'Brick' hitmaker hears new voices

'Brick' hitmaker hears new voices
Ben Folds didn't realize how great his music was until he heard a bunch of college students singing it. He was so impressed he decided to produce an album of a cappella groups singing Ben Folds songs.

First Lady Among People's 'Most Beautiful': Michelle Obama on tally with Halle and Brangelina.

Neville synonymous with New Orleans sound
At 71, two painful back surgeries have left Art Neville walking with a cane and a stiff gait. But if you put him down in front of a keyboard, his eyes light up and his fingers are as nimble as ever.
First Lady Among People's 'Most Beautiful': Michelle Obama on tally with Halle and Brangelina.
*Michelle Obama has made People magazine's new list of 100 most beautiful people, joining other first-timers Robert Pattinson and Kristin Stewart of "Twilight," Nick and Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and "Slumdog Millionaire" star Dev Patel. In the annual issue due on newsstands Friday, the First Lady said, "I had a father and a brother who thought I was beautiful, and they made me feel that way every single day. I grew up with very strong male role models who thought I was smart and fast and funny, so I heard that a lot."

Obama Painted As Crucified Christ: Artist Michael D'Antuono to unveil new work today in NYC.

Jazz Fest's co-founder looks back
Quint Davis drives around the fairgrounds in his golf cart. The producer/director checks every nook and cranny the way a field commander checks his troops.
Obama Painted As Crucified Christ: Artist Michael D'Antuono to unveil new work today in NYC.
*A new painting depicting President Barack Obama as Jesus Christ on the cross will be unveiled today at New York City's Union SquareSouth Plaza. Artist Michael D'Antuono's painting "The Truth" features Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head.

Sugar-sweetened soft drinks coming back to mainstream
Bowing to consumer trends, two soft drinks with connections to the past were launched this week for a national, but brief, eight-week run. Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback are sweetened with sugar made from cane and beets, unlike their namesakes, which use high-fructose corn syrup.

Court rules against nets on indecency

Court rules against nets on indecency
The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that federal regulators have the authority to clamp down on broadcast TV networks that air isolated cases of profanity, known as "fleeting expletives."

New Orleans Jazz Festival: 'Trombone Shorty'

New Orleans Jazz Festival: 'Trombone Shorty'
Of all the amazing New Orleans, Louisiana, musicians, my favorite could be Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews.
Fox Refuses To Air Obama '100 Days' Press Conference On Wednesday; All Others Will
*Guess which network has decided not to air President Obama's prime time address tomorrow night? And the news-less CW doesn't count. While ABC, NBC and CBS are giving up precious sweeps month real estate for the president's press conference marking his first 100 days, Fox announced Monday that it will instead stick to its regular programmingan episode of "Lie to Me."

IBM Set to Take on "Jeopardy!"

Not satisfied with winning chess matches against humans, IBM is set to take on the game show "Jeopardy!"

'Atlas Shrugged' author sees resurgence

'Atlas Shrugged' author sees resurgence
In the midst of the credit crisis and the federal government's massive bailout plan, the works of Ayn Rand, a proponent of a libertarian, free-market philosophy she called Objectivism, are getting new attention.

Ledger's former partner reportedly to marry Spike Jonze

THE former partner of Heath Ledger and mother of his daughter Matilda is showing more signs of closure since his death and is said to be on the brink of marriage.

Bea Arthur, TV's Maude, dead at 86

Bea Arthur, TV's Maude, dead at 86
Bea Arthur, the actress best known for her roles as television's "Maude" and the sardonic Dorothy on "The Golden Girls," has died of cancer, a family spokesman said Saturday.
'The Soloist' Getting Clobbered At The Box Office: Fans 'Obsessed' With Latest From Beyoncé
*Sorry Jamie Foxx, but your latest film, "The Soloist," was essentially DOA at the box office this weekend, according to Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily blog. And just who is coming out on top? None other than the Beyoncé and Idris Elba starrer "Obsessed." It's predicted to to do close to $29 million at the box office. "The Soloist," starring Foxx and Robert Downey Jr, is expected to only ...

