Talks with federal mediator fail to reach Boeing contract deal; Machinists to strike

Talks with federal mediator fail to reach Boeing contract deal; Machinists to strike.

AP Interview: Shaun Alexander vows he's back

Shaun Alexander isn't bitter at being unemployed.

Bellevue teachers' strike talks break off

The union for striking Bellevue teachers says talks broke off Thursday evening and no new negotiations are scheduled.

Boeing Machinists talks move to Florida

Unless talks in Florida result in an agreement, members of the Boeing Machinists union are poised to strike early Saturday when a 48-hour contract extension expires.

Boeing, machinists talks fail; strike is on

Despite a 48-hour contract extension, negotiations between Boeing Co. and Machinists union officials have failed and the union declared: "The strike is on!"

Boeing, machinists talks fail; strike is on

Despite a 48-hour contract extension, negotiations between Boeing Co. and Machinists union officials have failed and the union declared: "The strike is on!"

Boeing, machinists talks fail; union to strike

Despite a 48-hour contract extension, negotiations between Boeing Co. and Machinists union officials failed Friday and the union said a strike was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. PDT Saturday.

Boeing, machinists talks fail; union to strike

Chicago-based Boeing says the company will not try to assemble planes during a strike its Machinists union called today.

Boeing, machinists talks fail; union to strike

Despite a 48-hour contract extension, negotiations between Boeing Co. and Machinists union officials failed Friday and the union said a strike was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. PDT Saturday.

3 killed, 1 missing in Coast Guard copter crash

Rescuers on Friday searched for a missing crew member from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter that crashed in ocean waters off Oahu, killing the three others on board.

3 killed, including toddler, in Colo. hit-and-run

Three people were killed, including a toddler, after an SUV crashed into a pickup and shoved it into an ice cream shop outside Denver, Colo.

6 militants, 2 civilians killed in Afghan raid

An overnight raid early Friday killed six militants and two civilians in western Afghanistan, the U.S. coalition said.

A look at death toll from Atlantic storms

A look at deaths so far from the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season:

Abbas: reach peace agreement by year's end

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pledged Friday to try to reach a final status peace agreement with Israel by the end of the year - but he admitted the goal, set by U.S. President George W. Bush, might not be achieved.

Alaskans to receive state payouts topping $3,200

It's the season for Alaskans to be rewarded just for living here and this year's take is extra sweet: $3,269, a record share of the state's oil wealth combined with a special cash payout to help with stratospheric energy prices.

Angola's first vote since 1992 plagued by problems

Angola stumbled on the road to democracy Friday, voters waiting for hours to take part in the first election in 16 years as ballot shortages and a lack of voting officials played havoc at the polls.

AP IMPACT: Afghans fed up with government, US

The bearded, turbaned men gather beneath a large, leafy tree in rural eastern Nangarhar province. When Malik Mohammed speaks on their behalf, his voice is soft but his words are harsh. Mohammed makes it clear that the tribal chiefs have lost all faith in both their own government and the foreign soldiers in their country.

Ask AP: Maximum heat, oil wells set on fire

You may have experienced the feeling on a steamy summer day: Nowhere in the universe could possibly be hotter than this.

Aso announces bid to lead Japan's ruling party

Brash, right-leaning former Foreign Minister Taro Aso announced Friday that he will run for ruling party president in a move that would put him on track to take over as Japan's next prime minister.

Oil prices drop as jobs data add to demand worries

Oil prices sank to a five-month low Friday as a jump in the U.S. unemployment rate signaled to traders that Americans might keep paring back their energy use to save money.

Altria calls reports on UST 'pure speculation'

Altria Group, which owns Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, said Friday that a report of its impending acquisition of UST was "pure speculation." Analysts said the deal makes perfect sense.

As unemployment spikes, companies weigh options

U.S. companies have cut more than 550,000 jobs so far in 2008 as they try to preserve their profits in a slumping economy, but analysts say such downsizing must be done carefully for corporations to have any long-term benefits.

Assurant signs warranty accord with GE unit

Specialty insurer Assurant Inc. has agreed to acquire the warranty management business of General Electric Co.'s appliance and consumer electronics division.

