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Chess Notes

Here is a product of the World Cup, a game of maneuver from the fourth round in which Peter Svidler, a veteran and winner of the Soviet Championship five times, subdues Arkadij Naiditsch of Germany. Games that start quietly inevitably result in noisy clashes. In this game Svidler as Black develops his pieces to the third rank, depending on ultimate ... (Boston Globe, 12:05 p.m.)

Candy Spelling, Tori's mom, lands a reality show

HOLLYWOOD - Candy Spelling is already famous or infamous; it can be hard to tell these days. The wife of the late TV mogul Aaron Spelling, she’s also owner of one of the most expensive homes in the country and mother to “Beverly Hills 90210’’ star Tori Spelling, with whom she’s had a publicly tumultuous relationship for years. (Los Angeles Times, 12:04 p.m.)

On Demand movie picks

INTO THE WILD (TMC on Comcast ) The story of Christopher McCandless, a middle-class son of privilege whose journeyings across America led him to Alaska and death. Adapting Jon Krakauer’s 1996 nonfiction bestseller, Sean Penn has made his best, most ambitious work as a director, but he loves his young hero too much to get the proper distance. With Catherine ... (Boston Globe, 12:03 p.m.)

Daily television guide

RADIO HIGHLIGHTS Member Concert 6 a.m. WUMB-FM (91.91) Red Molly from March 2006. Guest Mix 7 a.m. WUMB-FM (91.9) Richard Shindell from April 2005. (Boston Globe, 12:02 p.m.)

TV critic’s corner

Cranford Tomorrow at 9 p.m., Channel 2 Next month, PBS will premiere “Return to Cranford’’ on “Masterpiece Classic.’’ So this month, beginning tomorrow night, PBS is wisely reairing last year’s three-part “Cranford’’ series. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s short novel, it’s really well done. On one level, it’s a familiar 19th century small-town melodrama featuring three extraordinary British actresses, Judi Dench, ... (Globe Staff, 12:01 p.m.)

Louis Howe, the force behind the Roosevelts

He was a key architect of FDR’s political career and helped bring Eleanor Roosevelt out of her shell. Yet even many political junkies have never heard of Louis Howe. (Globe Correspondent, 11:58 a.m.)

Movie capsules

New releases Amarcord Federico Fellini in his high vulgarism period. Originally released in Italy in 1973 and here the following year, the movie continues to resemble something that a lewd, grouchy, fitfully indecent silent director might have made for his first film in color and sound. He’s sexualized and scatologicalized everything in the movie. The result is a grand, passionate ... (Boston Globe, 11:58 a.m.)

Will viewers see 3-D ‘Avatar’ as it was meant to be seen?

Fifteen years in the works, James Cameron’s “Avatar’’ is finally rolling out to theaters this weekend, but there’s one underreported aspect of this over-marketed 3-D experience that represents a ticking time bomb. What happens if your theater projects the movie wrong? (Globe Staff, 11:57 a.m.)

For Christmas, Camerata heads to the Mediterranean

CAMBRIDGE - This month of the year many choruses and ensembles around town favor a kind of yuletide musical time travel, with programs that celebrate, for instance, Christmas in 15th-century England or 16th-century Venice. Perhaps the most ambitious of these - in its temporal, geographic, and cross-cultural sweep -is Boston Camerata’s “A Mediterranean Christmas.’’ This delightful program is back this ... (Globe Staff, 11:57 a.m.)

Taking a stand for ‘Messiah’

It’s a familiar scene during the holiday season, at least for those who frequent the annual outbreak of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.’’ (Globe Correspondent, 11:57 a.m.)

Mediterranean Baroque Christmas at Old South Church

Getting a little tired of the business-as-usual holiday tunes? The Musicians of the Old Post Road are the antedote at today’s Mediterranean Baroque Christmas , an afternoon of instrumental and vocal works from Spain, France, and Italy. There are a couple of cantatas, a concerto, and chamber music by the ensemble, which welcomes soprano Barbara Kilduff and mezzo-soprano Pamela Dellal. ... (Globe Staff, 11:53 a.m.)

