Google Groups
Subscribe to Smells Like News
Email:
Visit this group
Showing newest 24 of 267 posts from 2009-06-28. Show older posts
Showing newest 24 of 267 posts from 2009-06-28. Show older posts

Saturday, July 4, 2009

David Carradine Death Blamed on Asphyxiation

A private pathologist hired by David Carradine's family to perform a second autopsy has determined that the 72-year-old actor died of asphyxiation.

How he came to asphyxiate in Thailand is still anyone's guess, but that seems to be the conclusion as to how the Kill Bill star met his end in June.

A maid found Carradine hanging in the closet of his Bangkok hotel room, and it was soon confirmed by various officials that a rope was tied to his neck and genitals, prompting speculation that the star was engaged in auto-erotic asphyxiation.

But he did not kill himself, according to the report.

Carradine Pic

Judging by the way Carradine was bound with his hands above his head, Dr. Michael Baden concluded that he did not take his own life and requested security footage in addition to pass-key data from his hotel to further probe the death.

Specifically, to find out whether or not someone was in the room with the actor when he died. Stressing that these were still only preliminary findings, Baden said that his full report will not be ready for at least a week if not more.

At least one shocking death photo of Carradine has allegedly been run by a Thai newspaper, but no U.S. tabloids have reprinted it in the month since his passing.

Tonight: A Jon and Kate Gosselin "Retrospective"

As TLC scrambles to decide what the hell to do with a show that, ironically, is becoming a major hit and rapidly disintegrating at the same time, a very special retrospective episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 will air this evening.

"Jon & Kate Plus 8: The First 10 Years" will look back at Jon and Kate Gosselin's decade of marriage (which ended last week after publicly unraveling for months), and provide "a look at what's up next" for the parents of eight.

A couple of things that could be "up next" ...

  • Lots of meetings with blood-sucking lawyers
  • Jon's mistress Deanna Hummel guest-starring
  • Kate in a bikini 24/7/365 to make Jon jealous
  • The kids discovering the Internet, learning about their parents' messed-up lives and being permanently scarred as a result

Here's the preview for tonight's episode ...


Jon and Kate: The First 10 Years

We've seen how it all came crumbling down after these terrific 10 years. Follow the jump for last week's tearful announcement of Jon and Kate's separation ...


Jon and Kate Separation Announcement

Billy Mays Dead at 50; Investigation Ongoing

Billy Mays was found dead today in his home in Tampa, Fla., this morning.

The 50-year-old TV pitchman was discovered unresponsive by his wife Deborah at 7:45 a.m., according to the Tampa Police and numerous online reports.

His body has already been removed from his home.

Billy Mays had just returned from Philadelphia, where he shot a new OxiClean ad. He was a passenger aboard a plane that suffered a blown front tire upon landing.

He told a local TV station:

"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."

Mays was at his home around 6:00 p.m. last night, and according to a source, was "acting fine and normal ... he was talking business with his father-in-law."

Billy Mays Pic

Renowned TV pitchman Billy Mays (1958-2009).

According to police, there are no signs of forced entry to the residence and no foul play is suspected. The Medical Examiner's office is expected to complete the autopsy by tomorrow afternoon, at which point more will be known.

Billy Mays' wife Deborah said in a statement: "Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."

Ashley Tisdale is a Guilty Pleasure

Life is good for Ashley Tisdale.

The former High School Musical star has a new boyfriend (Scott Speer), a new movie coming out (Aliens in the Attic) and a new album on the way (Guilty Pleasure will be released on July 31).

But Tisdale isn't just sitting back and anticipating success. She's making it happen!

The young, beautiful singer helped to hype her upcoming CD with a performence at The Grove in Los Angeles over the weekend. Below are photos from the event:

At The Grove

Tisdale ConcertAshley on the MicA Guilty PleasureHot and Very HairyHair Down, Rocked Out

Click on the pics above to enlarge shots of Ashley Tisdale in concert.

