Knoxville.com

Portraying Ebenezer Scrooge takes Jonathan Daly on a "wild ride" physically and emotionally while offering both the actor and his audience lessons that go beyond the theater stage.

Those lucky enough to see a show on Tom Waits' 2008 "Glitter and Doom" tour had the chance to see one of the world's most inspired artists in his element. Waits is not only one of the best songwriters alive, he is one of the most distinctive music artists of the past 100 years.

Saturday, Nov. 21, marks the end of farmers' market season for the Market Square Farmers' Market.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” has set a box-office record for midnight screenings.

The driver of a Miley Cyrus tour bus was killed Friday when the bus overturned, but the 16-year-old “Hannah Montana” star wasn’t on board, Virginia State Police said.

Jennifer Lopez plans to include fireworks and an on-stage costume change in her performance at the American Music Awards. “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert will incorporate leather, chains and handcuffs into his. They will be among more than a dozen performers at Sunday’s ceremony, and they took time out Thursday to perfect their performances.

Oprah Winfrey was set to announce Friday that her powerhouse daytime television show, the foundation of a multibillion-dollar media empire with legions of fans, will end its run in 2011 after 25 seasons on the air.

Leigh Anne Tuohy would like to have time to ponder what it all means.

It must be terrifying to know that fame, like a giant, all-consuming tidal wave, is about to break over you at any moment. But if Taylor Lautner's scared, he's not showing it. In fact, the 17-year-old star of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which is in theaters this weekend, seems a little too calm.

As Hollywood closed specialty divisions that aimed for quality and personal stories, as studios focus more and more on superhero sagas and action blockbusters, cinema fans have rightly wondered, who’s left to make great American movies? For one, the makers of “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”

Animated family comedy “Planet 51” is an innocent little tale that works well as a timely morality statement about tolerance.

Big Country's Empty Bottle formed through casual meetings, performs casual, intimate gigs and is casually accruing a following in Knoxville. The band's laid-back approach can be attributed to the fact that its members are still in college, but upon graduation, the group intends to reach full swing in terms of recording and touring.

Ashley Cleveland is one of contemporary Christian music's most respected artists. She's earned three Grammys for Best Rock Gospel Album, a Dove Award for Best Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and regularly earns accolades from critics and peers. Her new album, "God Don't Never Change" is a collection of vintage black gospel songs delivered in Cleveland's own style.

Fifteen-year-old Chloe Bates is in love. A 10th-grader at an all-girls Catholic school, she lights up when she talks about her handsome 17-year-old honey. Chloe doesn't know too many boys, so she still gets a nervous, buzzy feeling whenever she thinks about HIM. Chloe is in love with Taylor Lautner, one of the hunky stars of the "Twilight" films. And she's not alone.

Amanda Palmer is jet-lagged. "I was in China and Singapore for a week," she says. "I slept all day yesterday." She's currently touring to support her latest album with the band Nervous Cabaret.

Mo’Nique likes to laugh. A lot. So the comedian knew she would be taking on a tough mental challenge when she decided to play the role of Mary Jones — the vicious, abusive mother in the critically acclaimed film “Precious: Based on the Novel ’Push’ by Sapphire.”

You’d be forgiven for not recognizing Mariah Carey in her role as a dowdy welfare caseworker in the urban drama “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”

Rock band Beaten Awake will perform at Pilot Light.

At 81, Rocky Wynder is a Knoxville legend. A saxophonist from the smooth, melodic school, he's been a fixture on the scene since the 1950s. Yet, Wynder's new album, "Edwin and Catherine," is also his debut album.

We compare two pop-culture subjects to see which you like better. To be included in next week's tally, vote for your favorite before noon on Monday. This week's match: Robert Pattinson vs. Taylor Lautner.