Paul Auster writes splendidly about disaffected, damaged people, usually alienated from society in some way, often isolated, physically and/or psychologically.

The executive chef of dine by Peter Gordon at SkyCity answers your cuisine questions.

A US businessman fraudulently billed almost a quarter of a million dollars to film director Sir Peter Jackson's credit card.

Sheen has been rushed to hospital, reportedly after throwing a wild party days after an 'epic bender' with three porn stars.

P. Diddy is to play a detective in US TV series Hawaii Five-0.

On the first Friday evening of every month, visitors to Phoenix can join thousands of locals on the city's self-guided art walk.

Christian Wolmar finds himself warming to the foibles of one of America's lesser-known modes of transport.

Yeasayer are back for Laneway, but don't expect a repeat of an infamous earlier trip, says Paula Yeoman.

How much you'll enjoy this novel from American actor and comedian Steve Martin will depend on how engaged you are with recent art history.

Decadent, creamy and delicious, cheesecake has been tempting diners for centuries.

Unfinished business is the theme of the new novel from best-selling author Kim Edwards.

The desert town near the Mexican border is a sanctuary for those who flee the big cities - bikers, students and artists. Ed Vulliamy, who is a resident, believes Tucson will overcome a lone gunman's rampage.

Maritime troubadour Jimmy Buffett is dropping anchor in the city of sails next weekend. He talks to Graham Reid.

Great news for students - jeans left unwashed for a year are no dirtier than those that have been worn for a fortnight.

The irony of the American dream is that it is as ugly a promise as it is an audacious, rubber hope.

Tall stories are what you expect from talkative Americans. Or so Jacqueline Smith thinks.

Bosses suit up for blue-collar jobs Undercover Boss returns to champion underdog employees and humble chief executives. By Deborah Hill Cone.

The slaughter in Tucson, in statistical terms, was pretty routine as US shooting sprees go.