News
1. 6 years after her death, Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes' solo album is set for release
By Associated Press - October 15, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Recordings by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who died six years ago, will be released as a solo album on Nov. 11.The album features a collection of songs Lopes recorded but never released, family friend Jay Marose said Wednesday.Lopes, who was part of the hit '90s group TLC, was killed...
2. Lee Ann Womack returns to country charts after 3-year hiatus
By JOHN GEROME - October 15, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Lee Ann Womack's 2005 disc, "There's More Where That Came From," was arguably the best album of her career. It won her three Country Music Association awards, including album and single of the year, and was praised by critics for its deft take on classic country.But when...
3. Ryan O'Neal and his son, Redmond, charged with felony drug possession
By Associated Press - October 15, 2008
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) _ Ryan O'Neal and his son, Redmond, have been charged with possession of methamphetamine in Malibu, California. Both men are charged with felony drug possession, district attorney James Garrison said Wednesday. Redmond O'Neal, 23, also faces misdemeanor charges for possession of...
4. What _ me worry? MAD magazine to auction early works including covers of Alfred E. Neuman
By RICHARD PYLE - October 15, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Alfred E. Neuman, the grinning face with the flapping ears, has gazed out from the covers of MAD magazine for half a century — becoming such a familiar presence that Charles, Prince of Wales, may have felt it necessary to deny that he looked like him.The heir to the British...
5. Movie Review: 'Secret Life of Bees' adapted from beloved book with saccharine earnestness
By JAKE COYLE - October 15, 2008
"The Secret Life Of Bees" teases with talent. How can a movie populate a house with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson and NOT give us a song?Though the cast might suggest a musical, "The Secret Life of Bees" is an earnest, saccharine adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's best-selling 2002...
6. Movie Review: Happy is as happy does in the charmer 'Happy-Go-Lucky'
By CHRISTY LEMIRE - October 15, 2008
Poppy, the perpetually sunny heroine of "Happy-Go-Lucky," finds that her beloved bicycle has been stolen from outside a London bookstore at the film's start. Not only is she not angry when she makes this discovery, but rather she says to herself, wistfully and with a wry smile, that she never even...
7. In 'Clay,' Matt Sax portrays a troubled young man who finds solace in hip-hop
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA - October 15, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Can a nerdy white boy from the suburbs outrun family problems and find his place in life as a hip-hop artist?Such is the dilemma facing the young hero of "Clay," an entertaining, fast-paced, 80-minute hip-hop musical written by and starring Matt Sax in collaboration with director...
8. Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley are expecting their 2nd child
By Associated Press - October 15, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ A publicist for Brad Paisley says Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are expecting their second child.Spokeswoman Darlene Bieber didn't provide any other details Wednesday, but an announcement on Williams-Paisley's Web site says the 37-year-old actress is due...
9. Pavarotti exhibit opens in Rome as part of tributes marking first anniversary of tenor's death
By Associated Press - October 15, 2008
ROME (AP) _ An exhibition dedicated to Luciano Pavarotti opens Thursday in Rome as part of a series of tributes marking the first anniversary of the tenor's death.It recalls the opera star's career with costumes, music sheets and films, but also shows a slice of his personal life through...
10. George the First: Character actor Cromwell plays derisive dad as elder Bush in 'W.'
By DAVID GERMAIN - October 15, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ James Cromwell approached the role of President George H.W. Bush in Oliver Stone's "W." with one certainty: He would avoid the sort of caricature Dana Carvey embodied years ago when he did Bush on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."The lanky Cromwell had the height requirement but...
11. CNN will start Saturday night comedy show with D.L. Hughley on Oct. 25
By DAVID BAUDER - October 15, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ The latest entrant into the TV comedy business is ... CNN?The news network announced Wednesday that it's starting a show with comedian D.L. Hughley. Tentatively titled "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News," it will air live at 10 p.m. Saturdays and replay 24 hours later.The show will debut...
12. London Film Fest kicks off 2 weeks of movies with Ron Howard's political drama 'Frost/Nixon'
By JILL LAWLESS - October 15, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ The London Film Festival, an underdog among global movie showcases, was opening Wednesday with the world premiere of "Frost/Nixon," a film about a British contender taking on an American heavyweight.The Ron Howard-directed drama is based on Peter Morgan's stage play about the 1977 TV...
13. Author Gore Vidal fractured spine in recent fall, cancels Ohio appearance
BY HILLEL ITALIE - October 15, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Gore Vidal fractured his spine in a fall two weeks ago and canceled an appearance scheduled Thursday at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in Toledo, Ohio."I'm trying to grow a new vertebrae, which I believe tadpoles can do, but I'm not so sure about humans," the 83-year-old...
14. NY Historical Society offers similarities, contrasts in exhibit on iconic Civil War generals
By RICHARD PYLE - October 15, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee met face-to-face only twice — once toward the end of the war with Mexico in 1848, and 17 years later at Appomattox, where then-Union commander Grant accepted the surrender of Lee's battered Confederate army.But the lives of these two iconic...
15. 'Desperate Housewives' actor Gale Harold injured in motorcycle accident
By DERRIK J. LANG - October 15, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Gale Harold was in critical condition Wednesday after the "Desperate Housewives" actor crashed his motorcycle the day before, a hospital spokeswoman said.Harold was awaiting further tests at USC Medical Center, spokeswoman Adelaida De La Cerda said. She gave no further details on...
16. Doubt cast on claim of mob plot to kill author of 'Gomorra' expose of Camorra crime syndicate
By Associated Press - October 15, 2008
ROME (AP) _ An anti-mafia prosecutor investigating a reported mob death threat against a best-selling author said Wednesday that an informant now denies having claimed there was a plot.Journalist Roberto Saviano, author of the crime expose "Gomorra," however, took the report seriously enough to...
17. James Marsden: Happy to play quirky roles, but hasn't taken his eye off leading-man prize
By SANDY COHEN - October 15, 2008
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) _ Hollywood's leading men are usually perfect physical specimens. Those who aren't become character actors.Except James Marsden. He's pursued quirky characters despite his leading-man looks. Marsden is the guy on the sidelines, the goofy one who doesn't get the girl. So...
18. Courteney Cox and Demi Moore make their directorial debuts at Reel Moments event
By SANDY COHEN - October 15, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ When women make movies, Hollywood pays attention, as scores of A-listers turned out to see Demi Moore, Courteney Cox and screenwriter Kirsten "Kiwi" Smith make their directorial debuts.Jennifer Aniston, Lucy Liu, Sheryl Crow, Kirsten Dunst, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ashton Kutcher and...
19. Neal Hefti, trumpeter and composer of 'Batman' and 'Odd Couple' themes, dies at 85
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Neal Hefti, a Big Band trumpeter, arranger and composer of themes for the movie "The Odd Couple" and the "Batman" television series, has died. He was 85.Hefti died Saturday at his home, said his son Paul Hefti.Neal Hefti's notable achievements include the iconic theme of the...
