Soap set given OK after mercury spill

NEW YORK (AP) – The soap opera “Guiding Light” was cleared to resume taping Friday after the cleanup of a mercury-contaminated set, officials said.

“There are no detectable levels of mercury in the air this morning,” said Ian Michaels, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Environmental Protection. “The “Guiding Light’ people showed us paperwork consistent with proper disposal and the set has been reopened.”

‘Idol’ quitter signs recording contract

Mario Vazquez says he bailed on “American Idol” last spring for “personal reasons.” If among those reasons were “signing a record deal without the “Idol’ management contract,” consider his mission accomplished.

The 28-year-old Vazquez, who made the final 12 in this year’s “Idol” competition, then abruptly took himself out of the running, has signed a recording contract with J Records.

Zap2it.com