Marlon Jackson speaks about brother's death

Marlon Jackson speaks about brother's death
ESSENCE.com correspondent Roland S. Martin talks with Marlon Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and a member of the Jackson 5, about the death of his younger brother, the King of Pop.

Can We Stop It? Rick Astley is Not Dead

Plane crash, father's life recalled in book
Norman Ollestad remembers the tree limb.
Can We Stop It? Rick Astley is Not Dead
In the wake of the recent celebrity deaths (Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays) have come a spike in fake death news. Jeff Goldblum, Britney Spears, George Clooney, and Tuesday, Rick Astley. No, none of them are dead.

Michael Jackson Burial at Neverland Eyed

BET Awards salute Michael Jackson
The star-studded BET Awards got under way without "the greatest star in the world," Joe Jackson, father of the late Michael Jackson, said on Sunday night. "I wish the world had recognized him when he were living," Joe Jackson told CNN's Don Lemon outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Jackson Burial at Neverland Eyed

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch may be resurrectedas both a burial ground for the King of Pop and a Graceland-like mecca for his fansif his family has its way.

Battles over Jackson's kids, assets may loom

Battles over Jackson's kids, assets may loom
Michael Jackson's life has ended, but the legal battles over his possessions, his debts and his children are likely just beginning.
Fans Crawl the Web for Michael Jackson Death Photos
It's the same sort of morbid interest in a celebrity death that occurred when David Carradine died earlier this year. People are frantically searching for photos that show Michael Jackson dead, according to Google Trends. Perhaps it's simply because people don't believe it, as some still don't believe Elvis is dead.

Police focus on medical treatment in Jackson death

Autopsy planned Friday for Jackson
An autopsy for entertainer Michael Jackson has been scheduled for Friday and results are expected by afternoon, according to the Los Angeles, California, coroner's office.
Michael Jackson's Autopsy Results Inconclusive
Michael Jackson's autopsy results are in, and as expected, they are inconclusive. The Los Angeles coroner, through spokesperson Craig Harvey, said that full results will require further tests that will take four to six weeks.

Police focus on medical treatment in Jackson death
LOS ANGELES Police investigating Michael Jackson's death looked into his medical treatment Friday, seeking to interview one of the pop king's doctors and seizing a car that they said may contain drugs or other evidence.As medical examiners began an autopsy for Jackson, police towed a BMW from rented home "because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death," police spokeswoman Karen Rayner said.

Michael Jackson tributes appear all over U.S.

Michael Jackson tributes appear all over U.S.
U.S. fans of Michael Jackson are pouring out their grief through music and dance, impromptu shrines at symbolic locations and heartfelt remembrances online.

Michael Jackson's health woes took center stage

Autopsy planned Friday for Jackson
An autopsy for entertainer Michael Jackson has been scheduled for Friday and results are expected by afternoon, according to the Los Angeles, California, coroner's office.
Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett died on same tragic day: What celebs had to say?

Michael Jackson and "Charlie's Angels" star Farrah Fawcett died in the same day with both leaving a legacy behind and many fans deeply saddened by the news.

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news," Quincy Jones, who worked closely with Jackson on some of his most successful recordings. Michael Jackson was one of the first black entertainers of the MTV generation to gain a big success on the music channel. Fellow singer Celine Dion said in a statement, "I am shocked. I am overwhelmed by this tragedy. Michael Jackson has been an idol for me all my life

Michael Jackson's health woes took center stage
LOS ANGELES Over Michael Jackson's chart-topping music career, his health has commanded as much publicity as his hit songs.Plastic surgery, mysterious hospitalizations and reports of pill popping have long plagued the King of Pop.The circumstances surrounding Jackson's death Thursday were sketchy, but the pop icon apparently collapsed from cardiac arrest at his rented Bel-Air home.

A few questions for TV on the Radio

A few questions for TV on the Radio
Even though Brooklyn's TV on the Radio formed in 2001, the group really started to break out just last year.