20. British Library buys archive of letters, journals and diaries of late poet laureate Ted Hughes
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ The British Library said Wednesday it has bought a major archive of materials by poet Ted Hughes from the writer's estate for 500,000 pounds (US$880,000).The library said the 224 boxes and folders of manuscripts, letters, journals and personal diaries would be an invaluable resource...
21. Anne Hathaway's ex tells court honorable intentions belied dishonorable end
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Anne Hathaway's ex-boyfriend is asking a court to sentence him to three years in prison, rather than the more than four years he agreed to when he admitted scamming the Catholic Church.Raffaello Follieri's lawyer said in papers submitted to a Manhattan federal court Tuesday that the...
22. Lindsay Lohan's estranged dad takes on computer company exec in charity boxing match
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ He's taken his lumps in the tabloids; now he'll be ducking swings in the boxing ring.Michael Lohan, the estranged father of Lindsay Lohan, will face Bob Venero, the president of Future Tech Enterprise, in an upcoming charity boxing match.Organizers said Tuesday that Venero bid $...
23. At the Movies: capsule reviews of 'W.' and other films opening this week
By The Associated Press - October 14, 2008
Capsule reviews of films opening this week:"Happy-Go-Lucky" — Poppy, our perpetually sunny heroine, finds that her beloved bicycle has been stolen from outside a London bookstore at the film's start. Not only is she not angry when she makes this discovery, but rather she says to herself,...
24. Movie Review: No need to ask 'What Just Happened,' you've seen this Hollywood satire before
By CHRISTY LEMIRE - October 14, 2008
Hollywood is full of liars, back-stabbers, sycophants, would-be power players and rampant egomaniacs.And your point is ... what?In skewering the movie business, "What Just Happened" treads delicately and benignly on some pretty well-trampled territory, but offers no new insights. Bruce Willis, for...
25. Cryptic, interpretive drama 'A Body of Water' resounds long after it ends
By PETER SANTILLI - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Playwright Lee Blessing chose an unusual approach to storytelling in his cryptic, interpretive drama "A Body of Water."Rather than gradually reveal the details of his characters' history and present disposition, he instead cloaks them in a veil of ambiguity, refusing to disclose...
26. The film classic 'To Be or Not to Be' receives a wan, unnecessary stage adaptation
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ The fall theater season is still young, but Nick Whitby's "To Be or Not to Be" may turn out to be the most unnecessary Broadway production of the year.A wan if sporadically amusing adaptation of the classic Ernst Lubitsch film comedy, this lavish show, which opened Tuesday at the...
27. Mother-daughter Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson to star in 'A Little Night Music'
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson, mother and daughter, will play mother and daughter in a one-night concert version of "A Little Night Music," the Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical.Richardson will star as actress Desiree Armfeldt in the Roundabout Theatre Company benefit...
28. Aravind Adiga wins literature's Man Booker prize
By JILL LAWLESS - October 14, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Aravind Adiga won the prestigious Man Booker award Tuesday for his first novel "The White Tiger."Adiga won the $87,000 prize for his book about a protagonist who will use any means necessary to fulfill his dream of escaping impoverished village life for success in the big city.At 34,...
29. DJ AM to join Jay-Z on tour weeks after surviving a plane crash in South Carolina
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ DJ AM, who survived a plane crash last month in South Carolina, will appear on tour with Jay-Z.DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, will join the rap mogul Wednesday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, said Jenni Weinman, the celebrity disc jockey's publicist.It will be...
30. Tim McGraw upset by label's decision to release greatest hits package; label says his rep knew
By JOHN GEROME - October 14, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Tim McGraw says his record label, Curb Records, released a greatest hits package of his songs against his wishes and without his involvement.McGraw, 41, said in a statement Tuesday that he's been working on a new studio album for more than a year, playing some of the new...
31. Oh dear, this isn't my daddy's GOP: A Buckley leaves National Review after backing Obama
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ A week after endorsing Democrat Barack Obama for president, Christopher Buckley, a writer and son of William F. Buckley Jr., is leaving National Review, the conservative magazine founded by his father more than 50 years ago."Within hours of my endorsement appearing in The Daily...
32. Music Review: Nikka Costa deserves mainstream success with sparkling new CD
MESFIN FEKADU - October 14, 2008
Nikka Costa, "Pebble to a Pearl" (Stax Records)Will "Pebble to a Pearl" finally give Nikka Costa some mainstream success?The soulful singer released her first CD, "Everybody Got Their Something," seven years ago with Virgin Records, but despite the catchy title track, she didn't become the breakout...
33. San Francisco's Coltrane Church faces money and membership woes, but sees hope in the future
By JASON DEAREN - October 14, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ On Sundays, the sound of a saxophone marries murmuring voices and drifts out of Saint John Will-I-Am Coltrane Church.Two dozen or so parishioners arrive and wriggle into their seats as Archbishop Franzo Wayne King blows his horn in a soft, welcoming solo before the more...
34. Tina Fey doesn't know about another 'SNL' encore as Gov. Palin, but you betcha she's busy
By FRAZIER MOORE - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ It's the question dominating the political scene: When will Tina Fey be back on "Saturday Night Live"?"I don't know," Fey said.Over coffee Tuesday during a rare morning off from her NBC sitcom, "30 Rock," Fey noted that "SNL" will be on live this Saturday, as well as airing a 9:30...
35. Lisa Marie Presley names her newborn twin daughters Finley and Harper
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Lisa Marie Presley has named her newborn twin daughters Finley and Harper.A publicist for the 40-year-old singer confirmed the names Tuesday, a week after Presley, who lives in the Los Angeles area, gave birth by Caesarean section.Presley is the daughter of Elvis Presley and is...
36. Officials says filming of John Travolta movie suspended in tough Paris suburb as cars burned
By PIERRE-YVES ROGER - October 14, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ A John Travolta movie has suspended plans to film in one of the Paris area's toughest housing projects after 10 cars to be used in the movie were burned, the production company and local officials said Tuesday.Filming of the action movie "From Paris With Love" has been in progress for...
37. ABBA member gets 'money, money money' back from Swedish taxman
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) _ A former member of ABBA can cash in 85 million kronor (US$12 million) after winning a court case against the national tax authority.Bjorn Ulvaeus' legal adviser says a court approved his appeal against a decision to increase the amount of his income it considered...
38. Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Eagles lead the nominees for 2008 American Music Awards
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Alicia Keys had a leading five nominations for the 2008 American Music Awards, including artist of the year and favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories.Coldplay and the Eagles had four nominations each, while Chris Brown and Lil Wayne received three...
