PARIS - FRANCE on Wednesday launched a drive to sell its culture abroad with a new French Institute modeled after Germany's Goethe Institute or the British Council.

The 'Institut Francais' will showcase French cultural products and promote the French language in cities worldwide, replacing the myriad of cultural centres that have mushroomed over the years.

IT WAS 10am in humid Singapore and American actor Ethan Hawke was dressed to kill in a three-piece suit.

LONDON - ALTHOUGH she only died three days ago, there were reports on Wednesday that talks are underway for a movie about Jade Goody's short life.

The British Big Brother star died of cervical cancer on Sunday at the age of 27 after filming much of her last days in a bid to make enough money to support her two young sons.