Million-selling artist intimidated by ‘Idol’

For someone who claims to be incredibly laid back, Jason Mraz is certainly piling up the accomplishments. The singer-songwriter was the recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award at last week’s Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee ceremony in New York. The honor typically goes to newcomers striking a chord in the music industry

Share

Microsoft sets Windows 7 pricing, upgrade programs

Microsoft recently announced retail pricing for Windows 7 that was at or below comparable Windows Vista prices, while also offering a chance for people to preorder the software at a substantial discount. From Friday through July 11, consumers in the U.S

Share

UK, Netherlands vote in Euro elections

Voters in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands became the first European Union citizens to go to the polls Thursday to elect a new European Parliament. The massive election, involving all 27 member states, around 375 million eligible voters and 736 MEP seats, is the biggest exercise in transnational democracy the world has ever seen, with voters from Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, participating for the first time.

Share

In Susan Boyle’s hometown, heartbreak and hope

Streamers still line the streets of Susan Boyle’s hometown, where the international singing sensation’s second-place finish in "Britain’s Got Talent" left those who know her best feeling crushed — but also hopeful. “I am disappointed for Susan,” said one of about 200 residents of the small town who turned out for a viewing party at a community center Saturday night

Share

Analysis: Is Europe facing a threat from the right?

Does trans-national democracy work? Or is Europe about to see a wave of new Far Right politicians and mavericks marching from obscurity to national prominence thanks to an election most voters are neglecting? Between June 4 and June 7 it could happen.

Share

No Gas Deal at the E.U.-Russia Summit

The location may have been the first hint. The 23rd European Union-Russia summit on Friday was held in the Russian Far East city of Khabarovsk, a former Tsarist army outpost just a few dozen miles from the Chinese border and 5,000 miles east of Western Europe. The location seemed more aimed at inducing jet lag and awe at Russia’s size than at forging agreement on energy, an issue that has consistently soured relations between the two powers over the past months — and which the summit failed to resolve

Share

Spanish protesters demand protection for jobless

Tens of thousands of protesters marched on the streets of Spain’s capital Thursday to demand better protection for workers hit hard by the economic crisis. Dressed in funeral black to mourn the estimated four million jobless in Spain, demonstrators had a simple message for the government: Enough corporate bailouts; it’s time to focus on the workers

Share

Tennis ace Gasquet admits failed drugs test

French tennis star Richard Gasquet has confirmed he tested positive for cocaine at the Miami Masters tournament in March. The former world number seven issued a statement to news agencies on Sunday after the French sports paper L’Equipe had revealed in a report on its Web site the failed doping tests. Gasquet, who has slipped to 23rd in the rankings, faces a two-year ban from tennis, but his hoping for leniency.

Share

The best goalkeepers of all time

Edwin van der Sar claimed the all-time British record for minutes without conceding a goal during Manchester United’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday. The Dutch veteran also took the 30-year-old English record from Steve Death last week. Death’s name, with all due respect to the former Reading custodian, is not up there with the game’s greats.

Share