Roseanne Barr in Talks to Replace Rosie

from the New York Post

Roseanne Barr has emerged as the top contender to replace Rosie O'Donnell next year on The View.

Since last week's announcement when Rosie said she planned to leave the show in June, several names have surfaced as possible replacements. Among them are Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathie Lee Gifford and Connie Chung. Out of all of them, Roseanne seems to be the best fit.

The open chair is the No. 1 seat on the show, requiring a star who can, in effect, be the show's quarterback - moving the discussion along, introducing guests and other duties that a TV neophyte might not be able to pull off believably.

O'Donnell said Wednesday that she's leaving "The View" after one year because she and ABC could not agree on a new deal. Insiders have said she wanted more control over the show and decided to quit when that was denied. O'Donnell had replaced former co-host Meredith Vieira. Starr Jones, who also left the show last year, has yet to be replaced.

Keith Richards Snorted his Dad's Ashes

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Keith Richards has acknowledged consuming a raft of illegal substances in his time, but this may top them all. In comments published Tuesday, the 63-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist said he had snorted his father's ashes mixed with cocaine.

Anna Nicole Paternity Test Blocked

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

The judge in Anna Nicole Smith's baby dispute has temporarily blocked an order forcing her daughter to undergo paternity testing. A Tuesday deadline had been set for the test sought by Larry Birkhead, who has claimed that he's the father of Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern, who was born Sept. 7 in the Bahamas.

But the former Playboy playmate's attorney questioned the legality of the test, and said Bahamas authorities needed to grant work permits before an American doctor could conduct the test. The judge granted a stay pending a February 7 hearing.

Smith's longtime personal lawyer, Howard K. Stern, maintains he is the baby's father.

ABC Eyes End Date for 'Lost'

from TV Week

In a highly unusual move for a broadcast series, ABC and the producers of "Lost" are in discussions to determine an end date for the show. The date will set a limit to the number of "Lost" seasons to come and will be announced to fans. The show's producers, speaking at ABC's Television Critics Association press tour session, said having a conclusion date will bolster fan confidence in the series' narrative. A timeline for making the decision was not announced.

Thought the series ratings have dipped this fall, the show remains one of ABC's top-rated programs. During the first season, Executive Producer Damon Lindelof said the show could run nine seasons if necessary, noting the island has plenty of mysteries. Recently, fans and critics have grown frustrated, however, with the show's continually expanding mythology that keeps piling on new mysteries and characters.

After the panel, Mr. Lindelof suggested the series might cap at 100 episodes, which would only result in two more seasons.

2006 TOP TEN Number 6

The year in gay started out with controversy. In January, Brokeback Mountain was getting its second string release throughout the country but not some cities. Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller cancelled the movie's release the theaters that he owns. But this didn't stop the film from gaining momentum. In fact, "at the arthouse in Salt Lake City, the Broadway, the movie broke box-office records (and was one of the movie's top 12 locations nationwide). And the Utah Film Critics Association named "Brokeback Mountain" the best movie of 2005, before Mr. Miller took his unilateral action." (Sean Means, film critic: Salt Lake Tribune). The movie also went into the Golden Globes and came out with the coveted award for Best Motion Picture. The Globes proved to be a great night for LGBT films. Felicity Huffman won the award for Best Actress - Drama for her performance in Transamerica and Ang Lee won the award for Best Director - Motion Picture for Brokeback Mountain. Also, Philip Seymour Hoffman on winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor - Drama for Capote. After Brokeback Mountain's stellar win at the Golden Globes, there was a noticeable boost in ticket sales. For the following week, the movie nudged itself into the number one spot. In April, Brokeback was released on DVD, and despite massive letter-writing campaign by the American Family Association Wal-Mart released the film on its shelves.

And in a not-so-proud movie launch, Army officials began investigating allegations that members of the celebrated 82nd Airborne Division appear on a gay pornography Web site "Active Duty" by Dink Flamingo. Months later, two Army paratroopers pleaded guilty to charges for appearing on a military-themed pornographic Web site. In all seven members of the 82nd Airborne Division charged with appearing on the site, pleaded to charges of conduct detrimental to the Army and use of marijuana.

