Desperate Gossip

Oprah No Show at Michael Jackson Memorial

2009-07-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

I find it a bit strange that Oprah Winfrey was not at Michael Jackson's memorial, and even stranger that Oprah has remained silent since Jackson's sudden passing last week.

Oprah has not been heard from at all in regards to Michael Jackson's passing. No public condolences to the Jackson family,nothing, that I am aware of.

I think Oprah's silence just might speak volumes. Just saying.

Here is a clip of Oprah's interview with Michael back in 1993:

Michael Jackson's Mom Given Temporary Custody

2009-06-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Michael Jackson's mom asked for, and was granted, temporary custody of the late singer's three children.

Katherine Jackson, 79, filed for guardianship in a Los Angeles courthouse on Monday, and a judge granted her request, and also set a hearing for August 3rd.

Jackson has also filed for administration of Michael Jackson's estate.

Michael's father, Joe Jackson, was not listed in the Guardianship petition.

Katherine Jackson's 22-page petition claims the children "have no relationship with their biological mother" and have been in the care of their grandmother, "with whom they have a long established relationship," since Michael's death.

Deborah Rowe, biological mom of Michael's two oldest children, has not stated her intentions regarding the children, yet.

Michael's youngest child was born to an unnamed surrogate.

Read More: Respecting Michael's Privacy

Respecting Michael's Privacy

2009-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am sad, but also angry this morning after reading a report by the New York Post on Michael Jackson's second autopsy.

Everyone is of course following every detail of Michael Jackson's tragic death, and while we want to know what happened to Michael (though don't we really all pretty much know anyway?), I can't help but think how horrified Michael himself would be by everyone knowing the details coming out from the second autopsy.

I really do not feel like posting the sad results that are being published... there was probably no one more private than Michael Jackson and it just seems so wrong that we can all now know things about him that he never wanted us to know when he was alive.

It is important medically and legally to know what happened, I know... and the family has questions that need and should be answered. But do we all really need to be reading intimate details of Michael's health that we all know he wouldn't want shared?

We know the gist of what went on. We know medically he had issues that for whatever reason were not addressed correctly. . We know Michael was not a specimen of great health. But we also know he was private, almost desperately so. Maybe we could respect that privacy a bit more now, and just say our sad good byes to this wonderful talent that brought so much into all our lives.

Credit: Time & Life Pictures/Getty

By: Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Madonna With Mercy

2009-06-29T07:19:00.001-07:00

What a picture. Mercy James, 4, looks pretty happy with her piggyback ride on Madonna's back after attending services at London’s Kabbalah center. Mercy arrived from Malawi last week, and the new mom and daughter duo seem to be doing great!

Almasi/Parsons/Bauer-Griffin

Second Autopsy Requested For Michael Jackson

2009-06-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's family wants a second, private autopsy, it has been reported today.

The Jackson family is understandably frustrated in their grief, trying to understand, as we all are, what happened to Michael the day he died.

Reports are all over the news that Michael Jackson had been receiving daily injections of a pain killer, and possibly was taking multiple pain killers daily. We have all read and heard about the private doctor living with Jackson the last two weeks of the pop star's life; Jackson's family wants a private autopsy of the pop icon because of unanswered questions about how he died and the doctor who was with him, Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday.

Dr. Conrad Murray, the private doctor who left his practice in Las Vegas to move in with Michael, has hired a lawyer, William M. Stradley from a legal firm in Houston. One of the partners was meeting with Los Angeles police on Saturday, according to Stradley, who has also said that Murray accompanied Michael Jackson to the hospital. "He was there from the beginning and he's been cooperating with police from the very beginning," Stradley said. "Dr. Murray has never left L.A. since Mr. Jackson's death, and he remains there."

So sad. There can not be enough answers or explanations to ease the Jackson family's grief. I don't see how. Michael was brilliant in his talent, a one-of-a-kind we may never see the likes of again. But could there be a more hauntingly desolate soul than was Michael?