Leonard Nimoy open to more 'Star Trek'

Leonard Nimoy open to more 'Star Trek'

Leonard Nimoy says he would be onboard for more "Star Trek." After a 19-year absence, Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Mr.

'Torture' is satiric sendup of current politics
The title of Christopher Durang's latest excursion into the madness that is the American experience -- "Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them" -- sums up its two parts succinctly. Politically and morally torture is wrong -- but the people who love .

Miss Universe Australia Contestant Too Skinny?

You decide. While she didn't win, Stephanie Naumoska, 19, competed in the Miss Universe Australia contest in Sydney , and drew attention not for her beauty, but for being, well, gaunt.

Danbury resident shares talents in 'Everything's Coming up Broadway"

Comedian recovering from 'terrible betrayal'
Comedian Dane Cook took a somber tone and described a sense of "terrible betrayal" in discussing the recent arrest of his half brother, who is accused of embezzling millions from him.
Jokey Joke: Man Deservedly Tased For Nudity In Public (NSFW Video)
We're not necessarily sure what is happening here, but we do know that the man is at an event, he's naked, and he's being disciplined by the police. Before they do what they have to do, they practically beg him to put his clothes back on, but he ain't havin' it. He just wants to be free to show his stuff. Only problem is ... po' fella ain't got nothin' to show. Check it out and you'll see why walking around naked in front of thousands of people is the absolute LAST thing that should be on his mind. But hey, when you're all juiced up we guess your mind tells you otherwise. Put it this way, we bet this dude has to sit down to 'tinkle.' :) Yep, it's like that. Now that you can't wait to see, click over and play the video. But be warned it's not safe for work. And, oh yeah, try not to laugh too hard.

Danbury resident shares talents in 'Everything's Coming up Broadway"
"Sometimes it's all about the singing. Sometimes it's about the photography," explains Karen Raftery, a soft-spoken multitalented artist with a background as eclectic as her passions.On May 2, it will be all about the music -- Broadway to be exact -- when The Ridgefield Chorale, which Raftery joined in 2007, takes you to Broadway in "Everything's Coming Up Broadway.

Beyonce's Daddy Mad Over Stern Joke of Her Doctored Singing of 'If I Were A Boy' (Audio)
*Beyonce's father/manager Mathew Knowles wasted little time Wednesday firing back at TMZ.com over posting a supposed "board mix audio" of the singer's performance at "The Today Show" in which she appeared completely tone deaf. The clip originally aired Tuesday as a joke bit on Howard Stern's Sirius radio show, where editors took liberties with her performance of "If I Were a Boy" and altered the pitch to make her appear to sing wildly off keyas Stern, co-host Robin Quivers and others giggled along (click over to hear). "At 12 years into her career, the last thing someone should be questioning is her vocal ability. That would be like questioning if Kobe Bryant could shoot a jump shot. The vocals were obviously altered," Mathew Knowles said

'Earth' takes viewers on 'breathtaking' journey

'Earth' takes viewers on 'breathtaking' journey
A polar bear falls through thin Arctic ice while searching for food for his family. A humpback whale guides her calf on a perilous 4,000-mile journey. A herd of African elephants in search of water battles a sandstorm in the Kalahari Desert.

Jade Boys' New Pain at 'Grandad' Suicide

Why Chris Cornell threw amp out window
Chris Cornell has taken to Twitter like Tweety Bird took to making mischief.
Jade Boys' New Pain at 'Grandad' Suicide

JADE Goody's sons were facing new heartbreak last night after their cancer-stricken great- grandad killed himself.