Coming Outs
2006 saw it share of come-outs. In July, Lance Bass announced he was gay by appearing on the cover of People magazine. But his newly-revealed relationship with Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl came to an end earlier this month. Also coming out in People: Neil Patrick Harris. DC Comics also announced that Batwoman would return as as a "lipstick lesbian". But coming out can also happen without permission. A Lafayette High School graduate has been kicked out of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg because he wrote on a personal Web page that he is gay. And despite the rumors; Oprah Winfrey continued to make public statements throughout the year denying that her and bestfriend Gayle were lesbian lovers. The daytime talk show diva endured an onslaught of accusations claming Oprah and Gayle were undercover lesbians.

Gay Marriage

2006 was also a prominent year for gay marriage. The midterm election was the perfect arena to showcase the debate. Many states once again put the question to the voters. But this didn't stop lawmakers and courts from enacting legislation both for an against gay marriage. NJ Supreme Court opened the door to gay marriage, ruling that homosexuals are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals, and just weeks later NJ state legislature voted to make it the third state to allow civil unions. And in Mexico, Mexico City also approved homosexual civil unions, legalizing gay partnerships for the first time in the world's second-largest Roman Catholic nation.

But these positive reports were over shadowed by a gaggle of states forbidding gays from marrying. Five other states had voters approve constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage. They were Idaho, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Similar amendments have passed previously in all 20 states to consider them.

Lance Bass Break-up

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Lance Bass and his boyfriend, Reichen Lehmkuhl, have called it quits. Bass, who was part of the boy band 'N Sync, revealed earlier this year that he is gay and was in a relationship with Lehmkuhl, a former Air Force captain and winner of season four of CBS' "Amazing Race."

The 27-year-old singer told People in July that he didn't earlier disclose his sexuality because he didn't want to affect 'N Sync's popularity. Lehmkuhl, 32, has said he admired Bass' decision to disclose his sexuality. Lehmkuhl has a new book, "Here's What We'll Say," which recounts his time keeping his sexual orientation a secret from Air Force colleagues.

Pam Anderson Files for Divorce

from TMZ

TMZ has learned that Pamela Anderson has filed for divorce from husband Kid Rock. Anderson, who is represented by celebrity hotshot lawyer Neal Hersh, cited irreconcilable differences. The couple was married August 3, 2006.

Earlier this month, Anderson suffered a miscarriage.

It looks like there was a rush to the courthouse. Kid Rock also filed divorce papers this morning, 53 minutes before her docs were stamped by the clerk. Sources tell TMZ both Pam and Kid were in a race to get their papers filed first. The process server for Kid was at the courthouse when it opened at 8:30 AM and filed five minutes later. Interestingly, Pam and Kid Rock gave different dates of separation. She says they split on November 21. He says November 26. There was not a prenup, however, the two were married for such a brief period of time it will probably have little impact.

Pam's website offers a short statement confirming the divorce, saying "Yes, it's true. Unfortunately impossible."

Jesse Jackson Wants to Ban "N-Word"

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is calling on the entertainment industry to stop using the racial slur that Michael Richards used against hecklers in a Los Angeles comedy club. Jackson and others told reporters Monday that they'll meet with television networks, film companies and musicians to talk about the n-word.

Jackson is also asking the public not to buy a DVD box set of the seventh season of "Seinfeld." The set was released last week, the same week that former Seinfeld star Richards was videotaped unleashing a racist rant against the black hecklers. Richards had made several apologies, including one Sunday on Jackson's syndicated radio show. He has said he's not a racist, and that he was motivated by anger.

Asked about free-speech issues, Jackson said the word is "unprotected."

Bush Daughter Robbed

from abc News

First Daughter Barbara Bush had her purse and cell phone stolen as she had dinner in a restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, even though she was being guarded by a detail of Secret Service agents.

It was not the only mishap on the two-week trip to Argentina by Barbara (right) and her twin sister Jenna (left).

