Tapes: MJ, Janet would imagine dad's death

Tapes: MJ, Janet would imagine dad's death
Michael Jackson was one of the most famous people in the world. Yet for all his global notoriety, the man himself was shrouded in mystery.

Nas Speaks Out Against Chicago Teen Killing: 'We choose the dumbest things to go the hardest for.'

Was Jon Gosselin trying to get fired?
Not long after Jon and Kate Gosselin announced their divorce on the hit TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," the speculation began: did Jon want to pursue other opportunities?
Nas Speaks Out Against Chicago Teen Killing: 'We choose the dumbest things to go the hardest for.'
*Moved by the senseless beating death of a 16-year-old honor student by gang members in Chicago, rapper Nas has written an open letter to teens who throw away their future by battling each other. As previously reported, Derrion Albert was repeatedly stomped in the head, punched and beaten with planks in a gang-related brawl outside of his school. Four teens have been arrested in connection with the murder: Silvanus Shannon (19), Eric Carson (16), Eugene Riley (18), and Eugene Bailey (17). Nas, who lost his close friend Willie "Ill Will" Graham to senseless violence in 1992, wrote the following open letter: Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool. Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling, that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But we chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Filas, and name plate chains. Deaths over 'he say she say'!!!!! 'I'm from this block or I'm from that block", or 'my moms n pops is f***ed up now the whole world gotta pay!!! Click over to read MORE.

Filmmakers demand Polanski's release

Filmmakers demand Polanski's release
Woody Allen, Pedro Almodovar and Martin Scorsese have "demanded the immediate release" of fellow filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland on a U.S. arrest warrant related to a 1977 child sex charge.
Swizz Beat's Wife Calls Out Alicia Keys: 'You know what you did,' writes Mashonda in an open letter.
*Singer Mashonda, who says she is technically still married to rap producer Swizz Beatz, has written an open letter to Alicia Keys regarding the alleged relationship she is having with her husband. Rumors of the Keys/Beatz hookup began to circulate in early 2008, after Beatz and Mashonda were separated. According to the Web site Rap-Up.com, Mashonda has been trying to reach out to the Grammy winning singer/songwriter ever since, but never received a response. So, the open letter was the only way she could communicate with the singer. It was sparked by a Twitter message Keys posted on Friday. She wrote: "Having a heated debate n the studio. Question is ... N love is it better to go 4 the choice that is 'SMART' or the choice that has 'SPARK'??" Click over to read the letter in it's entirety.

Brain scans gauge horror flick fear factor

Brain scans gauge horror flick fear factor
Editor's note: For more on neurocinema tune into The Screening Room's Halloween special at the following times: Wednesday 28 October: 0930, 1730, Saturday 31 October: 0930, 1800, 2130, Sunday 1 November: 0630, 1830, Monday 2 November: 0400 (all times GMT)
Mariah Carey Finds Freedom Being 'imperfect'

Lee Daniels had so much faith in Mariah Carey's acting that when the director's first choice to play a dowdy, no-nonsense social worker _ Oscar-winner Helen Mirren _ backed out, he quickly asked Carey to step in.

Tumultuous Polanski always in spotlight

Tumultuous Polanski always in spotlight
Roman Polanski is regarded as one of the finest directors of his generation, winning an Oscar for "The Pianist" and nominations for "Tess" and "Rosemary's Baby," but he is probably as equally well known for his own tumultuous life.

Fire Department Hunk Caught in "Wife Swap" Stabbing Scandal

Drinking, brawling part of fun for Kings of Leon
We halfway expect the four members of Kings of Leon to roll into Bar 1200 drunk and brawling, a burly tour manager leading them in by the scruff of their necks.
Fire Department Hunk Caught in "Wife Swap" Stabbing Scandal
Michael Biserta, a firefighter from Brooklyn's Ladder Co. 131 who already was involved in one scandal, one with a full-frontal nude video, has just joined up with another scandal. He's been named as the "other man" in the messy New Jersey divorce of Jamie Czerniawski, a former reality-show contestant who stabbed her husband.

On the road, with 17 national parks along the way
From from the mountains to the prairies, from the lowest point in North America to its highest peak, from Kentucky caves to Alaskan glaciers, Nick and Ana Leibowitz have been there and back. In two months.Blessed with an extremely dependable Toyota Yaris and a economy that favors driving and camping rather than flying and spa-ing, the Leibowitzes spent 61 days seeing America this summer.