Authors see meat as more of an accent
Food budgets, the environ-ment, animal welfare and carbon footprints are concerns of many people who choose to eat meat in moderation. Only 5 percent of Americans are vegetarians, but many people are looking for ways to reduce meat in their diets, according to Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza in "Almost Meatless" (Ten Speed Press, $22.

'Idol's' Yamin goes own way

'Idol's' Yamin goes own way
How does a Jewish guy from Richmond, Virginia, end up mining for gold in the genre of R&B music? A few years of experience and creative control have helped.

Probe into 'Slumdog' child star sale claim

Probe into 'Slumdog' child star sale claim
India's child-rights watchdog has sought a report from police investigating allegations by a tabloid that the father of a "Slumdog Millionaire" child star tried to sell her to an undercover reporter, the watchdog's leader told CNN.
Beyonce talks about sister's tweet habit, the Etta James drama and more in Q&A.
*Solange Knowles may be a Twitter addict, but it hasn't influenced her sister Beyonce to join the social networking phenomenon. In a recent interview with the Associated Press', Beyoncewhose latest CD, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce," is double platinumtalked about resisting the pressure of Twitter nation, her forthcoming U.S. concerts (kicking off June 21 at Madison Square Garden), maneuvering in the show's outrageous Thierry Mugler costumes and why Etta James never had her worried. : How will this tour be different from your 2007 "B'Day" tour? Beyonce: It's going to be more emotional, because this album, "I Am," that portion was a lot more real and raw and more sensitive. ... The best part about this tour is I'm working with Thierry Mugler, who is an icon and a legend, and I've been a fan. : Often snippets of concerts end up on the Internet. Is it frustrating not being able to surprise people anymore? Beyonce: It's very frustrating now. ... It's great because people can get a little sneak peak and say, "Oh, I wanna come to the show" or "I don't wanna go to that show" (laughs), and I'm fans of people so I go on there and check it out too. But you put so much of your heart and time into the wardrobe ... it's kind of unfortunate that people can see the show months before you get into their city, but that's life.

Manson, Picoult touched by massacre

Manson, Picoult touched by massacre
The massacre of students and a teacher within the seemingly safe hallways of Columbine High School reverberated so strongly that its reflection can be found in the creations of multiple artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers over the past decade.

Perez bitches about beauty contestant

Columbine left mark on pop culture
The massacre of students and a teacher within the seemingly safe hallways of Columbine High School reverberated so strongly that its reflection can be found in the creations of multiple artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers over the past decade.
Perez bitches about beauty contestant

A US beauty pageant hopeful was called "a dumb bitch" by a celebrity judge after candidly answering a question about same-sex marriage.

McCartney shows indie artists how it's done

McCartney shows indie artists how it's done
There were some underground grumblings about the world's most successful pop musician headlining opening night of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. But when all was said and done, Paul McCartney gave the indie artists there something to strive for.
Jackie Chan: Chinese people need to be controlled

Action star Jackie Chan said Saturday he's not sure if a free society is a good thing for China and that he's starting to think "we Chinese need to be controlled." Chan's comments drew applause from a predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders in China's southern island province of Hainan.

Susan Boyle on Larry King: "My Heart Will Go On" and More
I hope I don't have to tell you about Susan Boyle, the Internet sensation who was first ridiculed, then applauded, on Britain's Got Talent. Last night she appeared on Larry King Live, and besides the interview, she got a date and sang "My Heart Will Go On" a capella.

Farrah Fawcett's son gets chance for rehab

'Eagles' founder sues U.S. Senate candidate
Rocker Don Henley is suing a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, claiming the candidate is misusing two of his popular songs in an effort to defeat incumbent Barbara Boxer.
Farrah Fawcett's son gets chance for rehab

Redmond O'Neal, the son of Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal, faced Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Millington today on a felony drug charge of taking heroin to an area jail.

New play focuses on duel between man and nature
If you're a fan of Ernest Hemingway's lean style of writing, then you'll probably find little fault with the lean stage adaptation of his 1952 novel, "The Old Man and the Sea." The play, adapted from Hemingway's short novel by Eric Ting and Craig Siebels, is now having a world premiere at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven.