Carols by Candlelight in Arlington

Tonight’s “Carols by Candlelight’’ concert is in a cozy stone church with pointed Gothic windows, seasonal adornments, and seating in the round. With a setting like this, who cares about the music. Just kidding. Diane Taraz and Jonathan Gilbert play instruments you don’t hear every day including the mandolin, dulcimer, riqq (“the tambourine’s great-granddaddy,’’ according to Taraz), and coconuts. When ... (Globe Staff, 11:51 a.m.)

Canadian Brass celebrates Renaissance composers

At the turn of the 17th century in Venice, Giovanni Gabrieli was one of the first to compose for brass instruments and brass choirs. Members of the Canadian Brass salute the composer and organist with their new release, “Echo: Glory of Gabrieli.’’ Tomorrow’s holiday concert is antiphonal brass music by Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi, and Samuel Scheidt, all composers of the ... (Globe Staff, 11:49 a.m.)

Andrea Capozzoli to peform at Tommy Doyle’s

This Boston jazz singer has a pretty impressive resume that includes performing at the Boston inaugural celebration for President Obama and opening for Sister Sledge. Tonight, Andrea Capozzoli performs songs from her debut CD, “So Real,’’ a jazz and R&B collection with Capozzoli on vocals, trumpet, and keyboards. The Berklee College of Music faculty member also produced and wrote 10 ... (Globe Staff, 11:47 a.m.)

'Teen Mom' shows interrupted lives

Amber Portwood's lunch with a friend keeps getting interrupted by a crying baby. The problem is, the baby is Amber's. She packs up and leaves the restaurant before she can finish eating. (Associated Press Writer, 4:31 p.m.)

Service union reaches deal with Broadway theaters

The union representing Broadway theater cleaners has a tentative agreement with owners and producers on a new three-year contract. (AP, 3:15 p.m.)

Hugh Grant returns to films after 2-year absence

It's been two years since Hugh Grant's last film, but he's returned to the big screen -- opposite Sarah Jessica Parker -- in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (Associated Press Writer, 2:25 p.m.)

Early Glance: Media companies

Shares of some top media companies are mixed at 10 a.m.: Disney rose $.14 or .5 percent, to $32.08. (AP, 10:51 a.m.)

Dutch rapper convicted of threatening lawmaker

A Dutch rapper has been convicted of threatening an anti-Islamic lawmaker in a song. The song by the rapper Mosheb refers to lawmaker Geert Wilders and includes the lyrics, "Geert, this is no joke/Last night I dreamt I hacked off your head." (AP, 10:21 a.m.)

Tycoon in talks to buy 2 British newspapers

Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev is in exclusive talks to purchase two British national newspapers, The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, the newspapers' parent company said Friday. (AP, 11:15 a.m.)

ABC Newsman Charles Gibson's last day at work

Considered one way, Charles Gibson's career in TV news seems to be a model of stability: 34 years logged with one employer, ABC. There, he did his job well and rose to the top echelon of his profession, forming a firm bond with his viewers and offering his gracious signoff, "I hope you had a good day." (AP Television Writer, 3:31 p.m.)

Jude Law refuses to regret

Jude Law doesn't want to have any regrets. The 36-year-old actor - who has four children, including a two-month-old daughter Sophia from a brief fling with model Samantha Burke - doesn't want to look back over the years and wish he had done something different with his life. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Kanye West plans model marriage

Kanye West is to marry his model girlfriend Amber Rose. The 'Gold Digger' rapper - whose mother Donda West passed away in November 2007 from complications that arose during a cosmetic surgery procedure - is reportedly planning to whisk the former stripper away to the Caribbean early next year to propose. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Career girl Sarah Harding

Sarah Harding's work is more important than her love life. The Girls Aloud singer - who is dating DJ Tom Crane - wants to concentrate on her newfound passion for acting and will give this precedence over her romantic relationships for the next few years. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Tired dad Tom Brady

