AP - John McCain's presidential campaign has released a withering television ad comparing Barack Obama to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, suggesting the Democratic contender is little more than a vapid but widely recognized media concoction.

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 - "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 - 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 - Britney Spears' father will retain control of the pop singer's finances and personal affairs through the end of the year.

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.

E! Online - Who needs Hannah Montana? Apparently not Miley Cyrus.

E! Online - Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but not when royalties are at stake.

E! Online - Vanessa Hudgens is in no hurry to grow up.

E! Online - Oasis is taking a new approach to spreading the word all around the world.

AP - Gilberto Gil stepped down as Brazilian culture minister Wednesday, saying he wanted to dedicate more time to his music and his family.

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.