Hark! Colbert sings in new Christmas special
The permanently suit-clad Stephen Colbert has traded in his pinstripes for a cardigan sweater, red turtleneck and furry boots. Following the tradition of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby, Colbert hosts his own holiday special in ''A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All.'' The hour-long special airs Sunday at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central, and will on Tuesday be released as a DVD, complete with a Yule log of burning books.

FCC appeals nudity reversal

PHILADELPHIA---- The Federal Communications Commission has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the indecency case over Janet Jackson's breast-baring performance at the 2004 Super Bowl.

'True Blood' actor credits Thornridge teachers

When actor Nelsan Ellis is on the set of HBO's vampire saga "True Blood," show producer Alan Ball says, "We all just stand back and point the camera in his direction.''

Frugality is among Oprah's favorite things
She might be one of the wealthiest celebrities with an estimated worth of $2.5 billion, but that doesn't mean that Oprah Winfrey can't be frugal in these difficult economic times. Naysayers who still think we aren't in a recession need look no further than Winfrey's annual "Favorite Things" list of gifts.

Hollywood actors guild to seek strike

LOS ANGELES -- The Screen Actors Guild said Saturday it will ask its members to authorize a strike after its first contract talks in four months with Hollywood studios failed despite the help of a federal mediator.

'True Blood' actor shows impact of arts

In these days of gloomy news, it's good to be reminded that there are, as President George H.W. Bush used to put it, a thousand points of light amid the dark sky. Elsewhere in today's paper, we learn the story of a son of the south suburbs, actor Nelsan Ellis, who came to the area as a troubled teen with an attitude but left as a young man with a plan and a future.