39. Actress Maggie Q says Asians have tough time getting good roles in Hollywood
By MIN LEE - October 14, 2008
HONG KONG (AP) _ Despite landing roles alongside Tom Cruise and Bruce Willis, Maggie Q says Asian actors still have a hard time getting good roles in Hollywood movies.The 29-year-old actress, whose full name is Maggie Quigley, told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday that 90 percent of the...
40. Rolling Stone ends large format after 4 decades; standard size could boost sales
By ANICK JESDANUN - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Rolling Stone magazine is shrinking with the times.After more than four decades of standing out with a larger format than other magazines, it will step back and look like everyone else starting with the Oct. 30 issue, due out this week.The adoption of a standard format could boost...
41. Kim'
By FRAZIER MOORE - October 14, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Picking a daughter is a difficult task. It's especially tough when the daughter is Kim, a Doritos-scarfing princess of suburbia who's tethered by co-dependency (and an ampersand) to her mom Kath on the new NBC comedy "Kath & Kim."Molly Shannon was a shoo-in to play 40-ish...
42. Reports: Staff who worked for David and Victoria Beckham arrested over alleged thefts
By Associated Press - October 14, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ British newspapers are reporting that two people who worked for David Beckham and his wife were arrested after some of the couple's possessions were spotted on an Internet auction site.Both the tabloid Sun and the Daily Mirror say in Tuesday's editions that two housekeepers at the...
43. Josh Brolin's turn as President Bush the latest surge on march to stardom
By DAVID GERMAIN - October 14, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Once Josh Brolin found a fresh source of income outside Hollywood, his acting career took off.Brolin spent nearly two decades toiling in mostly forgettable roles until he sold his family ranch and became an active stock and real-estate investor, the income freeing him from taking...
44. Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr tells fans to stop sending him letters
By GREGORY KATZ - October 14, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Ringo Starr doesn't want to hear from you. If you do write, your letter will end up in the trash. After 45 years of stardom, he doesn't want to spend any more time answering mail or sending signed photos back to fans. The fan fatigue led the former Beatles drummer to post a sometimes...
45. Performance rights group honors Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire at country awards show
By Associated Press - October 13, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Alan Jackson won songwriter/artist of the year honors for his hits "A Woman's Love" and "Small Town Southern Man" during the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers country awards Monday.Other big winners were Dave Berg, songwriter of the year, and Rachel...
46. New Bond girl rose to prominence from provincial Ukrainian town
By MARIA DANILOVA - October 13, 2008
BERDYANSK, Ukraine (AP) _ Olga Kurylenko, the model and actress who stars in the upcoming James Bond movie, began acting by playing Santa Claus' young wife in a school play in her Ukrainian hometown.Teachers remember Kurylenko, the 28-year-old brunette who charms 007 in "Quantum of Solace," for the...
47. Dennis Hopper named a commander in the French Legion of Honor at ceremony in Paris
By Associated Press - October 13, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ Dennis Hopper has been named a commander in the French Legion of Honor.The 72-year-old actor was visibly moved as he received France's most prestigious prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday.The Cinematique Francaise in Paris is opening an exhibit on Hopper this week that will run...
48. Spielberg heads home to Universal for DreamWorks distribution after Paramount split
By DAVID GERMAIN - October 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks studio has signed on with Universal Pictures to distribute its films as his company parts ways with Paramount.Under the seven-year deal, Universal will distribute up to six DreamWorks movies a year domestically and overseas, except for India,...
49. Jonas Brothers to perform during Cowboys' annual Thanksgiving game, launch Red Kettle drive
By Associated Press - October 13, 2008
IRVING, Texas (AP) _ The Jonas Brothers will perform during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys' nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game against the Seattle Seahawks.The band will officially kick off the 2008 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas campaign at the November 27 contest. The fundraising...
50. Gimme shelter: Tate Modern installation turns gallery into refuge from apocalyptic London
By JILL LAWLESS - October 13, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Visitors to the Tate Modern gallery are about to face an apocalyptic vision of London partly inspired by the World War II Blitz and the July 7, 2005 transit bombings.French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster has transformed the gallery's vast Turbine Hall into a shelter for residents...
51. London's St. Pancras Station axes artwork depicting passenger falling to death under train
By JILL LAWLESS - October 13, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ The sculpture shows a man about to fall under a subway car driven by a Grim Reaper figure.Its creator says it was meant as a tribute to train drivers and the risks they face. But the work's planned home, a London railway station, said Monday it had canceled plans to put it on display...
52. Oliver Stone shows surprising restraint with 'W.,' casting Bush as flawed, tragic figure
By DAVID GERMAIN - October 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Oliver Stone thinks George W. Bush was unqualified to be president. However, the filmmaker found him an irresistible figure for drama.After months of speculation over whether Stone's film biography would be a hatchet job on Bush, "W." arrives as a surprisingly empathetic —...
53. William Claxton, photographer of music, Hollywood and fashion stars, dies in Calif. at 80
By Associated Press - October 12, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ William Claxton, a celebrated photographer who worked with such entertainers as Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra and who helped establish the organization that runs the Grammy Awards, has died. He was 80.Claxton died Saturday at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of...
54. Campbell Scott portrays an unscrupulous journalist on a quest for fame in 'The Atheist'
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA - October 12, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ As journalists go, Augustine Early is an unrepentant reprobate, a bottom-feeder who ferociously chases celebrity, particularly if it means the advancement of his own career.By all rights, he should be the kind of guy you would hate to spend time with, but in "The Atheist," Ronan...
55. 42 British writers use satire, essays, fiction to protest terror detention proposal
By NANCY ZUCKERBROD - October 12, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Dozens of renowned British writers came out against new anti-terrorism legislation Sunday, publishing a collection of satire, essays, fiction and poetry to protest a proposal allowing police to hold suspects without charge for up to 42 days.Forty-two authors including Monica Ali,...
56. At Jack Kerouac's Orlando home, emerging writers find inspiration, solace in old neighborhood
By SARAH LARIMER - October 11, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) _ This city in a region of mouse ears and outlet malls was once home to Jack Kerouac, and it may be incubating a successor.Five decades ago, the Beat Generation author wrote "The Dharma Bums" in 11 days in a small, tin-roofed house near downtown Orlando and received the first...
57. Angelina Jolie: Obama win would be nice for family, but issues more important than background
By Associated Press - October 11, 2008
BERLIN (AP) _ Angelina Jolie isn't giving away who she's backing in the U.S. presidential election, but she does have good things to say about Barack Obama.The actress and activist tells the German edition of Vanity Fair that the Democratic contender for president comes down on the same side of...
58. Singer Lisa Marie Presley gives birth to twin girls; babies happy, healthy, publicist says
By Associated Press - October 11, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Lisa Marie Presley is a mom again. A publicist says the 40-year-old singer gave birth Tuesday to twin girls, whose names were not released. One baby weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces and the other came in at 5 pounds and 2 ounces.A statement released Saturday says Presley gave birth by...
