The Centers for Disease Control headquarters is offering an odd toy in its gift shop: a stuffed and fuzzy version of the H1N1 virus microbe.

The swine flu version is being sold among other toy versions of microbes, Atlanta's WXIA-TV.

Bette Midler says 50 Cent has "made her life worth living". The "Wind Beneath My Wings" singer revealed the rapper, who has been helping Midler's group the New York Restoration Project build a public garden in his childhood neighborhood, has had a huge impact on her charity work.

She said: "He is one of the newest members of our tribe. He has really made my life worth living. 50 has been with me through thick and thin."

Robin Williams joked he now has a "cow valve" in his heart after undergoing surgery. The comic star laughed his way through his first public appearance since undergoing heart surgery two months ago, on TV program "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Speaking to the host, Robin said: "I have one new valve and a repaired valve. I have a cow valve, which is great, and the grazing has been fun - and I give a good quart of cream, too, my friend."

A cow escaped from a New York City slaughterhouse Wednesday, leading police on a 10-block chase. The cow will not be returned for slaughter.

Molly, the cow's nickname, is believed to be less than a year old, the UPI reported.

A Sharon, Mass. man expects the giant pumpkin he has been growing in his back yard to tip the scales at a record 1,800 pounds when it is weighed on Oct. 11.

Steve Connolly reportedly planted the squash on May 1 and pollinated it on July 3.