Jackson "Thriller" jacket sells for $1.8 million

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his "Thriller" video sold for $1.8 million at an auction on Sunday to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children's hospitals worldwide. The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.

Heart risks lower in men who get enough vitamin D: study

NEW YORK, June 27 - (Reuters Life!) - Men who consume the recommended amount of vitamin D are somewhat less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those with low vitamin D, according to a U.S. study. The study, which followed nearly 119,000 adults for two decades and was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that men who got at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day, the current recommended amount, were 16 percent less likely to develop heart problems or stroke than men who got less than 100 IUD per day.

New Yorkers celebrate marriage law at Gay Pride Parade

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two days after the state legalized same-sex marriages, New York's annual Gay Pride Parade seemed more like a brash, colorful wedding procession on Sunday than an annual rally. Parade organizers estimated as many as 2 million spectators turned out to celebrate the 42nd annual LGBT Pride March on Sunday. Many considered it the most electric in the Parade's history.

Actors Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz marry

LONDON (Reuters Life!) - British actors Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz have married, a U.S. representative for Craig said on Sunday. "They are married," said an LA spokesman for the 43-year-old actor, best known for playing superspy James Bond in the film franchise. He provided no more details.

Rare Billy the Kid photograph sold for $2.3 million

DENVER (Reuters) - The only authenticated photograph of infamous Wild West gunslinger Billy the Kid was auctioned off to Florida billionaire William Koch for an $2.3 million on Saturday night. Koch, an energy company executive and well-known collector of art and American West artifacts, placed the winning bid in person before stunned onlookers at Brian Lebel's annual Old West Auction in Denver.

Men savvier networkers than women: study

By Paula Rogo NEW YORK, June 24 (Reuters Life) - When it comes to professional networking, men around the world are savvier than women, according to new data.

Israeli envoy voices rare praise of wartime Pope

ROME (Reuters) - A leading Israeli official has praised Pope Pius XII for saving Jews during the Nazi occupation of Rome, a surprise twist in a long-standing controversy over the pontiff's wartime role. The comments by Mordechay Lewy, the Israeli ambassador to the Vatican, were some of the warmest ever made by a Jewish official about Pius. Most have been very critical of his record.

Germany searches for next octopus oracle

BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - Eight octopuses in Germany competed Friday to replace the late oracle Paul by predicting the result of the opening match of the women's soccer World Cup between host Germany and Canada. The contest between aquariums around Germany will determine which cephalopod, if any, can repeat the clairvoyant feats of Paul, who shot to international fame after correctly predicting matches of the World Cup in South Africa last year.

Management Tip of the Day: Get what you need from design

BOSTON (Reuters Life!) - There are many ways to fail at design, even though good design can lift a company's performance from lackluster to outstanding, says Harvard Business Review. The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org (http:\\www.hbr.org). Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

U.S. zoos attract visitors with sleepovers

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - For wild animal lovers not content with watching tigers and gorillas during the day, a growing number of zoos are offering a more thrilling after-dark experience -- overnight stays. From Philadelphia to Denver nocturnal visitors are learning what happens when the gates slam shut, the sun goes down and the moon rises over some of America's most well-known zoos.