WASHINGTON - MICHELLE Obama's predecessors have carved out enough different roles as first lady that she is now free to fashion the job in a way that suits her. The first lady will take her time defining her new role, but already she's dropping clues.

Sit in on Cabinet meetings like Rosalynn Carter? No thanks. Mrs Obama says she doesn't like 'the process stuff.' Pick a pet issue? She's identified a few favoirites, including supporting military families with a parent far from home.

TOKYO - IN JAPAN, 'What's your type?' is much more than small talk; it can be a paramount question in everything from matchmaking to getting a job.

By type, the Japanese mean blood type, and no amount of scientific debunking can kill a widely held notion that blood tells all.

TAMPA (Florida) - JENNIFER Hudson returned to the spotlight on Sunday with a flawless performance of the national anthem before the Super Bowl football contest.

Wearing a flowing white top with black pants and a cropped black jacket, the 27-year-old singer/actress took a deep breath before launching into the anthem. She pumped her first in the air as she closed out the song.