Readers tell of their adventures at America's national parks

Polanski arrested in 1970s sex case
Filmmaker Roman Polanski has been arrested on an arrest warrant stemming from a decades-old sex charge, Swiss police said Sunday.
Festival says director Polanski in Swiss custody

Director Roman Polanski has been taken into custody by Swiss police on a 31-year-old U.S. arrest warrant, organizers of the Zurich Film Festival said Sunday.

Readers tell of their adventures at America's national parks
"Have you visited any of America's parks?"We asked readers this question and learned a great number of local folks have made America's national parks a vacation destination, and many have had interesting adventures there.Over the past week we featured several of these stories in The News-Times.

Renowned Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha dies at 86

File -- Pianist Alicia De Larrocha is shown in this March 26, 1978 file photo taken at Alice Tully hall in New York, N.Y. The diminutive Spanish pianist esteemed for her elegant Mozart performances and regarded as an incomparable interpreter of AlbAf©niz, Granados, Mompou and other Spanish composers, died on Friday evening Sept.

Juiced-up 'Much Ado' in Brookfield

Jackson tapes reveal his soul, former adviser says
Michael Jackson feared his father so much he would faint or vomit sometimes when his father entered the room -- even when the pop singer was an adult, according to a book written by a former Jackson confidant.
Conan O'Brien hits head during 'Tonight' stunt

Conan O'Brien hit his head during a stunt for the "Tonight Show" on Friday and the production was halted, NBC said.

Juiced-up 'Much Ado' in Brookfield
The spirited production of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" at Brookfield Theatre for the Arts is proof positive that the old college try works on stage just as it does on the playing field.The production was conceived and directed by Ron Sniffin, a recent college graduate, and the cast -- with the exception of a couple of adult actors -- is made up of high school students, college students and recent grads.

"Michael Jackson Tapes" Details Excesses

A new book by Michael Jackson's former spiritual adviser says the pop superstar feared the ravages of old age and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs and cosmetic surgery nearly a decade before his death.

The worst movies of the decade

The worst movies of the decade
RottenTomatoes.com has released its list of the 100 worst movies of the decade list. What's No. 1? And how do they come up with the list? Find out the details and watch clips of the Top 25 worst movies listed by the site.

Magician and music open Cutting Edge Theatre in Danbury

For Mackenzie Phillips, drugs sidelined career
Actress Mackenzie Phillips has said that she believes she had a "genetic predisposition" to the life of sex, drugs and rock and roll that have come to define her.
Dr. Oz, The New Wizard of TV?

First came Dr. Phil, then came Rachael Ray, and now Oprah Winfrey has spun off another of the contributors from her talk show into a program of their own.

Magician and music open Cutting Edge Theatre in Danbury
DANBURY -- The Cutting Edge Theatre, at The City Ale House, 253 Main St., will have its grand opening Saturday, featuring master illusionist David Martin.Two national recording artists will also perform -- Hollywood Kills, a high-energy rock band from New Jersey, and Lissa Fiore & Company.

Dane, Gayheart sue over nude tape

Dane, Gayheart sue over nude tape
Eric Dane and wife Rebecca Gayheart are suing the pants off the parent company of a blog that posted their nude tape last month.
Revolutionary War re-enactment to take place in Redding this weekend
REDDING -- A Revolutionary War re-enactment will take place at Putnam Memorial State Park this weekend."The Model Company," a select group of living historians, will represent Captain Andrew Fitch's troops as they appeared in the fall of 1778. Over that time they moved frequently between eastern New York and the area of New Milford, Ridgefield, and Danbury.

Enquirer says there's really 'bad blood' between Whitney and Oprah; interview served their agendas

Phillips: Father wanted me as his wife
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired Wednesday, Mackenzie Phillips claimed that she was "raped" by her father while still a teenager.
Enquirer says there's really 'bad blood' between Whitney and Oprah; interview served their agendas
*In the wake of Oprah Winfrey's two-part interview with Whitney Houston last week, the National Enquirer claims it wasn't as much of a mutual admiration society as it appeared. The tabloid's front page this week screams "WHITNEY HOUSTON TELLS PALS OPRAH WINFREY IS A LIAR!" The publication's website claims: Bad blood has been simmering between the superstars for years over Whitney's struggle with drugsand their secret feud exploded off camera when the pop diva angrily blasted Oprah as a liar! "Whitney knew Oprah's show could help her clean up her tarnished image after years of drug use and her troubled marriage to Bobby Brownand Oprah knew the interview could help her sagging TV ratings," says an insider. "But Whitney felt Oprah ...

