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Jackson memorial gets 1.6 million ticket requests

LOS ANGELES -- The more than 1.6 million fans who registered for tickets to Michael Jackson's memorial service will wait until Monday to learn if they received one of the 11,000 tickets for Tuesday's ceremony.


Sunday, July 5, 2009

Jackson memorial gets 1.6 million ticket requests

LOS ANGELES -- The more than 1.6 million fans who registered for tickets to Michael Jackson's memorial service will wait until Monday to learn if they received one of the 11,000 tickets for Tuesday's ceremony.


Expect the unexpected from Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere doesn't like to pose, party or act like a prima donna.

No more days off for 'Beth' dad Ruck Buffalo Grove writer didn't love 'Beth Cooper'

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Jackson kids face hurdles to coping with his death

No matter how unusual their lives may have been so far, Michael Jackson's children now face a universal trauma felt by all kids who suddenly lose a parent.


Omg! Positive tone boosts Yahoo celeb site to top

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Think of the most popular brands in celebrity news, and you'll probably come up with a small list that includes Entertainment Tonight, US Weekly and People.


The Ciara club
"You will never ever catch me," a sexy cartoon figure warns in the album art for Ciara's new "Fantasy Ride." She is called Super C, "which is also my nickname," says Ciara, 23, flipping through the CD jacket after a photo shoot. Unlike Mariah Carey's Bianca or Beyonce's Sasha Fierce, C is not her alter ego. "She's my superhero character, and the superhero in all of us. She's the inner strength and drive that we need to overcome obstacles."

Friday, July 3, 2009

Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson’s home
A law enforcement official says the powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson’s home. Diprivan is an intravenous anesthetic drug widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. Also known as Propofol, it’s very unusual to have in a private home.
Video: Michael's last performance

Jackson memorial could be crowd control nightmare
City officials are scrambling over the holiday weekend to try to figure out how to accommodate a public memorial service for Michael Jackson at a venue that can hold no more than 20,000 people. “If you can imagine 100,000 people show up and you have 20,000 capacity, there is not sufficient room. Now you have a crowd-control problem,” an official said.
Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson’s home Video: Michael's last performance

Bank on it: Jolie, Aniston have more than Brad in common

The former wife and the current girlfriend of Brad Pitt are the women who made the money in Hollywood in the past 12 months, Forbes reports.


Mitchel Musso merrily multitasking music, 'Montana'
For the last three years, Mitchel Musso hasn't had much other than Montana on his mind. As in "Hannah Montana." The 17-year-old actor, who plays best friend Oliver Oken on the Disney Channel series, will get to spend the next three months touring with his rock band — including this weekend at Taste — in support of his recently released self-titled CD.

Richards all a Twitter about her 'Complicated' life on TV

Denise Richards' reality show is called "It's Complicated," but her life seems less complex now that she's reached an understanding with ex-husband Charlie Sheen after a messy divorce.


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Jermaine Jackson: 'I wish it was me'
Jermaine Jackson says he would like to see Neverland Ranch as his brother Michael’s final resting place. And in an interview broadcast Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show, Jermaine Jackson also said he wishes he had died instead of his younger brother, and that Michael was “a gift from Allah.”
DEA now involved in Michael Jackson probe Bill Zwecker: Where there's a will ... MJ fans write in

Sen. Al Franken: Who should play me on 'SNL'?
Al Franken’s torn over who he’d like to see turn the parody tables on him. When asked Wednesday who’d be best for the role, Franken first said it may be Fred Armisen, who portrays President Barack Obama in SNL skits. He then said occasional guest Alec Baldwin might be a better fit.

O'Neal son turned away; 'He's a bad guy,' dad says
Ryan O'Neal says he banned his estranged son from Farrah Fawcett's funeral. The actor told "Inside Edition" he turned away Griffin O'Neal because "he's a bad guy." Griffin, brother of Tatum O'Neal and son of his father's first wife, Joanna Cook Moore, has a history of substance abuse and was responsible for a 1986 boating accident that killed Francis Ford Coppola's son, Gian-Carlo Coppola.