I worry now for the three beautiful children,Michael Joseph, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine, and Prince "Blanket" Michael II. Missing the Dad I am sure they loved more than anyone else in the world, and soon to be possibly caught up in a custody battle that will not be nice.And what if the three children, who are suffering so much now, must suffer even more by being split up, should the mom of two of them receive custody?

My heart breaks for all of them, but even more so for the youngest, Prince Michael, because that little boy does no have a mother that anyone knows of. What will happen to his world, shattered already, if he should lose his big brother and sister to their mom?

NeNe is Back!!

2009-06-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am watching a rerun of Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion show-and I didn't realize how much I had missed my NeNe all these weeks, and how much Sheree grates my nerves!

The Atlanta Housewives are returning to Bravo for their second season on July 30th.

Returning will be NeNe (yay!), Sheree, Kim and Lisa. The quiet DeShawn Snow is not coming back, and will be replaced by Kandi Burruss, a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and former member of Xscape.

So what stories can we look forward (or not, as the case may be ...)?

With Sheree (oh that woman is soooo annoying---so full of herself....)we get to watch the development of her "She By Sheree" Clothing Line. Joy. And the development of her dating life. Hmm. I am kind of interested to see what type of man Sheree goes for, and how aforementioned men relate to the 'diva' wannabe.

With Kim...of course, what else but her rise to fame (not so much)with her singing. Bravo promises viewers will see how Kim deals with her life after her break up with the infamous "Big Poppa." Anyone know who this guy is, btw?

With NeNe, we will watch the promotion of her upcoming Self Help book for women.

Newcomer Kandi, who is friends with Lisa Wu Hartwell, will have storylines involve balancing wedding planning, writing and recording a new album as a solo artist and being a mom.

Wonder how NeNe and the pinky-promising BFF's, Sheree and Kim, are all getting along these days?

What Did Danielle Do That Made Caroline Cry??

2009-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Please someone tell me! I have googled and gone on Face Book and everyone is speculating but no one seems to know for sure. Ack.

This is what I've "heard" so far....

Dina cheated on her husband. Danielle found out and threatened to tell, but did not. Sounds reasonable in that Dina certainly seemed to want to keep "the thing Danielle did" secret.

Danielle called Lexie's father to tell him about Dina, and to suggest he get Lexie taken away from Dina.

Danielle tried to have someone "rough up" Dina. I doubt this one as I think Caroline would have had charges brought up against Danielle faster than you can say "we are as thick as thieves."

So I want to know what other thoughts people are having tonight after watching part two of The Real Housewives of NJ Reunion!!

I didn't warm to Danielle so much tonight as I thought I would. I was way more impressed with Dina than I thought I would be. Dina seemed calm, nice, and open to what Danielle had to say. Hmm. This could lend itself to the rumors that Dina has something to hide, and doesn't want Danielle spilling the goods.

Caroline still makes me think she is more bully than bite. And very controlling.

Teresa. Didn't think much of her. Teresa seems to just follow the family. That woman is not going to upset her 'gravy boat'...this is for sure! Can we just say she sold her thoughts and feelings for a piece of the "Manzo Dollars?"

And what about host Andy Cohen?

I kind of felt he was a bit tougher on Danielle than the other housewives.

And why oh why Andy, didn't you find out what Danielle did, or tried to do, to Dina that made Caroline hysterical??

The World in Shock Tonight

2009-06-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

It is so rare for a person among us to touch the whole world and make everyone feel as one, if even for a short time. Michael Jackson's death Thursday has united people all around the world in sadness and grief. It is as though we are all dealing with the loss of Jackson as if he were our own family member.

To me, this is an amazing tribute to an amazing human being. I doubt we will ever witness again the enormous talent that was Michael Jackson. A talent so magical it seemed that even in his passing, we are all drawn together in sorrow tonight.

A common tie binding people everywhere; as sad as we all are, we are sharing as well. Twitter and Facebook are alive tonight with memories being shared of the "first time I saw Michael," the first Jackson Five song I bought," my favorite Michael Jackson song," "where I was when I first heard Thriller," and so much more being tweeted.