Sarah Michelle Prinze has baby girl

Sarah Michelle Prinze has baby girl
Sarah Michelle Prinze and husband Freddie Prinze Jr. are parents, PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

Mackenzie Phillips' secret is she slept with her father

Commentary: Let Elton John adopt
On a recent tour of a Ukrainian orphanage, Elton John and his partner met Lev, a 14-month old HIV-positive boy.
Mackenzie Phillips' secret is she slept with her father

Actress Mackenzie Phillips revealed that she had a sexual relationship with her father, John Phillips, the founder of The Mamas and the Papas band of the 1960's. The secret unveiled after 31 years is told in her new memoir "High on Arrival" which hits stores this week but she also talked openly about it to Oprah in an episode of the "Oprah Winfrey ...

John Travolta in Bahamas for extortion trial

John Travolta in Bahamas for extortion trial
John Travolta has traveled to the Bahamas and is prepared to be the first witness Tuesday in an extortion case linked to his 16-year-old son's death, a source told PEOPLE.

Dave Matthews Sounds Off: Racism "Everywhere" in America

'Glee' banks on risky strategy
When Fox aired a sneak-peek episode of its new series "Glee" four months before the show actually premiered, it took a big chance that the audience would still care. The risk seems to have paid off.
Dave Matthews Sounds Off: Racism "Everywhere" in America
Jimmy Carter recently stated that the enmity from some segments of the population regarding President Barack Obama is based on racism. While denied by many, including the White House, others, outside the political spectrum, have begun to weigh in. One such example is famed musician Dave Matthews.

Brubeck Brothers to play at Weir Farm's 'Jazz in the Garden' Sunday
RIDGEFIELD -- The Weir Farm Art Center, in cooperation with the Weir Farm National Historic Site, will present its 14th annual outdoor concert, "Jazz in the Garden," featuring the acclaimed Brubeck Brothers Quartet on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 46 p.m.

Oprah flick 'Precious' tops at Toronto

Oprah flick 'Precious' tops at Toronto
This year's Toronto International Film Festival wrapped up Saturday and Hollywood evacuated, leaving the city to turn its attention to ice hockey team, the Maple Leafs' fall calendar.

U.S. racism 'everywhere,' says Dave Matthews

U.S. racism 'everywhere,' says Dave Matthews
Watching the Dave Matthews Band moments before they take the stage is like watching a football team bursting out of the locker room before a big game.
Dishin' Dirt on Kelly Clarkson, The Emmys, Eddie Griffin And Lots More! (Video/Photos)
Folks are still dissing Kanye West and this time it ain't nobody black. This time it's Kelly Clarkson. The night of the MTV Awards Kelly took to her blog and had this to say about Kanye; Dear Kanye, What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we're all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I've seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It's absolutely fascinating how much I don't like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you...which is pretty odd since I don't even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren't even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really?? I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her...so why can't you be?? I'm not even mad at you for being an asshole...I just pity you because you're a sad human being. On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!! Taylor Swift, you outsell him ... that's why he's bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl! Side BarPlease believe that when Kanye releases a new CD that it will probably go "coaster" regardless of how great it is. Apology or not, folks are HATING Kanye right now.

Beyonce to perform in Malaysia despite dress code

Big-haired Iowa rapper a Web queen
Leslie Hall is a different kind of music star -- an Iowa-based rapper devoted to gem-encrusted sweaters, who also serves as an officiant for gay couples. Her life has found a following on the Web.
Beyonce to perform in Malaysia despite dress code

In this Sept. 13, 2009 photo, Beyonce Knowles arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall, in New York.

Move X Factor, Cowell to tell ITV

Khloe Kardashian to marry Lakers player
Wow, talk about a whirlwind romance!
Move X Factor, Cowell to tell ITV

Simon Cowell has said he hopes to persuade ITV to move The X Factor so the Saturday night clash with the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show does not continue.

Boz Scaggs gala a success for Ridgefield Playhouse
RIDGEFIELD -- From the abundant food from Bernard's, to the flowing champagne from Cellar XV in the VIP tent, to the performance by Boz Scaggs, the Ridgefield Playhouse Gala on Sunday was a success for the playhouse, which needed a good turnout."We wound up selling about 400 gala tickets, which is where we needed to be so as not to take a hit financially on the show.

