French legislators approve bill to cut off Internet for illegal downloadersPARIS — France’s lower house of parliament approved a pioneering bill Tuesday allowing authorities to cut off Internet access to people who download illegally, a measure that entertainment companies hope will be a powerful weapon against piracy. A year after Zimbabwe’s power-sharing deal, schools have little to celebrateHIGHFIELD, Zimbabwe — Stinking waste flows into the yard from the classroom toilets of B Block. Teachers hold lessons in the shade of trees outside: Much of the schoolroom furniture is piled into heaps of broken wood. No more docs? Michael Moore ponders post-’Capitalism’ career with move to fiction filmsTORONTO — Michael Moore says he made his latest documentary, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” as though it were his last. And it might be. CAPITAL CULTURE: Conga line forms here; East Room the nation’s most important all-purpose roomWASHINGTON — Sure, the West Wing gets the glory. But the East Room gets the action. ‘Chloe’ premieres amid condolences for co-star Neeson after death of wifeTORONTO — Liam Neeson’s colleagues on the sexual thriller “Chloe” reiterated their condolences over the death of his wife and gratitude for his quick return to finish the film. Court rules against Universal Music Group in suit against online video site VeohLOS ANGELES — A federal judge in Los Angeles has ruled against Universal Music Group in a copyright lawsuit against online video site operator Veoh Networks Inc., although Universal says it will appeal. Argentine leader, pursuing media law, drops plan for phone company-cable TV competitionBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s president made a major concession Monday as she seeks votes for a proposed media law, saying telephone companies should not be allowed to compete for television customers after all. Vegas luxury suites: From a basketball court in your room to TV in the mirrorsLAS VEGAS — A 10,000-square-foot suite that includes a basketball halfcourt rents for $25,000 a night at Palms Casino Resort. At MGM Grand’s Skylofts, you’ll find a bathtub that fizzes with tiny champagne-like massage bubbles, TVs in the mirrors and airport pickup in a $400,000 car. When in Copenhagen, do as the Danes: Bike around to see the sightsCOPENHAGEN — The Danish capital might rank among the world’s most expensive cities with pricey food and steep hotel bills. A beer on the picturesque Nyhavn harbor can be a costly experience and a stroll through the city’s famed Tivoli gardens can be easily be a larger-than-thought expense. However, Copenhagen can easily be affordable for those on a budget — with a little help from pedal power and a discount card. Ukraine: Elton John too old, too single to adopt HIV-infected boy from Ukrainian orphanageKIEV, Ukraine — Elton John won’t be able to adopt a 14-month-old HIV-positive child from Ukraine because the pop star is too old and isn’t married, the government said Monday. Oprah Winfrey, who campaigned for Obama, says she’s now on the sidelines in politicsTORONTO — Oprah Winfrey may have been instrumental in getting Barack Obama elected president, but now claims she’s on the sidelines. Ukraine family minister says Elton John can’t adopt HIV-infected boyKIEV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian official says Elton John cannot adopt a 14-month-old Ukrainian child because the pop star is too old and isn’t married. At 92, Dame Vera Lynn beats the Beatles to No. 1 spot on Britain’s album chartLONDON — At age 92, Dame Vera Lynn has beaten the Arctic Monkeys and even the Beatles to capture the No. 1 record in Britain. Obama expects passage of ‘good health care bill’ as debate focuses on insurance industryWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama began a week that will dwell heavily on overhauling the health care system, declaring himself confident Congress will pass “a good health care bill” even though some Republican opponents were trying to kill the measure for political gain. 70% Americans think Economy has not improved at all
Bad news for media: Study finds public increasingly finding the press inaccurate, biasedNEW YORK — More bad news for journalists: The percentage of people who believe their work is inaccurate and biased continues to grow. Obama, backing down from gov’t option, says he expects ‘good health care bill’ from CongressWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said he is confident Congress will pass “a good health care bill,” as months of rancor over reforming the nation’s health care system seemed to be easing Sunday, with the White House playing down an immediate role for a government insurance option. Obama, Congress easing debate on public option, turning attention to insurance regulationWASHINGTON — The White House and members of Congress on Sunday played down an immediate role for a government health insurance option and turned attention to regulating insurers, with the goal of lowering costs and ensuring coverage regardless of medical condition. Germany’s Merkel calls for new center-right gov’t in TV debate with SteinmeierBERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel faced her challenger in a televised debate two weeks before elections, arguing Sunday that the country needs a new center-right government to guide Europe’s biggest economy out of the financial crisis. Rep. Wilson says not to expect a second apology for his ‘You lie’ remark during Obama speechWASHINGTON — One apology is enough, a digging-in-his-heels Rep. Joe Wilson said Sunday, challenging Democratic leaders who want him to say on the House floor that he’s sorry for yelling “You lie!” during President Barack Obama’s health care speech to Congress. Elton John wants to adopt Ukrainian toddler with his partner David FurnishLONDON — Look out, Madonna and Angelina Jolie — pop star Elton John has decided he wants to join the ranks of A-list celebrities with adopted children. Germany’s Merkel, Steinmeier to face off in live TV debate 2 weeks before electionBERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces off in a live television debate Sunday night against challenger Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who needs a strong performance to lift his struggling center-left party’s prospects two weeks before elections. Manhattan to pick 1st new DA since 1975 to prosecute corporate titans, celebs and mobstersNEW YORK — One is a former hard-nosed judge so known for her stiff sentences that drug dealers named a brand of heroin after her. Another enjoys the iconic incumbent’s support and a political pedigree. A third is a noted gun-control advocate who boasts backers known for turning out voters. Israeli film ‘Lebanon’ about 1982 war wins Golden Lion award at Venice Film FestivalVENICE, Italy — “Lebanon,” an Israeli film that recounts Israel’s 1982 invasion of the Middle East country through the eyes of four soldiers in a tank, won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Telenovela captivates Colorado Latinos while getting them in tune with healthcare optionsDENVER — It has all the hallmarks of the beloved telenovela: Heart-wrenching dialogue. Doors slamming amid tears. Over-the-top theatrics. The thrill isn’t gone at B.B. King Museum; Miss. Delta attraction celebrates strong 1st yearJACKSON, Miss. — The thrill is gone at many attractions across the country as recession-mired tourists stay home, but in Indianola, Miss., a favorite son is packing ‘em in at the B.B. King Museum. Italian lawmaker Alexandra Mussolini moves to block Romanian filmBUCHAREST, Romania — A movie about a Romanian immigrant who dreams of finding a better life in Italy has caused an uproar even before it hits the screens. Taiwan court convicts former President Chen Shui-bian on graft charges, imposes life sentenceTAIPEI, Taiwan — A Taiwan court imposed a life sentence on former President Chen Shui-bian after convicting him of corruption Friday, marking a watershed in the island’s turbulent political history. Federal judge: Seinfeld book won’t cook up consumer confusionNEW YORK — A federal judge Thursday tossed out a cookbook author’s claim that comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s wife was a culinary copycat when she came out with her own book explaining how to entice children to eat vegetables. Senate Judiciary Committee revises media shield law with national security protectionsWASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday included stronger national security protections in a bill to shield reporters in court when they decline to reveal confidential information or sources. |