Latest fromNorth America
Black Eyed Peas launch music academy
The Black Eyed Peas have opened a special school in New York for local teenagers to learn how to use music and video equipment.
<i>Blogger Bites Back</i>: Lady Gaga unzips for raunchy photo shoot
Eccentric pop star Lady Gaga bares her soul (and then some) in a candid interview with British magazine NME.
Chicago: Glimpses into master's genius
Roger Hall visited lovingly-restored homes by architectural messiah Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago and Pennsylvania.
Rape claim forces dating website to vet users
The dating website match.com has been forced to begin checking its clients against criminal databases.
Memos show link between oil and Iraq invasion
New documents have raised questions over Britain's involvement in the Iraq war.
Want to eat at one of the world's best restaurants? You'll be lucky
A place on the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants has become one of the most sought-after honours for restaurateurs.
<i>Blogger Bites Back</i>: Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart caught kissing at premiere?
Twi-hards, we finally have evidence that Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are officially on.
Grappling-hooked in Mexico City
Who is that masked travel writer? Robin Esrock and he's down for the count.
Finding an elegant solution to a proposal puzzle
A Washington man devised a novel way to propose to his girlfriend - he did it via the crossword in the newspaper.
Robert Pattinson's Twilight 'break-up'
Robert Pattinson feels like he has split from a lover now the Twilight: Saga movies have wrapped.
Past still present for African Americans
When Confederate forces fired the first shots at Fort Sumter on April 12, 150 years ago, triggering the American Civil War, almost four million African Americans were slaves.
Rihanna rejects X Factor role
Rihanna turned down a place on the judging panel of The X Factor.
Lady Gaga thinks she may be Alexander McQueen's puppet
Lady Gaga believes the late Alexander McQueen controls her career.
A priceless chance to buy Liz Taylor's jewels
Christie's has announced plans for a series of auctions featuring some of the late actress' belongings.
Natalie Portman gives up veganism for baby
Natalie Portman has given up veganism during her pregnancy.
Book lover: Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is a United States author of best-selling thrillers whose latest, Live Wire, ($39.99 RRP, Orion) was released last month.
Blogger Bites Back: Alec Baldwin backtracks on '30 Rock' demise
Two days after booming that the next season of 30 Rock would be its last, Baldwin's done a U-turn.
Paris Hilton sued over jewellery
Paris Hilton is being sued for not returning US$60,000 (NZ$77,000) worth of borrowed jewellery.
Patrick Rothfuss: Making it up as he goes
American writer Patrick Rothfuss tells David Larsen why he avoids clichés in both life and literature.
Budget bed hunting fine sport in the USA
Finding a cheap place to stay was part if the fun, says Rhys Davies.
9/11 conspirators' trial to be at Gitmo
The United States said today it would try self-professed September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others at Guantanamo Bay.
Penelope Cruz the latest star on Walk of Fame
Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz has paid tribute to family and supporters - including her newborn baby son - as she was given a star on Hollywood's storied Walk of Fame.
<i>Anthony Doesburg</i>: Good law better than fast law, says US expert
Lawyer applauds NZ's cautious legal response to tech developments.
TV Review: America's Next Top Model
Prepare to cringe as NZ episodes of America's Next Top Model finally make it to our screens.
Sailor jailed, kicked out of navy, for sex offence
A navy chef has been sent to prison and kicked out of the navy after being found guilty of attempting to sexually violate a female sailor while their ship was in San Diego last year.