Suit Filed Against Kobe & Wife Moves Forward: Bryants had sought to have case dismissed.
*Kobe and Vanessa Bryant got mixed news yesterday regarding the suit filed by their former maid. A California judge has ruled that Maria Jimenez can continue her wrongful discharge case but can't sue for emotional distress. Orange County Superior Court Judge Kirk Nakamura also ruled Thursday that the Bryants can pursue their countersuit against Jimenez for violating a confidentiality agreement by talking to reporters about the family.

Avril Lavigne separates from husband

Avril Lavigne separates from husband
Life's going to be a little less complicated for Avril Lavigne.
Boz Scaggs gala a success for The Ridgefield Playhouse
RIDGEFIELD -- From the abundance of food by Bernards and flowing champagne in the VIP tent from Cellar XV, to the performance by Boz Scaggs, The Ridgefield Playhouse Gala on Sunday is considered a success by the playhouse that was in need of a good turnout.

Quirky Iowa rapper gaining ce-Web-rity status

Quirky Iowa rapper gaining ce-Web-rity status
It was five minutes before doors opened at Atlanta rock club The Earl and Leslie Hall was backstage cramming her ample proportions into head-to-toe spandex.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" rounds up "Seinfeld" gang

Fri Sep 18, 2009 4:59am EDTCast member and creator Larry David attends the premiere of the seventh season of the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in Los Angeles September 15, 2009.

Tour de force Hepburn show in Newtown
Performances, unfortunately, do not always age as well as wine. Actors playing the same role night after night can fall into a routine that lulls once-exciting performances into an air of the mechanical. Luckily, more often than not, a performance deepens with continued exposure to the script and the nuances of meaning that live theater uncovers.

Sultan Kosen: World's Tallest Man in London (Video and photos)

Sultan Kosen: World's Tallest Man in London 17 September 2009 @ 11:48 am EDT Turkish Sultan Kosen has been officially recognized as the world's tallest man by Guinness World Records, after measuring in at 8ft 1in. Read full article here.

Ridgefield 'Therapy' has nutty shrinks, confused patients

World records: Tallest teen, most Smurfs
A call for Smurfs brought together 1,253 dressed-up-in-blue people in County Monaghan, Ireland. A 4,703-pound cheesecake rolled out in Mexico City. A 7-year-old Michigan boy made a ball of plastic wrap that's 11 feet across.
Jokey Joke: C'mon Son!Ed Lover's Hilarious Swipes At Kanye (Video)
*This is a classic! A blast from the not so distant past, Ed Lover, is here to put on blast, as only HE can, all those who stole the limelight from others these past couple weeks. He needs his own show again because if this is what he can do with just a few minutes, imagine what his half hour program would look like. He even has celebrity guest appearances. Somebody get MTV on the phone ... ED LOVER'S BAAAACK!! Oh yeah, WARNING! The language is a bit rough for the workplace or children. Proceed with caution and get ready to laugh out loud. This is a hoot. Click over to check it out.

Ridgefield 'Therapy' has nutty shrinks, confused patients
If you should find yourself undergoing psychological counseling, and your therapist keeps referring to you as a porpoise rather than a patient and relies on a hand puppet for corroboration of your diagnosis -- boy, are you in trouble!That's exactly the plight of Bruce (Kyle Pinto), an amiable Manhattanite who is looking to push the sexual/romantic envelope of his young and malleable life.

Artist Craig Colorusso to present 'neverending sound and light installation'
DANBURY -- What the heck is MB 89? It's an environment you can enter and experience.On Saturday, Sept. 19, artist Craig Colorusso presents his latest piece, MB 89. There are three elements in the environment -- light, sound and sculpture. Unlike a band scenario where people are herded into a space and the band performs before them, MB 89 is a piece that allows people to come into the room and participate in what's happening around them.

Nelly Furtado embraces Latin roots with album

Nelly Furtado embraces Latin roots with album
Singer Nelly Furtado is trying to cross over in a direction many artists don't ordinarily take.
Derby Drew: Barrymore wheels into directing debut with rowdy women's tale 'Whip It'

Drew Barrymore chose a real balancing act for her directing debut. She does it on wheels, directing and acting alongside "Juno" co-star Ellen Page in "Whip It," a rowdy tale of roller-derby women.

Ridgefield 'Therapy' has nutty shrinks, confused patients
Theater reviewIf you should find yourself undergoing psychological counseling, and your therapist keeps referring to you as a porpoise rather than a patient and relies on a hand puppet for corroboration of your diagnosisboy, are you in trouble!That's exactly the plight of Bruce (Kyle Pinto), an amiable Manhattanite who is looking to push the sexual/romantic envelope of his young and malleable life.