59. Publication of 'Jewel of Medina' delayed in UK after firebombing of publisher's office, home
By GREGORY KATZ - October 11, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ A British company has delayed publication of a controversial novel about one of the Prophet Muhammad's wives after its offices were fire-bombed, a magazine reported Saturday.The Bookseller magazine said on its Web site that Gibson Square publishing has decided to postpone the...
60. Automakers put products in TV shows' starring roles as a way to boost interest in key vehicles
By BREE FOWLER - October 11, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ In this fall's TV season, a secret agent speeds around in a Chevrolet Camaro, a man tries to save the world with the help of a Dodge Ram pickup, and a famous talking car returns to the streets in the form of a Ford Mustang.With auto sales at 15-year lows and traditional TV...
61. Academy Award winner Tim Robbins praised at unveiling of star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Tim Robbins is known in Hollywood as an Academy Award-winning actor, director, activist and hockey fanatic. On Friday, he added comedian to his repertoire while getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame."I used to take the bus from here to Burbank to go to work," he recalled. "...
62. Cloris Leachman says she's thrilled to be grand marshal of 120th Tournament of Roses
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) _ Cloris Leachman has been chosen as grand marshal for next year's Rose Parade.The actress, who has an Oscar and eight Emmys, will head the 120th Tournament of Roses on Jan. 1 in Pasadena. The parade's theme is "Hats Off to Entertainment."The 82-year-old "Dancing With the...
63. Photographer suing Keanu Reeves wants word 'paparazzo' banned during upcoming trial
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A celebrity photographer wants to make "paparazzo" a four-letter word during his upcoming civil trial against Keanu Reeves.Attorneys for Alison Silva contend the words "paparazzo" and "paparazzi" are derogatory and would unfairly prejudice jurors against him. Silva is suing...
64. Stage and soap actress Eileen Herlie of 'All My Children,' dies at 90
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA - October 10, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Eileen Herlie, a stage and TV actress who appeared on "All My Children" for more than three decades as the motherly Myrtle Fargate, has died at 90.Herlie died Wednesday of pneumonia, said Julie Hanan Carruthers, the ABC soap opera's executive producer.The actress joined the...
65. Call him mellow, gray: Donovan releases autobiographical DVD, plans album, tour
By MICHAEL HILL - October 10, 2008
WOODSTOCK, N.Y. (AP) _ Standing in the rain wasn't going to dampen Donovan's spirits.He had come to a field in this Catskills arts colony to be photographed, looking every bit the '60s troubadour of "Mellow Yellow" fame with a calf-length, black velveteen coat and long graying curls. The...
66. Rocker Meat Loaf hospitalized in London for 3 days; reason for hospitalization not disclosed
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ A publicist for Meat Loaf says the 57-year-old rocker was hospitalized in London for three days following an awards ceremony earlier this week.Publicist Kirt Webster says Meat Loaf was admitted to a private hospital in central London on Monday, immediately after winning Q Magazine's "...
67. Drummer of heavy-metal band Metallica to sell painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat at NYC auction
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Lars Ulrich, songwriter and drummer for the heavy-metal band Metallica, is selling a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting from his art collection that could set a new auction record for the artist, Christie's said Friday."Untitled (Boxer)" was painted in 1982 by Basquiat, a graffiti artist...
68. Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee moderates debate for Puero Rico governor candidates
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) _ Tom Brokaw, Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifill — and Daddy Yankee?The 31-year-old reggaeton star shed his trademark sunglasses to help moderate a televised debate Thursday among candidates for governor of Puerto Rico, in an effort to lure young voters to the polls Nov. 4.The...
69. Nobel literature jury suspects leak after surprising number of bettors chose Le Clezio
By Associated Press - October 10, 2008
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) _ A surprising number of bettors correctly chose French writer Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio to win the 2008 Nobel Prize for literature — leading the Nobel prize jury to suspect a leak.The annual Nobel selection by the Swedish Academy is notoriously hard to guess, but...
70. Brad Pitt draws raves as first 'Make It Right' homes completed in hurricane-hit New Orleans
By STACEY PLAISANCE - October 10, 2008
NEW ORLEANS (AP) _ The first homes in Brad Pitt's Make It Right rebuilding project are complete, and some three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, 68-year-old grandmother Gloria Guy was on hand to give the actor a big hug.Pitt, his partner Angelina Jolie and their family of six...
71. Judge orders Redmond O'Neal into detox weeks after he and his father arrested at Malibu home
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A judge has ordered the 23-year-old son of actor Ryan O'Neal back to rehab weeks after he and his father were arrested on suspicion of drug possession.Redmond O'Neal appeared in a Malibu courtroom Wednesday on a probation violation for a previous drug conviction.Judge Scott...
72. CNN to give $100,000 prize to 'hero' on second Thanksgiving night special
By DAVID BAUDER - October 9, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ A woman who moved to Louisiana to help Hurricane Katrina survivors, a marathon runner who gets homeless people on their feet and several community organizers will be honored by CNN in its second Thanksgiving night "heroes" special.The awards show, unusual for a cable news network,...
73. Brinkley divorce saga heats up again; she wants kids shielded from ex's '20/20' interview
By FRANK ELTMAN - October 9, 2008
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (AP) _ The highly public divorce battle between Christie Brinkley and her ex-husband may be settled, but the couple's bitter dispute is heating up again.Brinkley asked a Suffolk County court to shield the couple's two children from a televised interview, scheduled to air Friday on...
74. Lindsay Lohan asks judge to bar cameras from upcoming deposition in Sam Ronson legal fight
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY - October 9, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Lindsay Lohan doesn't want to be on camera, at least not when she's giving a deposition. Lawyers for Lohan filed a motion on Wednesday seeking a judge's order barring any filming of the actress' upcoming deposition in a case filed by gal pal Samantha Ronson. She also doesn't...
75. Correction: King Tut Reprise story
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
DALLAS (AP) _ In an Oct. 6 story about an exhibit of artifacts related to King Tut, The Associated Press erroneously reported that four of the items — a necklace, a bracelet and two nested miniature coffins — were part of a previous tour. All four are new to the current tour.
76. Christian family drama 'Fireproof' has unexpected success, makes top 10 for 2 weeks in a row
By KATE BRUMBACK - October 9, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) _ When brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick were looking for inspiration for their third feature-length film, they turned to God for help."To be honest, I prayed about it," Alex Kendrick said. "I said, 'God, would you give me an idea that will impact all of our culture.'"While he was out...
77. Reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee to moderate debate for Puerto Rico governor candidates
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) _ Tom Brokaw, Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifill — and Daddy Yankee?The 31-year-old reggaeton star is taking a turn as moderator of a debate Thursday among candidates for governor of Puerto Rico in an effort to lure young voters to the polls on Nov. 4.The artist, whose real...
