Paula Abdul exits ‘X Factor’; third to leave show

Paula Abdul joined the exodus from Fox's disappointing "The X Factor," attributing her departure to business trumping all else.   Abdul said Tuesday she won't return to "dear friend" Simon Cowell's singing contest when it begins its second season later this year. Her announcement followed Monday's exits of fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve [...]

Actress’ claim to be gay by choice riles activists

Cynthia Nixon learned the hard way this week that when it comes to gay civil rights, the personal is always political. Very political.

Habitat for Humanity show features unique art

Buy-one, get-one-free tickets are now available for Habitat for Humanity's "2x4s & More Art Show & Auction" from 5:30 to

Complete list of winners at 18th annual SAG Awards

MOVIES:   Actor: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"   Actress: Viola Davis, "The Help"

Davis, Dujardin win lead honors at SAG awards

The Deep South drama "The Help" won three prizes Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including best actress for Viola Davis and supporting actress for Octavia Spencer.   "The Help" also claimed the guild's ensemble award, the show's equivalent of a best-picture prize.   Davis and Spencer won as black maids going public with [...]

Music and Arts Calendar

Players reviving ‘Titanic’

 They called the Titanic unsinkable, but the vessel went down in the North Atlantic a century ago.

What’s Going On

Backstage: Two arts groups sprout up at Cornerstone Building

Arts groups have struggled mightily in the last few years thanks to the economy.   But amazingly, new organizations continue to form. Two recent examples are the Cornerstone Academy for the Performing Arts and the Underground Arts Society.

Artist Nita Sunderland shows no signs of slowing down

Even though the image of Rosie the Riveter was glorifying women’s ability to do a man’s job during the years that sculptor Nita Sunderland was in high school, the young women still had to get special permission to take shop class. “Most of the girls couldn’t do that stuff, and I could do it all,” [...]