Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac suspending all foreclosure sales of occupied homes during holidays.

'Twilight' falls on Forks

An old logging town on the Olympic Peninsula has turned into the setting for a teen vampire fantasy.

3 airports opening new runways amid economic woes

Alarm in the aviation industry over a projected 10 percent drop in domestic flights this winter didn't derail plans to open multimillion-dollar runways at three U.S. airports Thursday.

3 airports opening new runways amid economic woes

Alarm in the aviation industry over a projected 10 percent drop in domestic flights this winter hasn't derailed plans to open multimillion-dollar runways at three U.S. airports Thursday.

4 to plead guilty in Wash. cigarette conspiracy

Four members of the Stillaguamish Tribe are admitting they made millions of dollars dealing in contraband cigarettes.

Alexander may be inactive for return

Shaun Alexander may not even suit up for his return to Seattle.

Couple accused of embezzling $800,000

Two people are accused of embezzling $814,000 from two Spokane advertising agencies and using the money for down payments on houses, vehicles and airline tickets for a youth football team's trip to California.

Deadly bacteria found on orcas

Researchers studying droplets emitted from orca blow holes have found drug-resistant bacteria.

Dying teen get graduation wish

The graduation ceremony at Hanford High School on Wednesday almost seemed like any other.

Feds: Gov't worker took plane, yachts as perks

Federal prosecutors say a U.S. government worker from Southern California took some illegal perks from his job - including a plane, yachts and heavy-duty trucks.

Bail denied Pa. woman accused of killing FBI agent

A judge denied bail on Thursday for a woman accused of killing an FBI agent during a drug raid that led to her husband's arrest on cocaine-dealing charges.

Alitalia chief says he's formally agreed to sell part of the airline's assets to Italian investors.

Activists say tobacco settlement is being wasted

In 2006, Alaska desperately needed cash to complete a museum featuring a mummified bison and other natural wonders of the frozen north. So the state dipped into its share of the landmark 1998 tobacco settlement.

Afghanistan markets its brand of pomegranates

This ancient land is telling the world that it has a trendy, new replacement for its dreaded poppy crop: sweet, juicy pomegranates.

African countries ranked for 'child friendliness'

The closest 9-year-old Ruan Gamibeb has come to war is the fighting he sees on the news at night, when his family gathers around the television to watch Congo's latest horrors.

Anti-gay violence is a problem in Amsterdam

Amsterdam faces an ingrained problem of violence against gay men, despite its reputation as a haven of tolerance, according to a study released Thursday.

AP NewsBreak: Eatery in E. coli outbreak to reopen

State health officials and a northeastern Oklahoma restaurant at the center of this summer's deadly E. coli outbreak have signed an agreement to reopen the eatery, even though officials have never pinpointed the source of the contamination.

Armenia takes possession of 1st at Chess Olympiad

The Russian team - touted as the strongest ever assembled for a Chess Olympiad - was derailed in Thursday open division play in round seven of the tournament by the defending gold medal Armenian team 2.5-1.5, which took sole possession of first place.

Arms dealer caught in terror sting convicted in NY

A wealthy arms dealer long suspected of aiding militants in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts was convicted Thursday of conspiring to sell weapons to informants who posed as arms suppliers for terrorists willing to kill Americans.

Astronauts venture out for spacewalk No. 2

Astronauts have ventured back out for another spacewalk to perform more repair work on a jammed joint at the international space station.

Brazil president approves rule change enabling $2.5 billion Brasil Telecom/Oi merger

Aer Lingus, union reach deal to avert strike

Aer Lingus and Ireland's largest union reached a tentative labor deal Thursday that removes the threat of an imminent strike from the loss-making airline.

Africans to stick together in climate change talks

African countries have agreed to negotiate as a bloc in talks on a new global warming treaty, a move meant to give the continent highly threatened by climate change a greater say in the future pact.

Ahold 3Q earnings fall despite higher sales

Royal Ahold NV, the Dutch owner of U.S. grocery chains including Stop & Shop and Giant, on Thursday said third-quarter earnings fell 8.9 percent on higher taxes and a worse performance by a Scandinavian chain. But shares rose as the figures beat analyst expectations.

