Reuters - The Indonesian unit of Philip Morris
International has pulled promotional material with cigarette
branding for a concert it is sponsoring by R&B singer Alicia
Keys after complaints from anti-smoking campaigners.
AP - Barack Obama's presidential campaign says a new rhyme by supporter and rapper Ludacris is "outrageously offensive" to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Republican Sen. John McCain and President Bush. -- read full article
AP - "I am an unyielding advocate for the well-being of children around the world and do not condone or endorse smoking." Alicia Keys, protesting a cigarette company's sponsorship of her concert in Jakarta, Indonesia.
AP - A tape recording of The Beatles chatting and breaking into giggles during an early recording session is to be sold next week in England. -- read full article
AP - Police Chief William Bratton said Thursday the city has had fewer problems with paparazzi since Britney Spears "started wearing clothes" and other celebrities changed their partying ways.
AP - Jack Moelmann is a retired Air Force colonel with a passion for playing the pipe organ. His love for the instrument runs so deep that he recently plunked down nearly $120,000 to fulfill a lifelong dream to perform on the famed Wurlitzer organ at Radio City Music Hall.
Reuters - If you're a fan of film
music, you've probably suffered through this experience: You're
watching a lavish Hollywood action film filled with the usual
wall-to-wall pyrotechnics and visual wizardry, but with every
ear-ringing explosion or gunshot, the orchestral score you've
been enjoying in the film's quieter moments is being drowned
out by a muddy sound mix that favors mayhem over melody.