Tom Brady is struggling to adjust to life with a newborn baby. The American football star's supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen gave birth to a baby boy last week and Tom admits it's been quite tough. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Madonna shuns sex for shoes

Madonna prefers buying shoes to having sex. Renowned designer Jimmy Choo says the 'Celebration' hitmaker - who was previously married to director Guy Ritchie and actor Sean Penn - admitted she loves his creations far more than getting intimate with the men in her life. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Kevin Jonas' weekend wedding

Kevin Jonas is getting married this weekend. The Jonas Brothers singer - who got engaged to girlfriend Danielle Deleasa in July - is set to marry his fiancee on Saturday (19.12.09) in front of family and friends at an estate in Long Island, New York. (BANG Showbiz, 10:02 a.m.)

Jackson tribute organizer in liquidation

The Austrian company that was organizing a global Michael Jackson tribute in London said Friday it is being dissolved and will not be able to put on a star-studded show in honor of the King of Pop. (Associated Press Writer, 11:41 a.m.)

Miley Cyrus' Aussie dog

Miley Cyrus has named her dog after her favourite Australian slang term. The 'Hannah Montana' star has fallen in love with the country's colloquialisms and common phrases since she started dating Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth and has used a well known word for her pet pooch's moniker. (BANG Showbiz, 4:02 a.m.)

Katy Perry flirts with Pattinson

Katy Perry and Robert Pattinson spent the night flirting with each other at a mutual friend's birthday party. (BANG Showbiz, 4:02 a.m.)

Jimmy Page's tour promise

Jimmy Page is going to tour again in 2010 - with or without his Led Zeppelin bandmates. (BANG Showbiz, 4:02 a.m.)

Mexican pop diva Gloria Trevi marries attorney

Pop diva Gloria Trevi has married a lawyer in a cathedral ceremony in her northern Mexican hometown. (AP, 12:03 a.m.)

Chorus pro Musica at the Old South Church

Give a warm welcome to music director Betsy Burleigh, the new star of Chorus pro Musica . A new Bostonian from Cleveland, she will conduct tonight’s “Shepherds, Follow the Star’’ concert. Inspired by the story of the shepherds who witnessed that twinkling in the east, the program includes works by Gabrieli, Mendelssohn, Poulenc, plus spirtuals and modern classics. The Triton ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Times’s newsroom loses 18 in layoffs

The New York Times has laid off at least 18 newsroom employees in the latest round of cutbacks driven by the newspaper’s financial woes. (Associated Press, 12/17/09)

2 newspapers offer Sony e-reader deals

The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post are offering exclusive subscription deals through the latest electronic reader from Sony Corp. (Associated Press, 12/17/09)

Public radio war is on

After a quarter century of snoozing, the slumbering giant of Boston public radio - WGBH 89.7 - is finally waking up. In its morning lineup, the World’s Greatest Broadcast House is throwing NPR dowager Diane Rehm (“My favorite talk show host’’ - Hillary Clinton) up against WBUR 90.9’s yappy Tom Ashbrook. At noon, ’GBH has its franchise TV queen, Emily ... (Globe Columnist, 12/17/09)

Filmmaker threatens boycott

Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore threatened yesterday to organize a boycott of Connecticut in response to Senator Joe Lieberman ’s opposition to key parts of federal health care legislation. Moore said he will launch the boycott if Lieberman continues to block the bill. Moore urged Connecticut voters to hold rallies and flood Lieberman’s office with phone calls and e-mails. “I and ... (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Even with a sprained ankle, he’s dancing on air

Despite injuring his ankle during Wednesday’s finale of “So You Think You Can Dance,’’ Russell Ferguson is feeling no pain. “I’m good,’’ he said a few hours after winning the Fox reality show and limping away with $250,000. “It’s a little sprained. I’ll just need to stay off it for a while.’’ (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Whatever happened to shame?

