LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- George Lucas didn't get to be a billionaire by delegating. George Lucas says he was "completely surprised" by "Star Wars in Concert." Holding fast to his vision -- and his marketing rights -- for the "Star Wars" empire has made it the biggest franchise in history, and made Lucas one of the most powerful people in entertainment. But while he's enthusiastic about the new touring show "Star Wars In Concert," it wasn't his idea, and when I talked with him before the first Los Angeles performance this week, he kept giving the credit to others. "Star Wars In Concert" is built around John Williams' well-known scores from the films, performed by a symphony orchestra and choir, and accompanied by specially edited clips from all six movies, displayed on a mammoth LED screen. Anthony Daniels, who has played and voiced the golden protocol droid "C3PO" in every film and most of the spinoffs, provides live narration -- and another reason for the "Star Wars" fans in the audience, especially those waving lightsabers and dressed as everything from sand people to Imperial stormtroopers, to cheer mightily, as they did the night I interviewed Lucas. iReporter praises the 'Force' of the show George Lucas: I've seen some presentations of, you know, live orchestras with "Star Wars" clips, and that sort of thing. But this is so much more than that -- it's so much more emotional, because what they've done is taken the emotional content of the score ... one is obviously the Imperial March, one is obviously romantic ... and then they've cut all the pictures around that from all the movies, so that you get this really wide range of visuals going with the music, and it really is quite powerful when you see the depictions of all of the various Imperial shenanigans that were going on over the Imperial March. CNN: Obviously, when John Williams did the music for the original film, neither of you could have guessed your association would last so long, or that you'd be so identified with each other. How did he get involved originally? Lucas: What I did was, I was doing this space opera, and I was talking to Steve Spielberg and I said, "Look, I've got to get somebody who really knows the old-fashioned music score, I really am doing some giant romantic action adventure, you know, throwback to the '30s, and who do you know that can do that?" And he said, "Oh, there's only one person who can do that and that's John Williams -- he did 'Jaws' and he's perfect." And I said OK, and I met him, and we hit it off, you know, perfectly, and doing the first film was such a great experience -- he's so wonderful to work with -- that, you know, I'll never let him go. And Steve won't let him go either! CNN: How did this show come together? Lucas: Howard! [Lucas calls over Howard Roffman, the president of Lucas Licensing.] You're the man who did the whole thing -- I've got nothing to do with it. ... We would kid him about how his concert was going and he had to get Johnny [Williams] to buy in and me to buy in. Howard Roffman: Well, he always got it from the beginning, so he was an easy sell. CNN: But what was it he "got"? How did you sell him on a new concept for his franchise? Roffman: I think he understood that the music was so powerful and the images are so powerful that when you put that together with a live orchestra on a big venue, I mean, who would not be thrilled to see that? CNN: It's a very different experience, being live. Lucas: It's very powerful. I was completely surprised by it. And I've seen other live

What show features work by John Williams?

What remains a tremendously successful franchise?

Whose music is being featured at the concert?

What did Lucas say about the arrangement?

Who says the arrangement is very powerful?

Answer: "completely surprised"

Answer: "Star Wars In Concert,"

Answer: "Star Wars In Concert,"

Answer: "Star Wars

Answer: John Williams

Answer: George

Answer: It's very powerful.

Answer: "Star Wars"

Answer: George Lucas:

Summary:
"Star Wars in Concert' features John Williams' music and scenes from films .
George Lucas supported idea, though he's quick to give credit to others .
Effect of the arrangement? "It's very powerful," says Lucas .
"Star Wars" remains a tremendously successful franchise .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Gertrude Baines, a 114-year-old California resident, will likely be crowned the world's oldest woman, according to the organization that keeps track of such honors.

Gertrude Baines told CNN two years ago that she has taken good care of herself, "the way (God) wanted me to."

The previous oldest woman was Maria de Jesus, who died this week in Portugal at age 115, Guinness World Records said.

Baines -- born to former slaves in a small town south of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1894 -- now lives in a Los Angeles nursing home.

Baines appeared cheerful and talkative when the Los Angeles Times interviewed her in November as she cast her vote for Barack Obama for president, whom she said she supported because "he's for the colored people."

"I'm glad we're getting a colored man in there," she said.

Baines apparently prefers using the older term for her race. She was well into her 70s when "African-American" became the common reference in the United States. Watch Baines speak to CNN

She told the Times she spends most of her time "doing nothing but eating and sleeping."

When CNN interviewed Baines two years ago, she was asked to explain why she thought she has lived so long.

"God. Ask him. I took good care of myself, the way he wanted me to," Baines said.

Her only child, a daughter, died of typhoid fever at age 18.

Much of her long life was lived in Ohio, where she worked as a "house mom" at a state university. She eventually divorced and traveled to Los Angeles, where she retired.

Baines will not officially be given the title until after Guinness World Records completes an investigation, the organization said.

"Maria was crowned the world's Oldest Living Woman by Guinness World Records on 28 December upon the death of Edna Parker," the group said.

Parker -- an American -- was 115 years, 220 days old when she died November 26, 2008, in an Indiana nursing home, it said.

Who is likely to be named world's oldest woman?

Answer: 1894

Answer: Maria de Jesus,

Answer: Atlanta, Georgia,

Answer: Maria de Jesus,

Answer: Gertrude Baines,

Answer: Gertrude Baines,

Answer: Maria de Jesus,

Answer: a small town south of Atlanta, Georgia,

Summary:
Gertrude Baines, 114, likely to be named world's oldest woman .
Follows death of 115-year-old Maria de Jesus in Portugal this week .
Baines was born to former slaves near Atlanta, Georgia, in 1894 .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person, has died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 115, according to the home where she lived and Guinness World Records said Saturday. Gertrude Baines said she attributed her longevity to not drinking or smoking. Gertrude Baines passed away at the Western Convalescent Hospital at 7:25 a.m. (10:25 a.m. ET) Friday, Guinness World Records said. Born in 1894, Baines became the world's oldest person in January after the death of another 115-year-old, Maria de Jesus, from Portugal, Guinness World Records said. At her 115th birthday party in April, Baines shook her head in disbelief when presented with the certificate saying she was now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest person. "She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, never did smoke, and she never did fool around," her doctor, Dr. Charles Witt, said in April. Baines, whose grandparents were slaves, worked as a maid in Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, and lived at the Los Angeles convalescent home for more than 10 years. Last November, she became the oldest African-American to vote for President Obama and received a letter from him on her 115th birthday, Guinness World Records said. Witt said Baines planned to vote for Obama again in 2012. Asked why she voted for Obama, Baines said it was because "he's for the colored people," according to footage from The Los Angeles Times. She said she never thought a black man could become president. "Everybody's glad for a colored man to be in there sometime," Baines said. "We all are the same on the skin. It's dark, and theirs is white." Baines had few complaints, her doctor said. She fussed about the bacon not being crisp enough and the arthritis in her knees, Witt said. The smooth skin on Baines' face belied her 115 years, but she didn't attribute that to any anti-wrinkle cream or miracle product, according to her best friend, Lucille Fayall. She said Baines simply washed her face in cold water.

What does Baines credit his longevity to?

Answer: President Obama

Answer: not drinking or smoking.

Answer: Gertrude Baines,

Summary:
Gertrude Baines dies at age 115, was world's oldest person .
Baines credited longevity to God, not drinking or smoking .
Baines was oldest African-American to vote for President Obama .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Given a cast of Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, and the guiding hand of director and writer Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"), perhaps there is no more appropriate title than simply "Funny People." Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow get together at the "Funny People" premiere in Hollywood. Which is saying something, since "Funny People" frequently treads into the darker realms of comedy. Sandler leads the cast as George Simmons, an A-list Hollywood comedian whose fame and fortune has brought him a beautiful mansion on the beach, lots of luck with the ladies and, as the audience soon discovers, a life of loneliness. Sandler is quick to point out that he and his character have little in common. "I can't really say this guy is me; he's not living my life," says Sandler, who is married with two children. "The movie star thing we have in common; we have a few mood swings in common. ... But the lifestyle and the attitude is not really me." George's biggest problem isn't his desolation, however. He's been diagnosed with a leukemia-like terminal disease, prompting him to get back to his roots and do more stand-up comedy. Along the way, he hires struggling comedian Ira Wright, played by Rogen, to pen jokes for him and act as his personal assistant. Despite hurling an occasional insult at Ira, George learns to trust his new, eager-to-please sidekick. The feeling isn't always mutual. Ira is forced to adapt to his boss' constant mood swings, erratic behavior as he deals with the fear of dying and deep regret at losing Laura (Leslie Mann), the only woman he ever loved. However, Ira does earn a steady paycheck -- and gets a taste of show business. Rogen, who says he wouldn't be in comedy if he never saw Sandler's movies while he was growing up, says "Funny People" paints an accurate picture of the ups and downs of comedians who are just starting out. "It's an incredibly realistic representation," Rogen says. "Those scenes where you're backstage at the comedy club and you're all sitting around pitching jokes to each other. It's exactly like that." Apatow, who performed stand-up comedy earlier in his career, says, "It is an ode to stand-up. I've always been a crazy fan of stand-up comedians. Jonathan Winters ... Don Rickles, things like that." Apatow, who knows he's taking a risk with "Funny People's" mix of light and darkness, made a wisecrack about his hopes for the film at the Los Angeles premiere. "Well, I think there's 10 movies that are going to be up for best picture this year, and we definitely are shooting for No. 16," he says. The cast also took some risks, performing stand-up in front of live audiences for the film -- and, occasionally, watching their jokes fall flat. Hill says he had never done stand-up before and calls the experience "terrifying." "It can be brutal out there," Rogen adds. Sandler, the most seasoned comedian by far, remembers his first days onstage and can relate. "It's all about your last set," he recalls. "If I did good Wednesday ... all day Thursday, I was in a good mood. "Then Thursday night comes around and I go onstage and if I did bad, Friday was a miserable time for everyone."

Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen starred in what movie together?

