OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc invests in dozens of businesses, and a new book tries to explain it all to young readers, from A to Z.

Two Omaha residents, author Nancy Rips and illustrator Tom Kerr, have teamed up on "My First Berkshire ABC" to teach children about one of the world's best-known companies, and a little about the local billionaire behind it.

More than 1,000 copies were sold at Berkshire's annual meeting on Saturday, which draws thousands of people to Omaha, and where Buffett has a say on what gets sold.

"You need something to bring home to your kids and grandkids to explain Berkshire," Rips, who has also written three books about Jewish holidays, said in a joint interview with Kerr.

Most pages show companies that Berkshire owns or invests in.

G, for example, is for "Geico," and features the car insurer's talking gecko. And W is for "Wells Fargo", and features the bank's familiar stagecoach.

The book's theme changed at Buffett's suggestion.

"Our first effort was things like, S is for sharing. Mr. Buffett believes in sharing. K is for being kind,'" Rips said.

"I got an email back from Warren saying, it's too laudatory, they will lampoon him in the news," she continued. "And I wrote a whole new proposal: A is for Acme (Brick), B is for Borsheim's (jewelry), C is for Clayton Homes, D is for Dairy Queen. I got an email back: You're in the show.'"

Kerr has worked at many newspapers and drew McGruff, the Crime Dog for the National Crime Prevention Council.

"Part of what Warren talks about is investing in things that you know," he said. "Virtually everything in here is something that somebody can relate to and touch and understand."

Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger is shown under "Q," stamping boxes of "quality" merchandise.

Rips and Kerr have not heard from Buffett on whether he likes the book. Buffett's assistant Carrie Sova had no comment on that question.

Kerr depicted Buffett just four times, including on the cover holding his usual Cherry Coke.

"This book is not all about Warren Buffett," Kerr said. "I picked my spots. He's so synonymous with Dairy Queen that I wanted him there, and obviously on the cover with Coca-Cola."

"Cherry Coke," Rips interjected.

"Yep," Kerr said. "She had me change that."

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Patricia Reaney and Vicki Allen)

CANNES (Reuters) - Three years after "Senna", the hit film biography of the late Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna, sporting documentaries about Jackie Stewart, Muhammad Ali and Pele are competing for attention at the Cannes Film Festival.

In "Weekend of a Champion", the Polish-French filmmaker Roman Polanski follows Stewart, his long-time friend, as he prepares to drive in the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix, at a time when the risks to drivers were far greater than they are now.

Polanski said he had forgotten about the film, which was screened at the Berlin film festival in 1972 but never released, until a recent call from a processing lab holding the footage.

He decided to resurrect it, adding a sequence where he and Stewart reunite more than 40 years later to discuss how the sport has changed.

"Back in the day, it was much freer. People could practically, or almost, walk onto the track. Now it's a bit NASA, a bit Martian," Polanski said after the revised version premiered in Cannes on Tuesday.

Three-times world champion Stewart, now 73, said Formula One had always been at the sharp end of technology, "but I think the racing is still as good today as ever, maybe even better".

"The animal is the same, the driver has the same mentality, the same type of person," he told Reuters in an interview.

British director Stephen Frears' documentary "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" aims to bring public attention to the boxer's court battle after he refused to fight in the Vietnam War, a stand that made him known far beyond his sport.

HERO AND VILLAIN

Ali refused to be conscripted into the U.S. military in 1967, on the basis of his religious beliefs and his opposition to the war. A hero to a growing anti-war movement, vilified by others, he was found guilty of evading the draft.

At the height of his career, he was stripped of his world heavyweight title and barred from the ring for nearly four years while his ultimately successful appeal worked its way up to the Supreme Court.

The film, made for Time Warner's HBO cable network and screened at Cannes on Wednesday, stars Christopher Plummer and Danny Glover, but no one plays Ali, now 71, who has suffered from Parkinson's disease for three decades and appears only in archive footage.

Frears said he had wanted to highlight the case after discovering how badly Ali had been treated, and had received Ali's approval when he showed him the film two weeks ago.

"I just had no idea that that was the story, but nobody did, nobody realized," Frears said.