Shame seems to have found its match in a newer cultural norm: fame. Notoriety isn't so notorious anymore. (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Theater companies being economically creative toward their customers

This year, local theater companies found creative ways to shore up their bottom lines as theatergoers thought longer and harder about where to spend their money. (Globe Correspondent, 12/17/09)

Memories still messy in newly restored ‘Amarcord’

‘Amarcord’’ is Federico Fellini in his high vulgar period. Originally released in Italy in 1973 and in the United States the following year, the movie continues to resemble something a lewd, grouchy, fitfully indecent silent-movie director might have made for his first time using color and sound. That, at least, would explain the shouting. (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

‘Did You Hear About the Morgans’ has two witnesses, but little wit

Regarding “Did You Hear About the Morgans?,’’ a new comedy with Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker: Yes, I have heard indeed, and the news is terrible. Most bad comedies plod from scene to scene. This one plods from sentence to sentence. Grant and Parker stand around as if they’re waiting for someone to yell, “Cut.’’ He’s in one movie. ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

You can't spell Golden Globes ...

...without G-L-E-E. So it’s appropriate that the high-school-set Fox series of that name snagged four Globe nominations this week, including best comedy series, best actress (for Lea Michele), and best actor (for Matthew Morrison). True fans of the show know, however, that it’s tyrannical cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester who gets the best, most withering lines. All the more perfect that ... (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Hollywood sets get in holiday spirit

LOS ANGELES - Imagine if your holiday decorations were going to be seen by millions of people. That’s the challenge for many TV-show set decorators as all the Christmas-themed episodes roll around. (Associated Press, 12/17/09)

On Demand movie picks

DELIRIOUS (TMC on Comcast ) A droll Manhattan parable about celebrity culture and its discontents. Steve Buscemi ups his rat-terrier bile a notch as a paparazzo who haunts the clubs; Michael Pitt plays the spacey homeless kid Buscemi takes under his wing. It’s good cynical fun until the plot mechanics kick in, then it turns a little self-righteous. Costarring Alison ... (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Daily television guide

ON CHANNEL 5 Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation 7:30 p.m. WCVB-TV (Channel 5) A Christmas special based on the characters from the Disney Channel program “Phineas and Ferb.’’ (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

TV critic’s corner

Love the Beast 8 p.m., Speed Australian actor Eric Bana directed this movie about his 25-year love affair with his 1974 race car, which he calls the Beast. Bana’s three best friends appear in the movie, as well as Jay Leno and Dr. Phil, who counsels Bana about his obsession. Maybe this movie will bring back the days of inefficient ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Eerie setting fits Elyssa East’s true crime tale

Elyssa East fell in love with Dogtown, the desolate, thickly forested highlands shared by Gloucester and Rockport, from afar. While living in Portland, Maine, the Georgia native became entranced by Marsden Hartley’s stark paintings of Dogtown’s enormous glacial rocks. To the writer, the boulders in Hartley’s paintings looked like “colossal macaroons’’ or “giant chewed fingernails.’’ (Globe Correspondent, 12/17/09)

Rockin’ with the Kids

Joey McIntyre is on the phone promising that the New Kids on the Block show on Sunday at the House of Blues will hew toward traditional New England holiday rituals. ‘‘We’re going to have a harp. We’re going to have bonnets on and muffs. It’s a Pilgrim Christmas,’’ he says with a chuckle. Of course, the youngest member of the ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

iPod Shuffle: Patrick Lyons

Patrick Lyons is out of the nightclub business these days, focusing instead on restaurants. (His latest is the Summer Shack in Hingham, and next up is a new place on Boylston Street.) But that doesn’t mean he isn’t listening to music. In fact, whether he’s at work, at the beach, in the car, or on a plane, Lyons is rarely ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Spandau Ballet in space

Spandau Ballet is having an odd moment. First, the British pop group, best known for its soppy ’80s prom ballad “True,’’ was given a major shout-out on the new ABC comedy “Modern Family.’’ (Ed Norton comically essayed the band’s latter-day bass player). And then this week it was announced that billionaire Richard Branson has retained the recently reunited group’s services ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