Photos: Farrah Fawcett funeral Friends, family say farewell to Farrah

DEA now involved in Michael Jackson probe

LOS ANGELES — With the federal Drug Enforcement Administration now joining the investigation into Michael Jackson’s death, Jermaine Jackson says he would be “hurt” if toxicology reports show that his younger brother abused prescription drugs.

Where there's a Jackson will ... Jermaine Jackson: 'I wish it was me'

She's a celebrity 'wrangler'
By day, Lori Levine's all girl from Long Island, her head full of Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Kim Kardashian and the Shiny Toy Guns as she holes up in her office with a smart young staff and a pooch named Sukie. By night, she's all rock 'n' roll, working a runway at the Hard Rock Cafe having "wrangled" said celebrities for the Power of Leather party, making sure they don't fall off their stilettos, experience a wardrobe malfunction or otherwise screw up in front of the cameras.

Pssst: Duff to play star in 'Gossip Girl'

The next season of "Gossip Girl" will have a movie star played by a movie star: Hilary Duff.


MJ fans write in

MY TUESDAY COLUMN was dedicated to my memories of the late and great King of Pop Michael Jackson. That column brought about so many responses from my faithful readers. I recalled in that column the first time I saw Michael and his brothers perform when he was just a mere child at the now defunct Guys & Gals Club on West 69th Street in Englewood. I decided to devote this entire column (which is a first) to running some of those e-mails, and here they are:


Romano gets into character

HOLLYWOOD -- Don't tell Ray Romano he sounds just like Manny, the woolly mammoth he plays in the "Ice Age" movies, even when he's just being Ray. The former sitcom star thinks otherwise.


TV news rankings steady

Last month's long-awaited TV digital transition, which interrupted service to some Chicago area homes, didn't massively alter the rankings among the major local players in the flagship 10 p.m. news ratings race. The June Nielsen ratings book released Wednesday shows ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 still sitting comfortably atop the pack with an 8.7 share, a dip from an 8.9 rating Monday through Friday a year ago.


Friends, family say farewell to Farrah

LOS ANGELES -- Ryan O'Neal, Alana Stewart and Kate Jackson were among the stars who celebrated the life of Farrah Fawcett during a private funeral Tuesday in Los Angeles.

O'Neal son turned away; 'He's a bad guy,' dad says O'Neal son turned away; 'He's a bad guy,' dad says

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

No public memorial plans for Neverland Ranch
A person familiar with the situation says there no public memorial is planned for Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch. Santa Barbara officials discussed the possibility a memorial or public viewing could occur Thursday.

Chicago-native actor Karl Malden dead at 97
Chicago- and Gary-native actor Karl Malden is dead at 97, his family has told the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Doubt over Michael's kids
Just when you think the Michael Jackson case couldn't get any stranger: It does. Various outlets, including tmz.com and Us Weekly, claimed that Jackson's sperm was not used in the in vitro pregnancies leading to the birth of his two oldest children and that Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe was only a surrogate and not the biological mother of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11.
Photos: Michael Jackson: A life in pictures Michael Jackson lip-synched in 1983 concert

Keri Hilson takes the mic at Taste of Chicago
They say that good things come to those who wait, and after enduring a two-year wait for the release of her debut album, singer-songwriter Keri Hilson couldn’t agree more. “In a Perfect World ...,” which was released in March, hit No. 1 on the Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart and has a huge hit with the song “Turning Me On,” featuring Lil Wayne. She performs tonight at Taste of Chicago.


Uncertain future for Jackson's Neverland Ranch

LOS OLIVOS, Calif.---- With Peter Pan as inspiration, Michael Jackson turned his lush Neverland ranch into a whimsical retreat with carnival rides, a chimpanzee named Bubbles and even a Disney-like train station where he could recapture his lost childhood.


New fiance for jilted 'Bachelor' winner

When "The Bachelor" winner Melissa Rycroft got jilted for the runner-up, she returned the engagement ring -- and walked off the set. That was so five months ago.