Answer: Judd Apatow

Answer: A-list Hollywood comedian whose fame and fortune has brought him a beautiful mansion on the beach, lots of luck with the ladies and, as the audience soon discovers, a life of loneliness.

Answer: "It's an incredibly realistic representation," Rogen says. "Those scenes where you're backstage at the comedy club and you're all sitting around pitching jokes to each other.

Answer: George Simmons, an A-list Hollywood comedian whose fame and fortune has brought him a beautiful mansion on the beach, lots of luck with the ladies and, as the audience soon discovers, a life of loneliness.

Answer: have little in common.

Answer: "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"),

Answer: "Funny People"

Answer: George Simmons,

Summary:
Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen star in Judd Apatow's "Funny People"
Film presents "realistic representation" of comedians' lives, Rogen says .
Sandler plays lonely movie star; he says he's not much like character in real life .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Hal Holbrook has made his name playing famous historical figures. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in a 1974 TV miniseries, accolades as "Deep Throat" in 1976's "All the President's Men," and a Tony as Mark Twain -- a performance he's been giving now for a half-century -- in "Mark Twain Tonight!"

Hal Holbrook, 83, is nominated for his role as Ron Franz in "Into the Wild."

But playing Ron Franz, the thoughtful, down-to-earth 81-year-old who bonds with a youthful adventurer in "Into the Wild," was an opportunity he dared not miss, he says in a phone interview.

"This was an opportunity, and a rare one for me, to just play myself, to not do Abraham Lincoln or another character," Holbrook says in his familiar rich baritone. "I didn't want to research anything. I had a very personal reaction to the role."

Holbrook's gut feeling has led to some of the best reviews of his career and a first for the actor: a nomination for an Academy Award. At 83 -- his birthday was last Sunday -- he's the oldest man ever to be nominated for best supporting actor.

The Oscars are scheduled for Sunday night. "Into the Wild" is due out on video March 4.

Holbrook says he's familiar with the kind of adventurousness exhibited by Christopher McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch in Sean Penn's film.

Holbrook has gone into the wilderness himself. He's also sailed the open sea in a small boat, accompanied by little more than a sextant and a map. "No electronics," he says.

He's even traveled in McCandless' tracks, taking a trip to Alaska the year after the self-named "Alexander Supertramp" died.

"They were still talking about him, whether he was crazy," Holbrook recalls.

Holbrook, who'd also read Jon Krakauer's book about McCandless' journey, says he was sent the script "out of the blue" and told that Penn wanted to meet with him the next day. The director, upon discussing the part with him, offered Holbrook the role.

Holbrook has nothing but praise for Penn's work on the film.

"To work with Sean Penn might be the best experience I've ever had with a director," he says. "He's so trusting. There was none of this 'Let's discuss the back story' -- he trusts you. He'll take whatever you give him, and begins to open up your sense of freedom. He gives you space to explore whatever the scenes bring out of you. Sean was wonderful."

Holbrook also has high praise for Hirsch, who lost 40 pounds for the role. "[His performance] was a brilliant piece of work. ... An actor takes his performance from other actors, and in this case it was easy," he says, adding that "I'm astounded he wasn't nominated -- he deserved it more than anybody." Read Hirsch's view of "Into the Wild."

But Holbrook also paid tribute to a person seldom considered by the audience: the film editor, in this case Jay Cassidy. By changing the sequence of two scenes, Cassidy gave the film an added power -- which made all the difference to how his performance was perceived, Holbrook says.

"I have never been more aware of an editor's genius as I have in this particular film," he says. Referring to the film's back-and-forth chronology, which he calls "a very daring piece of work," he marvels at how Cassidy and Penn fit the pieces together. "It's quite an achievement," Holbrook says. "The effect it can have on a performance is profound." Cassidy's work earned "Into the Wild" its only other Oscar nomination.

Holbrook has had a busy couple months, with his performance nominated for critics' awards as well

Who is the oldest supporting actor Oscar nominee ever?

which roles is holbrook known for playing?

Who played Ron Franz in "Into the Wild"?

who did holbrook play in 'into the wild'?

Answer: Hal Holbrook

Answer: playing famous historical figures.

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Answer: playing famous historical figures.

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Answer: Hal Holbrook

Answer: actor.

Answer: Hal Holbrook,

Answer: Ron Franz

Summary:
Hal Holbrook is oldest supporting actor Oscar nominee ever .
Holbrook played Ron Franz in "Into the Wild," loved experience on film .
Holbrook known for playing Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Deep Throat .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- He got a standing ovation before the orchestra even played a single note. Gustavo Dudamel has been compared to the legendary Leonard Bernstein by one critic. For weeks now, anticipation has been growing for the arrival of fiery young Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel to take over the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the crowd couldn't wait to roar its approval at his arrival. Dudamel, 28, engenders a passion among music lovers that is entirely new to the world of classical music. Tickets for his Saturday debut as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic disappeared within minutes -- the fastest sellout in the history of the 18,000-seat Hollywood Bowl. "He is a phenomenon," said Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times music critic. "He generates excitement the likes of which hasn't come around in a very, very long time -- maybe since Leonard Bernstein."  Watch the exciting Dudamel wield the baton » Swed was in the audience two years ago when Dudamel conducted the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, delivering a reading of Beethoven's Fourth Symphony that left fans delirious. "I haven't seen that kind of reaction from a crowd since I saw the Beatles at Dodger Stadium," Swed said. Dudamel's face has been a common sight for months in Los Angeles. His billboards look down on freeway commuters. He adorns city buses. At the famous Hollywood hot dog stand Pink's, there is even a dog named in his honor -- the "Dude Dog," piled high with jalapeno peppers, guacamole and tortilla chips. While it's not exactly Venezuelan cuisine, in Los Angeles, there can be no surer sign that the conductor known as "The Dude" has arrived. So where did Dudamel get this musical magic? He said at least a part of his talent is inherited. "I started studying music when I was 4," he said. "I wanted to play trombone like my father." Soon young Gustavo entered into El Sistema, Venezuela's state-financed music education program. Hundreds of thousands of children have received instruments and music instruction through the nation's massive system of youth orchestras. "You cannot imagine," said Dudamel, "how it changes the life of a kid if you put a violin or a cello or a flute [in his hand]. You feel you have your world. You have your life there, and it changes your life. This happened to me." As music director of the philharmonic, Dudamel said he hopes to spread a little of the El Sistema magic in Los Angeles. He already has organized one youth orchestra in the run-down neighborhoods of south Los Angeles. Those music students opened for the orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl. The concert also featured student musicians playing alongside jazz legend Herbie Hancock. Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and bluesman Taj Mahal rounded out an eclectic bill designed to pull in a broad cross-section of music lovers. But it was Dudamel and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony that brought the crowd to its feet at the concert's end. It was a promising beginning for a man many are hailing as the savior of classical music. They hope Dudamel can bring a whole new audience to symphonic music, and believe the Los Angeles Philharmonic is the perfect podium for the young maestro. "He fits in with this town in a lot of ways," Swed said. "Obviously being Spanish-speaking in a city where the majority of people either speak Spanish or understand some Spanish ... you know he fits in. The youth culture? He is young. He is also great, which doesn't hurt."

What did the Los Angeles Times music critic call Dudamel?

What nationality does the new conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic hold?

Answer: classical

Answer: Gustavo Dudamel

Answer: a phenomenon,"

Answer: Gustavo Dudamel

Answer: Venezuelan

Summary:
Gustavo Dudamel, known as "The Dude," brings Beatles-like frenzy to Los Angeles .
The Venezuelan, 28, is the new conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic .
His Saturday debut sold out 18,000-seat Hollywood Bowl faster than anyone ever .
Los Angeles Times music critic calls Dudamel "a phenomenon"


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- He is the international superstar responsible for breathing life into the iconic comic book hero Wolverine. Her movies have earned more than $2 billion worldwide, including the entire "X-Men" franchise. Hugh Jackman emerges as Wolverine in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which opened Friday. Actor Hugh Jackman and film producer Lauren Shuler Donner recently sat down for a candid conversation about their new film, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Specifically, the pair talked about the scene in which Jackman's character is transformed from a simple mutant with bony claws that periodically protrude from the back of his hands to an invincible mutant filled with an indestructible metal called adamantium. This scene represents the ultimate birth of a comic legend as the character is transformed from Logan to Wolverine.  Watch the scene in which Wolverine is unleashed » Hugh Jackman: I knew this was the birth of the character; this is where we see him in full flight. It's called in the comic book "berserker rage." It's not really in the English language, but it may be now! But, this idea that this complete animal [has been] unleashed, which is obviously the entire story -- this battle between the animal and human is something we all relate to. Lauren Shuler Donner: There were many things he had to do in the tank, you know. One of them was he had to be lowered, and then the needles had to come towards him. Now, most of those were CGI, so he had to look in certain places where the needles were. But, he couldn't hear [director] Gavin [Hood]. So they ... tried all kinds of sounds, speakers, everything. ... They finally devised this toe method where, if Gavin pulled on Hugh's big toe, it meant the things are coming, the second toe is this, the last toe is rise up, very sophisticated. (laughter) Jackman: I had in my head that I've got to be in much better shape -- not better shape, different shape, kind of ridiculous shape because I wanted it to be uncomfortable. I wanted it to feel like I felt when I saw Robert De Niro in "Cape Fear," that -- whoa, this guy is dangerous, he's powerful, he's dangerous, and he can snap at any point. Donner: There's an iconic drawing of Wolverine coming out of the tank in the comics with the things popping out of him and his hair all over him in a rage, and we wanted to be that image. That's the image we wanted for the fans. Jackman: I was a little frightened when I watched it, like, "Is that me?" [My wife] Deb was like, "Hugh, this is ridiculous. I don't even know who that is."

Who plays Wolverine in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"

What method did the director use to contact Jackman underwater?

Answer: ridiculous

Answer: Hugh Jackman

Answer: Wolverine

Answer: [director] Gavin [Hood].

