Munch's 'History' stolen from art dealer
OSLO, Norway, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- An art dealer in Oslo, Norway, says thieves smashed a large window at his dealership and stole the lithograph "History" by Edvard Munch.
Art dealer Pascal Nyborg said the stolen Munch work will likely prove difficult for the thieves to sell as it is unique and valuable, The Norway Post reported Saturday.
Witnesses told police they heard a loud noise during Thursday night's theft at Nyborg's dealership and a get-away van was later found several blocks away.
Nyborg said it appeared the thieves specifically targeted the lithograph from the late Norwegian Symbolist painter as no other art works appeared to have been touched.
The Post said the lithograph had been up for sale at the dealership on behalf of its unidentified owner.
Radio Netherlands reported the hand-colored Munch work is estimated to be worth $358,000.
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DioGuardi looking for 'Idol' chemistry
NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi says she wants to spend time with the U.S. TV series' newest judge, Ellen DeGeneres, so they can bond.
Speaking at the Media and Money conference Friday in New York, DioGuardi said she wants to hang with DeGeneres in December as part of her effort to establish an "Idol" identity for herself, The Hollywood Reporter said.
"I'm hoping the chemistry with Ellen will be great -- and a great start to the season," said DioGuardi, adding "you have to know on the show who you are and have a vision of yourself. What am I trying to represent? You'll see more of this branding myself."
DioGuardi, who joined the Fox series during its eighth season, also spoke about former "Idol" judge Paula Abdul.
Calling Abdul the "heart of the show," DioGuardi added that Abdul "nurtured and empathized. That was her role, and she was great at it."
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Cage's New Orleans homes sold at auction
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Two New Orleans homes owned by actor Nicolas Cage were sold at foreclosure auction for a total of $4.5 million, an official says.
New Orleans Civil Sheriff Paul Valteau said Regions Bank based out of Birmingham, Ala., made the only bids on the two homes, purchasing Cage's French Quarter home for $2.3 million and his Pataniya Street property for $2.2 million, CNN reported Friday.
The French Quarter home was appraised at $3.5 million and the Pataniya Street home at $3.3 million.
Thursday's auction came amid significant financial troubles for Cage, 45, including $5.5 million the "Ghost Rider" star owes in mortgage payments.
Cage, who also owes $151,730 to the city of New Orleans in real estate taxes, has blamed his troubles on his former financial manager, Samuel Levin.
CNN said Cage alleges in an October lawsuit that after hiring Levin in 2001, the financial manager tricked him out of more than $20 million.
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Italian town capitalizing on 'Twilight'
VOLTERRA, Italy, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Italian town of Volterra is trying to cash in on the notoriety steered its way by being tabbed the home of a vampire coven in the U.S. movie "Twilight."
Variety.com reported Friday with "Twilight" fans flocking to the Tuscany town to visit the home of the fictional Volturi vampire ruling body, local shop owners are offering various "Twilight" memorabilia ranging from T-shirts to calendars.
The Volturi play a key role in the "Twilight" sequel, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," due out in theaters next Friday.
In anticipation of the new film, Volterra is offering a "New Moon" weekend package to tourists and "Waiting for 'New Moon' " theme parties.
The weekend package in Volterra even includes a "Hot on the Trail of Edward and Bella" walking tour in reference to the movies' main characters.
Variety said the sudden popularity of Volterra comes despite the fact the Volturi scenes for "New Moon" were shot in Montepulciano nearly 70 miles away.