Ah, the thought of being '17 Again"

Singer 'gobsmacked' by overnight stardom
Overnight singing sensation Susan Boyle says she's overwhelmed by the attention coming her way through millions of views on YouTube.
Gordon Ramsay serves up ready-meals prepared in London factory.. with 586% mark-up

Food for Gordon Ramsay's Chelsea bistro and three London gastropubs is prepared at a central kitchen and delivered by road Gordon Ramsay is serving customers ready-meals which are prepared in a London 'food factory' and sold with a mark-up of 586 per cent, it emerged today.

Ah, the thought of being '17 Again"
LOS ANGELES -- "17 Again" is one of those movies that requires you to suspend all disbelief and assume that someone who looks like Zac Efron could, in 20 years, turn into someone who looks like Matthew Perry. (Those must have been some rough years -- either that or Rob Lowe wasn't available.

Sob! John Madden Retires from Broadcasting
NBC Sports announced on Thursday that John Madden, 73, Hall of Fame coach and one of the the most honored broadcasters in sports television history, has decided to retire from broadcasting.

'Dog' says he doesn't want to forget racial slur

'Dog' says he doesn't want to forget racial slur
It's been more than a year since a racial slur threatened to end the television career of Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman. But the incident still weighs heavily on his mind.

Number seven: New reports Jolie is pregnant

Eight (or more) is enough for TV success
While there may be a fascination with Nadya Suleman and her brood, she is hardly the first. The "Octomom" is the target of much speculation as to whether she and her multitude will become the subjects of a reality show. But programming centered on large families has long been popular.
Number seven: New reports Jolie is pregnant

AMID recent reports that the romance between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is over, new claims have surfaced that the glamorous actress is pregnant again.

Colbert Gets a NASA Treadmill, Not ISS Node, Named After Him
While Stephen Colbert easily won NASA's online voting contest to name the new node for the International Space Station, he didn't quite get everything he wanted last night on the Colbert Report. Astronaut Sunita Williams came on his show to announce the winner, and it was ...

Jackman makes $100,000 Twitter pledge

Colbert has space treadmill named after him
What do you do when you're NASA and comedian Stephen Colbert wins your contest to name the new wing for the International Space Station? You name an orbital exercise machine after him.
Jackman makes $100,000 Twitter pledge

HUGH Jackman is making news again with his Twitter updates, but this time for all the right reasons.

Kathy's Cheddar Biscuits a tasty treat
Some people go to Red Lobster for the shrimp or the crab legs, but many diners love to dig into that basket of cheddar biscuits that comes with their meals. I saw chef Todd Wilbur's version of this restaurant's secret recipe, but it contained so much fat that I decided to try to bake my own cheddar biscuits from scratch.

New First Dog in White House

The First Dog finally has been appointed by President Obama at the White House.

Comedian makes it big by keeping it clean

Comedian makes it big by keeping it clean
If you're a comedy fan, you've probably heard of him by now. Famous for his clean jokes about everyday life, comedian Brian Regan is at the peak of his career, gaining new followers with every performance.

'Make a sex tape and grow up. Catch Chlamydia,' Jamie Foxx rants about Miley Cyrus. (Audio)

Jade Goody's husband jailed for assault
Jack Tweed, the husband of the late Jade Goody, has been jailed for 12 weeks for an assault on a taxi driver.
'Make a sex tape and grow up. Catch Chlamydia,' Jamie Foxx rants about Miley Cyrus. (Audio)
Jamie Foxx is a walking breathing dichotomy of sorts. On the one hand he has the ability to play deeply complicated characters to the point where you absolutely believe the drama you're watching on the screen is the real deal. On the other hand, how shall we say it other than, well, he's a complete fool and will crack you up for days when it comes to his comedic side. Therein lies what could be a public relations problem with the actor/comedian/singer today. Foxx, the costar of the upcoming "The Soloist," is catching hell across the 'net for his extremely sarcastic comments and those of his "Foxxhole" radio show counterparts (via SIRIUS Satellite Radio), about teen superstar Miley Cyrus. Click over to HEAR the rant. Be advised about the audio: NSFW!

