Ali goes home for movie opening in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Muhammad Ali shook hands with kids and waved to photo-taking fans as he walked up a red carpet and into a theater for a local premiere of "Ali," the new movie that chronicles his life.

Ali was born Cassius Clay in Louisville in 1942. He grew up in the city's predominantly black West End, where Broadway Cinemas is located.

Wearing a gold turtleneck under a black checkered jacket, he emerged from a limousine to cheers and flashing cameras. The 59-year-old, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was helped from the car by his wife, Lonnie, and his longtime friend, Howard Bingham.

He touched dozens of outstretched hands and took a mock punch at a photographer before bending to hug and kiss a 5-year-old boy on the cheek.

Firefighters among 'most intriguing people'

NEW YORK -- In this year of terrorist attacks and war in Afghanistan, President Bush and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani are among "The 25 Most Intriguing People of 2001," according to People magazine.

Also on the list, released Thursday, is "The Firefighter," which represents all firefighters for their heroism on Sept. 11 and afterward.

"Our firefighters helped save more than 25,000 lives that day -- the greatest single rescue mission in America's history," Giuliani said. "They knew what they were up against, but they went in anyway. That's what heroes do."

--From wire reports