78. Slash to play at Rock Hall tribute to electric guitar pioneer Les Paul
By JOE MILICIA - October 9, 2008
CLEVELAND (AP) _ Slash couldn't miss a chance to pay tribute to his own guitar hero, Les Paul.The former Guns N' Roses guitarist signed up to play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's tribute concert Nov. 15 without even hearing who he'd be playing with on stage."I'm just coming with my guitar,"...
79. NYC park art installation of lights will monitor visitors' heartbeats
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Here's an art exhibit that could really get your pulse racing.Madison Square Park, located near the famous Flatiron building in Manhattan, is installing an interactive light installation by Mexican artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.Sensors on two sculptures will transmit visitors' heart...
80. Red Army Faction founder's daughter, victim criticize new film on German terror group
By PATRICK McGROARTY - October 9, 2008
BERLIN (AP) _ A new film devoted to the violent career of the Red Army Faction has drawn sharp criticism from both the daughter of one of the left-wing German terrorist group's leaders and the daughter of a prominent victim."The Baader Meinhof Complex," directed by Uli Edel and produced by Bernd...
81. 5 buildings in Manhattan's historic Tin Pan Alley are up for sale; asking price is $44 million
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Tin Pan Alley, the home of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and other great American songwriters, is up for sale.Five buildings on West 28th Street in Manhattan's Chelsea district are being offered as a group for $44 million. A listing on real estate Web site Loopnet recommends that...
82. Exhibit of John Lennon's doodles and drawings called 'Imagine Peace' opens in Manhattan
By Associated Press - October 9, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ When it comes to members of the Beatles, even doodles are a treasure.John Lennon's doodles and drawings — some erotic — will be on display at a downtown Manhattan gallery starting Thursday evening, on what would have been Lennon's 68th birthday.More than 100 Lennon works...
83. Oliver Platt will star in the 2009 Broadway revival of 'Guys and Dolls'
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Broadway has found its Nathan Detroit for the upcoming revival of "Guys and Dolls" — Oliver Platt.Platt will portray the unapologetic gambler in the classic Frank Loesser musical that will open March 1 at the Nederlander Theatre, producer Howard Panter announced Wednesday. The...
84. Woman accused of stalking Cusack accepts plea deal; ordered to keep away from him for decade
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A woman accused of stalking John Cusack accepted a plea deal Friday that will allow her to avoid state prison.Emily Leatherman pleaded no contest to a felony count of stalking Cusack. A judge immediately sentenced her to five years' probation and mandatory psychiatric counseling....
85. Recording company sues rapper Lil' Kim in NYC, claiming breach of contract
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ A recording company has sued Lil' Kim for $2.5 million, saying the Grammy-winning rapper hasn't delivered all the recordings their contract requires.Brookland Media filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Manhattan's state Supreme Court. Lil' Kim's lawyer, Londell McMillan, says Brookland sued...
86. Your movie ad here: Academy overseers vote to allow studio spots during Oscar broadcast
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Hollywood's biggest annual advertisement for itself — the Academy Awards broadcast — now can carry commercials for movies themselves.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences board voted to allow commercials for movies to air on the Oscar telecast for the first...
87. Tonys announce the Isabelle Stevenson Award for philanthropic efforts
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ The 2009 Tony Awards will include a new honor, the Isabelle Stevenson Award, to be given to a member of the theater community for philanthropic efforts.The award, named after the former president of the American Theatre Wing, will go to a person "who has made a substantial...
88. Appeals court hears arguments over portrait auctioned by Nazis; RI woman claims ownership
By ERIC TUCKER - October 8, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A lawyer asked a federal appeals court Wednesday to overturn a decision forcing a woman to surrender a portrait to the estate of a late Jewish art dealer who fled the Nazis seven decades ago.A judge in December ordered Maria-Luise Bissonnette, a German baroness now living in...
89. Actor Ron Silver tells British lawmakers that presidential election may imitate 'West Wing'
By JILL LAWLESS - October 8, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Does life imitate "The West Wing"?Ron Silver, who played a political strategist on the Emmy-winning drama series, said parallels with the 2008 U.S. presidential race "are kind of spooky in a way.""But they are very understandable because a lot of people who were writing for 'The West...
90. 'NHL 09' first star in hockey video games; 'NHL 2K9' making strides
By MICHAEL FELBERBAUM - October 8, 2008
In the world of sports video games, not much can really change year to year. The game at its core is the same, but it's what video-game developers add that makes it worth spending the cash.Such is the case with season's National Hockey League video games: "NHL 09" from EA Sports and "NHL 2K9" from...
91. So far, this year's presidential debates lack the memorable lines of the past
By DAVID BAUDER - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Late in their debate, Sarah Palin looked over at Joe Biden and channeled the memory of Ronald Reagan's famed putdown of Jimmy Carter in 1980. "There you go again," she said.Well, governor, we knew Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was a friend of ours. And, governor, you're no Ronald...
92. How Billy Graham became Billy Graham, told through eyes of a friend in Robby Benson film
By MARTHA WAGGONER - October 8, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ Robby Benson knows how it sounds. But his reason for making a movie about the life of a young Billy Graham, the director says, is simple: "I wanted to make a movie about goodness.""Billy: The Early Years" focuses on Graham's life as a teenager growing up on a dairy farm in...
93. Foo Fighters tell McCain campaign to stop using their song 'My Hero' during campaign rallies
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Yet another band is complaining about John McCain's use of their song to promote his campaign. This time, it's the Foo Fighters.The rockers sent out a missive telling the Republican presidential candidate to stop using "My Hero." They said they learned it was being use through news...
94. Friends of DJ AM announce benefit concert to welcome him home after surviving plane crash
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Friends of DJ AM are throwing a party to welcome the celebrity disc jockey home after he survived a fiery plane crash last month in South Carolina.Mark Ronson, Cut Chemist, Steve Aoki and other AM pals will perform at the event, which will be held Tuesday night at the Avalon...
95. 'Opus,' 'Bloom County' creator Berkeley Breathed to retire from funnies after 30 years
By NAFEESA SYEED - October 8, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkeley Breathed is retiring, leaving a hole in Sunday comics pages after nearly 30 years because he wants to save his strip's main character, Opus, from being dragged down in the current political climate.The last strip of "Opus," the beloved,...
96. My Morning Jacket singer Jim James released from hospital after fall at Iowa concert
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) _ My Morning Jacket singer-guitarist Jim James has been released from the hospital after being injured in a fall during a concert at the University of Iowa.A Cedar Rapids newspaper reported that James slipped and fell about 30 minutes into the show Tuesday night. The Gazette...