Bank of America ready to settle securities probes

Bank of America Corp. said Friday it is ready to settle federal and state investigations into sales of risky auction-rate securities, joining eight other big investment banks that have agreed to buy back a total of more than $50 billion of the securities.

Boeing, machinists talks fail; Union to strike

Despite a 48-hour contract extension, negotiations between Boeing Co. and Machinists union officials failed Friday and the union said a strike was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. PDT Saturday.

Cassini detects partial rings with Saturn's moons

The latest images from NASA's Cassini spacecraft show faint, partial rings orbiting with two of Saturn's small inner moons, scientists said Friday.

Continental to charge $15 for 1st checked bag

Continental Airlines Inc. said Friday it is charging some coach customers $15 for a first checked bag, matching a similar fee imposed by most other major U.S. carriers.

Details about Altria, UST

WHAT THE COMPANIES SAY: Altria Group, which owns Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, called a New York Times report that it would buy rival UST Inc. for more than $10 billion "pure speculation." UST declined to comment.

ESA spacecraft completes flyby of Steins asteroid

The Rosetta deep space probe successfully passed close to an asteroid 250 million miles from Earth, the European Space Agency said Friday night.

'Broken man' Abramoff gets 4 years in prison

Broken and disgraced, lobbyist Jack Abramoff will spend four years in prison for his role in a corruption scandal that upended Washington politics and contributed to the Republicans' loss of Congress in 2006.

Analysis: McCain talks unity while allies attack

John McCain preached bipartisanship and unity from a stage retooled to carry him out to the Republican faithful. He didn't have to be biting: On the previous night, his attack dogs had paved the way.

Analysis: McCain, Obama now focus on swing votes

Now it gets real.

Arrests mark last anti-war march of convention

Percussion grenades, tear gas and nearly 400 arrests marked the final anti-war march during the Republican National Convention. More than 800 arrests were reported during a week of sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent dissent.

Biden says Obama would cut taxes for nearly all

Vice presidential nominee Joe Biden is promoting the Democrats' economic plan as he visits southeastern Pennsylvania.

Bush aide's House testimony temporarily halted

A federal appeals court has blocked former White House counsel Harriet Miers from testifying about the firing of nine U.S. attorneys until judges decide whether they have authority to wade into a battle that pits Congress against the Bush administration.

Bush keeps tabs on storms in busy hurricane season

President Bush is keeping tabs on the Gulf Coast's recovery from Hurricane Gustav while monitoring the threat from two other looming storms, Hanna and the even more-powerful Ike.

Bush to announce US troop levels in Iraq next week

President Bush will announce his decision on future troops levels in Iraq next week and is expected to largely follow the recommendations of military leaders to reduce the number by up to 8,000 by mid-January.

Bush tours Gettysburg battleground site

President Bush brushed up on his Civil War history Friday, touring the battleground of Gettysburg, the site of one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War.

Cindy McCain sets tone for GOP fashion

Not since Jacqueline Kennedy first donned her signature pillbox hats have fashionistas paid such close attention to what the women of politics are wearing.

FDA posts list of potential problem drugs

The government on Friday began posting a list of prescription drugs under investigation for potential safety problems in an effort to better inform doctors and patients.

Gene domino effect behind brain, pancreatic tumors

Scientists have mapped the cascade of genetic changes that turn normal cells in the brain and pancreas into two of the most lethal cancers. The result points to a new approach for fighting tumors and maybe even catching them sooner. Genes blamed for one person's brain tumor were different from the culprits for the next patient, making the puzzle of cancer genetics even more complicated.

FDA orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs

The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.

Heart defibrillator shock can signal more trouble

A lifesaving shock from an implanted heart defibrillator provides relief that a crisis was avoided, but new research suggests it can also be a sign that more trouble is ahead.

Smoking riskier to women's hearts than men's

Women typically get heart disease much later than men, but not if they smoke, researchers said Tuesday.

Study: New way to spot breast cancer shows promise

A radioactive tracer that "lights up" cancer hiding inside dense breasts showed promise in its first big test against mammograms, revealing more tumors and giving fewer false alarms, doctors reported Wednesday.

Study: No link between measles vaccine and autism

New research further debunks any link between measles vaccine and autism, work that comes as the nation is experiencing a surge in measles cases fueled by children left unvaccinated.