Michael Jackson lip-synched in 1983 concert

It's nearly impossible to keep up with the tornado of stories swirling about in the days since Michael Jackson's death -- everything from conflicting statements about the biological parents of his children to reports his finances were a mess to stories saying he was so frail, the idea of doing 50 concerts in London was madness.

Doubt over Michael's kids

Jackson's will cuts out ex-wife Debbie Rowe

LOS ANGELES---- Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust but cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Jackson's insomnia caused sleep aid dependence
Michael Jackson was so distraught over persistent insomnia in recent months that he pleaded for a powerful sedative despite warnings it could be harmful, says a nutritionist who was working with the singer as he prepared his comeback bid.
Photos: Michael Jackson: A life in pictures Scammers pounce on Jackson's death Wall-to-wall media coverage of Jackson receding Michael Jackson net worth at $236 million in '07 Gary to hold services for Jackson Jackson services, viewing may be at Neverland Jackson family 'horrified' by dad's shameless promotion

Jackson family 'horrified' by dad's shameless promotion
Bill Zwecker: Sources backstage Sunday night at the BET Awards tell me even Janet Jackson -- and other Jackson family members -- were "really horrified" when they learned Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, started plugging his new Ranch Records label as he walked the red carpet at the show, which was totally reworked to honor Michael's memory and legacy.
Photos: Michael Jackson: A life in pictures Video: Joe Jackson plugs new label at BET Awards Foster: My MJ memories Mitchell: Just what was up with Jackson's doc Scammers pounce on chance for a quick buck Reports: Neither Jackson nor Rowe are kids' real parents Fans gather for Apollo Theater's Michael Jackson tribute Michael Jackson net worth at $236 million in '07 Jackson services, viewing may be at Neverland Gary to hold services for Jackson Jackson family: Michael Jackson had a will

Michael Jackson net worth at $236 million in '07

NEW YORK — Michael Jackson claimed to have a net worth of $236 million as of March 31, 2007, according to financial documents obtained by The Associated Press that shed light on the late pop star’s murky finances and prodigious borrowing.

Photos: Michael Jackson: The final days

Jackson services, viewing may be at Neverland

LOS ANGELES — Santa Barbara County officials are in a meeting about Michael Jackson plans, and E! Online is reporting they are discussing a possible memorial service at his Neverland Ranch.

Fans gather for Apollo Theater's Michael Jackson tribute Gary to hold services for Jackson

Fans gather for Apollo Theater's Michael Jackson tribute
Fans began gathering hours early for a public tribute to Michael Jackson on Tuesday at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, the fabled venue that helped make a 9-year-old Jackson a star. Thousands were expected to pay their respects at the theater, which planned to let them in 600 at a time to listen to his music, watch a video tribute and leave flowers and memorabilia.

Parker, Broderick debut newborn twins in family photo

NEW YORK---- A week after the birth of their twin daughters, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick debuted the babies in an official family photo.


Reports: Neither Jackson nor Rowe are kids' real parents
Michael Jackson once sang with vehement certainty “... but the kid is not my son.” Apparently, none of his real-life kids are, either. TMZ.com is reporting this morning that Debbie Rowe is not the biological mother of Jackson’s first two children, Prince Michael, and Paris, and that Jackson was not the sperm donor. The celebrity site is also reporting that Jackson never officially adopted any of his three children.

Jackson family: Michael Jackson had a will

LOS ANGELES---- A lawyer for the family of Michael Jackson said Tuesday that a will had surfaced and would soon be presented in court, as a funeral service began to take shape at the pop star's Neverland Ranch.


My Michael Jackson memories

THE NEWS Of THE UNTIMELY and shocking death of the King of Pop aka, Michael Jackson, Thursday left this reporter stunned but for some reason ... not surprised. I have always felt that this musical genius whose life became an open book through the media and his music was not destined to live to a ripe old age. And I am not so sure that Jackson, 50, wanted to see old age. I think he wanted to eternally be youthful.