97. Superman's dad dies again _ this time in the comic book
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Superman's dad has died again.DC Comics has killed off Clark Kent's Earth father with a heart attack. In Action Comics ‥870, out Wednesday, Superman can't hear his mom's cries for help in time to save Jonathan Kent.The TV Jonathan — played by John Schneider — died...
98. More doctors smoke Camels? Exhibit on heyday of cigarette advertising opens at NYC library
By KAREN MATTHEWS - October 8, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ A phalanx of white-coated doctors endorses Camel cigarettes in an exhibit that opened this week at the New York Public Library.Movie stars and baseball greats are there, too, in tobacco ads dating from the 1920s to the 1950s. Even Santa Claus is there, puffing on a Pall Mall.The...
99. Linkin Park cancels China tour after lead singer suffers back injury
By Associated Press - October 8, 2008
BEIJING (AP) _ Linkin Park is canceling its China tour because lead singer Chester Bennington has suffered a back injury.The band didn't say Tuesday how Bennington suffered the injury.A statement posted on Linkin Park's official Web site said the band was canceling shows scheduled for October in...
100. Travis Barker says he's 'thankful to be alive' after surviving South Carolina jet crash
By Associated Press - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who always has been afraid of flying, says he's glad to be alive after suffering severe burns in a fiery plane crash last month."I hate planes," Barker said in an interview with Us Weekly magazine. "My biggest fear ever is to be involved in a...
101. 'Happy-Go-Lucky' could extend filmmaker Leigh's Oscar touch for lead actress Hawkins
By DAVID GERMAIN - October 7, 2008
TORONTO (AP) _ Director Mike Leigh has a knack for putting relatively unknown British actresses into Academy Awards contention, as he did with "Secrets & Lies" and "Vera Drake."His latest find is Sally Hawkins, who co-starred in "Vera Drake" and Leigh's "All or Nothing" and now delivers an...
102. Bill Murray looks to reinvigorate career after painful divorce, starting with 'City of Ember'
By JAKE COYLE - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ The deadpan and depressed characters Bill Murray has specialized in portraying as an actor in recent years have always stood in contrast to the life-of-the-party guy he is in real life — whether on a golf course or shuttling people around downtown Stockholm in a golf cart, as...
103. Firefighters: Nick Nolte scrapes arm, inhales smoke as he escapes from burning home in Malibu
By Associated Press - October 7, 2008
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) _ Actor Nick Nolte jumped out a window and used a hose to fight a fire that broke out in his Malibu home Tuesday, authorities said.The 67-year-old actor scraped his arm and inhaled some smoke but was not hospitalized, said Los Angeles County fire Inspector Sam Padilla."He is...
104. After getting much needed life experience, Maxwell returns after 7-year recording break
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ It's hardly unusual for a singer to drop off the musical map. Declining album sales, drug habits, legal woes and other dramas have landed a multitude of chart-toppers on the "Whatever Happened To ..." list.Yet it is unusual to find someone who voluntarily takes a break from the...
105. Dead Man Talking: Vampires and ghosts have a lot to say this Halloween
By MELISSA RAYWORTH - October 7, 2008
The dead used to be a world away, far beyond the realm of mortal existence. If they walked the Earth at all, they inhabited the night.But the coffins and long black capes are gone. The destructive haunting is over. And forget about menacing the living — these days, the dead are just like...
106. New release highlights the Clash at defunct Shea Stadium, a baseball stadium with musical past
By DAVID BAUDER - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Now that Shea Stadium is closed for business, New York Mets fans are able to buy mementos from the venue that housed the 1969 "Miracle Mets" and an improbable 1986 World Series comeback.Shea had a rich musical history, too, and one of those memories is now for sale: a recording of...
107. Lawyer: David Duchovny has completed sex addiction rehab, will be starting movie soon
By Associated Press - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ An attorney for David Duchovny says the actor has checked out of a rehabilitation facility for treatment of sex addiction.Duchovny, who plays a sex-obsessed character on Showtime's "Californication," voluntarily entered the facility in late August.Says lawyer Stanton Stein: "David...
108. Artist distributes 'Zero Dollar' in front of NYSE to call attention to crisis in markets
By Associated Press - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ With the financial meltdown leaving many Americans wondering what a dollar is worth, one New York City artist has an answer — zero.Painter and printmaker Laura Gilbert is passing out signed and numbered prints of the "Zero Dollar," which looks like a dollar bill except it has...
109. Halle Berry talks about being named Esquire's 'sexiest woman alive'
By Associated Press - October 7, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Alongside a photo spread that shows her in little more than a T-shirt, Halle Berry talks about being the sexiest woman alive, a title Esquire magazine gives her in its November issue."I don't know exactly what it means, but being 42 and having just had a baby, I think I'll take...
110. Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda among those celebrating women in Hollywood
By SANDY COHEN - October 7, 2008
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) _ In the year of "Sex and the City," perhaps it's no surprise that an event honoring women drew some of the biggest names in Hollywood.Nicole Kidman, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Lopez, Diane Keaton and Halle Berry joined dozens of other stars in a ballroom at the Four Seasons...
111. ABC's 'Life on Mars': A detective from 2008 does time for a mystery that lands him in 1973
By FRAZIER MOORE - October 7, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ All comfortably familiar by cop-show standards, "Life on Mars" begins with NYPD Detective Sam Tyler nabbing a murder suspect, who then gets a grilling from him at the precinct house. He takes a phone call in the age-old squad room, which has lately been upgraded with computers and a...
112. With flying kicks and whipping nunchucks, Bruce Lee to debut on Chinese TV
By MIN LEE - October 7, 2008
BEIJING (AP) _ Bruce Lee is getting a belated hero's welcome in China, with the country's state broadcaster set to air a 50-part prime-time series on the late kung fu star.Lee became a chest-thumping source of nationalistic pride to Chinese around the world with his characters who defended the...
113. D'oh! Dough! Former 'Simpsons' writer Larry Doyle snags $5,000 Thurber prize
By Associated Press - October 6, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Larry Doyle, a former TV writer-producer for "The Simpsons," was named the winner Monday of this year's Thurber Prize for American Humor. He was cited for the novel "I Love You, Beth Cooper.""Clearly Larry Doyle was not the BMOC (Big Man On Campus)," Thurber judge Firoozeh Dumas...
114. R. Kelly seeks judge's confirmation of $3.4 million award against former tour promoter
By Associated Press - October 6, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ R. Kelly has won a $3.4 million award against his former tour promoter and is asking a Los Angeles judge to help him collect.R. Kelly Touring, which represents the singer, filed court documents on Monday seeking a judge's confirmation of the award an arbitrator granted against...
115. Paris exhibit showcases what Picasso learned from masters of the past
By ANGELA DOLAND - October 6, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ When Velazquez painted a 17th century Spanish princess, he gave her wispy hair, pale skin and a cautious gaze. Three centuries later, Picasso turned the girl's face into a Cubist maze of green and purple, yet he captured her essence — that same mysterious gaze.It's a Picasso...