Air France-KLM profit plunges in second quarter

Air France-KLM Group said Thursday its profit plunged in the second quarter as higher oil prices and financial charges weighed on the airlines' earnings.

Alitalia chief agrees to sell assets to investors

Alitalia's administrator formally agreed Thursday to sell part of the bankrupt airline's assets to a group of Italian investors in a deal worth more than euro1 billion ($1.25 billion).

Argentine pension plan receives mixed reviews

Argentina's plan to nationalize $23 billion in private pension funds might protect retirees from the international financial crisis in the short run, but will limit the benefits of an economic recovery by putting all their savings in one government-run basket, analysts say.

Argentines keep up blockade of Uruguay bridge

Argentine protesters have been at it for two long years, blocking a main bridge into Uruguay over a paper plant they say pollutes their shared river.

Asian nations brace for economic crisis

Asian countries led by economic powerhouses China and Japan want an expanded regional emergency fund in place next year to better shield the region from the impact of the global financial crisis, officials said Thursday.

AstraZeneca to cut jobs, close plants in Europe

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca PLC said Thursday it plans to close three plants in Spain, Belgium and Sweden and cut 1,400 jobs in Europe by 2013 to improve efficiency and expand investment in Asia to serve the growing market there.

On Capitol Hill, campaign rivals take orientation

In two undecided open-seat House races, both candidates are playing Congress member-elect this week.

Bush seeks to bolster economic plan at APEC

President George W. Bush embarks Friday on most likely his final foreign mission: bolstering the nose-diving economy by rallying Asia-Pacific nations behind a united response. He is expected to emerge with modest gains, but world peers are peeking ahead to Barack Obama's administration.

Bailout with a price: Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Mention a corporate bailout in the nation's capital these days and chances are someone will offer a harsh condition to go along with it. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Black caucus says no special relationship to Obama

Black leaders in Congress don't expect to have an especially close relationship with President-elect Barack Obama.

Bum nominations hard to avoid, history shows

No matter how careful he is, sooner or later President-elect Barack Obama is likely to make a bum nomination or two.

Bush, Olmert to hold final meeting in office

President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - two leaders with just weeks left in office - will discuss a range of issues at the White House on Monday, including Iran's nuclear program, the global financial crisis and efforts to find peace in the Middle East.

Conservatives call on Bush to free Muslim Uighurs

A group of conservatives is chastising the Bush administration for refusing to free 17 Turkic Muslims being held without charges at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying their continued detention defies legal principles and "undermines our standing in the world."

DC transit system expects inaugural crowds

The Washington area's transit system is warning that passengers should expect packed railcars and buses and extraordinarily long lines on Inauguration Day.

Dems look to stop endangered species rule changes

With the Bush administration on the verge of relaxing regulations protecting endangered species, Democratic leaders are looking at ways to overturn any last-minute rule changes.

HIV tests not yet as routine as cholesterol checks

Two years after the government urged making HIV tests as common as cholesterol checks, there are small gains but still one in five people infected with the AIDS virus doesn't know it, scientists said Thursday.

Teen lives 4 months with no heart, leaves hospital

D'Zhana Simmons says she felt like a "fake person" for 118 days when she had no heart beating in her chest. "But I know that I really was here," the 14-year-old said, "and I did live without a heart."

Doctors transplant windpipe grown from stem cells

Doctors have given a woman a new windpipe with tissue grown from her own stem cells, eliminating the need for anti-rejection drugs. "This technique has great promise," said Dr. Eric Genden, who did a similar transplant in 2005 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. That operation used both donor and recipient tissue. Only a handful of windpipe, or trachea, transplants have ever been done.

Surgeon who did first US heart transplant dies

Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz, a cardiac surgeon who performed the nation's first human heart transplant and who also developed lifesaving medical implants, has died. He was 90. Kantrowitz died Friday in Ann Arbor of complications from heart failure, said his wife, Jean Kantrowitz.

Ginkgo fails to prevent Alzheimer's in large study

The dietary supplement ginkgo, long promoted as an aid to memory, didn't help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the longest and largest test of the extract in older Americans. "We don't think it has a future as a powerful anti-dementia drug," said Dr. Steven DeKosky of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, who led the federally funded study.

Study puts a total on diabetes cost: $218 billion

As diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the world's most common diseases, its financial cost is mounting, too, to well over $200 billion a year in the U.S. alone, according to a new study.