Moderate heat is key to great grilled vegetables

Jon 'hurt' by Kate's remarks about 'activities'
Jon and Kate Gosselin both said they want their divorce to be "resolved amicably," but an unexplained Father's Day weekend dispute lurks within written statements released by each of them this week.
Farrah Fawcett near death

ACTRESS Farrah Fawcett is reportedly close to death just days after longtime love Ryan O'Neal revealed the couple were getting married.

Fawcett's official blog http://hitmanpr.blogspot.com/ was reporting 30 minutes ago that she had just been given the last rites by a priest in hospital.

Moderate heat is key to great grilled vegetables
For great grilled vegetables that are tender inside and crispy and smoky outside, moderate heat is key. Go too high and the outside will burn while the insides remain unpleasantly crunchy. GRILLED EGGPLANT AND RED PEPPER WITH MINT-CUMIN DRESSING 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), ends trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 2 red bell peppers, cored and cut into 2-inch strips 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt and ground black pepper 1 small

Ghostly pale, frail and wasting away. Just what has happened to Courtney Love?

Incubus front man Brandon Boyd true to his art
Brandon Boyd blends into his Venice, California, neighborhood like any other resident.
Ghostly pale, frail and wasting away. Just what has happened to Courtney Love?

In the past three years she has gone from curvaceous rock star to Hollywood's idea of slender perfection.

Sharon's "Funny Thing" is comical musical mix-up
Why should tired businessmen be the only ones to appreciate comedy and beautiful girls? Broadway's 1963 "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" supplied both in ample measure, but also added wit and a terrific score by the young Stephen Sondheim, who was snubbed that year by the Tony Awards committee.

Ed McMahon dies at 86

Ed McMahon dies at 86
Ed McMahon, the longtime pitchman and Johnny Carson sidekick whose "Heeeeeeerre's Johnny!" became a part of the vernacular, has died at age 86.

10 things action movies teach us

10 things action movies teach us
Every movie genre has special lessons to impart. Serious dramas offer sober reminders about how miserable people were in the olden days. A decent horror flick will teach you not to camp out in the woods with a group of rowdy, sex-crazed teenagers.
Miley Cyrus in new photo controversy with director Adam Shankman

Sixteen-year-old Disney star Miley Cyrus has caused another photo stormafter her latest movie producer posted up provocative photos of them on Twitter.

In one the teenager sits backwards on a chair, while in the other she poses with 44-year-old filmmaker ADAM SHANKMAN directly behind her.

Greater Danbury arts events, June 2128
MusicThe 2009 Gate House Cafe free concert series will continue with a performance by the Bernstein Bard Trio Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gate House at the Southbury Training School, 1461 South Britain Road.The band will perform world music including tangos, mazurkas, swing, waltz, bossa nova and samba.

Perez Hilton Assaulted by Will.i.am or When Gossip Writers Piss Off Celebrities

Reality bites for 'Jon & Kate'
Since "Jon & Kate Plus 8" premiered in 2007, the super-sized family has morphed into a multimillion-dollar empire, complete with merchandise, books and a loyal fan base that follows their every move. But such success comes with a price, as the Gosselins learned after allegations of infidelity and news of marital woes became public.
Perez Hilton Assaulted by Will.i.am or When Gossip Writers Piss Off Celebrities

It's not often that Perez Hilton makes the news, but he's given a world exclusive on his web site about being assaulted in Toronto by Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas and his security detail.

Hollywood's never ending remakes

EW Picks: 'Jon & Kate,' 'Transformers'
Earlier this year, Michael Bay told EW about the day that "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" (opening on Wednesday) nearly fell apart. It was Sunday, July 27, 2008.
Hollywood's never ending remakes

Who you gonna reboot? In the era of the remakes, reboots and do-overs, it is safe to say that no film is being left to gather dust if at one point or another it gathered audiences.

In fact it would seem that all a development exec in Hollywood needs to do their job nowadays is a Blockbuster card! From Star Trek to Batman, Psycho to Friday the 13th, more and more the concept of the sequel or even the prequel is being abandoned for a much simpler 're-imagining' of the original plot.

