Latest fromNorth America

Penelope Cruz the latest star on Walk of Fame
Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz has paid tribute to family and supporters - including her newborn baby son - as she was given a star on Hollywood's storied Walk of Fame.

<i>Anthony Doesburg</i>: Good law better than fast law, says US expert
Lawyer applauds NZ's cautious legal response to tech developments.

TV Review: America's Next Top Model
Prepare to cringe as NZ episodes of America's Next Top Model finally make it to our screens.

Sailor jailed, kicked out of navy, for sex offence
A navy chef has been sent to prison and kicked out of the navy after being found guilty of attempting to sexually violate a female sailor while their ship was in San Diego last year.

Game for a laugh
Emma Stone has five movies due out this year. Gill Pringle meets the star who is fast rising through the ranks of female comedy actors.

Zoe Kravitz: Is she gonna go Dad's way?
Zoe Kravitz has her parents' features and, with a role in the new X-Men film, she will soon share their fame. Kaleem Aftab meets the New York actress and musician daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet.

Album Review: Britney Spears, Femme Fatale
Britney Spears' seventh studio album - released more than a decade since her debut Baby One More Time and three years since her flop-of-a-comeback Circus - sees her shed all those guises and play the woman she is now.

Russell Brand the rabbit
As far as Hollywood is concerned, Russell Brand, 35, is having his moment. The Brit export and former bad boy who redeemed himself when he married American pop sweetheart, Katy Perry, 26, last year, is starring in two upcoming movies.

Simon Spire's Manhattan project
It’s hard enough launching a music career in New Zealand. But just how difficult is it for an independent artist to forge a career on both sides of the globe simultaneously?

Charlie Sheen unwelcome at top hotels - reports
Charlie Sheen is reportedly not welcome at a number of top New York hotels.

Liz Taylor takes abuse confession to grave
Elizabeth Taylor took one of James Dean's most private confessions to the grave when she died on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Taylor leaves fortune to AIDS charities
Dame Elizabeth Taylor has reportedly left the bulk of her US$600m (NZ$796m) fortune to AIDS charities.

Book Review: <i>Washington: A Life</i>
Commander of the Continental Army which won the American colonies independence from Britain, first president of the United States: there's no doubt George Washington is one of the key figures who shaped the world we live in.

The power of Anna Wintour
In fashion circles and beyond — in the worlds of business, politics and entertainment — she's just Anna, a worthy peer to Oprah and Martha.

The write stuff
Bloggers have been elevated to front row status but now that they're 'in', can they maintain their objectivity?

Travel book: <i>Oh Mexico!</i>
Mexico City is notorious for its kidnappings, muggings and other criminal activities so why would a young Australian author choose to live there?

Anthony Doesburg: Cyber war risk is here and now, author claims
Others dispute danger, but agree on the need to be prepared for attack.

Canada: It's the bears that make the difference
The little islands off Vancouver are relaxing hideaways, writes Rachel Ward.

Mendocino, California
The stunning Pacific Coast scenery is enhanced by the surrounding bounty of beautiful food, outstanding wine, horse trekking and other activities in Northern California.