US presidents vary between authoritarian figures and nappy changers, writes Olivia Kelleher

BOUNTIFUL, the début novel of Allie Murray, a native of County Waterford, now living in Rathcormac, elects to shine a light on the many deceits, conspiracies and undercurrents that tend to shape life in any number of Irish villages, says Billy O’Callaghan.

The music world is mourning Phil Everly, the youngest of The Everly Brothers, who has died in California from lung disease complications.

I shake the hand of the new Mr Cork, resist the urge to wipe the tan and know true inadequacy.

Keith Richards doesn't own an iPod.

Poor Gerard Butler’s not had a great time at the box office of late.

The 50s singing icon Patti Page - best known for hits including '(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window' and 'Old Cape Cod' - passed away on Tuesday, in California, aged 85.

Last night was something of a homecoming for Leonard Cohen.

Johnny Depp helped Patti Smith record the title track of her new album, 'Banga'.

Justin Bieber has graduated from high school.

Patti Smith has penned a musical tribute to Amy Winehouse.

PREVIOUSLY unknown footage which shows Beatles legend John Lennon at the Cliffs of Moher, has been discovered by a Co Clare-based Beatles expert.

The Rod Blagojevich who once challenged a prosecutor to face him like a man and the glad-handing politician who took to celebrity TV shows to profess his innocence was nowhere to be found as he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption.

Rachel Weisz is set to co-star with Colin Firth in 'The Railway Man'.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea was influenced by touring with Radiohead singer Thom Yorke.

Bruce Springsteen has sold one of his homes at a $150,000 loss.

Ben Kingsley said today he expected Indian finance and creativity to become a driving force in western cinema in the coming years.

Bruce Springsteen has fired back at reports he cheated on his wife Patti Scialfa by turning the media's attention to a statement he made about his marriage three years ago.

The governor of Illinois was arrested in the middle of the night after prosecutors said he was caught on wiretaps audaciously scheming to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat for cash or a job for himself in the new administration.

The governor of Illinois “put a for-sale sign on the naming of a United States senator” to fill the vacant seat left by president-elect Barack Obama, US authorities said today.

Democrat Hillary Clinton has replaced her campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle.

Former US President Ronald Reagan was a committed commentator on his own presidency, keeping meticulously-maintained diaries that recorded the stress of his work alongside his frustration with trying to keep peace in his own family, according to a newly published compilation of his writings.

BRUCE Springsteen’s devastation at the death of legendary promoter Jim Aiken was revealed yesterday as the entertainment world turned out for his memorial service.

Bruce Springsteen has denied reports that he has split with his wife, singer Patti Scialfa.

A pensioner today spoke of her joy at giving birth at the age of 62 to an “adorable” baby boy.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has been discharged from a New Zealand hospital where he was monitored following a head injury he received reportedly falling out of a palm tree, it emerged today.

Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is in hospital with concussion after a fall out of a palm tree while on holiday in Fiji, reports said today.

Gwen Stefani, nominated for five Grammy Awards including album of the year for Love.Angel.Music.Baby., is pregnant with her first child, according to Us Weekly.

President Mary McAleese is to fly to America tomorrow to attend the funeral of Ronald Reagan in Washington DC.

If admirers of former US President Ronald Reagan didn’t like a television movie about him after reading leaked snippets of a script, their opinion isn’t likely to change after seeing the final product.