Kanye West Apologizes for Taylor Swift Interruption on Jay Leno
Jay Leno inaugurated his new 10 PM show on Monday night, and started things off with a blockbuster guest, Kanye West. Normally, a three minute stint wouldn't be a big deal, but after Kanye's flame-out with Taylor Swift on the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), managing getting him to apologize on the air is a big coup.

Kanye tells Leno outburst 'was rude, period'

Kanye tells Leno outburst 'was rude, period'
Kanye West appeared to blame the pain of his mother's death two years ago for his "rude" behavior at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards.
Dishin' Dirt on Jay-Z, Beyonce and Rihanna (Is Jay dumping Bey for Ri Ri?)
*The Kanye West saga seems to be NEVER ENDING. Rumor has it that Kanye's outburst caused a HUGE fight between Jay-Z and Beyonce. According to industry insiders, Jay was there when Kanye ran up on stage and took the mic from Taylor. MTV execs were FURIOUS at Kanye for what he did and demanded that he go out on stage and apologize to Taylor but Kanye refused and opted to leave the venue. Jay was pissed at how the MTV execs played Kanye but what really pissed him off was when Beyonce was gracious enough to allow Taylor to have her "moment" to shine. Allegedly, Jay saw that as a "dis" to the Roc family. To "punish" Bey for her "disloyalty" Jay partied it up all night with Rihanna. Personally, I think all of this is a bunch of BS. I cannot see Jay-Z being pissed at his wife for acting like an adult. Speaking of drama, word on the street is that Kerry Washington and Kim Kardashian have been going at it over Reggie Bush. To get the details on that story as well as dirt on Whitney Houston, Lil Mama and more, click over.

Guitarist Roger Filgate to debut new CD Friday in Danbury
DANBURY -- On Friday, Sept. 18, Danbury resident Roger Filgate will debut his latest CD, "Worlds Within," in a performance at Western Connecticut State University's Ives Concert Hall, on White Street.Regarded as a guitar virtuoso, Roger is considered by many to be one of the few remaining "old school" players whose mixture of rock, blues and progressive guitar styles is reminiscent of the classic rock of the late '60s through early '80s.

MTV awards: A tribute and a disruption

MTV awards: A tribute and a disruption
Even by the standards of the anything-goes MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West's hijacking of pop sweetheart Taylor Swift's speech at the Sunday night ceremony was particularly brutal.
Dishin' Dirt On The 2009 VMAs: Janet, Madonna, Beyonce, Kanye and lots more (Video)
*What's up y'all? Here is the dirt ... This year's MTV VMAs were GREAT! It was full of entertainment and DRAMA ... just like I like it. The show opened with a heart felt "monologue" from Madonna about Michael Jackson which was followed by a MJ tribute headlined by Janet Jackson. Can I just say that for Janet to be over 40, that sista does not look or dance like she is a day over 20. She danced her butt off!! Side Bar-After watching the VMA tribute to the King of Pop, I will be the first to say that BET ought to be ashamed of themselves for that BS of a tribute they gave Michael Jackson. Nuff said ... Overall the VMA's were great but the highlight of the evening seemed to have been when Kanye "BYCHAZZ" West stole the spotlight from Taylor Swift. As usual Beyonce NAILED her performance! She jammed so hard that folks had to respect her hustle. That is a BAD girl. Click over to check out her performance. Side Bar-Folks can say what they want about Beyonce but the lil' sista is a BEAST of a performer. She is da TROOF! Want MORE dirt from the VMAs? No problem. Sony From The Atl can't wait to dish it up for ya. Just Click over to link to it.

Elton John wants to adopt Ukrainian toddler with his partner David Furnish

Look out, Madonna and Angelina Joliepop star Elton John may be joining the ranks of A-list celebrities with adopted children.

Opening night: Comic 'much ado' in Brookfield
"Much Ado About Nothing," Shakespeare's comedy about romance, courtship and fidelity, opens Friday at 8 p.m. at the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Route 25, behind the Brookfield Library.Directed by Rob Sniffin, the Brookfield production boasts a large and energetic cast for this classic comedy about slow-developing romance, which Sniffin has set in a contemporary environment.

Erin Andrews Tells Oprah of Her "Peeping Tom Video" Nightmare
Erin Andews, ESPN reporter and victim of a video made surreptitiously through a peephole in her hotel room, told Oprah Winfrey in a short segment aired on Friday that upon seeing it, she thought her "career was over."