Answer: is this, the last

Answer: toe

Summary:
Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"
To create the character, Jackman wanted to be in "ridiculous shape"
How to contact Jackman underwater? Director used a "toe method"


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Heidi Newfield goes into Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards with five nominations. It's more than any other female, but she still considers herself the dark horse -- and in many ways, she is, especially since she's up for top female vocalist against such heavyweights as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.

Heidi Newfield says she considers herself an underdog at Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards.

For 10 years, Newfield was the lead singer of the honky-tonk trio Trick Pony. Her soulful debut solo album, "What Am I Waiting for," was released in August to stellar reviews -- many from critics who scoffed at the high-energy antics of her former band.

If you spend any time with the petite blonde from Northern California, you're struck by how many times she says, "Please" and "Thank you." There's a smile for everyone -- waiters, doormen, cameramen -- and she steers conversation away from herself to ask how others are doing.

Newfield is a nice girl. But her life changed when a fellow musician told her to stop being so nice, as she revealed in the following interview with CNN:  Watch Newfield talk about her nominations »

CNN: What went through your head when you received five nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards?

Heidi Newfield: I thought one or two would be so fabulous, that would be so great. And they kept calling my name, and you know, I won't lie -- I'm going to tell on my husband -- the tears started flowing, and we were just really happy. All the hard work, all the time, and all the road -- and just the experience over time starts to play back in your mind, just like a movie.This is a really special time.

CNN: Was it validation that leaving Trick Pony was the right thing to do?

Newfield: People tell you, "You can't do this." You know in country music oftentimes it does not work when a front person leaves a group. In other genres -- pop, rock, hip-hop and rap -- people can leave all the time and do amazing things on their own. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Sting -- there's a gazillion people. But in country, we have that tight-knit, almost family relationship with our fans, so when you change something up, they don't always like that very much.

CNN: Did you feel guilty about leaving Trick Pony?

Newfield: No, not an ounce of guilt. I left Trick Pony with my head held high. I felt like I left with total dignity and class, and I didn't leave anybody hanging.

I fulfilled every obligation, no matter how hard it was -- and it was hard. There was a lot of drama, and they weren't exactly happy with me. I don't mind saying this, but it was miserable the last several months. But my intuition was saying it's time to make a change.

So did I stay too long? I don't know. I mean, everything happens for a reason. Had I left three years ago, maybe I wouldn't have been the same person I am today.

CNN: John Popper from Blues Traveler kind of gave you a kick in the pants.

Newfield: Oh, I love Poppy! We talk all the time, I kid you not. John was on a USO tour with us for 2½ weeks, so we got to know each other really well. Every night, he would come on stage and do a [harmonica] number with me.

On the last night of the tour, we were in Germany, and we were at this pub, and Poppy said to me, "You love this, and it's clear you're a musician -- but you need to learn to stop being so nice. You need to speak your mind and step up and step up for yourself." His actual words were, "When you learn

How many awards is Heidi Newfield up for?

Answer: top female vocalist

Answer: Trick Pony.

Answer: stop being so nice.

Answer: Country Music Awards

Answer: five

Answer: Trick Pony.

Summary:
Heidi Newfield is up for five Academy of Country Music Awards .
Newfield pursuing solo career after being lead singer of Trick Pony .
Singer doesn't want to be a diva but takes advice about not being so nice .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Heidi Newfield goes into Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards with five nominations. It's more than any other female, but she still considers herself the dark horse -- and in many ways, she is, especially since she's up for top female vocalist against such heavyweights as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.

Heidi Newfield says she considers herself an underdog at Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards.

For 10 years, Newfield was the lead singer of the honky-tonk trio Trick Pony. Her soulful debut solo album, "What Am I Waiting for," was released in August to stellar reviews -- many from critics who scoffed at the high-energy antics of her former band.

If you spend any time with the petite blonde from Northern California, you're struck by how many times she says, "Please" and "Thank you." There's a smile for everyone -- waiters, doormen, cameramen -- and she steers conversation away from herself to ask how others are doing.

Newfield is a nice girl. But her life changed when a fellow musician told her to stop being so nice, as she revealed in the following interview with CNN:  Watch Newfield talk about her nominations »

CNN: What went through your head when you received five nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards?

Heidi Newfield: I thought one or two would be so fabulous, that would be so great. And they kept calling my name, and you know, I won't lie -- I'm going to tell on my husband -- the tears started flowing, and we were just really happy. All the hard work, all the time, and all the road -- and just the experience over time starts to play back in your mind, just like a movie.This is a really special time.

CNN: Was it validation that leaving Trick Pony was the right thing to do?

Newfield: People tell you, "You can't do this." You know in country music oftentimes it does not work when a front person leaves a group. In other genres -- pop, rock, hip-hop and rap -- people can leave all the time and do amazing things on their own. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Sting -- there's a gazillion people. But in country, we have that tight-knit, almost family relationship with our fans, so when you change something up, they don't always like that very much.

CNN: Did you feel guilty about leaving Trick Pony?

Newfield: No, not an ounce of guilt. I left Trick Pony with my head held high. I felt like I left with total dignity and class, and I didn't leave anybody hanging.

I fulfilled every obligation, no matter how hard it was -- and it was hard. There was a lot of drama, and they weren't exactly happy with me. I don't mind saying this, but it was miserable the last several months. But my intuition was saying it's time to make a change.

So did I stay too long? I don't know. I mean, everything happens for a reason. Had I left three years ago, maybe I wouldn't have been the same person I am today.

CNN: John Popper from Blues Traveler kind of gave you a kick in the pants.

Newfield: Oh, I love Poppy! We talk all the time, I kid you not. John was on a USO tour with us for 2½ weeks, so we got to know each other really well. Every night, he would come on stage and do a [harmonica] number with me.

On the last night of the tour, we were in Germany, and we were at this pub, and Poppy said to me, "You love this, and it's clear you're a musician -- but you need to learn to stop being so nice. You need to speak your mind and step up and step up for yourself." His actual words were, "When you learn

Who is up for five Academy of Country Music Awards ?

Who is  pursuing solo career after being lead singer of Trick Pony ?

Answer: Country

Answer: Heidi Newfield

Answer: Heidi Newfield

Answer: Heidi Newfield

Answer: Trick Pony.

Answer: Heidi Newfield

Answer: Newfield

Summary:
Heidi Newfield is up for five Academy of Country Music Awards .
Newfield pursuing solo career after being lead singer of Trick Pony .
Singer doesn't want to be a diva but takes advice about not being so nice .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Holly Williams is one of the only artists in country music male or female who doesn't have a stylist. But then again, she might be the only entertainer in Nashville who owns a clothing boutique. Holly Williams is daughter of musician Hank Williams Jr. and granddaughter of musician Hank Williams Sr. The chic women's store is named H. Audrey after her maternal grandmother, who was the first wife of the late country music icon Hank Williams. Holly's father is Bocephus -- the legendary hellraiser and three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year otherwise known as Hank Williams Jr. She got her height from him. With heels on, she's about 6-foot-3 -- all tanned legs and long, blonde hair. She looks like a star. And at 28, she wants to earn the right to be one. Williams just released her sophomore album, "Here With Me" (Mercury Nashville). Most of the 11 tracks are self-penned, and she sings them with emotional honesty in a smoky, soulful voice. The characters in her lyrics are friends, family and lovers from the past. She also has a man in her present: On July 24, she became engaged to Chris Coleman, the drummer in her band.  Watch Williams show off her talents » Williams spoke with CNN about her new album and her family's legacy. The following is an edited version of the interview. CNN: Your new album was released the same day as your dad's new album. Was that planned? Holly Williams: It wasn't planned at all. About three weeks before my release, I was looking over to see who else was coming out that day, and it said, "Hank Jr." -- and I'm going, "Is this something my manager planned?" And it's just so random, because out of the 52 weeks of the year, it just happened. CNN: What did he think about the album? Williams: Well, this is embarrassing, but I haven't sent him a copy yet! I need to. He's heard two of the singles. He's always been a huge supporter of the songwriting, and just been a great encourager with me. CNN: What was it like when you were growing up? Williams: Well, my mom raised my sister and me. [My parents] split when we were 3 and 5, and he was touring 300 nights a year. We'd see him every few months when he was off the road, and we'd go up there and hunt and fish and be on the farm. But my mom did all the rules and curfews and all that. CNN: Your mother doesn't seem jaded by the music industry at all. Williams: Oh, she doesn't at all. They split in '83, so when they first got married in '77, he was still a struggling artist and doing small theater shows. My single out right now is called "Mama" that I wrote ... is kind of a thank-you song, because she was always the most positive influence -- had so much light. My dad always talks about what a great mom she was, and they're still close friends. CNN: What was it like for you going into the music industry? Was there a lot of pressure? Williams: The songwriting hit me at a very young age. Eight, 9, 10 is when I started writing. Went away from it for a few years, and at 17 picked up a guitar and it was just on from there. I'm 28 now, and I've been doing it for 10 years nonstop. I put out an EP myself when I was 20, and paid 200 bucks for my Web site, and traveled over in the U.K. alone with a backpack. And in the U.S., I just took my mom's Suburban and followed everyone from Train, John Mellencamp, Billy Bob Thornton -- everyone's bus -- and just did any show I could, whether they paid or

What is Holly Williams has new album called?

What genre of songs does Holly Williams sing?

What is the name of Holly Williams' new album?

What's the name of Holly Williams new album ?

What is the name of Holly William's new album?

Answer: Hank Williams Sr.

Answer: Hank

Answer: "Here With Me"

Answer: Hank

Answer: "Here With Me"

Answer: Jr.