At-home entertainment and family bonding booms

At-home entertainment and family bonding booms
When Christopher Moore isn't jumping rope, shooting baskets or playing the board game Chutes and Ladders, the 8-year-old can often be found at home using his ninja fighting skills, protecting the world from would-be enemies.

Bryn Terfel's night at the opera with no trousers

It was less a case of the wrong trousers and more a case of none at all for Bryn Terfel, the world-renowned opera singer, at a recent concert.

Billy Bob Thornton's band cuts tour short

Billy Bob Thornton's band cuts tour short
The flu has forced an early end to Billy Bob Thornton's musical tour of Canada, his publicist said Saturday.
Boos and Barbs for Billy Bob Thornton

The civility and hospitality that Canada is known for were in short supply at a Thursday night concert in Toronto by Billy Bob Thornton and his band, the Boxmasters , The Toronto Star reported.

Britney Spears' Vancouver concert halted for 30 minutes; publicist cites 'ventilation issue'

Harrelson: I mistook photographer for zombie
Woody Harrelson defended his clash with a photographer at a New York airport Wednesday night as a case of mistaken identity -- he says he mistook the cameraman for a zombie.
Britney Spears' Vancouver concert halted for 30 minutes; publicist cites 'ventilation issue'

The new and improved Britney Spears apparently isn't a fan of cigarette smokeor any other kind of smoke, for that matterwhile she's performing.

Routine 'Funny Girl' disappoints
I'm hopeful that the flat, forced production of "Funny Girl" at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, N.Y., is just a fluke and not a sign the popular dinner theater is downgrading its standards.Economics can be blamed for much, witness the theater's recent skimpy, dismal "Meshuggah-Nuns" and the small-scale reviews "Bee Hive" and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" on the upcoming schedule.

High, happy hippies endorse love not war in 'Hair"

PETA asks Pet Shop Boys to change name
Just because they named their new CD "Yes," does not mean that British electro-pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys, will agree to just about anything.
| EUR This N That: Who Caught The Easter Big Bunny? And How Much Does He Really Weigh?
As we hop into Easter (I know...corny), we couldn't resist putting up this photo of the rabbit that could very well be the Easter Bunny. His story has been circulating the Internet for a few years and his height and weight has been debatable, but the lowest weight so far has been 7.7 kilograms or nearly 17 p0unds. We haven't located the New York Post article that ...

High, happy hippies endorse love not war in 'Hair"
It takes a truly energized production to turn staid, jaded critics into unabashed, dancing-in-the aisles lunatics, but the Broadway revival of "Hair" has prompted more than one to throw aside propriety and join in the fun.Imaginatively directed by Diane Paulus, the sold-out Public Theatre production -- a hit last season in a Central Park production -- has been transferred to Broadway with no loss of celebratory excitement.

Billy Bob Thornton's odd interview
Do not call Billy Bob Thornton an actor when you are interviewing him about his music.
Halle Is Addicted To Baby Clothes: Actress admits she buys items that Nahla can't even wear.
*Halle Berry says she has trouble reigning herself in when it comes to clothes shopping for her 1-year-old baby, Nahla. Admitting her guiltiest pleasure to May's Harper's Bazaar, the Oscar winner, 42, says her current addiction is "very boring, but I buy baby clothes online. Nahla can't wear all the clothes I've bought, and we don't go anywhere because I can't deal with the paparazzi."

Star Trek director JJ Abrams stood me up

Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto, director and producer JJ Abrams, executive producer Bryan Burk and actor Chris Pine in Sydney /

JJ Abrams stood me up. In fact he walked straight past me without even an acknowledgement.