[Photos: Fame Pictures]

Michael Jacksonâs Family Issues Statement

Still overwhelmed with a media circus, the scene at Michael Jackson’s mansion has been chaotic ever since the saddening news of the “Thriller” singer’s passing broke on Thursday afternoon (June 25).

With Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, trying to deal with the situation the best that he can, he joined Reverend Jesse Jackson for a press conference outside the Holmby Hills mansion.

Explaining that he’s not happy with how the death investigation is moving along, Joe told press, “We’re holding a family meeting now. We don’t like what’s going on.”

Reportedly requesting a second autopsy, Joe has also just recently issued a statement to press on behalf of the family.

It reads, “In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.”

“We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.”

“My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson.”

Facebook Status Update of the Night

James Franco: "Only the douchebags at Columbia would dare take a picture of me sleeping in class." Andy: "Why is that?" James Franco: "I sleep at NYU all the time and no one bothers me." [Columbia Student Andy Nguyen's Facebook]


Michael Jackson Funeral Tickets: Free, Via Random Drawing

Michael Jackson fans will get a chance to say goodbye to the King of Pop at a public memorial service to be held at L.A.'s Staples Center on Tuesday.

Tickets will be available to the general public and will be free of charge.

Fans from around the world are expected to fly to Los Angeles to say farewell to Jackson, who died at 50 after suffering cardiac arrest on June 25.

Jackson's final rehearsal took place at Staples, where he was prepping for his London tour, sponsored by AEG Live (which owns Staples Center).

Preliminary details of the funeral service are as follows:

  • The main event will be at the Staples Center and will be simulcast at the adjacent Nokia Theatre in the same complex throughout.
  • There is a lottery set up to obtain tickets. You can sign up on the Staples Center website, if it's not crashed by the time you do.
  • 17,500 tickets are available for the event - 11,000 for Staples and 6,500 for Nokia - a maximum of two per person is allowed.
  • If you are one of the 8,750 people selected, you will be given further instructions Sunday. Sounds Mission: Impossible-like.
  • Only U.S. citizens can apply for tickets to Jackson's funeral.
  • Still unclear is whether Jackson's body will be there.

Jackson, M.

The late Michael Jackson (1958-2009).

Khloe Kardashian: Krunked in Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas only stays in Vegas if you aren't a rich, attention-seeking socialite that lacks the skill set to get noticed for any reason aside from getting drunk and getting photographed.

In other words: Khloe Kardashian celebrated her 25th birthday in Sin City this week and proceeded to post the photos from it on her blog.

"We literally had the best time ever!!! Kim who never drinks had two shots of Patron to celebrate and she was SO funny!!! I loved it!" wrote the birthday gal.

That sounds literally awesome!!! Check out the pics below of Khloe and Kim Kardashian living it up in Las Vegas:

Khloe, Krunked

In Support of KhloeTurning 25Sisterly Moves

Getting KrunkedReggie and Khloe

Cute Celebrity Baby (Daddy) Alert: Tom Brady and Son!

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was seen running errands in his L.A. neighborhood of Brentwood this week, cradling son John Edward Thomas.

Tom was careful not to let John, whose mother is Tom's ex Bridget Moynahan, be accosted by eager celebrity gossip photographers. What a good dad ...

John Moynahan

Tom Brady is one adorable celebrity baby daddy.

Also seen with Tom and John? The (most likely) pregnant Gisele.

Not that you can tell Bundchen is knocked up in the photos below, nor has she come out and confirmed that she and her husband Tom are expecting. But that is the rumor going around, and it hasn't been denied in like two weeks!

Click to enlarge more Tom, John and Gisele Bundchen pictures ...

Pregnant GiseleGisele Keeps it CoolHot Tom Brady PhotoTom Brady and Son

[Photos: Fame Pictures]

Fashion Face-Off: Kate Moss vs. Lauren Conrad

Kate Moss is known for fashion. She is, after all, a supermodel.

Okay, so she may be just as well known for topless photos, pregnancy rumors and allegations of being an anorexic cokehead. But she still has good style!