Answer: country music

Answer: "Here With Me"

Answer: "Here With Me"

Answer: "Here With Me"

Answer: Audrey

Summary:
Country music scion Holly Williams has new album out, "Here With Me"
Williams is daughter of Hank Jr., granddaughter of Hank Sr.
Williams sings country, but influenced by '70s singer-songwriters .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- If a kewpie doll sang in a band and had two kids, she'd be Gwen Stefani. Gwen Stefani was ready to get back with No Doubt after two solo albums and an active home life. The pop star and style icon turns 40 this fall, but she still uses words like "you know" and "like" at least five times a minute. That's part of Stefani's charm, and her carefree teenybopper mentality is one of the many reasons fans are excited about her first tour with No Doubt in half a decade. It's been 14 years since the quartet busted out of Orange County, California, with its signature sound of sunny, ska-influenced pop. In 2004, No Doubt went on hiatus as Stefani launched the first of two successful solo albums. In the meantime, drummer Adrian Young and guitarist Tom Dumont worked on side projects and watched their families grow. Stefani and her husband -- former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale -- welcomed two sons, while bassist Tony Kanal is the only member to remain single and child-free. No Doubt is currently in the midst of a 53-date North American tour, for which they've dusted off such classic hits as "Just a Girl," "Spiderwebs" and "Bathwater." Each member now travels in their own individual tour bus -- a must for an entourage that includes kids, toys and nannies.  Watch No Doubt in concert, at rest » CNN: You'd hear rumors every once in a while that you guys were breaking up, or had broken up. Were those annoying, or did you kind of roll your eyes and say, "That's part of the game?" Adrian Young: I think we expected it. And there might even be some people that will think that we broke up, and that this is a reunion tour -- and it's just not the truth. We went 17 straight years without stopping, and we started having families, and we were burnt and we needed to do our own thing for a while. CNN: What was it like to get all four of you together in a room again? Tom Dumont: It's kind of like an old glove. It just fits. Young: Like an O.J. glove? Dumont: No, no, no. I know it's a weird analogy, but in the sense of -- you know, it fits. Tony Kanal: You know when somebody says "glove" now, you immediately think of O.J. Young: "If it fits, you must acquit." That's our band motto now. Dumont: We're not going to quit. We're just great old friends. It's almost like we're brothers and sister, and it's great to be having fun together again. Young: I feel more like we're married. CNN: I hear it's a little bit different this time. Instead of sharing a tour bus, you'll each have your own individual buses. Kanal: This will be our first time on separate buses, only out of necessity. Everyone's bringing their family. CNN: Are you just trying to get away from the kids, is that what you're saying, Tony?! Kanal: No, no, no! I would love to be on the bus with them. Gwen Stefani: Tony's going to be making kids on his bus. Kanal: Yeah, maybe my girlfriend and I will be in the process of starting our family. Stefani, Young and CNN (in unison): Really?! Kanal (ignoring everybody's reaction): But by default, I'm putting a studio on my bus. Because I don't have a crib on my bus -- they have cribs on their buses -- I'm putting a studio on my bus so we can keep writing if the inspiration comes, and we feel like doing it. Stefani: We're just putting the studio out there so we can pretend we might go out there

What did the band members do while taking the break?

Answer: worked on side projects and watched their families grow.

Answer: No Doubt

Answer: Gwen Stefani

Answer: Gwen Stefani

Summary:
No Doubt is back together -- but don't call it a reunion .
Band had taken break while having families, Gwen Stefani making solo records .
Stefani plans to have fun; tour is a way of getting recharged .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- In her first television interview since Mel Gibson went public with their relationship in April, his girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, made it clear to CNN: "I'd like to be known for my music." Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson are expecting a child this year. Still, the 39-year-old singer was willing to talk about her beau and her pregnancy, as well as her new album, "Beautiful Heartache." "Beautiful Heartache" was released to iTunes on July 23 by Icon Distribution, Gibson's company, which up until now has handled only soundtracks for his movies. "He's an incredible artist," Grigorieva said. "A visionary. He enabled me to produce this album, for my music to live." The Oscar-winning ("Braveheart") filmmaker also directed four music videos for Grigorieva during a whirlwind week in Mexico.  Watch Grigorieva talk about Gibson, love » "They're like dramatic miniature films -- a whirlpool of different, exciting, bright images. That's quite rare," she said. The music videos and music are available on her Web site, www.oksana.fm. Grigorieva has a background in music. She said she was classically trained as a pianist in her native Russia, and both her parents are musicians. In 2006, a song she penned called "Un Dia Llegara" was recorded by Josh Groban for his album "Awake." Though she describes her album as being about "different facets of love," she cautions that listeners shouldn't overthink the lyrics. "This album is not autobiographical -- maybe only partially so. It's not a diary." Gibson, 53, and his wife of nearly 30 years, Robyn, filed for divorce in April. The two have seven children. Grigorieva and Gibson were first photographed together on the set of his movie "Edge of Darkness," according to People magazine. Grigorieva is pregnant with Gibson's child and is to give birth this year. She said the couple has opted not to learn the sex of the child. It will be her second child, after Alexander, her 12-year-old son with actor Timothy Dalton. "I'm already buying things in gender-neutral colors. It's very cute," she chuckled. Alexander, she added, is excited about having a sibling. "He's like a little man, protecting me. He's looking forward to it very much." Grigorieva says she and Gibson have no immediate plans for marriage. "We don't know yet. We haven't really talked about it," she admitted. She acknowledged that her relationship with Gibson has given her a unique opportunity to present her skills. "If you think about it, every talent needs a serious push and help from somebody who is stronger, because it's pretty much impossible for anybody to succeed in this industry. So I've become very lucky, and I'm very grateful," she said. "You don't control the situations or the people you meet. I did not plan this. I'm just doing what I've always been doing. It's not like I've changed my goals at all." In the meantime, Grigorieva is adapting to life in the public eye. "It hasn't been too bad, actually. There was a period of time where it was a little bit difficult, but now it's much better," she said. Before embarking on limited press for the new album, Gibson did offer a few words of advice, she added: "Just be myself and speak the truth. What I most like to talk about is my music and 'Beautiful Heartache.' And that's pretty much it."

who has been with Mel Gibson for a year?

Answer: Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson

Answer: singer

Answer: Oksana Grigorieva,

Answer: "different facets of love,"

Answer: "Beautiful Heartache."

Answer: his girlfriend,

Answer: seven

Summary:
Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson have been a couple for at least a year .
Grigorieva has a new album, "Beautiful Heartache"
Singer is pregnant with Gibson's child, describes Gibson as "a visionary"


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- In its opening weekend, "The Haunting in Connecticut" scared and thrilled millions of moviegoers across the country. In "The Haunting in Connecticut," Virginia Madsen sees strange things happen in her old house. The film, which earned $23 million to finish No. 2 at the box office, emphasizes psychological horror over slasher film blood 'n' gore, which its audience apparently appreciated. But Virginia Madsen, who plays Sara Campbell in the film, confessed that, while filming, fear was not just reserved for the screen. "We all stayed in this big, old hotel which was kind of like the one in 'The Shining,' one of those turn-of-the- century big, old hotels," Madsen told CNN. "I had a little chat with my room. I said, 'Just out of respect, if there are any entities around, I need to stay here, I have a lot of work to do, I have to sleep at night, so please leave me alone.' " Yet, Madsen admitted, her belief in ghosts is not very strong. "I do have an attraction to paranormal investigation and all those kinds of shows but I'm not sure if I really believe in ghosts," she said. "The Haunting in Connecticut" is based on the true story of Sara Campbell, a mother who moves her family into an old house in Connecticut in order to be closer to the hospital where her son, Matt (Kyle Gallner), receives cancer treatment. The house was once a funeral home and, shortly after their move, the family begins witnessing strange, supernatural activities. "Something very powerful and very real happened to this family. Whether or not you believe it was some sort of demon or, you know, they're manifesting it -- whatever it is -- it changed their lives," Madsen said. Madsen, 47, is probably best known for her Oscar-nominated turn in "Sideways" as Maya Randall, the restaurant waitress who gets involved in a romance with the prickly writer played by Paul Giamatti. Since that 2004 film, the actress has made several films, including "A Prairie Home Companion" and "The Number 23." She and the rest of the cast developed a close relationship on the set and were much like a family behind the scenes. "I was more like a mother bear with my young actors," Madsen said. In fact, Madsen added, her close relationship with the younger actors made filming difficult at times. "One scene in the movie that was the hardest for me to do was when [Matt] wakes up ... and his skin is all carved with these different incantations," she said. "And I open his shirt and he's just looking up at me with these big blue eyes with tears ... and he really felt like my boy, he really felt like my second son." Madsen said the film, complete with ghosts, séances and creaking floorboards, is successful because it has all the elements of a good horror flick. "The movie works ... because it plays on our most basic childhood fears. 'Something's under the bed, something's in the closet, something's in the mirror.' And all of us still have those same childhood terrors," she said. The desire to experience those same terrors and to forget about everyday life, Madsen added, draws people to the theaters at an older age. "I like things that go bump in the night, and scary things that are fun," she said. "That's really what this movie really is. I think horror movies are so popular because times are especially hard and I think a horror movie more than any other kind of movie is a true escape ... You're forgetting about your life because you're like, 'Oh my God!' " CNN's Elham Khatami contributed to this story.

What statement did Virginia Madsen say she likes?

What film is Virginia Madsen best known for?

What movie had a successful opening weekend at the box office?

Answer: Virginia Madsen

Answer: things that go bump in the night, and scary things that are fun,"

Answer: horror flick.

