PM NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Academy Award nominee Randy Quaid will hit the boards on New York's Broadway when he debuts as the lead in the musical "Lone Star Love." Woman: 'NYPD Blue' star gave her herpes   UPI / 8:00PM LOS ANGELES, July 20 (UPI) -- A former girlfriend of "NYPD Blue" star Esai Morales claimed in a suit filed in Los Angeles the actor sexually assaulted her by giving her herpes. Brigitte Nielson checks into rehab   UPI / 7:40PM LOS ANGELES, July 20 (UPI) -- Movie and reality TV actress Brigitte Nielson has checked into a rehabilitation center in Los Angeles, her manager confirmed. Timberlake takes Southern barbecue to NYC   UPI / 3:30PM NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Tennessee native Justin Timberlake took some southern cooking to New York City with the opening of his restaurant, Southern Hospitality. Court denies bid to publish accuser's name   UPI / 2:50PM NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- A New York appeals court ruled an attorney can't publish the name of a 15-year-old girl who accused his client, Broadway actor James Barbour, of sexual abuse. Carey confirms 'Price is Right' talks   UPI / 12:20PM LOS ANGELES, July 20 (UPI) -- Actor-comedian Drew Carey confirmed he is in talks with CBS about his telling Los Angeles studio guests to "come on down" on "The Price is Right." Lohan formally booked for May DUI accident   UPI / 12:01PM BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 20 (UPI) -- Actress Lindsay Lohan was freed on $30,000 bond after being booked on misdemeanor charges stemming from an accident in May near a Hollywood club. BET Networks names three execs   UPI / 11:00AM NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- BET Networks, the leading U.S. provider of entertainment and news programming for the African-American audience, has named three new executives. Court Gags Broadway Beast Actor's Lawyer   AP / 10:30AM NEW YORK (AP) -- A lawyer for a Broadway actor accused of having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl may not publicize the teen's name in an effort to learn whether she has falsely accused anyone of molesting her, an appeals court ruled Thursday. Randy Quaid Stars in Broadway Musical   AP / 8:00AM NEW YORK (AP) -- Randy Quaid will make his Broadway musical comedy debut this season as Col. John Falstaff, a larger-than-life character in "Lone Star Love," a twangy, Wild West variation on Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor."