News
Actor Rupert Grint, Ron Weasley in 'Harry Potter' films, recovering from swine flu
By Associated Press - July 4, 2009
LONDON (AP) The agent for "Harry Potter" star Rupert Grint says the actor is recovering from a mild case of swine flu. Grint plays the boy wizard's best friend Ron Weasley in the hit film franchise. Christian Hodell of Hamilton Hodell management said Saturday that Grint...
Surviving recession in big cities' shadows a challenge for suburban arts organizations
JIM FITZGERALD - July 4, 2009
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) When he hired Itzhak Perlman as artistic director of the Westchester Philharmonic in 2007, Joshua Worby thought he'd hit a grand slam. He figured that Perlman, a popular, world-famous violinist, would attract new subscribers, raise the reputation of a suburban...
Jackson's kids had an isolated life but a loving bond with their superstar father, friends say
JOCELYN NOVECK - July 4, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) When Rabbi Shmuley Boteach brought his children to play with Michael Jackson's kids at Neverland Ranch some eight years ago, the rabbi's youngsters naturally made a beeline for the fabulous rides the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, the bumper cars. But when Jackson's...
Mental health specialists say Jackson's kids face challenges to dealing with his sudden death
LINDSEY TANNER - July 4, 2009
CHICAGO (AP) No matter how unusual their lives may have been so far, Michael Jackson's children now face a universal trauma felt by all kids who suddenly lose a parent. How the three young Jacksons fare is up to the remaining adults in their lives and whether they can create a sense...
ABBA's Benny Andersson shoots down talk of reunion to fill Jackson void in London arena
LOUISE DIXON - July 3, 2009
LONDON (AP) Forget those reports that Swedish supergroup ABBA will be reuniting to cover Michael Jackson's sold-out concert dates. "No one has even asked us, and if they asked us they would have 'no' as an answer, because (Jackson's concerts were) going to happen in a week," said...
TV One, Martin launching public affairs show aimed at black audience
DAVID BAUDER - July 3, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) Roland Martin will anchor a new Sunday public affairs show aimed at a black audience that will debut in September on the TV One network. The "Washington Watch" program aims to tap into a new interest in politics and government due to the election of President Barack...
Madonna to pay tribute to Michael Jackson in concert at same arena where he was to perform
NEKESA MUMBI MOODY - July 3, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) Madonna is paying tribute to Michael Jackson in the same arena where he was to stage his great comeback. The superstar is preparing a special part of her concert Saturday at O2 arena. Madonna publicist Liz Rosenberg says she is going to unveil a special choreographed...
Michael Jackson moonwalk tribute draws hundreds in South Africa
MICHELLE THERIAULT - July 3, 2009
JOHANNESBURG (AP) Several hundred South Africans gathered on Friday for a moonwalking tribute to the King of Pop that reflected the diversity of the rainbow nation. They were in Johannesburg's Nelson Mandela Square for one reason: an abiding love for Michael Jackson's music....
Spokesman: Country singer Ferlin Husky hospitalized in Tenn. with possible pneumonia
By Associated Press - July 3, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A spokesman for country star Ferlin Husky says the singer has been hospitalized in Tennessee. Tracy Pitcox, president of Heart of Texas Records, said the 83-year-old was admitted to the critical care unit of Summit Medical Center in Hermitage on Thursday....
International film festival opens in Czech Republic, honors Isabelle Huppert
By Associated Press - July 3, 2009
PRAGUE, (AP) The 44th International Film Festival opened Friday in the Czech Republic with a week of events planned, including an award for French actress Isabelle Huppert and a world premiere by Milos Forman. The festival in the spa resort of Karlovy Vary features 220 movies this...