Burlington, Vt., is healthiest city, CDC says

What's the healthiest city in America? It appears to be Burlington, Vt.

Doctors hoping for new era of artificial ankles

What was left of Dan Sivia's ankle simply didn't work. He limped through his 30s by sheer force of will, one foot almost completely immobile from repeated broken bones and surgeries. Then a doctor offered his last hope: An ankle replacement. A what? Sivia knew about hip, knee, even shoulder replacements. But ankles?

Family history can trump breast cancer gene test

If breast cancer runs in the family, women can be at high risk even if they test free of the disease's most common gene mutations, sobering new research shows. The genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked with particularly aggressive hereditary breast cancer, and an increased risk of ovarian cancer, too.

Study: Vitamin C or E pills do not prevent cancer

Vitamin C or E pills do not help prevent cancer in men, concludes the same big study that last week found these supplements ineffective for warding off heart disease.

W. Virginia town shrugs at poorest health ranking

As a portly woman plodded ahead of him on the sidewalk, the obese mayor of America's fattest and unhealthiest city explained why health is not a big local issue.

2010 Tour to start from Rotterdam

Race organizers say the 2010 Tour de France will start in the Netherlands.

27 horses killed in blaze at western Ky. stable

A pre-dawn blaze raced through a barn at a former race track in western Kentucky on Thursday, killing 27 horses and wiping out the dreams of at least one owner.

Abbott, Joubert face off in Moscow

When posters for the Cup of Russia were printed, American skater Jeremy Abbott wasn't even listed. Now he shapes up as one of the stars.

Arenas: Last could be 'for the better' for Wizards

Gilbert Arenas is already thinking about the possibility of a last-place finish for his Washington Wizards - and finding the silver lining.

Bengals: Ocho Cinco will not play against Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals say Chad Ocho Cinco, the wide receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, will be deactivated for Thursday night's game with the Pittsburgh Steelers for violating a team rule.

Browns GM Savage apologizes for e-mail expletive

Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage has apologized to a fan whom he sent a profane e-mail to following Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Browns' Quinn has broken finger

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn broke his right index finger in the first half of Monday night's win over Buffalo, but will try to play Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Bulluck practices for first time since hurting rib

The Tennessee Titans appear to be healing up.

Camarillo signs extension with Dolphins

Receiver Greg Camarillo's breakout year with the Miami Dolphins has earned him a new contract.

Chicago among 4 cities pitching European delegates

Chicago and three other cities vying for the 2016 Summer Games will make their case Friday to the regional group with the most votes in the Olympic movement.

Mussina calls it a career after first 20-win year

New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina announced his retirement Thursday even as he comes off his first 20-win season.

Phillies Utley (hip), Feliz (back) to have surgery

Three-time All-Star Chase Utley, who anchored the middle of the lineup for the World Series champion Phillies, will have surgery and may not be ready for the start of the 2009 regular season.

Selig: Weather can't shorten postseason games

There has never been a rain-shortened game in the postseason, and now there never will be. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced the sport will enact a rules change stating that postseason games cannot be shortened because of bad weather.

Yankees control shifts to Steinbrenner's son Hal

George Steinbrenner's 35-year reign as boss of the New York Yankees ended Thursday when he passed control of baseball's most famous team to his youngest son, Hal.

Oakland owner: Make 1st round of playoffs 1 game

Lew Wolff has a way to shorten baseball's postseason: Make the first round best-of-one.

Red Sox trade Coco Crisp to Royals for reliever

The Kansas City Royals picked up the leadoff hitter they had been seeking, acquiring center fielder Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox for reliever Ramon Ramirez on Wednesday. Kansas City was 12th among 14 AL teams in runs last season and added power last month, obtaining first baseman Mike Jacobs from Florida.

Seattle Mariners name Don Wakamatsu as manager

Don Wakamatsu became the first Asian-American manager in major league baseball history when he was hired Wednesday by the Seattle Mariners.

Wakamatsu hired to manage Mariners

Don Wakamatsu is proud to be the first Asian-American manager in major league history. He's also keenly aware of what his grandparents endured, generations before he took over the Seattle Mariners.

