who's counting

Salma Hayek will be honored with a Lucy Award for her "influence and excellence in the television and film industry."

Prog-rockers The Mars Volta are among Rolling Stone magazine's Best of Rock 2008.

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was described as "angry" as she accused a man in court of "stealing" her material to publish an unauthorized Harry Potter guide.

The highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto IV, released yesterday, is expected to make $400 million worldwide this week. If industry estimates are correct, GTA IV will break the sales record currently held by Halo 3.

Criminal gangs in México are capitalizing on fears of violence in Mexican society by conducting virtual kidnappings: extorting money from victims by claiming they've kidnapped a family member. Without the kidnapping part.

Cuba announced that all prisoners who are currently sentenced to death will have their sentences commuted to terms between 30 years and life. The ruling will affect over 40 prisoners. The death penalty will not be abolished for future cases.

Soulja Boy says he is prepping a new album, Back to School, along with a clothing line and cartoon series titled "Bad Little Homies."

Brazilian fútbol star Ronaldo claims three transvestite prostitutes attempted to extort him after he discovered they were men. Prostitution is legal in Brazil.

Ricky Martin has purchased an island near Río De Janeiro in Brazil for an estimated $8 million.

Actress Scarlett Johansson released her first music video, a cover of Tom Waits' "Falling Down.

Listen to "We Made It," a new single by Busta Rhymes featuring Linkin Park.