Doctors say Vytorin-cancer link can't be ruled out

Results so far from three studies of the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin are not enough to prove or rule out a possible link to a higher risk of cancer, so the drug should be used with caution until more is known, editors of a leading medical journal urged Tuesday.

E. coli outbreak in Oklahoma kills 1, sickens 200

An E. coli outbreak linked to a restaurant in northeastern Oklahoma has sickened more than 200 people and killed at least one person, state health officials said Tuesday.

Modest brain test benefit seen with brisk walking

Brisk walking led to slight improvements on mental tests for older people with memory problems in what is billed as the first rigorous test of exercise on the aging brain. The results from the small Australian study were only modest. But they back up observational studies showing potential mental benefits from physical activity.

2 hammer throw medalists test positive

The silver and bronze medalists from Belarus in the men's hammer throw at the Beijing Olympics were caught doping and could be stripped of their medals.

AL home run leader Quentin breaks wrist

American League home run leader Carlos Quentin has a broken right wrist stemming from his own temper, and the Chicago White Sox left fielder will have surgery Monday that could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Arrest warrant for ex-football star Ingram

An arrest warrant was issued Friday for Mark Ingram, a star on the New York Giants' 1991 Super Bowl-winning team who failed for a third time to appear in federal court for sentencing on a money laundering and bank fraud conviction.

Bills: Pro Bowl LT Peters ends holdout

Rather than losing a game paycheck of more than $191,000, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters made plans on Friday to end his holdout and report to the team by Saturday.

Bolt runs 9.77 in cold, wet conditions for win

Usain Bolt rallied against cold, wind and Asafa Powell to win the 100 meters in 9.77 seconds Friday at the Van Damme Memorial.

Branch out for Seattle; Locklear unlikely to play

The return of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch is going to wait at least a week.

Cavaliers sign F/C Lorenzen Wright

The Cavaliers signed center Lorenzen Wright on Friday to help offset the loss up front of forward Joe Smith.

CBS sues NFL Players over fantasy football

CBS has filed a federal lawsuit in Minneapolis to clarify who can use the statistics that underlie fantasy football leagues.

Cyclists want apology from USOC over mask flap

The four American cyclists who arrived for last month's Beijing Games wearing black masks and were subsequently ordered to apologize for offending the host nation are seeking an apology from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones freed from prison

Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones was released Friday from federal prison after completing most of her six-month sentence for lying about her steroid use.

Earthquake rattles Bay area during Giants' game

A light earthquake has rattled the San Francisco Bay area and was felt during the Giants' game with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.

Rangers' Kinsler having season-ending surgery

Ian Kinsler's breakout season is done.

Red Sox activate Beckett, Lowell and Casey

The Boston Red Sox got three key players back Friday, activating right-hander Josh Beckett, third baseman Mike Lowell and first baseman Sean Casey from the 15-day disabled list.

Schmidt: Mets know Phillies are better than them

In a pep talk via e-mail, Mike Schmidt reminded the Philadelphia Phillies of their big comeback to win the NL East last season and said "the Mets know you're better than they are."

Trembley to return as Orioles manager in 2009

Dave Trembley was certain he would be asked to return as manager of the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, an expectation that was fulfilled Friday.

Cubs ace Zambrano gets shot for tendinitis

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has right rotator cuff tendinitis and inflammation, an MRI confirmed Thursday, a potential obstacle to Chicago's chances of winning the World Series for the first time in a century.

First use of instant replay backs onfield call

Baseball's first use of instant replay backed an onfield call of a home run for Alex Rodriguez during the ninth inning of the New York Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.

Nationals lower ticket prices for at new ballpark

The Washington Nationals, who rank in the bottom half of Major League Baseball in attendance despite a new ballpark, are lowering some of their season ticket prices for next season.

Shea seats selling briskly at $869 a pair

As a season-ticket holder, Darrell Buono spent 13 years rooting for the New York Mets in blue, loge-level seats at Shea Stadium. So he bought them.

Braves' Cox extends ejection record to 143

Braves manager Bobby Cox extended his major league ejection record to 143 on Wednesday, getting tossed in the fifth inning for arguing ball and strikes during Atlanta's game against Florida.