Dempster, Cubs agree to $52 million, 4-year deal

Ryan Dempster made the successful switch from closer to starter this season, winning 17 games and helping the Chicago Cubs compile the best record in the National League.

Griffey becomes American Public Diplomacy Envoy

Ken Griffey Jr. has joined a new team.

Shock re-sign Laimbeer to 2-year coaching deal

Coach Bill Laimbeer has been re-signed to a two-year contract by the WNBA champion Detroit Shock.

Clemson beats South Carolina 52-45

Lele Hardy had 17 points and nine rebounds to help Clemson spoil the home coaching debut of South Carolina's Dawn Staley with a 52-45 victory on Wednesday night.

Warriors' Morrow emerges with 2 straight big games

Anthony Morrow can still walk without incident from his downtown hotel to the BART trains that sometimes take him to the Golden State Warriors' arena. Most of Oakland's famously enthusiastic hoops fans haven't yet put a face to the name that hit their favorite team's starting lineup like a thunderbolt last weekend.

Yao out with sore foot

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will sit out Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with a sore left foot.

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has lost his re-relection bid to Democrat Mark Begich.

No. 3 Rutgers routs Princeton 83-35

Epiphanny Prince scored 15 points and Khadijah Rushdan added 11 points off the bench to lead No. 3 Rutgers to an 83-35 win over Princeton Tuesday night.

Rivers rails against Garnett suspension

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't too happy about being forced to play without All-Star Kevin Garnett against the New York Knicks.

SEC charge will hit Cuban's 'every fan' rep

Since buying the Dallas Mavericks eight years ago, Mark Cuban has turned the team around and made himself one of the most visible owners in pro sports. Along the way, he's picked up his share of critics.

USA Basketball to move from Colorado to Arizona

USA Basketball is moving its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colo. to the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, adding to the city's growing roster of sports facilities.

SEC charges Mark Cuban with insider trading

Federal regulators on Monday charged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading for allegedly using confidential information on a stock sale to avoid more than $750,000 in losses.

Cowboys will put Felix Jones on IR

Cowboys rookie running back Felix Jones is done for the season.

Denver TE Jackson goes on IR, Mustard returns

Chad Mustard really wants to begin his career as a high school math teacher and he'd like to get some substitute jobs under his belt until he lands that full-time job.

Lions have shot to make dubious history at 0-16

The winless Detroit Lions have plenty at stake this season.

NFL says Cowboys' Pacman Jones can return Dec. 7

The NFL is giving Adam "Pacman" Jones another chance. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday the suspended cornerback has been reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell, but he must miss two more games - this Sunday and the following game on Thanksgiving. He'll be back Dec. 7 at Pittsburgh.

NFLPA narrows search for next executive director

The search committee seeking a replacement for the late Gene Upshaw to run the NFL Players Association has narrowed the field to a little more than a dozen candidates, some with no previous ties to the union or the NFL, a person with knowledge of the search told The Associated Press.

No longer 'The Man,' Alexander returns to Seattle

Shaun Alexander's recent career trajectory has resembled a bungee jump: Straight down.

Two-way player surprised by all the attention

Spencer "Leatherhead" Larsen didn't realize he was going to be making history or even creating such a buzz by starting for the Denver Broncos at middle linebacker and fullback last weekend.

Vikings give Peterson day off to rest beat-up body

The Minnesota Vikings gave Adrian Peterson's body a break.

Vikings practice without 'Williams Wall'

The Minnesota Vikings went to work Thursday without their star defensive tackles. Perhaps it will serve as good practice, to learn what playing without them would be like.

WR Plaxico Burress sidelined by hamstring injury

New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress missed practice Thursday because of a hamstring injury.

Sorenstam has some work to do at ADT Championship

Annika Sorenstam's farewell to the LPGA Tour could come two days earlier than she hoped.

LPGA offers 31 tourneys in '09, down from 34

The LPGA Tour will offer three fewer official events in 2009, the latest result of the global economic downturn and its effect on pro sports.

Sorenstam set for LPGA farewell this weekend

Annika Sorenstam typically asks for no more than 10 tournament passes in a normal week, enough to accommodate close friends and family.

Ballesteros out of intensive care

Golf great Seve Ballesteros was released from intensive care Tuesday following brain surgery on a malignant tumor.

