ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: rumor has it that

Angliholic — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:01:50 GMT

Got it! Thanks, WA and Yankee, for your time and reply.

Re: rumor has it that

Yankee — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:56:00 GMT

Hi Angliholic

'More recently' refers to something which has happened more recently than something that was mentioned previously.

'Rumor has it' is a fixed expression that refers to one rumor -- a story or fact which people are currently claiming is true. In this case, the one rumor is that Puss-in-Boots may soon star in his own film.

Re: rumor has it that

WesternAmerican — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:43:13 GMT

Dear Angi,
Rumor has it that.. is an idiom, a colloquial expression.
All in all, idioms usually don't make much sense to the listener's ear.

rumor has it that

Angliholic — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:31:45 GMT

More recently, Puss-in-Boots appeared in the movie Shrek 3, and rumor has it that he may soon star in his own film.

What does more recently indicate? Is it sooner in time than recently?
Second, I wonder why it's rumor has it instead of rumors have it since there is no doubt more than just one rumor. Could you dig up a reason as for why?
Thanks.