New clip shows 'Jon & Kate' troubles

New clip shows 'Jon & Kate' troubles
TLC released another video segment Friday from the network's one-hour "Jon & Kate Plus 8" episode scheduled to air Monday night.
Bill O' Reilly will appear on American Dream

FOXs News man Bill O' Reilly confirmed his appearance on Ingrid Lemmes American Dream show this summer, filmed at Gurneya s Inn in Montauk, aired tri-state NY on Hamptons TV- WVVH.A O' Reilly is holding up to his promise that he gave the bodacious show host a couple of years ago over a dinner at Gurneya s Sea Grille for an interview about his ...

'Jon & Kate' to make an 'announcement'

'Jon & Kate' to make an 'announcement'
With ratings sagging for TLC's "Jon & Kate Plus 8," the cable channel is teasing viewers with the revelation that "Jon & Kate have an announcement."

Jon and Kate to Make Major Announcement on Monday's Show

Review: 'Year One' almost a zero
Comedy isn't evolutionary. Hollywood has been plundering ancient history for yuks at least since Buster Keaton's day, and there's little in "Year One" to suggest we've progressed much over the last 90 years.
Jon and Kate to Make Major Announcement on Monday's Show
Jon and Kate Plus 8, the TLC reality show, may be losing one of them, or perhaps just entering a phase of the show where divorce is the central theme. A major announcement is planned for this Monday's show.

New exhibits to open at Aldrich this weekend
RIDGEFIELD -- The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum will host special events this weekend to celebrate the opening of five new exhibitions.On Saturday, the Aldrich will welcome summer with the "Solstice Garden Party: Sculpture. Performance. Picnic."The event will take place rain or shine, with the picnic moved indoors if the weather is bad.

'Year One' takes comedic pokes at the Bible

'Year One' takes comedic pokes at the Bible
In the midst of the ongoing culture wars, can it be a good idea to put out a comedy about two Stone Age men who wander into the Bible? Harold Ramis, director of the Jack Black film "Year One," thinks so. And given his track record -- "Animal House," "Groundhog Day," "Analyze This" -- he may have a point.

Joel and third wife split

'Vassup!' 'Bruno' hits the carpet for premiere
He arrived at the London premiere of his self-titled mockumentary dressed in an enormous bearskin hat, cropped red army tunic and barely there hot pants: Flamboyant Austrian fashionista, "Bruno," paid sartorial tribute to the British as only he knows how.
Michael Richards is a 'New Man': Actor reunites with 'Seinfeld' cast to film HBO's 'Curb.'
*The last time Michael Richards was in public, he was still trying to apologize for his 2006 N-word-laced rant at a Los Angeles comedy club. Fast forward three years, and the co-creator and former writer of Richards' sitcom "Seinfeld" says the actor has emerged from the ordeal with a fresh outlook. He's "is like a new man," says Larry David, who plays himself on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and recently reunited his "Seinfeld" cast for one of next season's episodes.

Joel and third wife split
Joel, third wife Katie Lee splitNEW YORK -- Billy Joel and wife Katie Lee are confirming a split. In a statement, the pair said that they remain "caring friends with admiration and respect for each other." They got married five years ago at Joel's mansion on New York's Long Island.
Poor publicity a wasted opportunity

- From Sydney Confidential

SHE came home to Sydney to promote the new Transformers movie but Isabel Lucas’s over-zealous US publicist meant the trip was largely wasted.

Photographers were not only barred from any interviews she conducted, they were not allowed at Tuesday night’s premiere in Bondi Junction.

It’s understood Lucas was happy to poseand did for an old paparazzo friend who contacted her directly.

Instead of vivid photos of Lucas at the launch, her US publicist, who flew back to LA with her charge yesterday, issued this bland handout photograph.

While the Westfield cinema complex has held many red carpet affairs, a Paramount spokeswoman yesterday said it was “too small” to stage one. It’s understood while Paramount wanted to open the event to photographers, the unnamed US publicist refused.

Is cheating ever deserved?