Ewing, Olajuwon linked again, this time in Hall

Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley were enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday night, but it was inductee Dick Vitale who, as expected, stole the show.

Still a rookie, Oden joins others for orientation

He was drafted more than 14 months ago, and even then he looked too old to be a first-year player, so it's easy to forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie.

Chalmers sent home from NBA rookie program

Heat guard Mario Chalmers was sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

Chalmers, Arthur sent home from NBA rookie program

Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules.

LeBron James enjoying his gold

LeBron James could be excused for his poor shooting from behind the arc, and for being blown out in a game of H-O-R-S-E with a warehouse worker in a beach exhibition. James was still floating in the clouds from his Olympic experience.

Oklahoma City NBA team's nickname will be Thunder

As Oklahoma City's NBA team prepared to reveal its name and logo, the NBA's Web site showed "Thunder" as the name and the color scheme as blue, yellow and orange.

Oklahoma City's NBA team to be called Thunder

Thunder can be heard from miles away, an early warning that a storm is about to arrive. So, perhaps it's only fitting that the name of Oklahoma City's NBA team didn't sneak up on anyone.

Spurs' Ginobili undergoes surgery on injured ankle

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had arthroscopic surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle.

LeBron James to be featured in new documentary

LeBron James has gone from the gold-medal stand to the silver screen.

Leslie leads Sparks' rally against Silver Stars

Lisa Leslie scored four of her 18 points and added a blocked shot in the final 1:39, and the Los Angeles Sparks rallied for a 58-53 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Saturday night.

Giants DE Kiwanuka accuses Samuels of dirty play

New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka said on Friday that Washington Redskins tackle Chris Samuels made a dirty play when he fell on the back of his ankle after being beaten on a pass rush on the final play of the NFL season opener.

Jaguars' Porter ruled out of opener at Tennessee

Jaguars receiver Jerry Porter was ruled out of Sunday's season opener at Tennessee because of a hamstring injury.

Newman questionable for Cowboys opener

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman is listed as questionable for the season opener at Cleveland.

Packers RB Grant sits out practice as precaution

Packers running back Ryan Grant and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila missed practice Friday as a precaution heading into Monday night's opener against Minnesota.

Ravens sign OT Anderson

After signing his three-year, $11 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, offensive tackle Willie Anderson hopes to play in Sunday's season opener against the team that cut him.

Ready for some (more) football games that count?

A better question than "Are you ready for some football?" on the opening week of the NFL season might be how soon you're ready for some more games that count.

Bengals' WR Chad Johnson now Ocho Cinco

Call him Ocho Cinco on the field, too.

Bills' LB Crowell placed on IR

Bills starting linebacker Angelo Crowell was placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday in a surprise move that came after the player elected to have surgery on his left knee.

Browns LB Antwan Peek out for season

Around this time last year, Browns rookie linebacker Alex Hall played his season opener against Mars Hill, a tiny Baptist school in North Carolina.

Colts' Saturday passes on knee surgery

Despite a torn ligament in his right knee, Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday is not planning on surgery anytime soon.

LPGA backs down on English requirement

The LPGA Tour's "mea culpa" didn't need much translation.

First round of BMW Championship a washout

The first round of the BMW Championship has been washed out by steady rain that has deluged Bellerive Country Club, adding to the string of bad luck for golf in St. Louis.

Ochoa: LPGA English-only rule 'a little drastic'

Lorena Ochoa of Mexico says a new LPGA Tour policy requiring players to be effective in English starting in 2009 is a "little drastic."

Paul Azinger fills out US Ryder Cup team

Chad Campbell lingered in the parking lot of a Dallas hospital as his wife waited inside to get the latest report on their first child, due to be born later this week.

Tiger Woods says wife Elin expecting 2nd child

Even with his golf done for the year, Tiger Woods found something to celebrate Tuesday: His wife is pregnant with their second child. Woods said on his Web site that Elin is expecting in late winter without being more specific on a due date.

Faldo adds Poulter, Casey to Ryder Cup team

Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo used his two picks Sunday on Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, a surprising decision that left Darren Clarke off the European team for the first time since 1995.

