‘Tuscan Sun’ author on Italy’s pleasures

Many authors can move readers with their words, but Frances Mayes has the power to actually make readers move.

Amid tsunami’s chaos, two friends helped others hold on to life

Cristina Perez furrows her brow, concentrating and trying not to let her gaze wander too wildly.

Brazil announces near-record harvest

Brazil will have its second-best harvest in the nation’s history this year, the government said.

Cowell (sort of) confirms he’s engaged

Simon Cowell scowling — typical. Simon Cowell blushing? Indeed.

Tiger Woods’s ex: He deserves another chance

Tiger Woods has apologized for repeatedly cheating on his wife — and he’s getting some support from an old flame who believes the golfer can be redeemed.

Jessica Simpson says she still trusts people

Despite John Mayer’s recent kiss-and-tell revelations about their sex life, Jessica Simpson says she remains, deep down, a trusting person.

Hubby: Bullock ‘takes my breath away’

Jesse James may be a tough guy who builds motorcycles and performs death-defying stunts, but he’s not above the pomp of the Oscars — or being a plus-1 to the night’s most celebrated actress, his wife Sandra Bullock.

Freed from Haiti, missionary returns ‘with mixed emotions’

After more than a month in a Haitian jail, an American missionary was free Monday night, looking forward to a hot shower and a long night in bed on home soil.

Betty White confirms ‘SNL’

Betty White fans, your prayers have been answered. The former “Golden Girl” will appear on “Saturday Night Live” in the near future, she confirmed to PEOPLE at Elton John’s annual Oscars viewing party on Sunday night.

Lloyd Webber shrugs off musical’s critics

Andrew Lloyd Webber has defended his new musical from criticism on online forums even before its official opening on Tuesday night.