We are remembering our youth. We are remembering our parents, brothers and sisters listening to the Jackson Five. We are giggling at our children now loving to listen to Michael Jackson's music. We are in awe as we appreciate the timelessness of this man's talent and gift.

Michael Jackson, you may have left us today, but forever you are in countless hearts, souls and memories. Thank-you for all you have given to us. You have again gathered a million people and made us one.

Rest in Peace Michael.

Elizabeth Taylor Grief Stricken By Michael's Passing

2009-06-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

As so many celebrities tweet about their feelings tonight on losing Michael Jackson, I have been wondering about the great Elizabeth Taylor. I have googled and found a report on ET that says Taylor is too distraught to issue a statement about Michael's passing.

"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time," her rep says. "We will direct her words to you once we receive them."

Jackson's family is said to be together this evening in complete sadness as they console each other.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

LA Times Reporting Michael Jackson Has Died

2009-06-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

Shocking. Sad. No real words. Michael Jackson, truly an icon in the entertainment history, controversial to be sure, but an icon none the less.

We have lost much today. Heaven has gained so much today.

Rest in Peace Michael.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

Reports of Michael Jackson's Death From TMZ

2009-06-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

TMZ is reporting that Michael Jackson has passed. If this is true, this is a day that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Paramedics were apparently unable to revive Jackson, who suffered a cardiac arrest at his home earlier today.

According to TMZ, Michael Jackson did not have a pulse when FireFighter/Paramedics arrived at Jackson's Holmby Hills home, and attempts to resuscitate Jackson were unsuccessful.

At this time, media is reporting that a "major announcement' is being prepared for at UCLA Medical Center.

We have also heard from reports that Jackson's mother, father, and sister LaToya, rushed to the UCLA shortly after Michael Jackson was brought in.

Unbelievable. Waiting for further reports to actually confirm this shocking news.

Ryan O'Neal To Speak About Farrah

2009-06-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

In a special 20/20 tonight, tribute will be paid to Farrah Fawcett, Barbara Walters announced on The View today.

It seems almost surreal that the beautiful vivacious "Charlie's Angel" has passed, even though we all knew her battle with cancer was coming to an end.

The Special Edition of 20/20 'Farrah Fawcett; her life, her loves, her legacy' airs Tonight on ABC at 10pm.

Michael Jackson Suffers Heart Attack

2009-06-25T14:35:00.001-07:00

Reports are saying that Michael Jackson suffered a heart attack in his home Thursday afternoon. Apparently CPR was administered by paramedics, and then Jackson was rushed by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center in Westwood.

The LA Times reports that Capt. Steve Ruda with the Los Angeles Fire Departmentsaid Jackson was not breathing when they arrived. Ruda confirmed that CPR was administered.

No word yet on Jackson's condition.

Whew. What a day.

Photograph by: Hector Mata, AFP/Getty

God Bless You Farrah

2009-06-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

1947-2009. We will miss you.

Hearts and Prayers go out to Ryan O'Neal and Redmond O'Neal.

More Drama For Danielle Staub

2009-06-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is why I thought Danielle Staub was looking sad on the Real Housewives Reunion Show Tuesday night: her slimy ex-boyfriend is trying to make money on a video he has of Danielle that was filmed without her knowledge. Of course it is 'one of those kind of video tapes, and of course the guy thinks he is going to become rich and famous riding on Danielle's Real Housewives coattails and in the process making her life miserable. The guy could at least think about Staub's daughters. Come on.

Wednesday Staub was successful in getting a temporary restraining order to stop her former boyfriend Stephen Zalewski from releasing the video tape of Staub.

The embattles NJ Real Housewife star has also filed a lawsuit against Zalewski seeking damages for invasion of privacy, defamation and infliction of emotional distress.

I bet the "Thick as Thieves " Manzo sisters are feeling bad for Danielle now. Not.

AP Photo/Mike Derer

Family, Friends Gather By Farrah's Bedside Tonight

2009-06-24T18:41:00.001-07:00

Farrah Fawcett is reported to be in an Intensive Care Unit at a local LA hospital evening, with family and friends gathering to say their good-byes.

