Free Republic

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A masked robber who beat his victim was remorseful enough to take the man to the hospital for treatment, but his change of heart didn't last long. Within hours the thief was telephoning threats to the victim, who was an acquaintance, authorities said. "I didn't mean for this to happen," the attacker said. "You were supposed to get knocked out and I was going to take your wallet and truck."

AUGUST 1--Oversized "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard is suing the Alabama clothing maker who once supplied him with those colorful "205" jerseys--size XXXXXXXXL--he wore on the Fox TV talent show. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court, the corpulent crooner claims that 205 Flava, Inc., the Birmingham couturier, is improperly using images of the swollen singer to move its merch via its web site. The two-ton troubadour is seeking a court injunction against the firm, which the elephantine entertainer estimates to have earned north of $2 million by exploiting his image. The sweaty Studdard, currently headlining the...

Frustrated by endless busy signals, American Idol's die-hard fans are voting a second time -- with their wallets. And this time the winner is runner-up Clay Aiken ........ As of June 4, Aiken was outselling Studdard FOUR TO ONE and selling twice as many singles as last year's winner, Kelly Clarkson, did during the same period.