116. Paris exhibit showcases what Picasso learned from masters of the past
By ANGELA DOLAND - October 6, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ When Velazquez painted a 17th century Spanish princess, he gave her wispy hair, pale skin and a cautious gaze. Three centuries later, Picasso turned the girl's face into a Cubist maze of green and purple, yet he captured her essence — that same mysterious gaze.It's a Picasso...
117. Dennis Hopper leads ensemble cast in Starz series 'Crash' based on Oscar-winning film
By KINNEY LITTLEFIELD - October 6, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ With a raft of weird roles to his credit, Dennis Hopper might well yawn about playing another wacko. Yet Hopper is totally tickled by his outrageous new alter ego, freaky Los Angeles music producer Ben Cendars in the Starz series "Crash.""He's unbelievable," says Hopper,...
118. Matthew Broderick returns to Broadway next spring in 'The Philanthropist'
By Associated Press - October 6, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Matthew Broderick will return to Broadway next spring in a revival of "The Philanthropist," a comedy by English playwright Christopher Hampton. The Roundabout Theatre Company production, directed by David Grindley, will open April 26, 2009, at the American Airlines Theatre, Todd...
119. Mexican director Servando Gonzalez dies at 85; filmed in Hollywood and for government
By JOHN RICE - October 6, 2008
MEXICO CITY (AP) _ Servando Gonzalez Hernandez rose from gofer at a Mexican film studio to become a director in Hollywood. But he may be most remembered in Mexico for film that nobody ever saw.Gonzalez, who died in Mexico City on Saturday at age 85, was the government's chief documentary filmmaker...
120. King Tut exhibit opens in Dallas for another sweep of the United States
By JAMIE STENGLE - October 6, 2008
DALLAS (AP) _ An exhibit showcasing items buried in the Egyptian tomb of King Tut is back in the United States."Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" opened over the weekend at the Dallas Museum of Art, the first of three museums to host the exhibit's encore tour. The other two host...
121. Misty May-Treanor leaves 'Dancing with the Stars' after tearing Achilles tendon
By Associated Press - October 6, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Misty May-Treanor is too hurt to keep dancing.The 31-year-old "Dancing with the Stars" contestant and Olympic gold medalist volleyball player appeared at the conclusion of Monday's show on crutches and with a cast on her left leg to announce that she's out of the popular ABC...
122. After years of legal struggle, Slick Rick gets time in the spotlight at VH1 Hip Hop Honors
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY - October 6, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Even though he's considered one of rap's all-time greats, when Slick Rick is asked about his most significant accomplishment, he doesn't mention having a platinum-selling record, classic hits like "Children's Story" or even his most recent accolade — getting saluted as a...
123. Stonewall Jackson settles age discrimination lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry
By JOHN GEROME - October 6, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Country singer Stonewall Jackson has settled his federal age discrimination lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry and its management.The terms of the settlement filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Nashville were not disclosed.A spokesman for the 75-year-old singer said...
124. Miley Cyrus celebrates her Sweet 16 with star-studded Disneyland concert and bash
By DERRIK J. LANG - October 6, 2008
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) _ Miley Cyrus' 16th birthday party was more boisterous than sweet.Cyrus celebrated the hallmark birthday at an over-the-top Disneyland celebration Sunday — even though she doesn't actually turn 16 until Nov. 23. The theme park was closed for the supersized soiree, which...
125. Schieffer says Grand Ole Opry debut a pressure cooker compared to debate
By JOHN GEROME - October 6, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ CBS News' Bob Schieffer said moderating the debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama won't be nearly as unnerving as his Grand Ole Opry debut was Sunday."I was nervous coming between Trisha Yearwood and Brad Paisley. I may be moderating the third...
126. New Broadway musical shines in its pop-rock score, but '13' tells an awkward tween tale
By MICHAEL KUCHWARA - October 5, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Like its young hero, "13," suffers from uncertainty and more than a bit of awkwardness as it tries to a tell a tween tale about making mistakes, growing up and taking responsibility.Part sermonette, part sitcom, part after-school special, the musical, which opened Sunday at...
127. B.B. King Museum to honor bluesman as a gem in poverty-stricken Mississippi Delta
By SHELIA BYRD - October 5, 2008
INDIANOLA, Miss. (AP) _ Translucent images of long ago, of black men and women, backs bent, picking cotton under an unforgiving sun, are artistically displayed on standing glass panels in a museum carved out of an old brick gin mill in the Mississippi Delta.They're a reminder of those who labored...
128. Odd couple: Rachel Maddow and Pat Buchanan; MSNBC happy with ratings improvement
By DAVID BAUDER - October 5, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ At 19, Rachel Maddow shared a house with friends in Philadelphia and wasn't paying much attention to the 1992 Republican National Convention on television until Pat Buchanan took to the podium.She was transfixed. Buchanan's combative conservative speech, which denounced gay rights,...
129. Sweet" tour
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY - October 5, 2008
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) _ In a show defined by throbbing dance music, tight choreography, spectacular stage sets and stunning visuals, perhaps the most stirring moment during the kickoff concert to Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet" tour came when the Material Girl stood onstage with just her guitar and...
130. Tenor Placido Domingo uses local music to smooth controversy over concert at Mexico pyramid
By MARK STEVENSON - October 4, 2008
CHICHEN ITZA, Mexico (AP) _ Tenor Placido Domingo's choice of a classical program peppered with local music and help from Mexican pianist and crooner Armando Manzanero appeared to smooth the controversy surrounding his Saturday concert at the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza.The Spanish-born Domingo...
131. Tenor Placido Domingo uses local music to smooth controversy over concert at Mexico pyramid
By MARK STEVENSON - October 4, 2008
CHICHEN ITZA, Mexico (AP) _ Tenor Placido Domingo's choice of a program peppered with local music and help from Mexican pianist and crooner Armando Manzanero may smooth the controversy surrounding his Saturday concert at the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza.The Spanish-born Domingo grew up in Mexico,...
132. Designers play it safe for spring as crisis threatens luxury sector
By JOELLE DIDERICH - October 4, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ Paris Fashion Week ended on Sunday, capping a season which saw designers play it safe to coax customers into stores despite the global financial crisis."I don't think it's been as exciting as other seasons," Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, told The Associated...
133. Janet Jackson postpones shows in N.C., Ga., Fla. as she recuperates from undisclosed illness
By Associated Press - October 4, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Janet Jackson is returning to her "Rock Witchu" tour and — finally — revealing the mystery illness that led her to cancel a string of concerts.Following two weeks of scrapped shows, Jackson was scheduled to resume her tour Wednesday night at the Verizon Center in...