Is cheating ever deserved?
Much has been written in the media about men cheating on their wives. We have the tale of two Jo(h)ns: John Edwards, whose wife, Elizabeth Edwards, appeared on "Oprah" recently to promote her new book, "Resilence," in which she addresses her husband's much publicized affair, and Jon Gosselin, costar of the hit TLC reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," whose rumored affair has become tabloid fodder.

'80s hitmakers call decade 'silly'

'80s hitmakers call decade 'silly'
While shoulder pads and big hair are no longer part of the Bangles' repertoire, those glorious harmonies remain.The Bangles broke up at the end of the decade, after having hits with "Eternal Flame" and "Walk Like an Egyptian," but re-formed in 2000. They've just started on a new CD.
EUR Film Review: The Proposal
*Ambitious, NYC publishing executive Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) has been too busy clawing her way to the top of the corporate ladder to pay attention to anything but her career. In fact, the pampered narcissist tends to delegate what she considers trivial matters such as making "midnight Tampax runs" to her long-suffering secretary, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds). This is why the Canadian national has also been ignoring repeated requests from the U.S. government to renew her work visa.

Palin accepts Letterman's apology
Letterman's apology acceptedNEW YORK -- Sarah Palin says she accepts David Letterman's apology for the joke he made about her daughter. The Alaska governor, in a statement issued Tuesday, said the apology was accepted "on behalf of all young women, like my daughters, who hope men who 'joke' about public displays of sexual exploitation of girls will soon evolve.

Palin accepts David Letterman apology over his 'bad joke'

On Dave: 'It was a flawed joke'
David Letterman has been taking some heat and issuing some apologies for the off-color joke he made last week about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter, but he found a sympathetic critic in comedian Jeff Foxworthy on Monday.
Palin accepts David Letterman apology over his 'bad joke'

Gov. Sarah Palin said Tuesday she accepts David Letterman's apology for the sexually charged joke he made about her daughter.

Sarah Palin (Finally) Accepts Letterman's Apology

Foxworthy on Letterman: 'It was a flawed joke'
David Letterman has been taking some heat and issuing some apologies for the off-color joke he made last week about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter, but he found a sympathetic critic in comedian Jeff Foxworthy on Monday.
Sarah Palin (Finally) Accepts Letterman's Apology
It only took two tries, but Sarah Palin has finally accepted David Letterman's apology. You may recall that his first apology was just a little too snarky for Palin, who continued to criticize Letterman. His second one, aired last night on his show, seems to have hit the mark. His second one, aired last night on his show, seems to have hit the mark.

First Brüno review: ‘Acres of kugelsack’

THE world’s first review of Brüno has hit cyberspace, with Britain’s The Sun predicting Sacha Baron Cohen’s character will become the biggest Austrian export since Hitler.

Brüno, about a flamboyant gay fashion TV presenter, continues in the vein of his other larger-than-life character Borat, leaving viewers squirm in their seats.

“To say Brüno makes uncomfortable viewing is an understatement of Battle of Britain proportions,” The Sun’s reviewer said.

“When I wasn’t giggling like a 14-year-old, I was cowering behind my hands. And I wasn’t just hiding from the acres of kugelsack, Brüno’s word for the lunchbox, shown during the 90 minutes.”

The plot sees Brüno travels to Los Angeles after being dumped from his Austrian fashion show for his show-stopping Velcro outfit at a Milan catwalk.

“Brüno decides to become heterosexual‘like Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kevin Spacey’. And an interview with a pastor, who specialises in turning gay men straight, is priceless,’” the reviewer wrote.

Some of Hollywood’s hottest celebs are once again duped by the raucous comedian, with Paula Abdul and Latoya Jackson on Brüno’s hit list.  Let’s just say sushi served on a naked Mexican man was not what they had in mind when meeting the fashion reporter.

And in what has been described as one of the funniest Cohen scenes of all time, Bruno takes part in a Jerry Springer-style talk show, where Bruno has his adopted African baby confiscated. 

Fans will get a brief moment to catch a glimpse of Cohen’s outrageous character in a whirlwind 24-hour visit for the premiere of the film in Sydney on June 29.