Pele, 72, was in Cannes to discuss a film about his life being made by Hollywood producer Brian Grazer, maker of "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind", to be released next year as Brazil hosts the 2014 soccer World Cup.

"Pele" focuses on the Brazilian star's rise from an impoverished childhood to lead his country to its first World Cup victory, in Sweden in 1958.

A documentary called "Pele Forever" was made about his life in 2004, but he said the new one aimed to inspire young people, many of whom are facing bleak prospects.

"The way we constructed the film is for the new generation," he told Reuters in an interview.

(Additional reporting by Rollo Ross and Johnny Cotton; Writing by Belinda Goldsmith; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

Lapatinib, which is marketed as Tykerb mainly in the United States and as Tyverb mainly in Europe, is approved for the treatment of breast cancer and some other solid tumors.

The British company said the drug did not meet the primary end point of improving overall survival rates for patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer, including esophageal, in a late-stage global trial.

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Louise Heavens)

Chevron has signed an agreement with YPF to invest up to $1.5 billion in the Vaca Muerta shale megafield, located in Argentina's southern region of Patagonia.

Late last year an Argentinean judge ordered a freeze on up to $19 billion worth of assets held by Chevron in Argentina as part of an environmental lawsuit by Ecuadorean villagers who say the company is responsible for contamination.

That roadblock to the Chevron/Vaca Muerta deal was lifted on Tuesday.

"The high court overturned the freeze," Argentina's Judicial Information Center, ICJ, said in a statement.

Chevron was not immediately available for comment.

The company, which denies the environmental charges and has accused the Ecuadorean courts of fraud, said last month that a final YPF/Chevron agreement should be signed in July, once outstanding trade and tax issues were hammered out.

Chevron's president for Latin American and African operations, Ali Moshiri, said then that Argentina has the world's second-largest reservoir of unconventional oil after the United States.

YPF, which was renationalized last year as Argentina battles to reverse a long decline in natural gas and oil output, aims to drill 132 oil wells at the Vaca Muerta shale formation this year.

(Reporting by Walter Bianchi; Editing by Richard Pullin)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose on Thursday, rebounding from the previous session's losses, as tepid economic data eased concerns the Federal Reserve would begin to gradually scale back its policy of stimulating growth.

The day's gain put the S&P 500 on track to end the month about 3.6 percent higher, while the Dow was up 3.3 percent for the month so far. The Nasdaq was up 4.9 percent.

Stocks have been volatile recently and closely tied to alternating views of the future of the Fed's loose monetary policy. Shares tumbled on Wednesday on concern the Fed would curb its bond-buying because of signs the economy was strengthening. U.S. Treasury bond yields rose to the highest in 13 months the same day, also influenced by concern about possible Fed tapering.

"It won't be until around September before we really hear about possible changes in Fed (policy), but the market is volatile because at these levels, profit-taking is part of a hedging method to protect against possible downsides," said Randy Frederick, director of trading and derivatives at Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas.

"After the profit-taking, the market moves right back up because it's a great buying opportunity, like today."

The Dow Jones industrial averagewas up 21.73 points, or 0.14 percent, at 15,324.53. The Standard & Poor's 500 Indexwas up 6.05 points, or 0.37 percent, at 1,654.41. The Nasdaq Composite Indexwas up 23.78 points, or 0.69 percent, at 3,491.30.

Data showed first-time claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose in the latest week while the government's latest reading on first-quarter gross domestic product came in slightly below forecasts.

Loose monetary policies by central banks around the world have helped drive both the Dow and the S&P 500 to record highs. The S&P 500 is up more than 16 percent this year so far.

Even if U.S. economic data signals strength, "the stock market has yet to fully embrace the notion that the economy has reached take-off velocity and is ready to contend with a removal of stimulus," said Andrew Wilkinson, chief economic strategist Miller Tabak & Co in New York.

Pending home sales rose 0.3 percent in April to the highest since April 2010, but analysts had expected a 1.1 percent rise.

In company news, Costco Wholesale Corp , the largest U.S. warehouse club chain, reported third-quarter earnings that beat expectations by a penny, though sales were below forecasts. Shares fell 0.9 percent to $111.88.

Semiconductors were higher after chipmaker Avago Technologiesforecast current-quarter revenue largely above expectations. Avago shares jumped 9.8 percent to $37.82 while the PHLX semiconductor indexclimbed 1.5 percent.

