Nicole Kidman puts cancer rumors to rest

Nicole Kidman putscancer rumors to rest
LOS ANGELES -- Nicole Kidman launched a pre-emptive strike Friday at what she said were unfounded tabloid rumors that she has breast cancer.
Representatives of the "Cold Mountain" actress said they wanted to set the record straight after receiving numerous questions from reporters after some of Kidman's health records were obtained without authorization.
The Oscar winner said she's in perfect health.
"Unfortunately, due to an invasion of my medical privacy, I've received a number of calls from the press asking about a visit to the hospital in Los Angeles in January," Kidman said in a statement released exclusively to The Associated Press. "I went in for a routine checkup, and the doctors discovered an area they thought needed further testing. The results of those tests were negative and I was given an 'all clear."'
"Needless to say, my family and I are enormously relieved and thankful," she added. "As always, I am committed to raising funds and awareness for women's health issues, and I'd like to emphasize the importance for all women to have regular mammograms and checkups."
Naomi Judd sharesphilosophy in new book
NEW YORK -- Naomi Judd is sharing her way of coping with life's tough times in a new book called "Naomi's Breakthrough Guide, 20 Choices to Transform Your Life."
The country singer retired from performing with her daughter, Wynonna, in 1991 because of a chronic hepatitis infection. The book deals with surviving the illness, as well as how she got off welfare and raised her two children, Wynonna and actress Ashley Judd.
"Whether it's a crisis like a terminal illness ... all these personal ground zeros really are the greatest teachers, they strip us down and help us to identify who we are at a core level, what matters to us most and help us start living out of our hearts," she told AP Radio.
Noah Wyle appreciatestime off for family
NEW YORK -- Noah Wyle is back on "ER" after taking a few months off, but he's so used to hanging out with his family that it pains him to leave for work.
"But very few fathers have an opportunity to work for a few years while their kids are this young, and then have the freedom to spend the bulk of time through their adolescence, so that's the game plan," he told AP Radio recently.
Wyle is the only actor on the NBC medical drama to stay all 10 seasons, remaining as George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Julianna Margulies and others moved on.
He said it's best for storytelling to have a few longtime characters stick around, but he's also glad when new people show up.
Today's birthdays
Actress Kathryn Grayson is 82. Television journalist Roger Mudd is 76. Actress Janet Suzman is 65. Actress-politician Sheila James Kuehl ("The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") is 63. Singer-songwriter Carole King is 62. Actor Joe Pesci is 61. Singer Barbara Lewis is 61. Author Alice Walker is 60. Actress Mia Farrow is 59. Rhythm and blues musician Dennis "DT" Thomas (Kool & amp; the Gang) is 53. Actor Charles Shaughnessy is 49. Country singer Travis Tritt is 41. Actress Julie Warner is 39. Actor Jason George ("Barbershop") is 32. Actress Marina Malota is 16.