Answer: "The Haunting in Connecticut"

Answer: "The Haunting in Connecticut"

Answer: "The Haunting in Connecticut"

Answer: "The Haunting in Connecticut"

Answer: "Sideways" as Maya Randall,

Summary:
"The Haunting in Connecticut" had a successful opening weekend at box office .
Virginia Madsen, who stars in film, likes "things that go bump in the night"
Madsen, best known for "Sideways," took motherly role over young co-stars .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Investigators are looking into whether employees at the Los Angeles County coroner's office illegally leaked information about Michael Jackson's death probe to the news media, according to a sheriff's spokesman. Police stand outside the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office when Michael Jackson's body was there in June. Vivid descriptions of Jackson's corpse, which was in the coroner's custody for an autopsy, were published by tabloid newspapers in the days after his death. The Los Angeles County Supervisors office on Friday asked the sheriff to conduct a "preliminary inquiry," which will determine whether there is enough evidence to launch a full investigation, said Steve Whitmore, a sheriff's spokesman. Whitmore did not provide details on what prompted the request. The Los Angeles Times quoted Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas as saying his office called the sheriff's department after reports that coroner's employees not involved in the Jackson death probe had viewed his death certificate in the office database. Ridley-Thomas has not responded to CNN requests for comment. The coroner's office is investigating the cause of Jackson's June 25 death. It has been waiting on toxicology lab results, but a final autopsy report is expected as soon as next week, a coroner's spokesman has said. Los Angeles police are also investigating the death. Detectives traveled to Houston, Texas, this week to search the medical office of Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal doctor. CNN's Sonya Hamasaki contributed to this report

Who published pictures of Jackson's corpse?

Who is investigating the cause of death?

Who was asked to conduct the preliminary enquiry?

What were the vivid descriptions in tabloid newspapers about?

What is the date of Michael Jackson's death?

What did the L.A officials ask the sheriff for?

Who will conduct the preliminary inquiry?

Who published vivid descriptions of Jackson's corpse?

Answer: tabloid newspapers

Answer: coroner's office

Answer: sheriff

Answer: June 25

Answer: Jackson's corpse,

Answer: Vivid descriptions of Jackson's corpse,

Answer: June 25

Answer: to conduct a "preliminary inquiry,"

Answer: the sheriff

Answer: June 25

Answer: tabloid newspapers

Summary:
Vivid descriptions of Jackson's corpse are published by tabloid newspapers .
L.A. officials ask sheriff to conduct preliminary inquiry .
A sheriff's spokesman did not say what prompted the request .
The coroner's office is investigating the cause of Jackson's June 25 death .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Investigators have found the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing of a University of California, Los Angeles student in a chemistry lab, authorities said Friday. A student stabbing victim is recovering at UCLA Medical Center, authorities say. The 20-year-old, whose identity has not been released, is being treated at the UCLA hospital for multiple stab wounds, including ones to her neck, sustained in the Thursday attack. Police have arrested Damon Thompson, a 20-year-old UCLA senior, who is accused of stabbing the woman at the lab in Young Hall. He is being held on $1 million bail. The knife was found at the scene of the attack on Thursday, Detective Mike Pelletier told CNN, though he did not disclose details about the weapon. A statement Friday from the victim's family said, "She is showing signs of improvement, and her surgeons expect a good result as she continues to heal." Last month, Connecticut authorities found the body of a 24-year-old pharmacology graduate student inside a wall of a lab building at Yale University. She had been strangled. Raymond Clark III, 24, a lab technician at Yale, is charged with murder in Annie Le's death. CNN's Monica Trevino and Sonya Hamasaki contributed to this report.

Who is saying that stabbed person is recovering?

What is the bond amount set for the UCLA student?

According to the victim's family, is the victim recovering?

Answer: in a chemistry lab,

Answer: $1 million

Answer: UCLA Medical Center, authorities say.

Answer: $1 million

Answer: chemistry

Answer: showing signs of improvement,

Answer: the lab in Young Hall.

Summary:
Police have not released name of woman student stabbed in chemistry lab .
Another UCLA student has been arrested in the case, is held on $1 million bond .
Victim's family says she is recovering, "showing signs of improvement"


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Investigators think that a reality TV contestant wanted for questioning in the death of his ex-wife has gone to Canada, police in Washington state told CNN Thursday. Police want to question Ryan Jenkins about the death of his ex-wife, model Jasmine Fiore. Ryan Alexander Jenkins, who appeared on two VH1 reality TV shows, matched the description of a man seen driving a boat in Blaine Marina off the coast of northwest Washington on Wednesday, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said. Blaine, Washington, is very near the Canadian border. Authorities searched the area and found Jenkins' black SUV with an empty boat trailer at the Blaine Marina, police said. The nude body of Jasmine Fiore, 28, a former swimsuit model, was found Saturday stuffed into a suitcase in California. Fiore lived in Los Angeles and was last seen alive Friday in San Diego at a poker game with her ex-husband, Jenkins. Police have wanted to question Jenkins about Fiore's death. "We believe that perhaps he might have information that would be beneficial to the investigation," Lt. Gary Worrall of the Buena Park Police Department said Wednesday on HLN's "Nancy Grace." Jenkins reported Fiore missing Saturday night to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, authorities said. Earlier that day, a body was found in a large suitcase inside a trash bin behind an apartment complex in Buena Park, just outside Anaheim in Orange County.  Watch man describe finding body » The body was identified as Fiore on Monday. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, a preliminary coroner's report indicates she was strangled. Jenkins, who appeared on VH1 shows, "Megan Wants a Millionaire" and "I Love Money 3," may have headed back to his native Calgary, Alberta, police said. The U.S. Marshals Service and Canadian authorities have joined the search for Jenkins, according to the Whatcom County police. Jenkins and Fiore reportedly were married for a few weeks before getting the union annulled. "Given the fact that he has some celebrity status, we're quite certain that he has been made aware of the media frenzy regarding this case," Worrall said. "And we have made some attempts to get in touch with him." In a statement, VH1 said it has postponed any future airings of "Megan Wants a Millionaire" because of the "tragic situation" and said "our thoughts go out to the victim's family." Davida Sullivan, who trained with Fiore in Las Vegas to be a Playboy Bunny called her a bit reserved, careful with her words, and a "very, very sweet girl." "Nancy Grace" producer Philip Rosenbaum contributed to this report.

For what reason do the police want to question Ryan Jenkins

What is Ryan Jenkins wanted  for by police?

About what do police want to question Jenkins?

At what age was Jasmine Fiore when she went missing

Answer: death of his ex-wife,

Answer: Jasmine Fiore.

Answer: Saturday stuffed into a suitcase in California.

Answer: about the death of his ex-wife, model Jasmine Fiore.

Answer: Blaine Marina

Answer: Saturday night

Answer: seen driving a boat in Blaine Marina

Answer: Police want to question Ryan Jenkins about the death of his ex-wife,

Answer: 28,

Summary:
NEW: Man resembling Jenkins seen on boat near Canadian border, police say .
Police want to question Ryan Jenkins in connection with ex-wife's death .
Jenkins reported model Jasmine Fiore, 28, missing on August 15 .
Earlier that day, Fiore's nude body was found stuffed into a suitcase .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- It was the hottest ticket in town. Colin Farrell was there. So were Michelle Branch, Josh Groban and Chris Isaak -- the latter accompanied by his manager's dog, Rodney. Yusuf, formerly known as Cat Stevens, believes he can help bridge gaps between cultures. No, we're not talking about a Britney Spears or U2 concert. We're talking about a star-studded, invitation-only club show by Yusuf -- the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. It was the legendary folk singer's first L.A. show in 33 years, and the audience gave him a heartfelt "welcome back." He played for just over an hour: half a dozen songs from his new album, "Roadsinger," plus a few gems from the '60s and '70s. It was "Peace Train" that elicited a singalong, with the entire room participating in the song's signature hand claps. Branch, who sings backup on Yusuf's new album, admitted to getting teary-eyed. "You don't understand," she said. "I learned how to play guitar with the Cat Stevens songbook!"  Watch Yusuf talk about his songbook -- and his life » The whole evening seemed awash in good vibes. Concertgoers didn't even mind having a security guard electronically wand them on the way in. It was perhaps an extra security measure given some of the lingering controversy surrounding the headliner's conversion to Islam at the height of his popularity in 1977, during which time he changed his name from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam. In 2004, he was famously denied entry into the United States after his name appeared on a no-fly list. He maintained that it was a case of mistaken identity with another man named Yousuf Islam. However, there was no mistaking the artist on stage at the El Rey Theater last week. At 60, he may look more like a hip college professor than the dark-haired, sensitive sex symbol he was in the '70s, but the message and the music remained the same. The following is an edited version of his interview with CNN. CNN: For a lot of people, it's not only the music but what the music represents. Hearing the old Cat Stevens songs makes people feel warm and fuzzy, a throwback to a simpler time. Yusuf: That's true, and that's why we gave a sprinkling of those songs. When I want to see Paul McCartney, I'd expect to hear "Eleanor Rigby" -- something from the past -- because there's something about that that we connect with, and a person becomes part of our life. And I am a part of a lot of people's lives, and my words have resounded in a lot of people's philosophies and the way they look at things, and that's great. Somehow, that's one of the reasons I took life and songwriting very seriously. CNN: But you gave it up for a while. Yusuf: At a certain point I said, "I've got more living to do," and I stopped making music, and I started living. CNN: Many people don't think they start living until they HAVE the fame and fortune. But you didn't start living until you gave it up. Yusuf: It's true. I was very normal -- in some sense, a very shy person. I had to become a persona. I had to kind of put it on a little bit, and therefore I retreated a little bit at a certain point in my career because I thought, "I can't do this." So I just became withdrawn, and then people say, "Well, the guy's a bit of a recluse, you know." The fact was, I was just a little bit scared of being out there! And I wanted to be sincere, as well. It wasn't easy to be sincere in the music business. CNN: I think a lot of people were surprised when you converted

What is Yusuf formerly Cat Steven's new album called?

What did Yusuf do after converting to Islam?

Answer: he can help bridge gaps between cultures.

Answer: Cat Stevens,

Answer: "Roadsinger,"

Answer: "Roadsinger,"

Answer: changed his name

Answer: 1977,

Answer: Cat Stevens

Answer: Islam.

Summary:
Yusuf, formerly Cat Stevens, has new album: "Roadsinger"
After big success in '70s, he converted to Islam, shut down career for a time .
"I'm very much an optimist," Yusuf says .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- It's no secret that "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell often shows no mercy toward aspiring singers. Quirky, tattooed contestant Megan Joy Corkrey discovered that Wednesday night during the elimination round on the popular singing competition.

Megan Joy said she and Simon Cowell remain on good terms.