All-female punk band draws attention on stage and - thanks to video game - in public

It’s Friday night, and the four women who make up the Boston punk band Vagiant (Boston) are in a bawdy, boisterous mood. In an hour they’ll take the stage at Church and rip through a set of revved-up, stripped-down anthems long on surly guitar riffs and short on extraneous chatter. (Globe Correspondent, 12/17/09)

The women of Winterbloom find the simpler joys of the holidays

Could your holiday traditions use a little rearranging? Move the office party until that accountant who thinks he’s Brad Pitt is on vacation, Facebook Grandpa’s fishing stories so he can enjoy them by himself, or find a carbon-neutral way to dispose of Aunt Emma’s fruitcake. Perhaps we could just put the whole thing off until July, when the weather’s better ... (Globe Correspondent, 12/17/09)

Movie capsules

Araya Margot Benacerraf’s rediscovered 1959 documentary is a modest glimpse of simple life that, through narration, insists the everyday lives in Araya, Venezuela, are full of drudgery and toil. But aiming also to be a work of poetry, it fails to produce a single ugly image. In Spanish, with subtitles. (82 min., unrated) (Wesley Morris) (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Movies opening this week

½ Amarcord (R), 18 Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13), 16 Reviewed earlier this week Avatar (PG-13) Bloody Mondays and Strawberry Pies (unrated) Araya (unrated) (Boston Globe, 12/17/09)

Composer of ‘Up in the Air’ finds the movie is a match

WASHINGTON - Kevin Renick is unemployed. He also happens to be one of the luckiest guys in the world. And he knows it. (The Washington Post, 12/17/09)

Lights, camera, inaction: Directors in the slow lane

What happens when you make the movie with the biggest box-office gross in history? If you’re James Cameron, you’re able to wait 12 years until you release your next feature. That’s how much time has passed between “Titanic’’ (1997) and “Avatar.’’ It opens today. Maybe one reason Cameron took so much time was to amortize the film’s reported $500 million ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

This ‘Mamma Mia!’ has its moments

Maybe it’s time to remove the exclamation point. It’s not that the thrill is entirely gone from “Mamma Mia!’’, which has returned to Boston for a stint at the Colonial Theatre. There are moments, especially when the entire ensemble is dancing, spinning, and sliding its way through an infectious Abba tune, when it’s still a rollicking party. (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Theater critic’s picks

THEATER THE CHRISTMAS REVELS (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Classical music critic’s picks

CLASSICAL MUSIC HANDEL AND HAYDN SOCIETY (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

A new WCRB, and a shrinking classical dial

In a city passionate about classical music, a lot of listeners get their fill by catching the Boston Symphony Orchestra and other programming on the radio. (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

With retail store, gallery explores value, cost, and accessibility

At Miller Block Gallery this holiday season, there’s a splashy display of throw pillows, teddy bears, tote bags, and refrigerator magnets with iconic Boston scenes wheeling across them in a dazzling kaleidoscopic pattern. It’s all reasonably priced, starting at $25 for a pack of eight magnets. (Globe Correspondent, 12/17/09)

Sebastien Lucie, a promising young prince

‘Best of Both Worlds,’’ in which Shakespeare meets R&B, reimagines “The Winter’s Tale’’ through song and dance. A production of the American Repertory Theater, the rollicking show features an ensemble of professional adults singing their hearts out. And then there’s Sebastien Lucien. Sebastien is 12 and plays Mamillius; he has garnered stellar reviews for his poignant solo, “My Mother, She’s ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song in Somerville

We need something to get us through the long, long, long, nights of the solstice. Luckily, there are three folks who can entertain us during this season of light deprivation. The Winter Solstice in Legend and Song with storyteller, Diane Edgecomb, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist, Tom Megan, and Celtic harpist, Margot Chamberlain, is an evening of myths and music. The trio’s ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Masterworks Chorale ‘Messiah’ Sings in Lexington