A priest has been called in as well, according to media reports.

Very sad news coming out, and our prayers and thoughts are with Farrah and all her loved ones tonight.

The Governor Has a Girlfriend.....Hubby Was Right!

2009-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

The mysterious disappearance of South Carolina's Governor, Mike Sanford, has been cleared up. He disappeared to visit his girlfriend in Argentina for six days. Must be a relief to the guy's wife to know that it was not foul play after all. Just some dirty playing going on between the sheets.

The governor had first said he went hiking and was surprised that so many were alarmed by his absence.. but today Sanford admitted he was having an affair. Hope his wife sends the guy hiking for real.

Sheesh. Men. And my hubby said he would bet a million dollars that another woman was involved. Too bad he didn't really have a million to bet with. Sigh.

Mystery solved. Affair revealed. Bad Governor. Men. Sigh.

Real Housewives NJ Reunion

2009-06-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

So what exactly did Danielle do to Caroline Manzo that makes Caroline cry on the Real Housewives of NJ Reunion show??

Anyone know? I have not googled this morning yet to try and find out what happened ...color me lazy, ack!

But the conclusion of the two part NJ Housewives reunion looks like it will be fiery and tearful. Apparently Caroline Manzo (big sister and matriarch of the Manzo Family...egads!), is shown in a preview for Thursday's episode accusing Danielle (Go Danielle!!) of "doing something to our family." And we see Caroline crying! I didn't think that tough as nails woman cried, period.

The first half of the reunion was good though, I thought. But it seemed to me that Danielle was looking sad, and stayed somewhat quiet throughout the show. The Manzo sisters continue to irk the heck out of me...so high and mighty. Ack.

Teresa is annoying with her voice and Ms. Innocent attitudes. I still love Jacqueline as much as ever.

Caroline says her family has no mafia connections. What do you think? And I would still love to know just what all these hubbyies do that brings in so much money?

Elisabeth Hasselbeck In Book Dispute

2009-06-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Remember when The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck shared with everyone that she suffers from Celiac Disease? Hasselbeck went on to write a book about the disease, called The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide. Well now another author is claiming that Hasselbeck has infringed on her copyrights by publishing the book.

Self-published author Susan Hassett has filed a federal lawsuit in Boston against the View's Co-host.

Publicists for ABC and Hasselbeck's publisher, Hachette Book Group, have not released any comment so far.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck discovered she suffered from Celiac Disease after appearing on Survivor. The disease damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption which means basically that she cannot eat gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley) as a result.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Celebrity Baby News-- The Twins Have Arrived!

2009-06-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jessica Parker must be picking out baby high heels as I type-- her baby twin girls have arrived!

Parker and her husband, Matthew Broderick, announced back in April that they were expecting twin baby girls via a surrogate.

The couple have a son, James Wilkie, 6, who reportedly is delighted to have new baby sisters, and told his dad that they needed to ' get a lot of princess toys.' " Aw.

I can only imagine how fun it will be for these baby girls to grow up with Sarah Jessica Parker as their mom---those girls' closets will be amazing!

Photo by: PAUL SCHMULBACH / GLOBE PHOTOS/People

So Long Ed McMahon

2009-06-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Another passing in Hollywood today--Ed McMahon passed away early Tuesday morning at Ronald Reagen UCLA Hospital.

McMahon, 86, will be forever remembered as Johnny Carson's side kick on the glory days of the Tonight Show. Unfortunately, financial and health problems seemed to takeover McMahon's later years.

Being on the sidelines while Johnny Carson took center stage never seemed to bother McMahon--he told people:

"It's like a pitcher who has a favorite catcher," he said. "The pitcher gets a little help from the catcher, but the pitcher's got to throw the ball. Well, Johnny Carson had to throw the ball, but I could give him a little help."

Wes Will Not Get Last Rose

2009-06-23T08:20:00.001-07:00

At least that is what I am led to believe after reading Jillian's blog. But then again, her entry could be misleading.