Megan Joy, who dropped her last name, told Cowell that she "didn't really care" about his criticisms of her Tuesday night performance of Bob Marley's "Turn The Lights Down Low," which he described as "boring, indulgent and monotonous."

Those comments sealed the 23-year-old single mother's fate.

Host Ryan Seacrest asked Cowell if he would be using the "save" rule in Megan's case. Cowell demurred: "Megan, with the greatest respect, when you said that you don't care -- nor do we. So I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you," replied Cowell.

"I don't care that Simon didn't like that song," Joy said in an interview with CNN on Friday. "I truly didn't and I still don't. I still loved it, I sang it the way I wanted to."  Watch what CNN's Michelle Wright said about Megan Joy »

Despite all the bickering, Joy says that she and Cowell remain on good terms. After Wednesday's program, she says they both laughed and he told her that he enjoyed watching her.  Watch what CNN's Lisa Respers France thought of performance »

Furthermore, the self-described "dork" says her "American Idol" experience has opened new doors to her future.

"Before all this competition, I thought I was just going to be a stay-at-home mom," Joy said. "Now, I am interested to see all sorts of different things I could possibly try and dabble. ... I'm excited to just see what's out there."

And those bizarre moments onstage Wednesday when she flapped her arms and squawked like a bird? Joy says that's just her personality.

"I do a lot of sound effects all the time, bird noises, animal noises," she said. "Wednesday, I kind of had a feeling it was going to be me ... so I decided that I'm just going to be myself and be silly out there."

Who dropped from American Idol Wednesday?

Who was dropped from "American Idol" on Wednesday?

Answer: Megan Joy Corkrey

Answer: Megan Joy

Answer: opened new doors to her future.

Answer: Megan Joy Corkrey

Answer: Simon Cowell

Answer: Megan Joy,

Answer: Tuesday

Summary:
Megan Joy dropped from "American Idol" on Wednesday night .
She had dismissed judge Simon Cowell's criticism; Cowell dismissed her .
Joy says "Idol" has opened up new worlds for her .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- It's no secret that "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell often shows no mercy toward aspiring singers. Quirky, tattooed contestant Megan Joy Corkrey discovered that Wednesday night during the elimination round on the popular singing competition. Megan Joy said she and Simon Cowell remain on good terms. Megan Joy, who dropped her last name, told Cowell that she "didn't really care" about his criticisms of her Tuesday night performance of Bob Marley's "Turn The Lights Down Low," which he described as "boring, indulgent and monotonous." Those comments sealed the 23-year-old single mother's fate. Host Ryan Seacrest asked Cowell if he would be using the "save" rule in Megan's case. Cowell demurred: "Megan, with the greatest respect, when you said that you don't care -- nor do we. So I'm not going to pretend that we're even going to contemplate saving you," replied Cowell. "I don't care that Simon didn't like that song," Joy said in an interview with CNN on Friday. "I truly didn't and I still don't. I still loved it, I sang it the way I wanted to."  Watch what CNN's Michelle Wright said about Megan Joy » Despite all the bickering, Joy says that she and Cowell remain on good terms. After Wednesday's program, she says they both laughed and he told her that he enjoyed watching her.  Watch what CNN's Lisa Respers France thought of performance » Furthermore, the self-described "dork" says her "American Idol" experience has opened new doors to her future. "Before all this competition, I thought I was just going to be a stay-at-home mom," Joy said. "Now, I am interested to see all sorts of different things I could possibly try and dabble. ... I'm excited to just see what's out there." And those bizarre moments onstage Wednesday when she flapped her arms and squawked like a bird? Joy says that's just her personality. "I do a lot of sound effects all the time, bird noises, animal noises," she said. "Wednesday, I kind of had a feeling it was going to be me ... so I decided that I'm just going to be myself and be silly out there."

Answer: new doors to her future.

Summary:
Megan Joy dropped from "American Idol" on Wednesday night .
She had dismissed judge Simon Cowell's criticism; Cowell dismissed her .
Joy says "Idol" has opened up new worlds for her .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jamiel Shaw was just three doors from his house on March 2. His father told the 17-year-old high school football star to be home before dark. That is exactly what he was trying to do when, just before dusk, gunshots rang out. Gang members pulled up in a car and asked Shaw if he was in a gang. Shaw didn't have time to tell them "no." He was mowed down before he could answer, police say. His dad heard the shots from inside his house and immediately called his son's cell phone to warn him to stay away. But within seconds, the father realized what had happened. "I just ran down there," Jamiel Shaw Sr. told CNN.  Watch dad describe hearing "pow, pow" » His son was wearing the same shirt his dad had pressed for him that morning. "He was laying on the ground and his face was so peaceful. I knew he was dead." "For three hours, I was just completely blacked out walking." More than 7,500 miles away, Army Sgt. Anita Shaw was serving her second tour in Iraq. Her commanding officer called her into his office and told her to sit down next to the chaplain. He then informed her that her son had been killed on the streets of Los Angeles. "I freaked out," she said. "I wanted to run out of the room. I was screaming and kicking. I was shouting, 'No.'" Anita Shaw is now back in Los Angeles to bury her son. Police announced Tuesday that an arrest had been made in the shooting. Pedro Espinoza, a 19-year-old member of the Hispanic 18th Street Gang, was charged in the killing and could face the death penalty if convicted, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said. Espinoza is scheduled to be arraigned March 25. Espinoza was released from jail -- where he was held on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon -- one day before the incident. Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton Tuesday called on the community to help police locate a second suspect who was with Espinoza at the time of the shooting. Hundreds of family members and friends gathered Tuesday at West Los Angeles Cathedral to remember Shaw, a standout running back and sprinter at Los Angeles High School who had good grades and stayed out of trouble despite his rough neighborhood. Among the schools recruiting him was Stanford University.  Watch as family, friends remember Shaw » Blue-and-white flowers -- his school colors -- adorned his casket, and photos of Shaw over the years were displayed at the service. Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" played as mourners entered the church.  "He was a Christian and I thank God for that because I know he's in a better place," his mom said, trembling as she sobbed. "He'd just try all the time to do the right thing. He was so good." Shaw is one of several innocent victims in a horrifying three-week spate of gang-related shootings around Los Angeles. A man was gunned down as he held a 2-year-old baby in his arms. A 13-year-old boy was shot to death last week as he went to pick lemons from a tree. In another incident, a 6-year-old boy was critically wounded when he was shot in the head while riding in the car with his family; two gang members have been arrested in connection with that shooting, according to police. "I think what is particularly unnerving for all of us is just the random nature of these shootings," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said last week. Bratton and Deputy Chief Kenneth Garner met with community members from the South Side of Los Angeles over the weekend to try to calm tensions between black and Hispanic communities. Among those in attendance were Shaw's parents and his younger brother. Bratton acknowledged some neighborhoods are rife with underlying racial tensions that have "taken too many young lives." He

What had gang members asked him?
Who asked him if we was in a gang?
Where was his mother at the time?
who was arrested?
Who was killed outside his L.A. home?
Who was on duty in Iraq?

Answer: Shaw if he was in a

Answer: members

Answer: More than 7,500 miles away,

Answer: Pedro Espinoza,

Answer: Jamiel Shaw

Answer: Army Sgt. Anita Shaw

Summary:
NEW: Arrest made in killing of Jamiel Shaw, athlete killed outside his L.A. home .
Police: Gang members had asked him if we was in a gang .
Shaw didn't have time to tell them "no," according to police .
His mother was on duty in Iraq when she got the news .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Janelle Monae is a girl from another planet, and she's invading your world. Janelle Monae creates "cool, futuristic soul with a real '80s quality," says a DJ. Sightings of the singer-songwriter will include this week's "American Idol" finale, the Hollywood Bowl and concert stages across America this summer and TV's Sci Fi Channel this fall. Monae insists that her real identity is Cindi Mayweather, an android traveling through space and time to escape destruction ordered because she fell in love with a human, a fatal infraction of robots' rules. Along the way, she's making music that moves into the future while drawing from decades past. "It is cool, futuristic soul with a real '80s quality," said Garth Trinidad, a disc jockey at Los Angeles, California, radio station KCRW. Trinidad spotted Monae three years ago, and he's been watching her like an astronomer tracking the approach of a distant comet destined to light Earth's sky. "I believe she's going to be a household name in the next year or two," said Trinidad, a self-described "champion of the underdog" who is credited with giving Jill Scott and Gnarls Barkley early radio airplay. Monae -- the human -- is a striking combination of voice, style, imagination and fearlessness that defies conventional description, making it easier to buy into the fantasy of Mayweather the android. When her song "Many Moons" was nominated for a Grammy in December, it was in the urban/alternative category. If Monae is an android from the future, her musical programming included the past. Trinidad compared her "very fluid, very pleasing" voice to Donna Summer, circa 1976. At a Los Angeles show this month, she mixed 20th-century classics with her own futuristic songs. Monae delivered a sweet version of Nat King Cole's "Smile" while standing atop a barstool. Senior citizens danced the "Twist" when her band broke out into the Beatles' 1964 hit "I Saw Her Standing There." She loves timeless music, Monae said after her show. "We look to a lot of people whose bodies are dead and gone, but their spirit is still with us," Monae said. Her choreography borrows from James Brown, Michael Jackson and Devo, with dance moves from the future. Monae -- or Mayweather -- thinks she can fly. She jumped head-first into the audience, "crowd surfing" the unlikely mosh pit in UCLA's Royce Hall. Search Monae's name on YouTube and you'll see her jumping into swimming pools to end her shows. She climbed a tree in New York -- after her swim. Unlike some performers, her talent matches Monae's onstage antics, Trinidad said. "It's one thing for her to perform a certain way, but she backs with it up with talent," he said. Monae's android-on-the-run theme, reminiscent of the 1982 movie "Blade Runner," reminds Trinidad "of all the great albums from the past that had a story and concept attached." "She was just kind of like bored with everything else going on, and she wanted to transcend it and tell a story," he said. Monae said she is not following a formula, that she is "being led by my maker." "I'm very similar to a terminal," she said. Monae will inevitably capture the world's attention because she is "outshining a lot of what's happening in the mainstream," Trinidad said. That time may be near. Sean "Diddy" Combs signed her to his Bad Boy Records, giving her music distribution. Coca-Cola hired Monae to sing on its "Open Happiness" ad campaign. It airs on this week's "American Idol" finale. Her tour stops next month include at least six shows in the northeastern United States, opening for Gwen Stefani's reunited rock group

Who do they believe is going to be a household name?