For almost 50 years, Masterworks Chorale “Messiah’’ Sings have been a tradition in these parts, and the chorus was one of the first in the country to present this popular holiday event. Steven Karidoyanes has not conducted all of them, but the maestro has commented that almost 1,000 people attend the chorus’s two annual performances. Bring your vocal score or ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

‘Celebrating the Season: Icons of Saint Nicholas’ exhibit in Clinton

The 4th-century bishop of Myra, Lycia (part of modern-day Turkey), is often shown wearing a black-and-white-check robe, holding a sword in one hand, and the church in the other. The check robe is now red, and Saint Nicholas holds reins and presents. At “Celebrating the Season: Icons of Saint Nicholas’’ at the Museum of Russian Icons, the collection of Saint ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

‘The Nutcracker’ in Andover

What would you ask Clara and her prince? You can meet these two characters from “The Nutcracker’’ after tomorrow’s Dance Prism performances. The touring ballet company has been on the road since 1982 performing original ballets and this timeless classic that uses more than 300 costumes. The troupe includes family members - even a dog - who participate in the ... (Globe Staff, 12/17/09)

Calif. board to consider requiring condoms in porn

State regulators have agreed to consider a request from an AIDS advocacy group calling for mandatory use of condoms in porn films. (AP, 12/17/09)

CA board to consider requiring condoms in porn

State regulators have agreed to consider a request from an AIDS advocacy group calling for mandatory use of condoms in porn films. (AP, 12/17/09)

Ex-Wayans Brothers assistant sues in NYC over book

A former assistant to the Wayans Brothers has sued the comedy team for unspecified damages, saying they snatched his "You know you're a Golddigger ..." book and published it as their own. (AP, 12/17/09)

Loretta Lynn feels 'great,' is recovering from flu

Country music legend Loretta Lynn is "feeling great" and planning a trip to her home in the Bahamas over the holidays, according to her daughter Patsy Lynn Russell. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)

Loretta Lynn feels 'great' as she recovers from flu

'Big Brother 9' winner released to drug treatment

The winner of the CBS reality show "Big Brother 9," who's accused of attempting to sell drugs, has been released for inpatient substance abuse treatment after posting bail. (AP, 12/17/09)

Tony Goldwyn joins Broadway's 'Promises, Promises'

Tony Goldwyn is being added to the cast of the upcoming Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises," opening next spring. (AP, 12/17/09)

Horace Robedaux journeys into adulthood, marriage

Horace Robedaux continues his journey into adulthood in Part 2 of "The Orphans' Home Cycle," Horton Foote's masterful examination of one man's life in small-town Texas in the first decades of the 20th century. (AP Drama Critic, 12/17/09)

Final Glance: Media companies

Shares of some top media companies were down at the close of trading: Disney fell $.50 or 1.5 percent, to $31.93. (AP, 12/17/09)

French technology upstart challenges Google

France's efforts to digitize its culture, from Marcel Proust's manuscripts to the first films of the legendary Lumiere brothers, long have been bogged down by the country's reluctance to rely on help from American Internet giant Google Inc. (AP Business Writer, 12/17/09)

Future is now for `Avatar's' Saldana, Worthington

The future keeps calling for Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington. They had breakout hits last summer in established science-fiction franchises, she in "Star Trek," set in the bright human future of the 23rd century, he in "Terminator Salvation," set in an apocalyptic wasteland a couple of decades from now. (AP Movie Writer, 12/17/09)

Sarah Jessica Parker kicked by cow

Sarah Jessica Parker got kicked by a cow while shooting her latest movie. The actress struggled to get to grips with country life when making 'Did You Hear About The Morgans?' - in which she stars with Hugh Grant - and was particularly dismayed when producers insisted on adding the unfortunate encounter to the final cut. (BANG Showbiz, 12/17/09)