Pressel aims for $1 million finish at ADT

Morgan Pressel has playing privileges at Trump International, meaning she can get on the lavish course whenever she wants.

Buick to scale back on courtesy cars at tourneys

In another sign of fragile financial conditions, some PGA Tour events are trying to figure out transportation for players after learning over the weekend that Buick will not be providing courtesy cars to most tournaments next year.

Jordan to take on Bethpage Black before US Open

Michael Jordan has played with Tiger Woods in a pro-am at the Wachovia Championship and competed in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. His toughest test might come next June at Bethpage Black in the days before the U.S. Open.

PGA schedule: More money, FedEx Cup changes on way

The PGA Tour released its 2009 schedule on Wednesday for the regular season which features 25 tournaments with at least $6 million purses and a newly configured "Texas swing" of three events in the spring.

An architect among 6 inducted to golf Hall of Fame

Pete Dye, who designed more than 120 courses with risk-and-reward options that brought pleasure to some and frustration to most, was among six people inducted Monday night into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

No. 2 Garcia now aims at major win, Tiger

Sergio Garcia's playoff victory over Oliver Wilson in the HSBC Champions gave the Spaniard a career-high No. 2 world ranking.

Sydor back to Stars as Penguins get Boucher

Darryl Sydor returned to the Dallas Stars on Sunday in a trade of veteran defensemen that sent Philippe Boucher to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tampa Bay Lightning fire Melrose as coach

Barry Melrose's return to the NHL as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning lasted 16 games. Now the job belongs to assistant Rick Tocchet, who was once suspended from the league for his involvement in a sports betting ring.

Avs: Svatos scored game tying goal, not Stastny

The Colorado Avalanche's game tying goal against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday was scored by Marek Svatos, not Paul Stastny.

Denis Savard rejoins Blackhawks as ambassador

Former coach Denis Savard is back with the Chicago Blackhawks. A Hockey Hall of Fame player and one of the franchise's most popular figures, Savard returned to the organization as a team ambassador on Thursday after being fired as coach last month. He joins former Blackhawks Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita in the community relations role.

Murray replaces Burke as Anaheim Ducks GM

Bob Murray has been hired as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks after Brian Burke declined a contract extension.

Red Wings' Franzen returns after missing 5 games

Johan Franzen returned to the Detroit Red Wings' lineup Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing five games with a sprained left knee.

Hall adds 4 members, including Larionov, Anderson

TORONTO - Igor Larionov played almost half of his career before he even knew the Hockey Hall of Fame even existed.

Kostopoulos suspended 3 games

Montreal Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos was suspended for three games without pay by the NHL on Monday for his check on Toronto defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

Flyers C Briere returns after abdominal surgery

Flyers center Danny Briere scored in his first game back in the lineup against Tampa Bay on Saturday night, only two weeks after abdominal surgery.

Nabokov, Cheechoo sit out for NHL-leading Sharks

The San Jose Sharks scratched goalie Evgeni Nabokov and right winger Jonathan Cheechoo from their lineup Saturday night because of injuries.

Alabama routs Florida A&M 89-48

Ronald Steele had 15 points and younger brother Andrew chipped in 10 to help Alabama crush Florida A&M 89-48 Wednesday night.

Albany, NY defeats Bryant 76-67

Tim Ambrose scored 24 points and eight rebounds to lead Albany to a 76-67 win over Bryant on Wednesday night.

American edges Howard 65-63

Garrison Carr had 29 points as American escaped with a 65-63 victory over crosstown rival Howard on Wednesday night.

Appalachian State beats Charlotte 87-84 in 2OT

Kellen Brand scored 23 points, Ryann Abraham hit four straight free throws in the final 12 seconds of the second overtime and Appalachian State outlasted Charlotte 87-84 on Wednesday night.

Clemson downs Wofford 93-40

Terrence Oglesby scored 15 points and Raymond Sykes added 14 to lead Clemson to a dominating 93-40 victory over Wofford on Wednesday night.

Correction: Pete Newell obituary

In obituaries Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 for basketball coach Pete Newell, The Associated Press misstated the number of grandchildren among his his survivors. There are five grandchildren, rather than four, and a great-grandchild.

Cotton, Gator, Sun bowls still interested in Irish

Despite some struggles down the stretch, Notre Dame is still drawing interest from the Cotton, Gator and Sun bowls heading into its final two games.

