A popular Saudi holiday sitcom has drawn the ire of conservative clerics over an episode portraying Arab Christians in a positive light after the kingdom sought to sell itself as a leader of dialogue between faiths.

"Tash Ma Tash," which has aired during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan for 17 years, is no stranger to controversy and its episodes have grown bolder over the years, tackling issues from morals police and polygamy to the heavy influence of religion on education in the…

A little-known author is suing British comic Ricky Gervais for allegedly ripping off his ideas when he wrote his popular "Flanimals" book, according to court documents.

John Savage, 44, claims that his 1998 book "Captain Pottie's Wildlife Encyclopedia" was the basis for Flanimals, which features a medley of bizarre-looking cartoon beasts with names such as Underblenge, Plamglotis, and Grundit.

Both books "involve a whimsical take on the animal kingdom through the use of…

Fantasia is in stable condition at a North Carolina hospital after taking an overdose of "aspirin and a sleep aid," according to the manager for the former "American Idol" champ.

The overdose came days after the singer was named in court documents by Paula Cook, who accused Fantasia of having an affair with her husband, Antwaun Cook.

Brian Dickens, Fantasia's manager, said in a statement Tuesday that winner was "overwhelmed by the lawsuit and the media attention."

"Last…

Acclaimed Russian conductor Mikhail Pletnev on Thursday cancelled his appearance at two concerts in Britain following a rape accusation made against him in Thailand last month.

Pletnev was to conduct a concert by the Russian National Orchestra (RNO) in Edinburgh on Friday and another in August for the BBC Proms, a renowned classical music festival that runs over two months in Britain each summer.

"We can confirm that Mikhail Pletnev has withdrawn from the Edinburgh…

Between each act at the Newport Jazz Festival, as the audience cheers and crews clear the equipment, Bill Calhoun darts onstage with a fistful of tools and parks at the piano.

He cocks his head, lowers his ear to the piano, taps ding-ding-ding on the keys, tinkers with a tuning pin here and there. When he's done, he scurries off stage.

It's a routine Calhoun has perfected. He marks his 25th anniversary this weekend as piano tuner for the celebrated jazz festival, which since…