Susan Boyle album top seller at Amazon


Photographers take pictures of "Britain's Got Talent" contestant Susan Boyle as she returns home in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland May 8, 2009.

BEIJING, Sept. 7 -- The album won't be released until November but Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer discovered on "Britain's Got Talent" who went on to become a YouTube sensation, is already number one on Amazon.com.


A handout image obtained in April 2009 from ITV shows Scottish Susan Boyle appearing on Britain's Got Talent television show during the auditions in Glasgow. Internet sensation Susan Boyle hit the stage for the second time on Britain's Got Talent Sunday. Singing "Memory" from Cats, the 47-year-old Scottish native -- who lives with her cat and once admitted she'd never been kissed -- sported her darker 'do and a beaded dress for the semi-final round.

Boyle's upcoming CD, "I Dreamed a Dream," has claimed the top spot on Amazon.com's list of bestselling CDs, beating out Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" and a remastered release of the Beatles' "Abbey Road."

Boyle's album, which lists for US$9.99, is set for release Nov. 24 on the Web site.

Boyle sang "I Dreamed a Dream," from the musical "Les Miserables," on the talent show that made her famous. A clip of her performance is one of the most watched videos on YouTube.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)
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Cast members of "Me and Orson Welles" at Deauville film festival


Members of the jury pose with Jean-Pierre Jeunet (2nd R), president of the jury, as they arrive for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles" at the 35th Deauville American film festival in Deauville September 6, 2009. From L: Director Bruno Podalydes, actor Dany Boon, director Patrice Leconte, actress Geraldine Pailhas, actress Deborah Francois, actress Sandrine Kiberlain, writer Jean-Loup Dabadie, actress Hiam Abbass, director Jeunet and actress Emilie Dequenne.


French actress and member of the jury Sandrine Kiberlain arrives for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles" at the 35th Deauville American film festival in Deauville September 6, 2009.


French actress Emilie Dequenne arrives for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles" at the 35th Deauville American film festival in Deauville September 6, 2009.


French director Dany Boon, member of the jury at the 35th Deauville American film festival, signs autographs as he arrives for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles" at the festival in Deauville September 6, 2009.


French actress Frederique Bel arrives for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles" at the 35th Deauville American film festival in Deauville September 6, 2009.


French director and screenwriter Jean-Pierre Jeunet (R), president of the jury of the 35th Deauville American film festival, and actress Emilie Dequenne arrive at the festival for the screening of the film "Me and Orson Welles " in Deauville September 6, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Astronauts work outside Int'l Space Station


Astronaut Danny Olivas works outside the International Space Station during his spacewalk in this image from NASA TV Sept. 5, 2009. Olivas and fellow spacewalker European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang are working to deploy a cargo attachment system and to replace a device designed to help the station determine its position relative to the Earth.


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang (L) and astronaut Danny Olivas (Top) work outside the International Space Station during their spacewalk in this image from NASA TV September 5, 2009. Olivas and Fuglesang are working to deploy a cargo attachment system and to replace a device designed to help the station determine its position relative to the Earth.


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang exits the airlock in this image from NASA TV September 5, 2009. Fuglesang and fellow spacewalker Danny Olivas scheduled extravehicular activities include the outfitting and maintenance of the International Space Station modules.


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang works outside the International Space Station's Qwest airlock in this image from NASA TV September 5, 2009. Fuglesang and fellow spacewalker Danny Olivas are working to deploy a cargo attachment system and to replace a device designed to help the station determine its position relative to the Earth.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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U.S. astronauts finish maintenance of space station


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang works outside the International Space Station during mission STS-128's third and final spacewalk supporting construction and maintenance of the orbital outpost in this NASA handout photo taken September 5, 2009.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- Two U.S. astronauts conducted a third and final space walk for shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission on Saturday and finished outfitting and maintenance of International Space Station modules, NASA said.

According to NASA, Discovery's mission specialists Danny Olivasand Christer Fuglesang began the space walk at 4:39 p.m. EDT (2039 GMT), which lasted over seven hours.


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang works outside the International Space Station during mission STS-128's third and final spacewalk supporting construction and maintenance of the orbital outpost in this NASA handout photo taken September 5, 2009.

The duo deployed a payload attachment system on the starboard truss and replaced a failed rate gyro assembly, which measures rates for any changes in the station's attitude, with a new one.