East Carolina beats Campbell 86-65

James Legan scored 24 points to lead East Carolina to an 86-65 win over Campbell on Wednesday night.

Final 4 awarded to Arlington, Houston

Jerry Jones envisions thousands of college students and fans filling the three-acre plazas at either end of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, having a good time and creating home-court environments for their respective teams.

George Washington defeats Binghamton 71-57

Reserve Noel Wilmore scored 16 points and Damian Hollis added 15 points and five blocks as George Washington defeated Binghamton 71-57 Wednesday night.

NASCAR teams begin layoffs

Hall of Fame Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Arizona Diamondbacks executives, will cut its staff even if it secures sponsorship to run a full 2009 season.

Johnson and Knaus' run fueled by milk and cookies

Rick Hendrick set history in motion over milk and cookies served on a plate donned with Mickey Mouse ears.

Judge won't delay Castroneves tax trial

A federal judge in Miami has rejected requests to delay the tax evasion trial of race car driver Helio Castroneves (EHL'-ee-oh kas-troh-NEH'-vehz).

NASCAR bans 2009 testing to save teams cash

NASCAR has suspended all testing at its sanctioned tracks next season in a cost-cutting measure that should help teams save several million dollars in their 2009 budgets.

Former NASCAR champions hoping for the best

When it comes to good times and bad times, NASCAR's King has seen it all.

Johnson, Edwards gear up for 1 final race

Jimmie Johnson sat before nine former NASCAR champions, too respectful to reflect on his own place in history. In just a few more days, he'll likely have a third championship that will speak volumes to his legacy.

DEI, Ganassi to combine teams

Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi will combine their sponsorship-strapped race teams next season, an effort to stabilize their organizations in a tough economic time.

NASCAR's France not pleased with ABC bumping race

NASCAR chairman Brian France is unhappy with ABC's decision to bump the final laps of last weekend's race in Phoenix to a cable station in favor of "America's Funniest Home Videos."

NASCAR's France not pleased with ABC bumping race

Jimmie Johnson's dominance may have taken some of the sizzle out of the Sprint Cup Chase for the championship, but that doesn't mean NASCAR chairman Brian France thinks Johnson's last major steps toward a third straight points title had to be relegated to cable TV.

Witnesses: 2 shot in dispute over Alabama-LSU game

Witnesses said a man and his former wife were shot to death over an argument about the Alabama-Louisiana State University football game, though a spokesman for the slain man's family disputed that Monday.

'Dinner Impossible' does the improbable

It may not be impossible, but it seemed improbable.

'Impressionism' sets a March 12 Broadway opening

The opening date and Broadway theater have been set for the world premiere of "Impressionism," a play by Michael Jacobs starring Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen.

Ann Curry stops short of Kilimanjaro summit

The "Today" show's Ann Curry didn't make it to the top of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best-sellers Books Top 10

HARDCOVER FICTION

Britney Spears craves freedom amid career upswing

Britney Spears is craving more freedom - and less of the "control" that's stabilized her personal life and reinvigorated her career over the last several months.

Dog lover O'Hurley sets new Thanksgiving tradition

Tom Turkey, meet Uno the beagle.

Dr Pepper to deliver on its free-soda promise

Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality. The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.

European history, culture and art goes digital

Attention all culture-craving couch potatoes: Cultural riches from over 2,000 years of European civilization are going digital.

Hark! Colbert sings in new Christmas special

The permanently suit-clad Stephen Colbert has traded in his pinstripes for a cardigan sweater, red turtleneck and furry boots.

Hill fulfills dream with Christmas special, CD

Faith Hill finally has that Christmas gift she's always wanted.

Hugh Jackman crowned People's `Sexiest Man Alive'

Hugh Jackman says wife Deborra-Lee Furness teased him after finding out he'd been named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive."

Jennifer Garner wins order against alleged stalker

Jennifer Garner has won a restraining order from a man she says has been stalking her for years. An attorney for Garner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday morning and won three years of protection for Garner, husband Ben Affleck and their daughter, Violet.

John Malkovich to film documentary about migrants

John Malkovich is so touched by the plight of migrant children who cross illegally into the United States that he plans to make a documentary about it.