I was meant to film an interview with the director of the new Star Trek film for a video we were planning to run on news.com.au today.

But it seems Abrams, who was in Australia for the world premiere of Star Trek, decided to go for a jog instead, leaving me waiting at his hotel until it became clear he wasn’t coming back for me.

I felt that mixture of rejection and embarrassment you feel when your date never turns up. Didn’t he care about me? What would I tell people?

This has never happened to me in my 11-year career as a journalist. The closest I’ve come to it was when a gay porn star I was due to interview (don’t ask) over the phone forgot and I sat waiting for his call for two hours.

My Abrams misadventure started with a phone call from a Paramount Pictures publicist at 11pm on Monday. She apologised for calling so late but had some good newsthere was an opening for news.com.au to interview Abrams. Was I interested?

Hell yes. In Hollywood this guy is big. Everything he touches turns to gold, from the TV shows he createdAlias, Lost, Felicityto his feature film directorial debut Mission: Impossible 3.

The buzz around his latest project, the new Star Trek, is that it’s going to reboot the 40-year-old sci-fi franchise and make it wildly popular with a whole new generation.

I was told I could only do the interview if I agreed to see the film at 9am the next day and sign an embargo agreement declaring I would not publish a review of it until 21 April. The movie is due for release on 7 May. (The embargo was lifted yesterday because a journalist in the US had already broken it.)

My interview was due to take place at 5pm on Wednesday at Abrams’ hotel. I got there at 4.50pm.

The first sign things weren’t going to go to plan was when I asked at reception where the Star Trek interviews were taking place and the staff member just stared at me blankly. I called the publicist and there was no answer. So I waited in the foyer to be collected, which is usually what happens.

Five o’clock came and wentstill nothing. I called the publicist againnothing. I kept waiting.

At 5.15pm I asked someone else at reception who went off to see if the manager knew anything. A manager appeared and told me the interviews were over for the day and that my name wasn’t on the scheduleuntil she turned the page and there I was. The only name on the back of the sheet. It didn’t look good.

She rushed me over to the lifts and said everything should work out. The lift doors opened and a guy with dark curly hair, sunglasses and a jogging outfit walked out. I didn’t think anything of him but when we got into the lift the manager said, “There goes your interview.” It was Abrams.

She said he was probably just popping out for a moment, but when we got up to the hotel room where the interviews were taking place there was no one to be seen.

The Paramount camera crew, who were filming the interviews, had packed up and gone. The Paramount publicists were also gone. The hotel manager gave me a sympathetic smile. I’d been jilted.

I called the publicist again and got through. She apologised profusely but had no idea why I’d been stood up. She promised she’d investigate what happened but I haven’t heard anything yet.

Abrams was leaving on Thursday morning so the interview couldn’t be rescheduled. The publicist offered to try to organise a phone interview but I declined.

So that’s why you’re reading this blog and not watching my video interview with Abrams.

I made a Star Trek but there was no star.

Star Trek review

GEORGE Lucas gave prequels a bad name when he released his three new Star Wars movies a few years ago.

He managed to remove all the mystery and magic of the originals and didn’t provide any of the charm or humour that made the first three so popular.

Thankfully JJ Abrams, director and producer of the new Star Trek, hasn’t fallen into the same trap.

After 10 movies and six different TV seriessome of which worked, some of which didn’tAbrams has made Star Trek sexy for a younger generation while faithfully exploring the back stories of all the main characters older Trekkies know and love.

We meet Kirk and Spock when they are kids and follow them into adulthood, where their paths cross for the first time at the Starfleet Academyand they don’t like each other. Kirk is a thrill-seeking delinquent, Spock is a bullied brainiac.

When they both end up on the USS Enterprise, where we’re introduced to all the other familiar characters, tensions ensue.

