UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.19.08

Castro resigns as president.

Fidel Castro is reportedly stepping down as president of Cuba. That's according to a letter he published in a state-run newspaper. Castro says his critical health condition is the main reason for his resignation. The 81-year-old commander in chief was treated for intestinal problems two years ago. Cuban leaders plan to elect a president in the next few days. Castro's brother, Raul, has been publicly named as his successor.

Early poll results indicate the rival party of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has won in yesterday's parliamentary election. The opposition parties of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appear to have grabbed the majority of votes. As results trickled in, thousands of ecstatic Pakistanis took to the streets, waving signs and singing. Musharraf has said he would accept the results and work with the winner to build democracy in the country.

Senator John McCain got a President's Day endorsement from former President George Bush. Bush defended the Arizona senator's conservative positions, calling any attacks on his record absurd and grossly unfair. Many conservatives oppose McCain's stance on issues like immigration and campaign finance. McCain responded to the former president's backing, saying his endorsement would help him enormously to unite the party and move forward.

For many yesterday, it was just a day off from work. But for others, it was a day to celebrate George Washington's birthday. Mount Vernon, which is home to Washington's estate, held a number of events, including tours and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor America's first president. Washington would have been 276 years old.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.01.08

George Clooney named UN Peace Messenger.

Actor and activist George Clooney is using his star power to promote peace. Clooney was named a UN messenger of peace yesterday for his efforts to shine light on war torn regions...particularly in Darfur. The actor spoke at the UN yesterday, urging them to take action in equipping a peacekeeping force in the Sudanese region. Experts predict more than 200,000 people have died and more than two million displaced have been from their homes since the conflict began.

"Grey's Anatomy" star Justin Chambers reportedly checked into the psychiatric ward at an LA hospital earlier this week. The actor's rep says he was treated for severe exhaustion and suffers from a sleeping disorder. He apparently entered voluntarily and has since checked out. It's the same facility where Britney Spears is currently on psychiatric hold.

Meanwhile Spears' ex husband Kevin Federline is supporting the pop stars' hospital stay. One source tells People magazine Federline is concerned for her well-being and thinks psychiatric treatment is the best option for now. He also apparently wants her to get better so she can eventually have a relationship with their sons. Spears was escorted to an L.A. hospital yesterday. Friends say she hasn't slept since Saturday.

Paris Hilton is apparently partying it up in Arizona this Super Bowl week. The hotel heiress hosted a bash last night, celebrating the 6 anniversary of the lifestyle magazine 944. The publication is the official magazine of the 2008 Super Bowl committee. Hilton is in town for all the festivities leading up to the big game. This Sunday the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants for the title.

Mommy-to-be Jessica Alba hit the red carpet last night for the premiere of her new film "The Eye." The actress, who's expecting a baby with her fiance Cash Warren, plays a blind woman who gets her vision back and starts seeing ghosts. Alba's stars in the thriller alongside Alessandro Nivola and Parker Posey. "The Eye" is out in U.S. theaters starting today.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.22.08

Oscar nominees announced.

Oscar nominations are in. Nominees were announced this morning in Los Angeles. Up for best actress are Julie Christie for "Away From Her," Marion Cotillard for "La Vie En Rose," Ellen Page for "Juno," Cate Blanchett for her role in "Elizabeth: the Golden Age," and Laura Linney for "Savages." In the Best Actor Category Daniel Day-Lewis grabbed a nod for "There Will be Blood," George Clooney is nominated for "Michael Clayton," Johnny Depp for "Sweeney Todd," Tommy Lee Jones for "In the Valley of Elah," and Viggo Mortenson for "Eastern Promises."And rivaling for best picture are "Atonement,""Micahel Clayton," "Juno", "No Country For Old Men," and "There Will be Blood."

In other news, Kiefer Sutherland is now a free man. The "24" star was released from jail yesterday after 48 days there. He was serving time for a second driving under the influence conviction and violating his probation. He was apparently greeted by a swarm of media when he left the California facility. Sources say he looked very happy to be out.

Britney Spears made an appearance at a custody deposition yesterday. She drove to her ex Kevin Federline's attorney's office to attend the session, although apparently arrived late. The singer was reportedly cross examined for more than 2 hours. It's all part of the ongoing custody battle for their two sons two year old Sean Preston and one year old Jayden James. Spears has missed several other appointments to discuss her parenting skills.

