WASHINGTON — It was the hottest ticket in town, a black-tie dinner gathering of Washington's political and media elite, but Dick Cheney couldn't make it.

The former vice president was busy, President Obama joked, working on his memoir "tentatively titled, 'How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People.' "

As the main attraction of Saturday night's star-studded annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Obama enjoyed poking fun at his critics and the Republican Party. But his own administration was also a target of the president's playful digs and one-liners.

"I believe my next hundred days will be so successful that I will be able to complete them in 72 days," he said to a roar of laughter. "And on my 73rd day, I will rest."

LENO TRIES TO CHEER UP OHIO TOWN

WILMINGTON, Ohio — In a region stung by layoffs and the pullout of a major employer, comedian Jay Leno was good for a few laughs.

The host of "The Tonight Show" put on a free stand-up performance yesterday for 4,000 people as part of his "Comedy Stimulus" tour.

Wilmington, a city of about 12,000 residents, has drawn attention as an example of the economic struggles of small U.S. communities during the recession. The main presidential candidates discussed its plight last year.

Leno drew cheers as he wrapped up the show, saying he was just trying to get some laughs and cheer people up.

WINFREY EXTOLS VALUE OF HELPING OTHERS

DURHAM, N.C. — Oprah Winfrey talked about courage, making wise choices and helping others during a commencement address yesterday at Duke University, which gave her an honorary degree.

The talk show host told the 4,400 graduates and their guests that "one of the best ways to enhance your own life is to enhance somebody else's" and to "stand proudly in your own shoes while you help others stand in theirs."

MAGUIRE FAMILY ADDS A BABY BOY

LOS ANGELES — The wife of "Spider-Man" star Tobey Maguire has given birth to the couple's second child, a boy.

People.com reports that 31-year-old Jennifer Meyer gave birth to a boy on Friday. Maguire's publicist yesterday confirmed the birth. The couple's daughter, Ruby Sweetheart Maguire, was born more than two years ago. Maguire, 33, and Meyer married in 2007.

'STAR TREK' DEFEATS 'WOLVERINE'

LOS ANGELES — "Star Trek" beamed itself up to the top of the box office, earning $76.5 million in its opening weekend.

Director J.J. Abrams' reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise made $72.5 million from Friday through yesterday, plus $4 million just in pre-midnight screenings Thursday, the studio said Saturday.

Last week's top film, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," came in at No. 2 with $27 million.