'A Christmas Story' listed on National Film Registry
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- "A League of Their Own," "A Christmas Story," "The Matrix," "Dirty Harry" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" were added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2012.
Also deemed American cultural treasures worthy of preservation are "Born Yesterday [1950,]" "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "The Times of Harvey Milk," "One Survivor Remembers," "Hours for Jerome," "Slacker" and "They Call It Pro Football."
Making the roster as well are "3:10 to Yuma [1957,]" "Anatomy of a Murder," "The Augustas," "The Corbett-Fitzsimmons Title Fight," "Hours for Jerome: Parts 1 and 2," "The Kidnappers Foil," "Parable" and "Sons of the Desert."
The Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the names of the inductees to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress Wednesday.
"Established by Congress in 1989, the National Film Registry spotlights the importance of preserving America's unparalleled film heritage," Billington said in a statement. "These films are not selected as the 'best' American films of all time, but rather as works of enduring importance to American culture. They reflect who we are as a people and as a nation."
Queen invites Kate's parents for Christmas
LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has invited her granddaughter-in-law Kate Middleton's parents to the royal family Christmas gathering at her Sandringham Estate.
UsMagazine.com said the duchess' parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, are the first non-royals the queen has ever invited to join the holiday festivities.
Kate Middleton married the monarch's grandson, Prince William, in April 2011. She is pregnant with their first child and was hospitalized this month for severe morning sickness and dehydration.
Although she has said she is feeling better, the duchess won't finalize Christmas plans "until the night before or the morning of," an aide told UsMagazine.com.
"It depends [on] how she feels," the source said. "And if Catherine doesn't go, William probably won't either."
Will Ferrell's 'Anchorman 2' to open Dec. 20, 2013
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The sequel to the broadcast journalism comedy "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" is to open in U.S. theaters next December, EW.com reported.
Reuniting for the follow-up from the original 2004 movie will be Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner.
The film is being directed by script co-writer Adam McKay. It is set for release Dec. 20, 2013.
Bruno Mars' 'Locked Out of Heaven' tops U.S. record chart
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven" is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart, Billboard.com reported Thursday.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 is Rihanna's "Diamonds," followed by the Lumineers' "Ho Hey" at No. 3, Ke$ha's "Die Young" at No. 4 and Maroon 5's "One More Night" at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are Flo Rida's "I Cry" at No. 6, Justin Bieber's "Beauty and a Beat" featuring Nicki Minaj at No. 7, Phillip Phillips' "Home" at No. 8, fun.'s "Some Nights" at No. 9 and Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" at No. 10.