A Secret Service agent on the advance detail got into an "altercation" with someone after a night out and was badly beaten, according to the law enforcement reports. The Secret Service said today the incident was an attempted mugging that occurred while the agent was on his own time. The agent is doing fine.

The purse snatching took place on Barbara's first night in town while she was dining in the picturesque San Telmo neighborhood. According to the reports, the Secret Service agents failed to notice the incident.

The Secret Service would not comment on the purse snatching, and the First Lady’s office said they would not comment on any personal trip made by the daughters. There have been recent reports, however, that Jenna Bush has been living and working in Panama as an intern for UNICEF.

Kramer Goes Mel Gibson

from TMZ

Michael Richards exploded in anger as he performed at a famous L.A. comedy club last Friday, hurling racial epithets that left the crowd gasping, and TMZ has obtained exclusive video of the ugly incident.

Richards, who played the wacky Cosmo Kramer on the hit TV show "Seinfeld," appeared onstage at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood. Kyle Doss, an African-American, and some friends were in the cheap seats and he was playfully heckling Richards when suddenly, the comedian lost it. The camera started rolling just as Richards began his attack, screaming at one of the men, "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f***ing fork up your ass."

Richards continued, "You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now motherf**ker. Throw his ass out. He's a nigger! He's a nigger! He's a nigger! A nigger, look, there's a nigger!"

The crowd is visibly and audibly confused and upset. Richards responds by saying, "They're going to arrest me for calling a black man a nigger." One of the men who was the object of Richard's tirade was outraged, shouting back "That's un-f***ing called for, ain't necessary."

After the three-minute tirade, it appears the majority of the audience members got up and left in disgust.

Guiliani Eyes Presidential Bid

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a moderate Republican best known for his stewardship of the city after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, has taken the first step in a 2008 presidential bid. The former mayor filed papers to create the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee Inc., establishing a panel that would allow him to raise money for a White House run and travel the country. The four-page filing, obtained by The Associated Press, lists the purpose of the nonprofit corporation "to conduct federal 'testing the waters' activity under the Federal Election Campaign Act for Rudy Giuliani."

Giuliani was widely praised for leading the city during and after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He has said for months that he would wait until the end of the 2006 elections to decide whether to embark on a White House bid. The former mayor is a moderate who supports gun control and abortion rights, stands that would put him at odds with the majority of GOP conservative base. Still, the Giuliani brand remains strong; he headlined fundraisers for Republican candidates nationwide and his travel has done little to deny 2008 ambitions. During a visit earlier this month to Columbia, S.C., Giuliani dodged the question.

Eva Longoria Loves Beyonce On Screen

from Stuff (New Zealand)

Beyonce Knowles and Eva Longoria will play lesbian lovers in a new movie. The gorgeous stars have revealed they are set to star in sexy Victorian drama Tipping The Velvet.

Director Sofia Coppola is hoping to bring Sarah Water's novel about sexual repression to the big screen and is desperate for Beyonce and Eva to take the roles of a 1890s music hall star, Kitty Butler, and her lesbian lover Nan Astley. Beyonce, 25, thinks it is time the world was treated to a classic lesbian love story.

'Borat' Lawsuit

from TMZ

Two anonymous plaintiffs are suing 20th Century Fox and One America Productions, claiming members of their college fraternity were interviewed to become part of the smash "Borat" film. The plaintiffs -- listed as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 -- were allegedly assured the film would not be shown in the U.S. and their identities would not be revealed.They were both selected to appear in the movie and, according to the suit, taken "to a drinking establishment 'to loosen up' and provided alcoholic beverages." They claim they signed the movie releases after "heavy drinking."

The suit claims both men were then taken to a motor home where they were filmed, all the while "encouraged to continue drinking."The movie features a scene in a motor home where Cohen gets drunk with three frat boys and the group watches the Pamela Anderson/Tommy Lee sex tape while inebriated.The plaintiffs claim they suffered "humiliation, mental anguish, and emotional and physical distress, loss of reputation, goodwill and standing in the community..." because the movie was indeed released in the U.S.The suit asks for unspecified damages.