What is the name of Janelle Monae's alter ego?

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: Garth Trinidad,

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: "cool, futuristic soul with a real '80s quality,"

Answer: Cindi Mayweather,

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: Cindi Mayweather,

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: singer-songwriter

Answer: Janelle Monae

Answer: Cindi Mayweather,

Answer: Janelle Monae creates "cool, futuristic soul with a real '80s quality,"

Summary:
Janelle Monae popping up on commercial, on tour, on TV .
Singer has alter ego: Cindi Mayweather, futuristic android on the run .
Observers praise talent: "I believe she's going to be a household name," says DJ .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jay Leno plans "something really unusual and different" when he hands over "The Tonight Show" to Conan O'Brien on May 29, 17 years after Johnny Carson left the hosting duties to him. Jay Leno begins "The Jay Leno Show" in September. His last "Tonight Show" is May 29. But don't expect an emotional final show, since Leno and most of his staff are just moving across the NBC lot to produce a nightly prime time show debuting in September. The traditional desk, chair and guest sofa probably won't follow Leno to his 10 p.m. show, but many of his favorite comedy elements will, Leno said. Making people laugh before they go to bed is still the mission. "To me, 10 o'clock is like the new 11:30," Leno said. "I hear more and more people, even young people, say 'I can't stay up past 11. I car pool, I gotta get up at 6.' " "The Jay Leno Show" will be competing against scripted dramas, not other comedians telling jokes, which Leno said should give him the edge over the long haul. "When I was a kid, there was comedy all over TV, and it was fun to watch, whether it was Carol Burnett or any of the sitcoms," he said. "You'd have a whole night of comedy, and now everything is very serious and it's all murder." The new show will have famous guests, but they will not drive the ratings, Leno said. "It's all about the joke material," he said. He will "try to keep it moving" with a longer monologue with dozens of jokes, he said. The last half-hour will be filled with comedy, he said. "You look right in the camera, you directly talk to people as low-tech as possible, a little humor before people go to bed," he said. NBC's decision to put a talk-variety show on at 10 o'clock raised some complaints from affiliate station owners, worried the ratings wouldn't be strong enough to build an audience for their 11 o'clock local newscasts. The network's Boston affiliate briefly threatened to move its news to 10, pre-empting Leno. Leno, who grew up in Boston, said he understood the economics behind the concern. "Although my job previous to this was to give a good lead-in to Conan, the job giving a good lead-in to the 11 o'clock news is really, really important," he said. "That's really where our local affiliates make their money, is on the 11 o'clock news." He doesn't expect to beat the dramas the first week out, but he noted those shows produce only about 22 new episodes a year. "During those repeat weeks and whatever, we'll be live, fresh, original shows," Leno said. The last week of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" will include a lot of looking back and "best of" segments, "because that's easier than writing new stuff," Leno said. His guests Monday through Thursday include Mel Gibson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wanda Sykes, Billy Crystal and Prince. Conan O'Brien will be on the final show, along with singer James Taylor. Taylor's songs were the last thing Leno heard on the radio when he left Boston in the late 1970s to start his career, so he wanted to have him as his last musical guest, he said. Leno hinted the last show would have some surprises. "I have something really unusual and different planned," he said, "Something really out of left field that we're going to end on." Pressed for more hints, Leno said it was "something really personal, something that has to do with show and staff." "I think it will make people smile," he said. Leno can smile as he moves on

when is the last tonight show taking place

when does jay leno begin the prime-time show

Answer: May 29.

Answer: May 29.

Answer: 10 p.m.

Answer: 10 p.m.

Answer: His last "Tonight Show"

Answer: Jay Leno

Answer: September.

Summary:
Jay Leno begins the prime-time "Jay Leno Show" in September .
Comedian's last "Tonight Show" is May 29; expect surprises, he says .
He believes audiences will welcome a 10 p.m. comedy-variety show .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jay Leno says immediacy is key to his new show, and he should have plenty of it for his prime time premiere Monday, when Kanye West is a musical guest. Kanye West, center,  with girlfriend Amber Rose and actor Tracy Morgan at the 2009 MTV VMAs. The rapper created a fan and artist uprising Sunday night when he jumped onstage at MTV's Video Music Awards to hijack singer Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. Leno could reprise his 1995 ratings-grabbing moment when he asked actor Hugh Grant, "What the hell were you thinking?" Grant had been arrested two weeks earlier for public lewd conduct with a Hollywood hooker. West placed a written apology on his Web site -- "I'm sooooo sorry" -- but "The Jay Leno Show" could be the place and time for a more personal and public mea culpa.  Watch the details on West's appearance » Leno's publicist confirmed Monday that West was still booked for the NBC show, which tapes just three hours before it airs in the eastern United States at 10 p.m. West was booked by Leno weeks ago to perform with two other hip-hop superstars: Rihanna and Jay-Z. Some drama may center around how West and Jay-Z get along onstage. Jay-Z's wife, singer Beyonce Knowles, was perhaps the most embarrassed by his outburst. Swift, a 19-year-old country-pop singer, was in the midst of her acceptance speech for the Best Female Video award when West rushed onstage and took her microphone. He then let loose an outburst on behalf of Beyonce, who was one of several artists who lost out to Swift. Although Beyonce appeared stunned as she watched from the front row, she gracefully recovered near the end of the show, when she was onstage to accept an award of her own. "I remember being 17 years old, up for my first MTV award with Destiny's Child, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life," she said, referring to the girl group with which she had her start. "So I would like for Taylor to come out and have her moment." West's online apology appeared soon after. "I'm sooooo sorry to Taylor Swift and her fans and her mom," the message said in all caps. "I spoke to her mother right after and she said the same thing my mother would've said. She is very talented! ... I'm in the wrong for going on stage and taking away from her moment!" MTV said the West-Swift incident was not planned, a point it had to stress after a walkout by singer Eminem at last year's event turned out to be staged. Staged or not, apologies from celebrities behaving badly have been good for Leno's ratings. When Grant told Leno "I did a bad thing," it gave Leno's "Tonight Show" a viewership bump that has been credited with solidifying his lead over rival David Letterman in the late-night ratings war. This is just the kind of "immediacy" Leno was talking about in a call with reporters last week. "The idea here is that we'll tape a new, fresh show every single day, talking about the events that happened that day that night," Leno said. West, Rihanna and Jay-Z will debut Leno's new approach to musical guests. They will be limited to one song, and most nights they'll share the stage with other stars. "What we're trying to do is put together acts that you don't normally see together or don't normally perform together," Leno said. Jerry Seinfeld will also appear on Leno's premiere Monday.

what is the questioning moment
when is he due to appear
what is the hugh grant moment
whose show  premieres Monday?
What did West do to anger fans?
Where is West scheduled to appear?

Answer: when he asked actor Hugh Grant, "What the hell were you thinking?"

Answer: Monday.

Answer: "What the hell were you thinking?"

Answer: Jay Leno

Answer: jumped onstage at MTV's Video Music Awards

Answer: "The Jay Leno Show"

Summary:
Rapper Kanye West scheduled to appear on "The Jay Leno Show"
Leno's new show set to premiere Monday night .
Leno could reprise famous Hugh Grant moment in questioning West .
West made news and angered fans by interrupting Taylor Swift during speech .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jessica Keenan tried on wedding dresses in a fancy Beverly Hills boutique, about 100 miles from the Santa Barbara, California, clinic where she gets blasted with chemotherapy once a week.

Jessica Keenan, 34, is getting married January 24, thanks to the Dream Foundation.

Keenan is 34 years old and battling Stage 4 breast cancer with faith, hope and a charity called the Dream Foundation, which helps terminally ill adults.

''You get a diagnosis and you never know how short your time is," Keenan said. "I chose to believe there is going to be a cure. You still carry those dreams of getting married, having a kid."

But Keenan and her fiancé, Curtis Jimenez, couldn't afford a wedding -- their finances are sapped by her cancer battle. They rent from friends.

Keenan wrote a letter to Dream Foundation, at the suggestion of her devoted nurses at the Santa Barbara cancer center. "It all just started snowballing," she said.

Her wish has been granted, thanks to Dream Foundation and flock of people she has never met. Think of the foundation as Make-A-Wish, but instead of trying to help desperately sick children, Dream Foundation assists terminally ill adults.

Keenan's wedding is a different, more lavish wish than most of the requests the foundation has been receiving in this tough economy.

"People's needs are becoming basic," said the charity's founder, Thomas Rollerson. "We are getting wishes just to pay an electric bill, pay the rent, or help keep a promise to go to Disneyland to give them that memory in a time of hopelessness, doctors visits and uncertainty."

Other dreams are simply for dying family members to be united with loved ones, last visits before last rites.

Rollerson explains that with money tight, donors can still help without writing big checks. For example, people can donate frequent flier miles or hotel points.

When corporate donors and philanthropists jump in, a Dream Foundation wish can turn elaborate. The foundation's Web site is a bulletin board of heartache looking for relief.

There's Bruce, 31, dying of Hodgkin's lymphoma. He wants to leave New York state for the first time and take his wife and his 6-year-old son to Disney World.

Remedios is a California woman with incurable cancer. She wants to treat the daughter who stands over her bed to a Quinceniera, a traditional celebration for a girl who turns 15 years old.

Bone cancer is expected to kill Edward Lucas of Springfield, Missouri, in less than six months. He wants to celebrate his 21st wedding anniversary with his wife, Nancy, before he leaves her a widow with an adult daughter and three grandchildren.