Hopefully he will get a better reception than during filming of the movie, where he was threatened with a gun while on set, The Daily Telegraph reports.

New Miss California USA seeks calm waters

New Miss California USA seeks calm waters
Tami Farrell, who became Miss California USA last week when Donald Trump dumped Carrie Prejean, promises to avoid controversy during the five months of her reign.

Money, God and homosexuality

Money, God and homosexuality
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner is perhaps best-known for his play "Angels in America." His latest work is "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures." CNN sat down with him to talk about the same-sex marriage debate, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the Obama administration.
Obama Takes a Hard Hit from Bill Maher (Video)
*If you're a fan of comedian/pundit Bill Maher, you know he's a huge Barack supporter. But he's also let it be known that the President doesn't get a pass just because he's the President. So Friday on his HBO show, "Real Time With Bill Maher," he took some hard shots at the President saying that he (Obama) was taking every opportunity to stay in the media and he (Maher) is sick of it: "We get it. You're skinny and in a hurry and in love with a nice lady." He pauses here and then says, "But so is Lindsay Lohan." Maher went on to say that we see President Obama "in the paper a lot, but we're kind of wondering when you're going to actually do something." Mind you, this is all said in love ... tough love. You have to admit there's a little truth in there when he says that the Prez needs to start "putting it on the line in fights against the banks, the energy companies and the healthcare industry." Here's the line that's resonating with some folks. Maher says what Obama "needs in his personality is a little George Bush." Wow. Interesting. We didn't paraphrase it all, but CLICK OVER to watch the video to put those startling words in context. So, if you're tired of Obama making apologies for his every move, click over and check out the video.

"Slumdog Millionaire" Child Star Finally Gets New Home
"Slumdog Millionaire" star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, who earlier saw his home demolished when authorities demolished parts of the slum his family was living in, has a new home.

Connecticut and New Jersey choral societies find strength in numbers
Eric Dale Knapp is a busy conductor, holding several music director positions in this country and abroad. He got a chance to combine two of those duties last Saturday, bringing his New Jersey Choral Society to Danbury's First Congregational Church for a concert with his Connecticut Choral Society.

Usher Divorce Update: Now it's officially on; Papers filed Friday.

Jada's new show to feature hubby as 'extra'
Before Jada Pinkett Smith took the role of producer and star of TNT's "HawthoRNe," she made sure her family was fine with her being away from her mother and wife duties during filming.
Usher Divorce Update: Now it's officially on; Papers filed Friday.
*After a flood of false online reports on Thursday that had Usher had filing for divorce against Tameka Foster, the is now saying that he has officially filed. Court records show singer the entertainer has filed for divorce from Tameka Foster Raymond after less than two years of marriage. The 30-year-old Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Usher Raymond IV, filed the petition Friday in Superior Court in Atlanta. The court record did not give any details about the split between the R&B star and his wife, who were married in August 2007. Click over to see what EUR reported earlier.

It's a 'New' day for Taking Back Sunday

It's a 'New' day for Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday is recharged.

RNC Chairman Steele Asks for a Letterman Boycott

Scorsese, Web site put classics online
Social networking, Martin Scorsese and cinema classics on demand: this is the enticing mix on offer at new movie Web site The Auteurs.
RNC Chairman Steele Asks for a Letterman Boycott
The David LettermanSarah Palin dust-up just won't go away. Whether or not he really meant it, some are saying that RNC chairman Michael Steele has just called for a boycott of "Late Night with David Letterman."

Property owners forgive actress' stunt
Alba's off the hookin shark dustupOKLAHOMA CITY -- The owners of property allegedly plastered with great white shark posters by actress Jessica Alba say they won't pursue criminal charges. Oklahoma City police are continuing to investigate the allegations, but say they first plan to meet with property owners to see if they are willing to prosecute.
‘Chk-Chk boom’ girl to record an album

From Sydney Confidential

AFTER signing PR guru Max Markson as her new agent, “Chk-Chk Boom Girl” Clare Werbeloff is headed into the recording studio to make an album.

Markson has commissioned a team of songwriters to create a hit song for the bogus crime witness.