Britney Spears Files for Divorce

from TMZ

Britney Spears has filed for divorce from husband Kevin Federline. Celebrity news Web site TMZ.com first reported the filing and obtained the legal papers filed by Spears.

The singer cited "irreconcilable differences" in the petition and is asking for both "legal and physical custody" of the couple's two children, 1-year old Sean Preston and 2-month-old Jayden James. The couple, who married in 2004, has an "iron-clad pre-nup" and Spears has hired celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser for her case. Wasser has represented the likes of Angelina Jolie and Nick Lachey.

Neil Patrick Harris: "I'm Gay"

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Neil Patrick Harris tells People magazine's Web site that he's "quite proud" to say he's "a very content gay man" living his life to the fullest. He said he's speaking out now because of recent speculation and interest in his private life and relationships.

Harris stars on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother. As a teen he played the namesake doctor on the series Doogie Howser, M.D.

UPDATE Anna Nicole Paternity Allegations

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Anna Nicole Smith's ex-boyfriend is suing her, demanding that a DNA test be given to prove he's the father of her baby. Larry Birkhead wants Smith and her daughter to return to California to take the test. Birkhead's attorney, Debra Opri, said Smith will be served with court papers today in the Bahamas, where she's been since giving birth to Dannie Lynn Hope.

Smith's attorney Howard K. Stern has also claimed to be the father of the baby. The 38-year-old former Playboy playmate has been in the Bahamas mourning the death of her 20-year-old son, Daniel Wayne Smith.

Anna Nicole & Her TV Attorney Exchange Vows

from WDIV Detroit TV 4

Reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith exchanged vows with boyfriend Howard K. Stern on a boat near Nassau, but there was no formal marriage and the ceremony is not legally binding. Tthe exchange of vows happened aboard a catamaran Thursday - 18 days after Smith's 20-year-old son, Daniel, died as he was visiting her in a Nassau hospital, where she had given birth to a baby girl.

Stern says he is the father of the baby.

UPDATE Daniel Smith Killed by Medicine Mix

from People

According to pathologist Cyril Wecht the death of Anna Nicole Smith's 20-year-old son Daniel was caused by a lethal combination of methadone, Zoloft and Lexapro. Wecht said the drugs caused the cardiac dysrhythmia that led to Daniel's death. Wecht got the toxicology results from National Medical Services in Willow Grove, Pa., today. Daniel had a prescription for the antidepressant for Lexapro, but it is not known how he obtained the Zoloft.

UPDATE Anna Nicole

from Breitbart



Anna Nicole Smith frantically tried to revive her stricken son and had to be sedated after he died, her attorney said Wednesday. Authorities termed the death "suspicious" and said criminal charges could be filed. Reportedly, the devastation and grief over Daniel's sudden death coupled with the sedation from the delivery has been so extreme that Anna Nicole experienced memory loss of the event.



The chief inspector of the Bahamas coroner's office on Wednesday called the death of the 20-year-old Smith "suspicious" and a formal inquiry that could lead to criminal charges was scheduled for next month. Police have been refusing to reveal the identity of the mysterious third person that was present during Daniel's death. One of Smith's attorneys has revealed that the third person was Howard K. Stern, who was prominently featured on Smith's cable show.

Has Nancy Grace Gone too Far

from Breitbart

Two weeks after telling police that her son had been snatched from his crib, Melinda Duckett found herself reeling in an interview with TV's famously prosecutorial Nancy Grace. Before it was over, Grace was pounding her desk and loudly demanding to know: "Where were you? Why aren't you telling us where you were that day?"

A day after the taping, Duckett, 21, shot herself to death, deepening the mystery of what happened to the boy. Police have refused to say whether she left a suicide note, and said nothing they have found so far in their investigation of her death has shed light on the whereabouts of her 2-year-old son, Trenton. Investigators have stopped short of calling her a suspect but have focused increasing attention on her movements just before the boy vanished and the notes, computer, camera and other items seized from her house.