Their dream is a warm-weather honeymoon trip never taken.

Edward was hospitalized and too weak to talk to CNN.

"I wanted him to have a trip or something to look forward to," Nancy said. "A lot of people don't realize there are dreams for adults too."

The Lucas' dream trip is coming together with the help of Dream Foundation, which is hashing out some of the flight and hotel issues to Florida.

Back in California, Keenan's wedding is speeding toward January 24, thanks to dozens of corporate sponsors and a wealthy Texas do-gooder, Beverly Adams, who made a big financial contribution. The upscale boutique Monique Lhullier donated the dress.

"We're a conduit," Dream Foundation's Rollerson said. "People are willing to help. They just need to know how and where."

Keenan, a hairdresser by trade, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She thought she had it beat two years ago when she met her fiancé on New Year's Eve. She found out in March of 2007 the cancer returned. Her fiancé has remained at her side.

"When they met, they were just so into each other," said Lena Rueff, who first introduced the bride-to-be to her brother

What is one of her dreams?
What stage is the cancer?
What does Jessica Keenan has?
What kind of cancer does Jessica have?
Who is helping the dream come true?

Answer: getting married,

Answer: 4

Answer: Stage 4 breast cancer

Answer: Stage 4 breast

Answer: Foundation.

Summary:
Jessica Keenan, 34, has Stage 4 breast cancer .
One of her dreams is to get married to defy her terminally ill prognosis .
The Dream Foundation is helping her dream come true .
The foundation helps terminally ill adults with their last wishes .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jewish students and faculty at California universities fear for their safety on campus because of threats aimed at them over the Middle East conflict, the father of a slain Wall Street Journal reporter said Friday.

Judea Pearl, the father of slain reporter Daniel Pearl, says anti-Semitism is on rise on college campuses.

Judea Pearl, whose son, Daniel Pearl, was kidnapped and killed by al Qaeda extremists while on assignment in Pakistan in 2002, told reporters at a news conference that anti-Semitic e-mail and verbal threats have escalated since Israel's three-week invasion of Gaza in January.

Pearl teaches computer science on UCLA's Westwood campus. On the school's Web site, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block issued a statement about the university's policy.

"The conflict in the Middle East and current events in Gaza are some of the most highly controversial issues of our time, stirring deep emotions on all sides," the statement read.

"We have a responsibility to protect the freedom of expression. We also all have a responsibility to listen and engage -- respectfully -- even as we must understand that not every campus forum on a controversial topic will satisfy passionate and concerned members of the campus and broader communities," said Block.

Pearl and officials at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, where the news conference was held, are concerned that administrators on college campuses across the country are not doing enough to foster freedom of expression while protecting Jewish students and faculty members from acts of intimidation on campuses.

"The verbal abuse is there, the intimidation is there, the feeling of helplessness is there, not only among students but among faculty," said Pearl.

Pearl cited an incident several years ago in which he was threatened.

"I received hate messages from someone at UCLA who did not identify himself and said, 'I saw you in Ackerman Union and I know where your office is and I'm going to beat the (expletive) out of you,'" Pearl said. "I handed it to the campus police, and they did not do anything."

UCLA spokeswoman Elizabeth Boatright-Simon told CNN there is no record of Pearl's complaint to campus police but said the university plans to meet with him.

Wiesenthal Center officials cited another incident three weeks ago at San Jose State University where the consul general of Israel was verbally abused and forcibly driven from the stage during a guest-speaking engagement aimed at fostering understanding of Jewish culture.

The diplomat, Akiva Tor, had to be escorted out of the room by security officers and campus police before the event ended, according to Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Wiesenthal Center and Michelle Salinsky, president of Spartans for Israel, the group which co-sponsored the speaking event.

"We were extremely concerned about our safety and Mr. Tor's safety," said Salinsky, a senior majoring in political science. "Mr. Tor said he's never felt more disrespected. This was clearly an infringement of our expression of free speech. I think a lot of Jewish students do not feel safe on campuses because of the escalation of hate perpetrated against Jews."

San Jose State University spokeswoman Pat Harris told CNN the sponsors of the event were responsible for moderating the speaking forum but maintained that officers and security personnel acted appropriately.

In a statement, the university president Jon Whitmore defended the university's policies but expressed concern about the event.

"Our campus places high value on the free exchange of ideas in a manner that is inclusive and respectful of differing views," the statement read.

"At a recent campus event, numerous members of the audience with views differing from the invited speaker were so vocal in their expression of opposition and so uncooperative with the moderator's requests for orderly means of handling questions and answers that they disrupted the event and did not allow the speaker to respond to posed questions. The university fully endorses the free expression of ideas and opinion, but does not condone behavior and methods of expression that disrupt free and orderly discussion."

As part of an effort to promote tolerance, the

What did Judea Pearl say about  anti-Semitism?

Answer: is on rise on college campuses.

Answer: anti-Semitism is on rise on college campuses.

Answer: anti-Semitism is on rise on college campuses.

Answer: Jewish students

Answer: Daniel

Answer: was kidnapped and killed by al Qaeda extremists

Answer: Daniel Pearl,

Answer: spokeswoman Elizabeth Boatright-Simon told CNN there is no record of Pearl's complaint to campus police but said the university plans to meet with him.

Summary:
Judea Pearl says anti-Semitism on rise since January's Gaza conflict .
Pearl's son, Daniel Pearl, was killed in 2002 by al Qaeda extremists .
Pearl claims he received a threat, but UCLA police did nothing .
UCLA spokesman says there is no record of Pearl's complaint .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- John Travolta, still in mourning over the death of his teenage son earlier this year, issued a rare public statement urging fans to see his latest movie, "The Taking of Pelham 123," which he filmed last year. John Travolta stars as a villainous ex-inmate in "The Taking of Pelham 123," which opens in theaters Friday. "I promise, you won't be disappointed," said Travolta, who plays a deranged ex-inmate who takes hostages on a New York subway. Travolta did not join co-star Denzel Washington in the promotional tour for the movie -- which hits theaters Friday -- because he said his family needed "additional time to reconcile our loss." His son Jett, 16, was found unconscious on January 2 while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas. The teen was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, local police said. Washington, who plays a subway train dispatcher forced to face down Travolta's character, said he talked to the actor about three weeks ago. "Needless to say, he's struggling," Washington said in an interview last week. Travolta's statement, which can be read on his official Web site, said Washington, director Tony Scott and the producers "stepped up without hesitation to help promote this wonderful film, and their unselfish efforts have allowed my family the additional time to reconcile our loss." Making the movie was "a labor of love," Travolta said. "Tony gave me the freedom to define, and then to become, the ultimate evil mastermind," he said. "This role as an actor gave me the chance to dispense with all moral and ethical limitations, and explore just how bad this character could really be. I believe you will like the result." Much of the movie is a dialogue between Washington and Travolta's character over a two-way radio. Many of the action shots were filmed in New York subway tunnels.

What is the subject of the statement Travolta released on his website?

What is the name of Travolta's dead son?

What was the subject of Travolta's statement?

Give the name of the person who released a statement about the film

When did the death occur of Travolta's son?

Where did John Travolta post his statement?

Who praised colleagues for "unselfish efforts"?

Answer: January 2

Answer: his teenage son

Answer: latest movie,

Answer: Jett,

Answer: Jett,

Answer: urging fans to see his latest movie, "The Taking of Pelham 123,"

Answer: his latest movie,

Answer: John Travolta,

Answer: January 2

Answer: earlier this year,

Answer: the death of his teenage son

Answer: official Web site,

Answer: the Bahamas.

Answer: John Travolta,

Summary:
John Travolta releases statement on his Web site about "The Taking of Pelham 123"
Travolta, still mourning son's death, praised colleagues for "unselfish efforts"
Travolta's son Jett died in January during family vacation .


LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Jon Hamm has a confession to make: He hates his hair. Jon Hamm poses with his partner, Jennifer Westfeldt, at the premiere of "The Day the Earth Stood Still." That may come as a surprise to fans of the actor, whose slick-backed hair is part of his signature look on "Mad Men" -- the show that just earned him another Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a TV drama. In the new movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still," Hamm sports a slightly different 'do, with his bangs combed rakishly over one eye. It was in the context of promoting the sci-fi remake that Hamm revealed his tonsorial frustration. "It's the bane of my existence. Goofy hair," he said in a self-deprecating interview with CNN. "It never looks good ... It's a pain." Hamm says he's always worn his hair long, but had to cut it for AMC's TV series, in which he plays a 1960s Madison Avenue ad executive. He says stylists on the show, armed with hair spray and blow dryers, mold his coiffure into a hard shell. Helmet hair has come in handy at work. "I've had a piece of the set fall on my head and my hair didn't move," he said. "I had seven stitches in my head and my hair didn't move. That's impressive." Whether it's his hair, good looks, acting chops or a combination thereof, Hamm's star is on the rise in Hollywood. Apart from his co-starring role in "The Day the Earth Stood Still," Hamm recently completed work on the murder mystery "The Boy in the Box." He hosted "Saturday Night Live" this fall, he's due to play Tina Fey's love interest on "30 Rock" and he continues to receive accolades for his work on "Mad Men" (nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe so far). How does that make Hamm feel? "Exciting is the right way to say it. It's been a good year. It's very exciting," he said. "I get to read a lot more scripts. I get to meet interesting people. I get to work with interesting people ... It's fun to be sort of invited to the party."

What movie is Hamm currently appearing in?

Which "Mad Men" star earned another Golden Globe nomination?

Answer: "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Answer: Goofy hair,"

Answer: "The Day the Earth Stood Still,"

Answer: "Mad Men"

Answer: "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Answer: "It's the bane of my existence. Goofy hair,"

Answer: Goofy hair,"

Answer: Jon Hamm

Answer: for best actor in a TV drama.

Summary:
"Mad Men" star Jon Hamm earned another Golden Globe nomination .
Hamm says hair is a pain -- especially short and lacquered for "Mad Men"
Actor currently appearing in "The Day the Earth Stood Still"