John Travolta is backing his buddy Tom Cruise. Travolta says the media attention focused on Cruise lately has gone too far. The "Mission Impossible" star has made the headlines recently after a video was released on the internet, showing Cruise praising the Church of Scientology. Travolta, who also follows Scientology, tells people magazine everyone has a right to practice what they want.

Stars are out in full force at the Sundance Film Festival. Paris Hilton was spotted at the festival, in the middle of all the action as well as director Quentin Tarantino. Sarah Jessica Parker brought her husband Matthew Broderick to the premiere of her film "Smart People." Dennis Quaid, who also stars in the film was at the event with his wife Kimberly. Other stars like Jack Black and musician Mos Def attended the premiere of their film "Be Kind Rewind" along with actor Danny Glover.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.14.07

"Atonement" leads Golden Globe nominations.

Golden Globe nominations are in. Hayden Panettiere, Ryan Reynolds and Quentin Trantino announced nominees yesterday. The romantic film "Atonement" led the way with 7 nods total including best picture. The movie's stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy grabbed nominations in the best acting categories. Another big nominee was "Charlie Wilson's War"....which is in the running for best picture. The film's stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are also up for acting honors.

In the TV category, the FX series "Damages" and HBO's "Longford" led the way with 4 nominations each. ABC's new series "Pushing Daisies" also did well...nominated for best comedy series and the show's star Lee Pace grabbed a nod for best lead actor in a comedy. Others like Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell will compete with him in that category. Nominees in the best comedy actress category include Christina Applegate, Tina Fey and last year's winner America Ferrera.

Madonna and John Mellancamp are among the big stars headed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Those artists, along with Leonard Cohen, The Ventures and The Dave Clark Five will be inducted in the famous museum in New York in March. The Hall of fame recognizes those in the music industry who've made a significant impact on U.S. culture.

Actors George Clooney and Don Cheadle are being recognized for their work in Darfur. They were presented this year's Men of Peace Award in Rome yesterday. Clooney and Cheadle were honored by a group of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates for their work in spreading awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the Sudanese region. In Clooney's acceptance speech he reminded the audience that there's a lot of work to be done promoting peace in Darfur, and they want to give voices to those who would otherwise not be heard.

Big stars hit the red carpet last night for the premiere of a new adventure film. Nicholas Cage and Diane Kruger attended the screening of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" in New York last night. The two star in the movie, as well as Jon Voight and Justin Bartha. The producer and director Jerry Bruckheimer also attended the event. "National Treasure" comes to theaters December 21.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 12.07.07

CIA says interrogation tapes were destroyed.

The CIA reportedly destroyed tapes of terror suspect interrogations. CIA Director Michael Hayden says the interrogations were videotaped in 2002 and then destroyed in 2005...fearing the footage would be leaked to the public. The Agency apparently wanted to protect the identities of the questioners. Senator Patrick Leahy called the destruction "troubling." Hayden says the House and Senate intelligence committee leaders knew of the tapes and knew that the CIA planned to get rid of them. He added that the interrogation practices were all legal.

President Bush has unveiled a plan to help struggling homeowners. Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said yesterday the plan will help about 1.2 million Americans facing possible foreclosures. It will reportedly freeze interest rates on many adjustable rate mortgages for many homeowners. Those who will be affected by the plan are those with loans agreed to from January 2005 through July 2007 that are expected to adjust between January of next year and July 2010.

NASA says the Atlantis space shuttle will stay grounded until at least Saturday. The crew planned on taking off yesterday afternoon but had to be delayed because of problems with the fuel gauges. Mnagers of the space mission have decided to wait until the weekend giving engineers more time to carefully fix the problem. Atlantis is set to visit the International Space Station to deliver a European lab module...used to increase research capabilities.

Shopping malls around the U.S. are expected to start looking at ways to keep shoppers safe. This comes after a man opened fire at a Nebraska mall killing 8 people and himself. A spokesman for the International Council of Shopping Malls says there are often copycats in situations like this and it's important to consider having extra security officers and securing entrances.