Kim Kardashian gets gift of nephew

Kim Kardashian says her new nephew is the "perfect" Christmas present. Kim's sister Kourtney's child, Mason Dash Disick, is the first grandchild in the Kardashian clan and Kim insists the whole family is overjoyed with the addition. (BANG Showbiz, 12/17/09)

P. Diddy wants President parent

P. Diddy wants to be adopted by President Barack Obama. The 40-year-old rapper thinks America's first black leader is a great dad and he would be proud to be his son. (BANG Showbiz, 12/17/09)

George Clooney Up for SAG

'Up in the Air', 'Precious...' and 'Inglourious Basterds' have all received three nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAGs). (BANG Showbiz, 12/17/09)

Roisin Murphy gives birth

Roisin Murphy has given birth to a baby girl. The former Moloko singer delivered the 8lb 4oz tot on Tuesday (15.12.09). She has named her daughter Clodagh. (BANG Showbiz, 12/17/09)

Nancy O'Dell says goodbye to 'Access Hollywood'

Nancy O'Dell says she is leaving "Access Hollywood." The entertainment reporter said Thursday she will wrap up her 13-year run on the NBC show this week. (AP, 12/17/09)

WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST-SELLERS

FICTION 1. "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown (Doubleday) (AP, 12/17/09)

WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST-SELLERS

FICTION 1. "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown (Doubleday) (AP, 12/17/09)

USA TODAY BEST-SELLERS

Key: F-Fiction; NF-Nonfiction; H-Hardcover; P-Paperback 1. "Going Rogue: An American Life" by Sarah Palin (HarperCollins) (NF-H) (AP, 12/17/09)

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST-SELLERS

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown (Doubleday) (AP, 12/17/09)

Michael Moore threatens boycott over Lieberman

Liberal filmmaker Michael Moore is threatening to organize a boycott of Connecticut in response to Sen. Joseph Lieberman's opposition to key parts of federal health care legislation. (AP, 12/17/09)

Bust of Frank Zappa to grace Baltimore library

It took more than a year, but Baltimore officials finally decided where to put a bust of rocker Frank Zappa that was given to the city by his fans in Lithuania. (AP, 12/17/09)

Paparazzo crashes bike into Anne Hathaway's car

Authorities say a paparazzo has crashed his bicycle into actress Anne Hathaway's car in West Hollywood. No one was seriously injured. (AP, 12/17/09)

Review: News isn't good for `About the Morgans'

Did you hear about the Morgans? If so, you might wish you hadn't. This bland fish-out-of-water comedy is unremarkable in every aspect, unless you're one of them thar city slickers who thinks the idea that Sarah Jessica Parker trading in her Jimmy Choos for a pair of cowboy boots amounts to an act of cultural treason. (For The Associated Press, 12/17/09)

Oscar winner Jennifer Jones dead at 90

Jennifer Jones, the beautiful, raven-haired actress who was nominated for Academy Awards five times, winning in 1943 for her portrayal of a saintly nun in "The Song of Bernadette," died Thursday. She was 90. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)

Oscar winner Jennifer Jones dead at 90

UK officials put restrictions on Guy Ritchie's pub

Officials in a London neighborhood have a message for the celebrity patrons who flock to Guy Ritchie's watering hole: Take it inside. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)

Oscar winner Jennifer Jones dead at 90

A publicist says Jennifer Jones, who was nominated for Academy Awards five times and won for her portrayal of a saintly nun in "The Song of Bernadette," has died at age 90. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)

Bad economy hits 'real' OC housewives

Peculiar things have been happening this season on "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Gretchen Rossi had a garage sale, Jeana Keough went shopping with her daughter at H&M and Tamra Barney is now doing her own housework. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)

Ashanti's mom says crazed fan terrorized her

A fan obsessed with R&B star Ashanti composed a barrage of creepy text messages detailing his lewd fantasies about the multiplatinum-selling singer, her mother testified Thursday at the man's trial. (Associated Press Writer, 12/17/09)