Lawyer: Michael Jackson to testify in London

Michael Jackson has agreed to appear in person at a London court to respond to a Bahraini sheik's $7 million lawsuit, the singer's lawyer said Thursday.

Publicist: Winona Ryder hospitalized in UK

Actress Winona Ryder was briefly hospitalized after falling ill on a flight to London's Heathrow Airport Wednesday, her publicist said.

The 10 movies you shouldn't watch online

Movies are increasingly creeping online, as video sites like YouTube and Hulu are adding feature films to their extensive libraries.

Comedy writer Irving Brecher dies at 94

Irving Brecher, who wrote vaudeville one-liners for Milton Berle and scripted Marx Brothers movies, the TV and radio hit "The Life of Riley" and the Oscar-nominated musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," has died. He was 94.

Disney to release 5 films on IMAX

The Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday it agreed to deliver five movies via IMAX theaters beginning with the 3-D movie "A Christmas Carol," starring Jim Carrey, in November 2009.

Next deadline in actors dispute: awards season

The Screen Actors Guild and Hollywood studios plan to hold their first contract talks in four months on Thursday and will negotiate this time with the help of a federal mediator.

Postage stamp planned for Bob Hope

The post office is telling Bob Hope: thanks for the memories.

Kraftwerk copyright case overturned in Germany

Germany's highest civil court has dealt electronic band Kraftwerk a blow in ruling that sampling music does not in principle violate copyright.

Madonna, Ritchie on London divorce docket Friday

A judge will likely grant Madonna and Guy Ritchie an initial divorce decree on Friday, according to the schedule for London's High Court.

Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep tunes

Microsoft Corp. is giving an early holiday gift to people who pay for all-you-can-listen access to the Zune digital music store: 10 songs to keep each month, included in the $14.99 monthly subscription fee.

Sean Stewart settles case over fight

A case against Rod Stewart's son over a brawl at a Hollywood nightclub has been resolved.

Strike threat hangs over La Scala gala opening

In dramatic costumes dripping with fake blood, La Scala workers took to the stage to vent their frustration after the last three performances of "The Merry Widow" were canceled by a strike.

Taco Bell lawyers get tough with rapper 50 Cent

Rapper 50 Cent is facing a challenge to his street cred - from Taco Bell.

Lawyer: Michael Jackson may be too sick to travel

Michael Jackson might be too sick to travel to London to testify in a suit claiming he owes an Arab sheik $7 million, the pop star's attorney said Tuesday.

Beyonce coming a bit more 'Fierce'

With a new album and two movies on the horizon, it appears the Season of Beyonce has begun.

Bruni-Sarkozy would welcome Michelle Obama advice

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy thinks she could learn a thing or two from Michelle Obama.

NY jury convicts opera-loving philanthropist

Opera-loving philanthropist Alberto Vilar was convicted on fraud charges Wednesday for swindling investors, including the mother of actress Phoebe Cates, out of millions of dollars.

Publicist: Paris Hilton and Benji Madden split

Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up.

`DWTS' pro Julianne Hough won't return next season

Julianne Hough says she's not returning to "Dancing With the Stars" next season.

`Monday Night Football' tops TV cable ratings

Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of Nov. 10-16. Day and start time (EST) are in parentheses:

Cody Linley and Julianne Hough eliminated from DWTS

Cody Linley won't be graduating "Dancing with the Stars." The 18-year-old "Hannah Montana" actor and his professional partner, Julianne Hough, were eliminated Tuesday from ABC's popular dancing competition.

Prostitute to wife of former NY gov.: `I'm sorry'

The prostitute at the center of the scandal that brought down former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has apologized to his wife.

Flat-footed journalist quits British dancing show

The public adored him, but the judges hated him. One called him a "dancing pig in Cuban heels."

Hark! Colbert sings in new Christmas special

The permanently suit-clad Stephen Colbert has traded in his pinstripes for a cardigan sweater, red turtleneck and furry boots.

Hollywood ponders global warming

Hollywood insiders and climate change experts agree that they can't shove messages about global warming down audiences' throats.

Van Der Beek back creekside in North Carolina

James Van Der Beek is back creekside.

`Diddy' to make guest appearance on `CSI: Miami'

Sean "Diddy" Combs is becoming a prosecutor - at least on television.