NEW YORK

Did you know that a Scientologist played matchmaker to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes? Shelly Miscavige, the wife of Scientology chairman David Miscavige, reportedly went on a hunt to find love for Cruise after his second divorce from Nicole Kidman. The result of Shelly Miscavige's matchmaking? The 2006 wedding of Tom Cruise to Katie Holmes.

Old-school punkers may argue that CBGB's influence could never be surpassed, but we thought it worth mentioning that other venues were similarly historic.

Independence Day gives us 24 hours to reconnect with these ?truths self-evident.? But it is these same truths that we increasingly take for granted.

On Wednesday, nearly 30 gluttonous competitors from across North America will compete in the 97th annual Nathan?s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Here's a look at the history, records to beat and where to watch the action.

Come the fourth of July, it's time to shun the trappings of busy work hours to feast your eyes on the spectacular fireworks that decorate the nation?s skies. A major tourist attraction and a moment of pride for Americans, the fireworks commemorating Independence Day light up major cities in all their glory and splendor.

Crude oil futures declined during Asian trading hours Wednesday after surging in the previous session on renewed tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

Jonathan Krohn made a splash onto the conservative political scene at the early age of just 13-years-old when he delivered a now viral speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2009. Three years and several hundred thousand YouTube views later, Krohn cringes at his pre-pubescent self because, as he says today, he's not much of a conservative anymore.

The government says it's taking shark fin off the state menu, but the rest of the country still hasn't lost its taste for the delicacy.

Now, it seems there's at least a chance of Jeremy Lin not returning to the Big Apple.

In bat species that tend to hibernate alone, population declines from white-nose syndrome in small colonies were much less severe, according to new research.

The Knicks' chances at landing Steve Nash diminished on Tuesday.

The Lakers will reportedly offer Andrew Bynum and Metta World Peace to the Magic in exchange for Dwight Howard.

The Fourth of July may mean fireworks, flags and fairs for some, but for those who follow or participate in the competitive eating sport, Independence Day marks a very special occasion: Nathan?s Famous July 4 International Hot Dog-Eating Contest. If you plan on watching the 2012 frankfurter festivities, here?s all the info you need and a video of last year?s competition.

On several of the foreign policy issues facing the United States, Romney has advocated a path that is closer to the Bush administration, which disdained diplomacy in favor of unilateral action. Here is a sampling.

Kristen Stewart's status as the world's highest paid actress hasn't stopped her from working a side job. The Snow White and the Huntsman beauty is the face of Balenciaga's newest fragrance campaign.

With highly publicized divorce from Katie Holmes dominating headlines, Tom Cruise is celebrating his 50th birthday on Tuesday. According to People, Cruise had plans to vacation with his 33-year-old wife Holmes and six-year-old daughter Suri for his milestone birthday.

Ever since the earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States, patriotic citizens have celebrated numerous occasions by setting off these bright and colorful explosive displays. Check where you can see some of the best firework displays on America's Independence Day

The resignation came as Barclays was preparing to demand American-born Diamond, 60, hand back almost £20 million ($31 million) in bonuses

Here are the 12 players who will likely make the U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball team roster.

GSK targeted the antidepressant Paxil to patients under age 18 when it was approved for adults only, and it pushed the drug Wellbutrin for uses it was not approved for, including weight loss and treatment of sexual dysfunction, according to an investigation led by the U.S. Justice Department.

The rocky relationship between the Chinese government and the Western media is changing, as Chinese-language editions multiply. Meanwhile, Chinese media are eyeing the West too.