Jackson family 'horrified' by dad's shameless promotion

Engineering a career with a 'Birthday' hit
A year ago, Jeremih Felton was at Columbia College Chicago working on a degree in music. That was before "Birthday Sex" hit the airwaves. Thanks to the success of the salacious breakout single, he's now an up-and-coming artist known by his first name and signed to industry powerhouse Def Jam Records. "It's been surreal," said Jeremih, 21, during a phone conversation from Wilmington, Del.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Final Michael Jackson video project in the works
Two weeks before he died, Michael Jackson wrapped up work on an elaborate production dubbed the "Dome Project" that could be the final finished video piece overseen by the King of Pop, The Associated Press has learned.
Promoters: Fans will get refund on Jackson's London concerts Jackson's mom gets temporary guardianship of kids Sharpton: Jackson family needs to be careful Meds taken out of Jackson's home Jackson's death returns father to spotlight

Songs from his last night
Bill Zwecker: Michael Jackson's final rehearsal for his planned London concerts was recorded by state-of-the-art digital equipment and likely will be released soon as both an album and DVD. I've also learned there are discussions about both U.S. and international network broadcasts of the three-hour-plus rehearsal, held at L.A.'s Staples Center the night before Jackson's death Thursday.
Photos: Michael Jackson: A life in pictures Photos: Michael Jackson fashion 'His death is a great loss to the world'

Jackson's mom gets temporary guardianship of kids
LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s family moved quickly Monday to take control of his complicated personal and financial affairs, winning temporary custody of his three children and asking a judge to name the King of Pop’s mother as administrator of his estate.
Photos: Michael Jackson: A life in pictures Zwecker: Songs from his last night 'His death is a great loss to the world' Promoters: Fans will get refund on Jackson's London concerts Meds taken out of Jackson's home Jackson's death returns father to spotlight Sharpton: Jackson family needs to be careful Lawyer: Jackson's doc didn't give excessive drugs

Medical examiner: Billy Mays likely died of heart attack

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida medical examiner says television pitchman Billy Mays likely died of a heart attack but further tests are needed.

TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead at home

Impressionist, Vegas headliner Fred Travalena dies

LOS ANGELES---- Impressionist Fred Travalena, a headliner in Vegas showrooms and a regular on late-night talk shows with his takes on presidents, crooners and screen stars, has died in Los Angeles. He was 66.


'His death is a great loss to the world'

Congregants young and old swayed and held hands Sunday morning as the sound of Michael Jackson's hit song "I'll Be There" floated through the Sweet Holy Spirit Church on the South Side.

Photos: Michael Jackson tribute Songs from his last night

Lawyer: Jackson's doc didn't give excessive drugs

LOS ANGELES---- A lawyer for Michael Jackson's doctor said his client never gave or prescribed Jackson the painkillers Demerol or OxyContin, and denied reports suggesting that the doctor gave the pop star drugs that contributed to his death.


Sunday, June 28, 2009

Report of Michael Jackson defibrillator denied CD, DVD release likely for Michael Jackson's final rehearsal

Friday, June 26, 2009

Lisa Marie blogs about her husband, Michael Jackson 'Charlie's' girl and a lot more Facebook, Twitter, Google and TMZ break Jackson story Mix re-upping longtime team Eric and Kathy The Thriller is gone Farrah Fawcett's finest roles Key moments in the life of Michael Jackson

Thursday, June 25, 2009

'King of Pop' dead at 50 Minnillo jilted by Lachey Actress Farrah Fawcett dead from cancer at 62 Brown in race? N.J. reality housewife tries to cover up with suit

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Is Tea headed for spill? Perez Hilton sues Black Eyed Peas manager Big personality identified with big city A sidekick for TV, McMahon was real-life hero

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Madonna & child bonding Kate Gosselin says marriage to Jon is 'irretrievably broken' Rapper Lil Wayne appears in Yuma, Ariz., court Autopsy: Jay Bennett died of pain killer overdose Depp's big tip O'Neal says he'll marry Farrah if she nods yes At Urban Night gala, curfew didn't count