With that complete, they split up for the next tasks. Olivas installed a Global Positioning System antenna while Fuglesang replaced a remote power control module and installed an insulation sleeve on a cable inside the truss. Fuglesang followed that up with the installation of a second GPS antenna.

The two then reunited for the final task, routing 60-foot-long avionics systems cables along the station. The cables are being installed in preparation for the arrival of the Node 3 "Tranquility" in 2010.

Discovery lifts off midnight on August 28 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida after two delays. Its 13-day flight is scheduled to end with a landing back in Florida on Thursday.


European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang works outside the International Space Station during mission STS-128's third and final spacewalk supporting construction and maintenance of the orbital outpost in this NASA handout photo taken September 5, 2009.


A close up view of European Space Agency Astronaut Christer Fuglesang as he works outside the International Space Station during mission STS-128's third and final spacewalk supporting construction and maintenance of the orbital outpost in this NASA handout photo taken September 5, 2009.
(Xinhua)
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Funny performances at City Day celebration in Moscow


An actor from the "Tall Brothers" street theatre performs in a park during the annual City Day celebration in Moscow September 6, 2009.


Actors from the "Tall Brothers" street theatre perform in a park during the annual City Day celebration in Moscow September 6, 2009.


Actors from the "Tall Brothers" street theatre perform in a park during the annual City Day celebration in Moscow September 6, 200


An actress from "Mr. PEZO's Wandering Dolls" theatre performs at a park during the annual City Day celebration in Moscow September 6, 2009.
(Reuters Photo)
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Li Na reaches 4th round, breakthrough of Chinese player at U.S. Open


Li Na of China celebrates her victory over Francesca Schiavone of Italy at women's singles fourth round match of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, the U.S., Sept. 6, 2009. Li won the match 2-0.


Li Na of China signs for fans after her victory over Francesca Schiavone of Italy at women's singles fourth round match of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, the U.S., Sept. 6, 2009.


Li Na of China reacts after winning over Francesca Schiavone of Italy at women's singles fourth round match of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, the U.S., Sept. 6, 2009.
(Xinhua/Shen Hong)
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Rhythmic gymnastics world championships kicks off in Japan

MIE, Japan, Sept. 7 -- The 29th rhythmic gymnastics world championships kicked off in Japan's Mie Prefecture on Monday, attracting top gymnasts from more than 50 countries and regions.

The tournament is the first after new rules and apparatus were introduced in rhythmic gymnastics after the Beijing Olympics last year and would provide a great opportunity for gymnasts to test how they adapt to the new rules.


Russia's Olga Kapranova performs with a hoop during the first round qualifications at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2009 in Mie prefecture, Japan, on September 7, 2009.
Among individual gymnasts were 2008 Olympic all-around and 2009World Games Champion Evgenia Kanaeva of Russia and her compatriot Olga Kappranova, 2007 World Champion on Hoop and Clubs. They are expected to face tough challenge from Anna Bessonova, 2007 all-around world champion of Ukraine, as well as Melitina Staniouta of Belarus, who collected many silver and bronze medals at 2009 World Cup Series.

In the group competition, a traditionally strong team and Beijing Olympic champion Russia will take up challenge from Belarus, which stood third in Beijing, and other contenders such as Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Ukraine, which are among the top 10 of the FIG World Ranking Lists.


\China's Ding Yidan performs with a hoop during the first round qualifications at Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2009 in Mie prefecture, Japan, on September 7, 2009.
China won a historic silver medal at the all-around group final at last year's Beijing Olympics and added a World Cup silver early this year in Budapest on 3 Ropes and 2 Ribbons.

"Our goal is to take the championships as an opportunity to practise under the new rules and prepare for the London Olympics, as our team has some adjustment in the lineup and some of the gymnasts never compete in world arena," said coach Bai Mei.

The championships will run through Sept. 11.


Julia Romanjuk of Finland performs with a rope during the first round qualifications at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2009 in Mie prefecture, Japan, on September 7, 2009.
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Brazil wins 2009 FIBA Americas Championship


Brazil's players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Puerto Rico to win the gold medal basketball game in the men's FIBA Americas Championship in San Juan September 6, 2009.


Brazil's players celebrate their victory over Puerto Rico in the men's FIBA Americas Championship gold medal final basketball game in San Juan September 6, 2009 September 6, 2009.


Anderson Varejao of Brazil celebrates after defeating Puerto Rico in their men's FIBA Americas Championship gold medal final basketball game in San Juan September 6, 2009.


