Do as the Romans did, then overdo it again

With "Centurion'' slashing its way into select cinemas nationwide, now is as good a time as any to revisit some movies and TV shows set in ancient Rome and examine the recently energized, post-"Gladiator'' wave. Ancient Rome - Television - Rome - History - Ancient

Profile: Diane Abbott

An outspoken veteran 1980s left-winger and a mass of contradictions, Diane Abbott was one of the first four black MPs to arrive on the Labour benches in 1987, and the first black woman.

Gunman's reality show pitch to Discovery

James J. Lee, the 43-year-old gunman who was killed by police Wednesday after taking hostages at the Discovery Channel's headquarters on Tuesday, may have been motivated by feelings of rejection after having his script ideas ignored by the network. Discovery Channel - Police - Television - Arts - Networks

Top Chef contestants compete to make astronaut meals

Sept. 1 episode of Bravo's reality show, 'Top Chef', featured a space-food challenge from NASA. The winner, Angelo Sosa, will have his short rib dish flown into orbit.

All eyes on Christine Bleakley

If we must have a nation’s sweetheart — and it seems, in the UK, we simply must — then for those of us who would prefer that she be an inspirational figure to whom good luck sticks, rather than a tragedy-struck melancholic like Ms Tweedy-nee-Cole, Christine Bleakley makes rather a good candidate. Related Stories Local Mod squad Are you doing lunch? Lunch-time? The ladies who lunch Meet Belfast's ...

‘Top Chefs’ cook up astronaut takeout

It will be bon appetit in orbit for some lucky astronauts who will soon savor a space meal of short ribs dreamed up by a contestant on television's "Top Chef." Top Chef - Television - Astronaut - Chefs - Technology