LPGA's English-only policy draws criticism

Imagine what could have happened to Angel Cabrera if he belonged to a tour that required its players to speak English.

Volatile system brings unpredictable PGA playoffs

Padraig Harrington has won the last two majors and is considered the favorite to be voted player of the year on the PGA Tour. But if he doesn't play well the next two weeks, he might not even make it to the Tour Championship.

LPGA to require English for intl players

The LPGA Tour boasts players from all over the world, and it wants all of them to be able to speak English.

Federer leans on US Open success after tough year

His Wimbledon reign and No. 1 ranking surrendered, Roger Federer has one trump card left in his competition with Rafael Nadal: four straight U.S. Open titles.

Russian league accuses NHL of breaking deal

A newly formed Russian hockey league accused the NHL of poaching two of its players when the Los Angeles Kings agreed to terms with two draft prospects last week.

Stu Barnes retires, joins Stars' coaching staff

Dallas Stars center Stu Barnes is retiring after 16 years in the NHL.

Avs sign center, captain Joe Sakic to new contract

Patience paid off for the Colorado Avalanche, who signed Joe Sakic to a one-year, $6 million contract Wednesday after he decided to play a 20th season in the NHL rather than call it a career.

Sharks sign D Vlasic to 4-year extension

Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic agreed to a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, keeping one of the club's best young players with the Sharks through the 2012-13 season.

Gordon on board with Islanders, leads youth charge

Scott Gordon faced a probing question in the time between accepting the job as head coach of the New York Islanders and his introductory news conference.

Hull, 2 Rangers, Granato headed to hockey Hall

Brett Hull and longtime New York Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter are members of the 2008 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

6 p.m. kickoff set for game moved due to TS Hanna

Officials have set a 6 p.m. start time for Saturday's Charleston Southern-Wofford football game.

Delaware State 35, Florida A&M 28, OT

Quarterback Vashon Winton ran for four touchdowns, including a six-yarder for the game-winner in overtime, as Delaware State edged Florida A&M 35-28 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football Thursday night.

QB Mauk takes appeal for another season to court

Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk testified Thursday that a foot injury prevented him from playing or even practicing at times during his freshman season in 2003 at Wake Forest, where he played before transferring to Cincinnati.

Tressel: No. 3 Ohio State's Wells out for Ohio

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells will not play when the third-ranked Buckeyes take on Ohio on Saturday.

Former Cincinnati QB Mauk loses final NCAA appeal

Former Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk has lost his final appeal to the NCAA for more playing time. Mauk was turned down Wednesday by the NCAA's reinstatement committee, the last available step in his eligibility appeals process.

Harvin, Spikes to make season debuts against Miami

Receiver Percy Harvin and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will make their season debuts for No. 5 Florida against Miami on Saturday.

LSU postpones game against Troy in wake of Gustav

LSU postponed its football game against Troy after Hurricane Gustav damaged Tiger Stadium and battered Louisiana's capital city far worse than anticipated.

Ponder will start for Seminoles

Christian Ponder will start at quarterback for Florida State in its season opener against Western Carolina.

Coastal Carolina, Chas. Southern may move games

Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern may reschedule their home games Saturday because of Tropical Storm Hanna.

Nebraska player found not guilty of sexual assault

Nebraska football player Andy Christensen has been found not guilty of first degree sexual assault. A Lancaster County District Court jury reached the decision on Tuesday.

Hanna washes out NASCAR at Richmond

Steady rain that began Friday night and expectations that it would continue through Saturday with Tropical Storm Hanna moving in forced NASCAR to postpone Saturday night's Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

NASCAR rescinds probation against Stewart, Logano

Tony Stewart and Joey Logano will not be on probation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series after all.

Private club puts wealthy drivers on fast track

Bill McMichael braked his new Ferrari F430 Scuderia into the turn, downshifting as he went into the corner. Then he punched it on the straightaway. Pedal down, engine whining an octave higher, the sleek, black car closed in on 140 mph within seconds.

Dario Franchitti headed back to IndyCar Series

Dario Franchitti will leave NASCAR and return to IndyCar in 2009 as the replacement driver for Dan Wheldon at Chip Ganassi Racing.