134. Tyler Perry unveils new film studio in Atlanta after he once considered leaving town
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. - October 4, 2008
ATLANTA (AP) _ Tyler Perry unveiled a new multimillion-dollar TV and film studio Saturday on 30 acres in southwest Atlanta. His renewed commitment to the city came after he once flirted with departing. Perry said he had considered leaving Atlanta for good after neighbors complained about noise and...
135. Hip-Hop mogul, designer Russell Simmons unveils new menswear fashion line for over 25 crowd
By DAMIAN GRASS - October 4, 2008
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ Hip-Hop pioneer and designer Russell Simmons is bringing a little sophistication to the urban over 25 crowd.Simmons introduced his menswear collection at the Argyle Culture Fashion Show on Friday at the swanky Setai Hotel in South Beach. The male models donned sporty suits,...
136. German Soprano Diana Damrau wins cheers at Met as she sings Donizetti's "Lucia" for first time
By MIKE SILVERMAN - October 4, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ "Lucia" lovers are in luck at the Metropolitan Opera these days.A year after French soprano Natalie Dessay opened the season to acclaim in a new production of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," a very different kind of singer scored her own triumph as the Scottish maiden driven to...
137. British pop stars band together to demand more say over careers in digital age
By Associated Press - October 4, 2008
LONDON (AP) _ Some of Britain's biggest music stars announced Saturday they are banding together to demand greater control over their music in the digital age.Radiohead, Robbie Williams and Kaiser Chiefs are among more than 60 founding members of the Featured Artists' Coalition.The group says it...
138. Dominican musician Juan Luis Guerra plans to teach, study at Boston's Berklee College of Music
By Associated Press - October 4, 2008
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) _ Grammy-winning merengue superstar Juan Luis Guerra is planning to teach at his Boston alma mater.Guerra says he called the Berklee College of Music and asked to start teaching classes next summer. He also hopes to enroll in courses as a student.The school...
139. Italian fashion house Valentino names 2 in-house designers to replace Facchinetti
By JOELLE DIDERICH - October 4, 2008
PARIS (AP) _ Italian fashion house Valentino said on Saturday it had named its in-house accessories designers as joint creative directors of the brand. Outgoing designer Alessandra Facchinetti said she learned about her dismissal from press reports."Valentino S.p.A. is ending its collaboration with...
140. Sleepy Ga. hamlet braces for thousands to visit museum preserving Laurel and Hardy's legacy
By DORIE TURNER - October 4, 2008
HARLEM, Ga. (AP) _ A blink-and-you'll-miss-it town in rural east Georgia is the last place you'd expect to find the country's only museum dedicated to the classic comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.But anyone driving along Interstate 20 near the South Carolina state line can't miss the big...
141. Shock jock Howard Stern ties knot to longtime girlfriend Beth Ostrosky in NYC ceremony
By Associated Press - October 4, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Shock jock Howard Stern has embraced tradition. The radio talk show host known for hosting porn stars married his longtime girlfriend, Beth Ostrosky, on Friday."I can't wait to marry Howard," she told Newsday before the ceremony at Manhattan's tony Le Cirque restaurant, adding, "I...
142. Plight of slain teenage LA athlete Jamiel Shaw lamented in new Ice Cube video
By THOMAS WATKINS - October 4, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ The unlikely stars of Ice Cube's new video are the grieving relatives of a 17-year-old high school football star who was shot to death outside his home.The song "Why Me?" speaks out against senseless violence and gun crime devastating communities. Cube says Jamiel Shaw Jr.'s...
143. IndyCar driver, TV dance champ Helio Castroneves pleads not guilty; 'Race' against IRS begins
By CURT ANDERSON - October 3, 2008
MIAMI (AP) _ Race car driver and "Dancing With The Stars" winner Helio Castroneves pleaded not guilty Friday to federal tax evasion charges and declared outside the courtroom that he would treat the case like a race against the Internal Revenue Service."I'm a race car driver," the two-time...
144. '30 Rock' star and Sarah Palin impersonator Tina Fey to write book of humorous essays
By HILLEL ITALIE - October 3, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Tina Fey, already the busiest of stars thanks to her Emmy-winning role in "30 Rock" and definitive impersonation of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is working on a book.According to two publishing officials with knowledge of the negotiations, Little, Brown and...
145. LA judge bars Texas doctor from distributing tape of Anna Nicole Smith's breast surgery
By Associated Press - October 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A judge ordered a Texas doctor and his wife on Friday not to distribute videotaped footage of Anna Nicole Smith's breast augmentation surgery in 1994.The order settles a lawsuit filed last year by Howard K. Stern, the executor of Smith's estate, who was trying to stop Dr. Gerald...
146. Elvis is Alive Museum in Missouri fading fast as it fails to entice online buyers
By Associated Press - October 3, 2008
WRIGHT CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The Elvis is Alive Museum will not live, at least not for now.Andy Key tried to sell the Missouri museum twice on eBay. He received no bids by the time the auction ended Friday.He did get one bid at his first asking price of $15,000, but it turned out to be from a child...
147. Natalie Cole, suffering from hepatitis C, is out of the hospital and resting at home
By Associated Press - October 3, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) _ Natalie Cole, who suffers from hepatitis C, is resting at her Los Angeles home after being released from the hospital earlier this week, Cole's representative said Friday.Publicist Maureen O'Connor said the Grammy-winning singer checked out several days ago and is "feeling a lot...
148. Roy Orbison 4-CD set of 107 recordings is road map to singer's illustrious career
By JOE EDWARDS - October 3, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Twenty years after he died, Roy Orbison still can touch people with his piercing tenor.The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, responsible for evergreen hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman," ''Only the Lonely" and "Crying," won six Grammys and sold millions of CDs before dying of a heart...
149. Campaign Comedy: Friday's late-night TV wrap-up
By SANDY COHEN - October 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ After weeks of anticipation, the vice presidential debate was a letdown — at least for late-night comedians."There was nothing embarrassing from either candidate," Jay Leno lamented on NBC's "Tonight" show. "Damn."Even the pundits said there were no losers in Thursday's...
150. Chinese, Russian human rights activists seen as front-runners for Peace Prize
By KARL RITTER and DOUG MELLGREN - October 3, 2008
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) _ Human rights activists from China and Russia are considered front-runners to win the Nobel Peace Prize next week, while bettors are putting their money on an Italian, a Syrian or an Israeli for the literature award.The annual guessing game is in full swing as the prize...
151. Placido Domingo concert in famous Mayan ruins hits sour note among Mexican archaeologists
By MARK STEVENSON - October 3, 2008
MERIDA, Mexico (AP) _ Placido Domingo's concert at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on Saturday night is being billed as "the world's greatest tenor at one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World," a claim few lovers of opera or history would dispute.But some Mexicans question whether the show...