While the Star Wars prequels followed a pre-destined timeline where we all knew the ending, Star Trek is full of surprises. I don’t want to give away what happens but the clever plot frees up the story to go anywhere Abrams wants it to, which adds a big element of suspense the Star Wars prequels were lacking.

Visually the film is dazzling and raises the bar in terms of special effects. But this Star Trek isn’t about thatit’s mostly about introducing the characters and finding out where they came from.

Zachary Quinto is the stand out as the emotionally tortured Spock, while Chris Pine also does a great job as the womansing Kirk. Eric Bana has a small but memorable role as the evil Romulan leader Nero, while an ancient looking Leonard Nimoy is pivotal as an older Spock.

This new Star Trek will no doubt inspire a new generation of Trekkies while providing a pleasing trip down memory lane for older Trekkies too.

Star Trek opens in Australia on 7 May.

Chew-chew: Daily Fare at Bethel train stop

'Idol' guest wants you to call him
Flo Rida wants you to call him.
Madame Tussauds' replica of First Lady, Michelle Obama, as popular as the real thing (Video).
A wax figure of First Lady Michelle Obama was unveiled today at the Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, amid a throng of fans that rivaled crowds that follow her in real life. According to CNN, a line stretched down the block outside the F street venue by noon, while inside, a circus of media and visitors swarmed around the exhibit for its grand opening.

Chew-chew: Daily Fare at Bethel train stop
Please take note of the harried commuter running for the train from the platform of Bethel Railroad Station. He's got his briefcase in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other, a newspaper tucked under his arm and a bagel clenched between his teeth. That bagel and that coffee, his sustenance for the morning, are both supplied by Daily Fare, a new carry-out food service in Bethel Railroad Station.

Farrah Fawcett hospitalized in cancer battle

Farrah Fawcett hospitalized in cancer battle
Farrah Fawcett has been hospitalized in the latest stage of her battle against cancer, a producer working with the actress said Monday.

Grieving family watched as wrong woman was cremated at funeral

Pet Shop Boys come back with a lot of 'love, etc.'
Twenty-five years after the hit single "West End Girls," can the Pet Shop Boys pull off songs that make you want to dance like it's 1984, but still reflect a social consciousness of 2009? The answer is the title of their latest album: "Yes."
Grieving family watched as wrong woman was cremated at funeral

A grieving family are said to be shocked after discovering that they witnessed the cremation of the wrong woman.

Farrah Fawcett hospitalized in cancer battle

Farrah Fawcett hospitalized in cancer battle
Farrah Fawcett has been hospitalized in the latest stage of her battle against cancer, a producer working with the actress said Monday.

Cancer-stricken Farrah Fawcett's son arrested on drugs charges while mother 'close to death'

Authors turn to Web publishing
"Still Alice," written by Lisa Genova, is a novel about a 50-year-old Harvard professor's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. It's also a book, Genova was told, that nobody would want to read.
Cancer-stricken Farrah Fawcett's son arrested on drugs charges while mother 'close to death'

Redmond O'Neal has been arrested again as his mother Farrah Fawcett is 'close to death' Farrah Fawcett's son has been arrested on drugs charges while fears grow that his mother is close to death.

Rush proves hilarious, heartbreaking in 'Exit"

Heidi Newfield has hopes for country honors
Heidi Newfield goes into Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards with five nominations. It's more than any other female, but she still considers herself the dark horse -- and in many ways, she is, especially since she's up for top female vocalist against such heavyweights as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.
Dukes of Hazzard still winning new Canadian car fans

It's John Schneider's second day at Toronto's Motion Custom Car Show and, just like the day before, the former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been signing autographs for much of the morning.

Rush proves hilarious, heartbreaking in 'Exit"
Four hundred years is a long time to live and enjoy the privileged life of royalty -- but don't try to tell that to King Berenger. He's the title character in Eugene Ionesco's absurdist comedy, "Exit the King," now in a brilliant revival on Broadway, and he simply won't believe he's going to die.