Busch wins again

It's Kyle Busch - again.

Phil Hill, only US-born F1 champ, dies

Phil Hill, the only American-born Formula One champion, died Thursday of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 81.

NASCAR puts Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards on probation

NASCAR placed Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on probation Wednesday for the next six Sprint Cup Series races, the result of their on-track incident last weekend at the end of the race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Sorenson to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports

Reed Sorenson isn't waiting for Chip Ganassi Racing to figure out the Car of Tomorrow. The 22-year-old driver signed a multiyear contract to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season, where he'll join Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler.

Logano picked to replace Stewart in JGR No. 20

Joe Gibbs Racing has selected 18-year-old Joe Logano to replace Tony Stewart in the No. 20 Sprint Cup Toyota next season. Logano was introduced Monday at the team's race shop, less than two months after he made his debut in the Nationwide Series.

NASCAR hands out penalties to 7 Gibbs crew members

NASCAR's latest attempt to reel in the rule-breakers aimed at an unfamiliar target: the normally squeaky-clean Joe Gibbs Racing.

2 out of 3 people worldwide tuned in for Olympics

More than two out of three people worldwide tuned in for the Beijing Olympics.

AARP celebrates 50th with star-studded event

Actress Sally Field had some advice for the mature crowd celebrating AARP's 50th anniversary on a sunny day at the Lincoln Memorial: Don't get burned.

Before there was Hollywood, there was Jacksonville

Before there was Hollywood, there was Jacksonville.

David Spade is the father of Playboy pinup's baby

David Spade is the father of Playboy playmate Jillian Grace's newborn daughter, Spade's representative said Thursday. The baby girl was born Aug. 26 in Missouri, and Spade plans to visit her on his first break from filming the CBS sitcom "Rules of Engagement," publicist Meredith O'Sullivan said.

Divorce papers reveal Hulk Hogan's net worth

Thousands of dollars spent on clothing, grooming and vacations are among the average monthly expenses for Hulk Hogan's wife, according to financial affidavits filed in the couple's impending divorce case near Tampa.

Dr. Green returns in `ER' final-season flashback

Dr. Mark Greene is coming back to "ER," but he's not coming back from the dead.

Fashion designer Mila Schoen dies in Italy

Mila Schoen, an Italian designer of elegant, impeccably tailored clothes, died early Friday at her villa in northern Italy at the age of 91.

French pop artist Alain Jacquet dies at 69

Alain Jacquet, a French pop artist known for his reinterpretations of famous paintings, has died, the French Embassy said.

Greek rural postmen top odd book title list

It may not be a best-seller, but "Greek Rural Postmen and Their Cancellation Numbers" has won a literary accolade: oddest book title of the past 30 years.

Hootie frontman Rucker a hit with country radio

Darius Rucker says he's always been a sucker for a country shuffle.

Man gets prison for crime at Dunst's NYC hotel

A drug addict who was arrested on charges of burglarizing Kirsten Dunst's New York City hotel penthouse suite has been sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison.

Michael Moore to release new film online for free

Inspired by Neil Young and Radiohead, Michael Moore will release his new film online and for free.

Olmi wins lifetime award at Venice film festival

Italian director Ermanno Olmi received the Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion for lifetime achievement on Friday.

Ritchie rocks again with crime romp `RocknRolla'

Crime just never stops paying for Guy Ritchie.

Rogen shows some skin in Smith's `Zack and Miri'

All Seth Rogen really wanted when he came to Hollywood was to make a movie with Kevin Smith.

Stars wish they were in Dorothy's shoes

It's been 70 years since Judy Garland first clicked her ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz," yet even the well-heeled celebrities who inhabit the wonderful land of Hollywood still find the shoes a thing of beauty.

Oscar for Capra's 'Prelude to War' given to Army

The Army, with a hand from Hollywood, has received a long-lost Oscar back into its ranks.

Don LaFontaine, voice of movie trailers, dies

The omnipresent baritone and gravely bass undertones of Don LaFontaine's distinctive voice had the unique ability to seamlessly embellish big-screen kisses, slice through over-the-top explosions, perfectly pair with robust musical scores, glide alongside car chases and effortlessly co-star with any A-list talent in Hollywood.