NV Energy Incsurged 22.5 percent to $23.62 after a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Incagreed to buy the electric utility for $5.6 billion. Berkshire class B shares rose 1.6 percent to $114.84.

Shares of EMC Corp , the data storage equipment makers, rose 5.4 percent to $24.93 after instituting a quarterly dividend and increasing its stock buyback program to $6 billion from $1 billion.

Volume was roughly 6.5 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq and the NYSE MKT, slightly above the average daily closing volume of about 6.4 billion this year.

Advancers outpaced decliners on the NYSE 1,756 to 1,208. On the Nasdaq, advancers beat decliners 1,728 to 772.

(Reporting by Angela Moon; Editing by Kenneth Barry)

Aveo shares fell about 13 percent in extended trade, after closing at $2.70 on the Nasdaq. They have lost about 55 percent of their value since April 30, when FDA reviewers raised questions about the drug.

Astellas does not intend to fund any future studies of the drug, tivozanib, in renal cell cancer, Aveo said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. (http://r.reuters.com/caz38t)

Aveo is also evaluating tivozanib as a therapy for treating metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

"I expect (Aveo) shares to be down a little because if Astellas had decided to go ahead and pursue the (renal cell cancer) indication as well then obviously they would have to bear half the cost of the study," RBC Capital Markets analyst Adnan Butt said.

"It's not a total surprise that Astellas has decided not to fund it but it's a little bit disappointing."

The regulatory filing did not indicate whether Astellas had opted to discontinue support for the other two studies.

Butt said he expects, based on this filing, that Astellas would not pull out from the metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer trials.

Earlier this month, an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided in a 13-1 vote that an additional trial would be needed before tivozanib could be approved for renal cell cancer.

Staff reviewers for the FDA had previously noted that kidney cancer patients on tivozanib did not survive longer when compared with patients on Bayer AG and Onyx Pharmaceuticals' Nexavar.

Following the advisory panel vote, Aveo and Astellas had said they would work with the FDA to address the issues raised by the panel.

Aveo said on Thursday that it was evaluating the effect of the Astellas decision on tivozanib's clinical and regulatory path going forward.

(Reporting by Pallavi Ail in Bangalore; Editing by Anthony Kurian and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)

My problem is I get hit on constantly. I tried marriage once, more for financial reasons than anything else, but I couldn't wait to get out. I'm single now, own my own home, and the men in this town (married and single) all seem to think I'm fair game. They're convinced that I'm in need of satisfaction because I don't date or have a steady man in my life.

I have told them repeatedly that it's not going to happen, but every once in a while one pops up on my doorstep or approaches me in town, only to be told again to leave me alone.

Please don't tell me to see a therapist. The last one I went to tried to tell me I was gay. No! I'm simply happy being single and sex-free. I go where I want and don't have to answer to anyone. Short of running these idiots off with a shotgun, how do I get it through their thick skulls that I'm not available? -- SEXLESS BY CHOICE

DEAR SEXLESS: Although we live in a sex-obsessed society, not everyone -- male or female -- is a sexual creature. Your therapist should not have tried to label you as gay. You appear to be asexual, which you describe as happily sex-free.

The next time you are hit on by one of these men -- who, by the way, probably think that by doing so they are "helping" -- tell him you are happy with your life just the way it is, and it isn't necessary to offer help where none is needed. Period.

DEAR ABBY: I really like this girl, but my parents absolutely cannot stand her. They hate that she has a tattoo and a lip ring, but her appearance has had no effect on her professional life, as she is on the road to success in her field. I am not writing to ask whether I should stay with her, because I intend to. She's an amazing person, a hard worker, a trustworthy partner and, most of all, she's my best friend.

How can I diffuse potentially "combustible" situations with my parents, who always try to put her down no matter how often I plead my case? -- JOE IN RHODE ISLAND

DEAR JOE: Whether your parents approve or not, tattoos seem to have become a rite of passage for many people of your generation, and so have lip rings, eyebrow rings and multiple ear piercings. If you are over 21 and living independent of your parents, then you have the right to choose the women you become involved with. From your letter, I'd say your values are mature.