We gather the brief included “get her to use the expression chk-chk”.

Markson yesterday said he had high hopes for Chk-Chk’s musical career, adding that what Chk-Chk wants most of all “is to become a television presenter”.

Werbeloff, 19, became a global internet sensation with her colourful though entirely made up eyewitness account of a shooting in Sydney’s Kings Cross.

T-shirts and beer mugs were made in her honour, and she was even offered of a magazine bikini shoot.

When a news crew asked for witnesses to the shooting, Werbeloff, who longs to be famous, stepped forward on the spur of the momentand straight into instant celebrity.

“There were these two wogs fighting,” Werbeloff said to the camera.

“The fatter wog said to the skinnier wog: ‘Oi bro, you slept with my cousin.’ And the other one said: ‘Nah man, I didn’t for shit, eh’ and the other one goes: ‘I will call on my fully sick boys, eh.’ And then pulled out a gun and went ‘chk-chk boom’.”

Watch the clip here:

- With The Australian

Miss California USA Prejean dethroned

Miss California USA Prejean dethroned
Carrie Prejean has been dethroned as Miss California USA for "contract violations" including missing official pageants, according to state pageant spokesman Roger Neal.
Letterman Responds to Palin's Criticisms
On Wednesday night, David Letterman addressed Sarah Palin's response to Monday night's Top Ten List, the "Top Ten Highlights of Sarah Palin's Trip to New York City," seen below in a video. Palin accused Letterman of making "disgusting" and "sexually perverted" jokes about one of her daughters, and also called one of his jokes about her looking like a "slutty flight attendant," "pretty pathetic."

People in the News
Pitt snags painting at Swiss art fairBASEL, Switzerland -- Brad Pitt was the star attraction at this year's edition of the world's leading contemporary art fair. He also was a customer. Art Basel spokeswoman Maike Cruse says Pitt bought a painting titled "Etappe" by the German artist Neo Rauch.

Capt. Jack Sparrow leads sailor list

Capt. Jack Sparrow leads sailor list
From HMS Titanic to the Black Pearl, Hollywood has long felt the lure of the open sea. But who are the seafaring heroes who have steered a course into our imaginations navigating the tempestuous oceans?

Bruce Springsteen concert tickets go on sale Friday

'Pelham 123' stars had wild ride
Denzel Washington's new movie, "The Taking of Pelham 123," is not a remake, even though Walter Matthau starred in a film by the same name in 1974. The riveting movie is about a subway dispatcher confronted by a former Wall Street trader seeking revenge from the city of New York for sending him to prison.
Blink 182 To Release New Album

Blink-182 have revealed they are working on a new album, fresh from their first reunion show last month.

Bruce Springsteen concert tickets go on sale Friday
Tickets to see Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band on Aug. 19 at the Comcast Theatre in Hartford, formerly The Meadows, go on sale Friday at 9 a.m.This will be Springsteen's firstconcert at that venue. Tickets are $35 for the lawn, $98 for reserved seating, plus service charges.

Tickets for Bruce Springsteen to go on sale Friday
Tickets to see Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will go on sale Friday for an Aug. 19 concert at Comcast Theatre (formerly The Meadows) in Hartford.This will be Springsteen's first appearance at that venue. Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.

Irv Gotti Says Eminem Is Not All That

Tense film pits men against bombs
"The Hurt Locker," which opens in limited release later this month, depicts a American bomb disposal unit in the Iraq war. Director Kathryn Bigelow said she wanted to shine a light on the soldiers' heroism -- and the price they pay.
Irv Gotti Says Eminem Is Not All That

Irv Gotti of The Inc Records has reacted to Vibe magazine's naming of Eminem as the "best rapper alive", and he clearly doesn't agree.

Tickets to Hartford Miley Cyrus concert go on sale Saturday
Walmart will present Miley Cyrus with special guests Metro Station on Nov. 12 at the XL Center in Hartford.Tickets will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.Paperless tickets will be available through ticketmaster.com and by calling (800) 745-3000. There will be a limit of four paperless tickets per household.