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Essayist David Rakoff dead at 47

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Humorist David Rakoff died in New York at the age of 47 following a long battle with cancer, his family announced.

Rakoff was author of essays on modern life and culture that appeared regularly in top-tier publications such as The New York Times, Salon, GQ and others.

The Times said Rakoff had an "incisive wit and keen eye for the preposterous" that produced three collections of essays and earned praise from many critics.

Among Rakoff's more memorable works chronicled his experience playing Sigmund Freud in the Christmas window display at a New York department store in 1996. The Times said merely sitting around on the set and being gawked at was too awkward.

"I've decided to start seeing patients," Rakoff wrote. "I'm simply not man enough to sit exposed in a window doing nothing; it's too humiliating and too boring."

Brad and Angelina to wed this weekend?

PARIS, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Increased activity at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's mansion in France has prompted speculation the Hollywood couple will wed this weekend.

The stars began dating seven years ago and now have six children together, but only recently announced their engagement, saying marriage is important to their young sons and daughters.

The Daily Mail newspaper in London said guests, including Pitt's parents and the jeweler who made Jolie's engagement ring, have arrived at Chateau Miraval in the southern countryside.

A reception hall has been built for the occasion next to a private chapel on the estate, the British newspaper said.

"Brad flew in to oversee preparations but they're all here now," a source told Britain's The Sun newspaper. "They say it's for Jane and Bill [Pitt,] but some think this could be it. Even Angelina's private jeweler is here. ... There's a real buzz around the estate."

Pinkett Smith says no divorce plans

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Jada Pinkett Smith says she has no intention of divorcing her husband, actor Will Smith, after 14 years, despite rumors of a split.

The couple have two children together -- Jaden, 14, and Willow, 11. Will also has a 19-year-old son, Trey, from a previous marriage.

"We're not getting a divorce. Where am I gonna go? Where am I going to go? That's my boo," Pinkett Smith says of her longtime partner in the September issue of Essence magazine. "It's like he's another part of me."

She also talked to UsMagazine.com this summer about what she thinks makes for a happy marriage.

"You need understanding, acceptance, and compassion," the actress said. "And usually you get understanding through friendship, so you need to have that."

'Cinderella' to open on B'way this winter

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" is to premiere on Broadway this winter -- 55 years after it was penned for television, producers announced.

The show will feature music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a

new book by Douglas Carter Beane.

Hammerstein penned the original book.

Previews are to begin Jan. 21 and opening night is set for Feb. 21 at the Broadway Theatre. Mark Brokaw is directing the production.

Laura Osnes is to play Cinderella, while Santino Fontana will play the Prince.

The cast will also include Victoria Clark, Harriet Harris, Ann Harada, Marla Mindelle, Peter Bartlett and Greg Hildreth.

Tickets go on sale in September.