NEW YORK (AP) — The tech downturn is over and a recovery is on the way after a "dismal" 2009, as companies resume spending on computers and software, according to a new analysis.

Forrester Research Inc. was set to report Tuesday that it expects global spending on technology products and services to grow 8.1 percent in 2010, to more than $1.

MIAMI (AP) — Carnival Cruise Lines won't be sailing anymore with a boatload of "cougars" and their willing prey.

The Miami-based company has turned down a request from a singles travel group to book another cruise with the cougar theme. The term refers to older women who date younger men.

The singles group says the ban is unfounded.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has joined Democratic Rep. Nancy Todd, the Entertainment Software Association and Web Wise Kids to unveil an Internet safety program to help parents keep their children safe online.

Suthers said Monday that children are naive about dangers on the Internet and some parents are "clueless" about ways to protect them.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An appellate court on Monday overturned a $20 million award against a defunct charter jet company for secretly videotaping Michael Jackson and his attorneys during a 2003 flight.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled the amount was excessive, and XtraJet and its owner Jeffrey Borer shouldn't have to pay it to attorneys Mark Geragos and Pat Harris.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Simon Cowell, the acerbic Brit who has helped give "American Idol" some of its sharpest — and nastiest — moments, will leave the hit TV singing contest after this season.

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Court papers allege that an Olympia woman, angry that her husband left her, tampered with his power tools so that he received a powerful electric shock. Carolyn Paulsen-Riat was booked Friday into the Thurston County Jail for investigation of third-degree assault, domestic violence, and second-degree malicious mischief.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two members of the Dixie Chicks — minus lead singer Natalie Maines — are preparing to release a new album this year.

According to CMT.com, sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison are working on a project to be released on Columbia Records.

However, Lloyd Maines, Natalie's father, tells CMT.com that the three girls are "definitely still an entity."

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tobey Maguire's web-slinging days are behind him.

The 34-year-old actor and "Spider-Man" director Sam Raimi will not be returning to the superhero franchise next year. Instead, Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios announced Monday that a new "Spider-Man" film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on Peter Parker in high school would debut in the summer of 2012 with a new cast and filmmaking team.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Boulder International Film Festival organizers say actor Alec Baldwin will be the featured guest at the sixth annual event.

The festival runs Feb. 11-15, and Baldwin is scheduled to receive the festival's 2010 Award for Excellence in Acting on Feb. 14.

The star of "30 Rock" is co-hosting the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 7 with actor Steve Martin.

EWING, N.J. (AP) — Ruth McBride Jordan, whose life story was celebrated by her son in a best-selling book, "The Color of Water," has died. She was 88 and had been in failing health.

James McBride said his mother died Saturday at her home in Ewing, N.J.

His 1996 book, subtitled "A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother," catapulted his mother to international fame.