Poor Jillian. Silly Jillian. Gullible Jillian. And dare I say, a bit egotistical Jillian? No Jillian, Wes is so not developing true feelings for you. In fact, the wannabe singer is making a mockery out of you on National TV!

And the producers of The Bacheor/Bachelorette series---how shameful of you. Greed and exploitation ( Kate? Jon? TLC? sound familiar?) make it so easy for you to sit back and soak in ratings at Jillian's expense.

This naive woman is going to not only be hurt again, she is going to be humiliated when she sees this season on TV. How wonderful will it be for her to see Wes brag to the entire TV audience, "I have Jillian wrapped around my little finger, y'all! Such a classy guy.

Where does the line form to buy Wes' new album?

Jillian is letting go some guys that could be much better possible matches for her, because she really believes that though Wes wants to generate publicity for his upcoming album,and she agrees that could have been the motivating factor for his wanting to be on the The Bachelorette originally, now he really has genuine feelings now for her, because she is so darn great...how can anyone not fall in love with her (I know...I'm being bad!)

Let's hope Jake gets through to her. Though from last night's previews, it doesn't seem he will.

But if you read Jillian's latest blog entry, she does admit she did not see the real Wes on the show, and that though it is a "roller coaster" of a ride, viewers will see that it was worth it in the end. I certainly hope it doesn't end with Wes convincing her his feelings are genuine, and that against all intentions, he actually has fallen in love with her. Ack.

Hmm.

Will You Still Watch Jon and Kate Plus 8?

2009-06-22T23:18:00.001-07:00

Now that the divorce is official, how are you feeling about Jon and Kate? Still planning to watch the the show....assuming of course you already do..?

I am disappointed somehow that the show will go on even though the marriage will not.

I am actually happy for Jon. He needs his own life and some relief from controlling Kate. And it will probably be less stressful for the kids in many ways...at least I hope so.

But why is the show continuing? Is TLC that greedy? Is there no amount of money that will make Kate happy and get her to stop exploiting her children?

Yea--Jon and Kate say the show helps them support their family. Yada yada yada. More like the money makes mama happy. A book deal just won't cut it. There are trips to take and shopping to do after all.

Poor babies now have to live their parent's divorce in the public eye. Not right. Come on Kate. Put your kids first. Give up the show and move on with your eight children a priority. Not those hefty paychecks.

photo:TLC

Soap Opera Trivia Time

2009-06-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

Been a while, but here is another soap opera trivia game for all my fellow soapies!!

These actors were in Soaps before becoming famous. Can you remember which soap each starred in?

Kim Delaney
General Hospital
Guiding Light
All My Children
Days of Our Lives
Luke Perry
Days of Our Lives
Sunset Beach
Loving
Young and The Restless

Alec Baldwin
Loving
As The World Turns
Ryan's Hope
The Doctors

Sarah Michelle Gellar
General Hospital
One Life to Live
All My Children
Young and The Restless

Meg Ryan
All My Children
As The World Turns
Guiding Light
Days of Our Lives

Scroll Down For The Answers

1. All My Children
2. Loving
3. The Doctors
4. All My Children
5. As The World Turns

Play More Trivia Games:

Soap Opera Derby

Classic TV Moms Trivia Game

Celebrity Baby Name Game

Jon and Kate File Divorce Papers

2009-06-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

People.com is reporting that what we all are thinking is true: the Gosselins are calling it quits. Legal Separation papers for the stars of TLC's reality TV show, Jon and Kate Plus Eight, were reportedly filed Monday afternoon in Pennsylvania.

Not a surprise, but still sad news. I feel for those eight beautiful children. The money took precedence over those kids. Shame on Jon and Kate, but more so on Kate, I believe. From what I hear, Kate still seems interested in keeping her TV presence alive, (Kate Plus Eight?) while Jon has told People that he would like a less high-profile life.

My message to Kate: Please take your kids and personal life off America's TV screens. You have made enough money at their expense.

Photo by: Winslow / Turgeon / Splash News Online, INF