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Radiohead publicist debunks countdown

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A publicist for Radiohead said this week that an online countdown regarding an announcement about the British rock band was actually a hoax.

While the mysterious countdown on the Web site, RadioheadLP7.com, appeared to indicate major news due out from the "Kid A" band Saturday, the unidentified publicist assured fans it was simply an online hoax, Billboard reported.

After the publicist's declaration, the countdown sped up Friday and the site eventually switched over to a video from British singer Rick Astley.

Radiohead has been the subject of many recent rumors and reports regarding the fact the band is not signed to a music label.

While phrases such as "considering dissemination" have recently appeared on the band's official Web site, Billboard said other unconfirmed reports have the band still in negotiations with several labels.

Rodriguez accused of violating parole

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Actress Michelle Rodriguez could face jail time if she doesn't do two days of road cleanup duty by Oct. 12.

Los Angeles city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan alleged Friday that the former "Lost" actress has not met the probation terms from an earlier DUI case and therefore a judge could impose jail time for the violation, People magazine reported.

"She hasn't shown proof of completion of her 30 days of community service," spokesman Frank Mateljan alleged. "She could face jail time, but it's up to the judge."

Appearing before Superior Court Judge Daviann L. Mitchell Friday, the 29-year-old actress was told to fulfill two days of road cleanup duty before her next court date Oct. 12.

"I'm not impressed with your completion schedule," Mitchell said. "I don't care if you have to camp there, complete (it) without exception."

People said Rodriguez, who has had parts in films like "Resident Evil" and "S.W.A.T.," had been placed on probation for a DUI arrest in Hawaii in 2005.

ABC cutting ties to 'Rocketboom' star

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Newsreader Amanda Congdon, who was hired by ABC due to her success on the online "Rocketboom" video show, is parting ways with the U.S. media group.

Both Congdon and ABC News officials have confirmed that once the Internet star's contract runs out at the year's end, they will cut ties with one another, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

"I've decided not to continue at ABC once our year together is up (and it ain't up yet) in favor of a new, innovative project that will take every ounce of my time and energy," Congdon said in a recent blog on amandacongdon.com.

"It's been a great year with Amanda," an ABC News statement said, "a great experiment for both of us. We thank her for her many contributions."

Known for her endearing presence and awkward narration, Congdon was hired by ABC News to re-energize its online offerings.

But the Tribune said the unusual collaboration proved daunting for both sides as Congdon struggled to meld her amateur style with ABC's professional standards.

AT&T Park enjoys a bit of operatic class

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- San Francisco's AT&T Park this week took a break from the baseball games it typically embraces, broadcasting an opera performance.

In what was the San Francisco Opera's first-ever ballpark simulcast, more than 5,000 opera fans flocked to AT&T Park to watch a War Memorial Opera House rendition of "Samson and Delilah," the San Francisco Chronicle said Saturday.

Admission to Friday's broadcast was free, and like at San Francisco Giants games, the opera fans also could enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, soda and beer.

The broadcast was part of an effort by local opera officials to introduce the musical medium to a new audience.

While the ballpark event cost the opera company $200,000 to put on, at least one official said such events are helping revive opera in the city.

"I think opera is returning to its roots as a people's art form," Kary Schulman, director of San Francisco's Grants for the Arts program, told the Chronicle.