Thousands at Jade Goody's funeral

Thousands at Jade Goody's funeral
Thousands of well-wishers are expected to line the streets of east London Saturday for the funeral of controversial reality TV star Jade Goody.
Obama's half sister lands 'storytelling' book deal

President Obama's half-sister has a book deal for a children's picture story.

Ethan and Lou: Enough with the lame cliches!
IDIOCRACYThis is a column written by two average guys, of questionable intelligence, who mutually agree that they have "one of the best jobs on the planet." They wake up at 4 a.m. to arrive at their job by 5 a.m. From 5 to 6 a.m. they "show prep," by compiling entertainment news, weird stories, scheduling special guests, and occasionally introducing compelling and idiotic topics.

FBI wants to know who leaked 'Wolverine'

FBI wants to know who leaked 'Wolverine'
Someone stole an "incomplete and early version" of the next installment in the blockbuster "X-Men" movie series and posted it on the Internet this week, according to the studio that owns the billion-dollar film franchise. Authorities are investigating.

'Adventureland' has its ups and downs

From 'Sex' to 'Rings,' film tours excite fans
When Michele Maro became captivated by "The Lord of the Rings" movies, she never imagined she would one day be walking around in the Shire, touring Hobbiton and peeking into hobbit holes.
Michelle Visits Girls School: Queen Elizabeth wasn't the only Brit to get a hug from the First Lady.
*Before Michelle Obama finished her visit to an all-girl high school in London Thursday, she had delivered her first major address of the European tour, and had given warm hugs to as many of the school's enthusiastic students as possible.

'Adventureland' has its ups and downs
LOS ANGELES -- On the surface, "Adventureland," director Greg Mottola's follow-up to his hit "Superbad," looks like another good-time, raunchy romp. And it certainly has healthy amounts of partying and pranks to go along with its gross-out gags. The 1987 amusement-park setting also allows Mottola to revel in dead-on period kitsch, from acid-washed jeans and teased-up bangs to the absurdly annoying strains of Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus," which repeatedly blares over the loud speakers.

In 'Play On!' it's 'Murder' on stage and off

Malawians support Madonna's adoption
Malawians are rallying behind Madonna as she awaits a ruling Friday on whether she can adopt a girl from the southern African nation.
Michael J Fox talks candidly about his battle with Parkinson's on Oprah

Michael J Fox has spoken candidly about his debilitating battle with Parkinson's disease, comparing it to caring for a demanding child.

In 'Play On!' it's 'Murder' on stage and off
The Connecticut countryside is full of veterans of community theater with memories of that glorious moment when they stepped on stage prepared to be hailed as the next Laurence Olivier or Katherine Hepburn. Actually the applause from friends, family and fellow thespians is about as far as "hailing" actually gets for these earnest hams.

Beatles' Sir Paul forgets to zip up

Seems Paul McCartney had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction when he walked down the red carpet yesterday with his zipper open.

Wine tasting set for April 2

New Kids' new tour
Twenty years ago, when the New Kids on The Block were wearing their hair almost as high as their fame, the music business was a vastly different animal. There was no "American Idol." No such thing as a download, legal or otherwise. People collected posters, not ringtones.
Hendrix's childhood home dismantled

RENTON, Wash.The childhood home where rock guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix is said to have first discovered music has been dismantled after eight years of preservation efforts failed.

Wine tasting set for April 2
DANBURY -- Wines from around the world will be offered for tasting at The Spring Wine Spectacular, a benefit for the United Way of Western Connecticut, to be held in Danbury on April 2.The event is at The Amber Room Colonnade. Chefs will prepare some signature hors d'oeuvres to complement the wines, such as their tuna sashimi flatbread with wasabi aioli, seared filet carpaccio canapé with white truffle oil and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus fresh jumbo lump Chesapeake crab cakes with