Monday, June 22, 2009

Brown opts for plea deal, dodges jail in Rihanna assault Hilton says he was punched by Black Eyed Peas' manager TV's Jon and Kate Gosselin say they're divorcing McConaughey and girlfriend expecting second child 3 kids in the middle as TV actors divorce Fest lets Fallon show his strengths New CD has old Lambert 'Life is bittersweet,' Cameron Diaz says

Saturday, June 20, 2009

'Year' of living humorously Are Gisele and Tom expecting?

Friday, June 19, 2009

'Enemies' face No. 1 fans Joel marriage got old fast Jon & Kate promise big news on next show Oprah Winfrey treating her staff to Mediterranean cruise Knight could get 'Grey's' release; Heigl return set Lisa Lampanelli knows how to work a festival booking Pattinson hit by cab, but fans not to blame Drew Lachey tools around on '$250,000 Challenge'

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fans get shot at a few 'Enemies' at screening tonight Penn dodges spotlight Joel's movin' on; splits with 'caring friend' of five years Walter Cronkite ill, but recovering at home: source A great treat on State St. Birthday girl Oprah helps Plainfield girl with fundraiser

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Partners in abuse? Humiliated Baldwin says he eyed suicide Webio founder accused of Ponzi scam missing WGN takes steps to angle for young, male listeners Usher, wife split year before he filed for divorce

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Windows slammed on 'The Bachelorette's' love Brown is seeing double Jada feels in the pink thanks to warm homelife and nurse's role in TNT series Fater Oprah ties the knot after scandal Alba dodges Ok. City beef for save-the-shark posters Dillinger's blood evokes a dad's legacy WGN shakes up lineup -- again Kanye Chicago benefit turns into homecoming dance

Monday, June 15, 2009

Lasers yes, blazers no McCain buying new Ford hybrid Sports talker Mike North vows: I'll be back on air

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Hundreds honor David Carradine at LA funeral Director flexible in thinking about yoga FBI probe focuses on North sponsor

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Michaels keeps sense of humor over Tony mishap Blagojevich takes the stage with Second City

Friday, June 12, 2009

Left in scoring position Court records: Singer Usher files for divorce Lucy Vodden - the real `Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' gravely ill Blues artists honor Koko Taylor Kanye's concert for top students HLN to spread more Joy on nightly show Malawi approves Madonna's 2nd adoption bid Sirott out at Channel 5 Kelly Clarkson turns on the moxie for her new 'Life' Roberto Benigni simply 'Divine' in one-man 'TuttoDante'

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Cher's daughter Chastity Bono to have sex change op Spears' secret agent man Letterman sort of apologizes about Palin wisecracks Wig out: Mug shot shows Phil Spector with bald head Autopsy finds David Carradine did not die by suicide Brad makes Pitt stop for $960,000 race car painting Alba move not so fantastic Depp, Bale on way Rongey's a longtime listener, too

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Britney's new agent boyfriend confirms relationship Donald Trump ousts Prejean as Miss California Billy Ray gets his way The six cents of Kevin Bacon? They 'didn't lose everything' Mike Tyson marries wife no. 3, Lakiha Spicer, in Vegas Despite success, Kathy Griffin says she’s still a D-lister

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Death threats putting Chris Brown on (body)guard Adam Lambert reveals worst-kept secret: He's gay Open to experimenting Miley Cyrus splits with model — because of Nick Jonas? Is there already trouble for Kate Hudson and A-Rod? 'Real Housewives' model settles assault case Celebs fight drugs They 'never broke up,' but Sugar Ray is back

Monday, June 8, 2009

Stephen Colbert shaves head for U.S. troops in Iraq Services set for singer Koko Taylor Thai police: FBI can observe Carradine probe Shields: I'll get Enquirer apology

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Imagine that: Church tenet involves putting family first From Palatine to hallways of TNT hospital Carradine family takes action on probe, photos