Alex Garcia (L) of Brazil is fouled by Peter John Ramos of Puerto Rico during the first half of their men's FIBA Americas Championship gold medal final basketball game in San Juan September 6, 2009.


Brazil's players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Puerto Rico to win the gold medal basketball game in the men's FIBA Americas Championship in San Juan September 6, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Nadal reaches 4th round at U.S. Open


Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to compatriot Nicolas Almagro at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 6, 2009.


Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to compatriot Nicolas Almagro at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 6, 2009.


Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his win over compatriot Nicolas Almagro at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 6, 2009.


Rafael Nadal of Spain receives medical treatment during his match against compatriot Nicolas Almagro at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 6, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Striker Defoe shines in England's friendly win over Slovenia

LONDON, Sep. 5 -- Tottenham Spurs' in-form striker Jermain Defoe stroke home a splendid shot in England's 2-1 victory over Slovenia in a friendly international here on Saturday.


England's players celebrate Jermain Defoe's (3rd R) second goal against the Netherlands during their friendly soccer match in Amsterdam August 2, 2009.

Walking onto the pitch of Wembley as a second-half substitute, the 26-year-old Defoe stunned the crowd and also the Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the 63rd minute with a swift low shot after receiving a pass from his Spurs teammate Aaron Lennon in the edge of the box. Handanovic even failed to make a move before the ball rebounded into the left bottom corner.

It was Defoe that scored twice in the friendly against the Netherlands more than three weeks ago, enabling England to come from behind to end with a 2-2 tie. The petite forward have netted four goals in four Premier League matches so far.

Wayne Rooney gifted the hosts a penalty on the half-hour stroke after a tangle with defender Bostjan Cesar in the area. The visitors protested furiously but midfielder Frank Lampard confidently stroke home the spot kick into the bottom corner to put the Three Lions ahead.

Five minutes later, Rooney shot Steven Gerrard's fine corner against the post in very close range. The powerful shooter from Manchester United nearly grabbed a score with 20 minutes remaining, but his shot was cleared off the line by Matej Mavricrozic.

In the late minutes, England finally paid for their careless defense. Nejc Pecnik teased Glen Johnson before placing a superb cross into the box. Substitute Ziatan Ljubijankic nodded home from close range to nail the result on 2-1.

After the warm-up, England are slated to meet Croatia four days later in a World Cup qualifier. If they can beat their opponents at Wembley, they will become the second European team to book a berth in the 2010 World Cup. The Netherlands have confirmed their attendance to South Africa.
(Xinhua)
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Bizarre man and his creepy pets


A scorpion crawls on Suang Puangsri's arm as he sits in his home in Uttaradit province, 600 km (373 miles) north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.


Suang Puangsri, 38, and his son release scorpions back to their habitat in a forest in Uttaradit province, 600 km (373 miles) north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.


Suang Puangsri, 38, scoops up scorpions with his hands at his home in Uttaradit province, 600 km (373 miles) north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.


Suang Puangsri, 38, make figurines from branches and seeds at his home in Uttaradit province, 600 km north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.


Suang Puangsri, 38, meditates in his home in Uttaradit province, 600 km (373 miles) north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.


Suang Puangsri, 38, make figurines from branches and seeds at his home in Uttaradit province, 600 km north of Bangkok September 4, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Nicolas Cage brings "Bad Lieutenant" to Venice


German director Werner Herzog (R), U.S. actress Eva Mendes (C) and U.S. actor Nicolas Cage attend the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


U.S. actor Nicolas Cage attends the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


German director Werner Herzog (R), U.S. actress Eva Mendes (C) and U.S. actor Nicolas Cage attend the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


U.S. actress Eva Mendes attends the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


U.S. actor Nicolas Cage attends the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


U.S. actor Nicolas Cage (L) and U.S. actress Eva Mendes attend the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.


U.S. actor Nicolas Cage attends the presentation of the film "Bad Lieutenant" during the 66th Venice International Film Festival at Venice Lido, on Sept. 4, 2009.
(Xinhua/Wu Wei)
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Coldplay performs in "Viva La Vida" tour in Barcelona


Guitarist Jonny Buckland of Coldplay performs during a concert as part of their "Viva La Vida" tour in Barcelona September 4, 2009.


Singer Chris Martin of Coldplay performs during a concert as part of their "Viva La Vida" tour in Barcelona September 4, 2009.


Guitarist Jonny Buckland (L) and singer Chris Martin of Coldplay perform during a concert as part of their "Viva La Vida" tour in Barcelona September 4, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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