In time, your parents may recognize the fine qualities you see in this young woman. If they don't, they may wind up estranging a son. Right now, getting into a debate about her will be a losing proposition and I'm advising you against it.

DEAR ABBY: I'll be visiting the United States in a couple of weeks, and I'm really excited. Now my question: How do I tip the waitress properly? I know to round the bill by 15 percent and up, but do I pay only in cash, or can I have this amount charged to my credit card? Are there any other things I have to look out for? I don't want to offend anyone. -- JUTTA IN TRIER, GERMANY

DEAR JUTTA: If you prefer to add your tip to your credit card, it is perfectly acceptable to do so. However, before you pay, you should review the bill to be sure that a gratuity has not already been included, which can happen when a group of people dine together. I hope you will enjoy your visit to our beautiful country and that it will be the first of many.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby ator P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in "What Every Teen Should Know." Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

The Italian finished in 44 minutes, 29 seconds long the 20.6-kilometre (12.8-mile) along the uphill route from Mori to Polsa for his first stage victory in this year's race. Samuel Sanchez was 58 seconds behind. Damiano Caruso was third, 1:20 behind Nibali.

Nibali extended his lead to 4:02 over Cadel Evans and remains on course to win his country's biggest cycling race for the first time. There are three stages remaining.

Friday's 19th stage is the first of two more mountain legs, a 139-kilometre (86-mile) route from Ponte di Legno to Val Martello.

The Giro ends May 26 in Brescia.

The Prudential Regulation Authority said it would release more information when it had concluded discussions with all banks, including, where necessary, if banks need to take steps to meet any shortfalls.

Lloyds and RBS each said on Wednesday they did not need to issue more equity, and would meet extra capital needs by selling assets and through retained earnings and restructuring plans that are underway.

(Reporting by Steve Slater; Editing by Matt Scuffham)

Moore (8-0) gave up one run, struck out three and walked one. The left-hander has won nine straight decisions, breaking the franchise record of eight set last year by David Price.

The Rays' ninth win in 11 games put them a season-high three games over .500 (23-20) and lifted Tampa Bay into a third-place tie with skidding Baltimore in the AL East. The Rays had been in fourth since April 20.

Adam Jones had two hits, stole two bases and drove in a run for the Orioles, who have dropped five straight all at home.

Chris Tillman (3-2) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. He's 1-5 lifetime against the Rays.

Tampa Bay led 2-1 in the sixth inning when Joyce hit a drive that appeared to bounce off the wall near the right-field foul pole. First base umpire Dan Iassogna called it a fair ball but not a home run.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter argued that it was a foul ball and Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon contended it was a home run. After a lengthy meeting, the umpires adjourned to watch a replay and returned with their decision: home run.

Moore and the Tampa Bay bullpen made the advantage stand up. Joel Peralta worked a perfect eighth and Fernando Rodney got three straight outs for his eighth save.

Neither team had a baserunner until Yunel Escobar drew a two-out walk in the third. Desmond Jennings followed with an RBI double on a 3-2 pitch.

In the bottom half, Danny Valencia hit a leadoff double in his first at-bat with Baltimore but was stranded.

One inning later, Manny Machado was credited with a triple after Jennings and Joyce nearly collided on a line drive to right that ticked off Joyce's glove and rolled to the wall. Jones followed with a run-scoring single, then stole two bases but was left at third.

Scott, who played for Baltimore from 2008-11, connected in the fifth for a 2-1 lead. He has at least one RBI in nine of 13 starts this season.

NOTES: Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria extended his hitting streak to a career-high 13 games. ... Tampa Bay has held the lead in 30 of its last 31 games. ... The Rays recalled LHP Jeff Beliveau from Triple-A Durham and optioned LHP Alex Torres to the same club. Beliveau is expected to be sent back to Durham to make room for RHP Jake Odorizzi, who will be recalled Monday to start an afternoon game in Toronto. It will be his debut with the Rays. ... The Orioles recalled Valencia from Triple-A Norfolk after seinding 2B Ryan Flaherty to Norfolk after Saturday's game. ... Baltimore opens a three-game series Monday night against the AL East-leading New York Yankees. Freddy Garcia will start for the Orioles. ... Jones has been successful on all seven stolen base attempts this season.