Judge nixes claims in Heath Ledger tape lawsuit

A judge on Wednesday dealt a serious but possibly temporary blow to a lawsuit filed by a celebrity magazine reporter who has accused a paparazzi agency of secretly filming Heath Ledger doing drugs in her hotel room.

Toronto film fest includes Spike Lee, Coens movies

Sundance is about new talent and small, personal films. Cannes is about highbrow cinema and celebrity-watching.

Jacksons reunite at BMI Urban Awards

The Jacksons were crowned icons at the BMI Urban Awards, but the King of Pop was an absentee.

NFL season kicks off with free NYC concert

Usher, Keith Urban and Natasha Bedingfield are kicking off the NFL season with a free concert that's expected to draw thousands to Manhattan's Columbus Circle.

Pavarotti to be remembered around the world

The world will mark the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti with a series of concerts, an exhibit and other events, organizers and his family announced Friday.

Soprano Anna Netrebko gives birth to baby boy

Anna Netrebko has a new tenor in her life.

Country singer Jimmy Wayne scores No. 1 hit

Jimmy Wayne was down and out a few years ago. His record label had been bought out, and it looked like his shot at being a country star was over.

Hendrix, Beatles, Elvis memorabilia sold

A guitar set alight onstage by Jimi Hendrix during a concert in London was sold at auction on Thursday for $497,557 to a collector from the United States.

Pop star writes of friendship with ex-priest

Pop star Cliff Richard has written about his relationship with a former Roman Catholic priest in an autobiography excerpted in a British newspaper on Thursday.

Wein works to preserve the Newport festival legacy

For the first time since he founded the Newport Jazz Festival, George Wein didn't have to sign any checks or worry about how the fickle weather might affect the bottom line. Instead, his biggest concern at the recent festival was whether he could keep up on piano with his Newport All-Stars band during their set on the main stage that preceded performances by Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins.

Aguilera does exclusive deal with Target

Christina Aguilera has become the latest musical act to release an album exclusively through one retailer.

Akon plans on trial in New York fan-toss case

Akon is headed to trial on criminal charges he tossed a fan offstage at an upstate concert last summer.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler praises purple

Many stylish women worship the color black, but not Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

McCain, Obama tied in TV audiences

As a television draw, John McCain was every bit the equal of Barack Obama.

New Seinfeld ad draws negative reviews online

No soup for Microsoft?

Stand Up to Cancer telethon takes over network TV

Three TV networks, cancer research advocates and more than 60 celebrities from music, sports, TV and film made history Friday night with a live telethon that aired simultaneously on NBC, ABC and CBS.

'Fringe,' 'Privileged' and 'Do Not Disturb' on tap

The new TV season's official start date (Sept. 21) is weeks away, but one of the most anticipated shows, "90210," has already arrived. Now comes the other: Fox's weird-science thriller "Fringe," which premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT. So what's left this fall? Well, CW's sunny youth drama "Privileged," debuting Tuesday at 9 p.m. EDT, offers evidence there are pleasant surprises ahead. But Fox's sitcom "Do Not Disturb," on tap for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EDT, isn't one of them.

'Peanuts' animator Bill Melendez dies at 91

Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other "Peanuts" characters in scores of movies and TV specials, has died. He was 91.

Britney Spears to open MTV Video Music Awards

It's Britney, baby, one more time. Despite her train-wreck performance at the MTV Video Music Awards last year, the network confirms Spears will kick off the show once again. But it won't be a performance. Instead, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said Wednesday, it'll be something "fun and unexpected" on Sunday night's show.

Democratic Convention was No. 1 on cable last week

Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of Aug 25-31. Day and start time (EDT) are in parentheses:

Dynamic duo Griffin, Rickles paired for Emmy show

Kathy Griffin, who shook up an Emmy ceremony last year with her rowdy acceptance speech, is bringing her act to this year's prime-time awards show. Griffin and Don Rickles, a comedian who's legendary for his combative style, will team up as presenters at the Sept. 21 ceremony airing on ABC, the TV academy says.

Fashion store sues Winfrey's mom for unpaid bill

A high-end clothing store in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is suing Oprah Winfrey's mother for failing to pay her bill.