Lauren Conrad, meanwhile, is best known for being a reality TV star and now a young adult fiction author. But she has quite the fashion following as well.

The supermodel topped her Kate Moss for Topshop dress with a blazer for the opening of the British chain's Manhattan flagship store, while the retired star of The Hills opted for a light gray jacket to cover the printed mini while promoting her new book.

Who wore it better? Tell us below ...

Kate-Lauren

Who looked better in this dress?

Kate Moss
Lauren Conrad
View Results

Which Kristen Stewart Hairstyle is Best?

You might be used to seeing Twilight's Bella Swan with tousled auburn locks, but for her new role as singer Joan Jett in The Runaways, Kristen Stewart dyed her hair black and went for a choppy style that shouts, "I love rock 'n' roll!"

Take a look at these Kristen Stewart photos and see which hairstyle you like the talented actress better in - New Moon mode or Runaways badass mode.

Tell us below in our brief survey ...

Kristen StewartKristen Stewart Hairstyle

Which Kristen Stewart hairstyle is best?

Long, brown
Short, black
View Results

Miranda Tozier-Robbins Pleads Not Guilty To Stalking Britney

The would-be "documentary filmmaker" accused of donning camo and sneaking onto Britney Spears' property in hopes of capturing the star on video was back in court this afternoon in L.A. There, Miranda Tozier-Robbins proclaimed her innocence.

The 26-year-old stalker pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor trespassing charges, which could net her a maximum of six months in jail if convicted.

Representing herself, the failed American Idol hopeful entered the plea after briefly meeting with the prosecutor in Judge Jay Ford III's chambers.

A pretrial hearing set was scheduled for July 17, but Ford indicated he expected a plea bargain arrangement to be worked out before that time.

Miranda Tozier-Robbins Mug ShotMiranda Tozier-Robbins Mugshot

GREAT MOMENTS IN STALKING: All poor Miranda Tozier-Robbins wanted was a shot of her favorite pop star. Instead she just joined our celebrity mug shot gallery.

Miranda Tozier-Robbins remains subject to a temporary restraining order prohibiting her from coming within 100 yards of Britney Spears and her house.

Spears is back in L.A. after her most recent concert in Manchester. Even if Britney doesn't know where she is on a daily basis, fans like Miranda totally do.

Kate Gosselin Clothing Line Shelved

Kate Gosselin's career is drying up faster than Jon's sex drive.

First, her reality show went on hiatus until August.

Then her new cookbook was delayed indefinitely.

Now her clothing line is up in the air.

The reality star's promotion deal with Healthex has been shelved amid her recent divorce filing and separation with husband Jon Gosselin, a company rep said.

"Our project is on hold while she focuses on her family," Healthtex rep Scott Pryzwansky told Radar Online in a brief statement.

Kate Gosselin Sundress

Kate Gosselin was hawking the clothing line as recently as May on the Rachael Ray Show. She handed out a gift bag that contained what the host described as "a Healthtex outfit [Kate] helped design and create."

The fall line is still available at Wal-Mart, but Kate is not involved.

On Monday - one week after she and Jon filed divorce papers - her Christian publisher, Zondervan, announced that her upcoming cookbook, Love Is in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories, wouldn't be hitting stores this November as planned.

TLC also confirmed Jon & Kate Plus 8 was going on hiatus until August 3. Viewership was down 77 percent on Monday's "retrospective" episode.

It's okay, Kate. Just get deals in place to pose for bikini photos and sell them to the paparazzi. It's made millionaires out of Spencer and Heidi.

Michael Jackson Autopsy Results: Coroner Reports Cause of Death Unknown, Foul Play Not Suspected

The Los Angeles County Coroner says Michael Jackson's autopsy is complete, but more testing is needed before the official cause of death can be determined.

The coroner said the cause of Michael Jackson's death Thursday was deferred because additional testing - including toxicology and other tests - is needed.

That will take 4-6 weeks to complete.

There was no trauma to Michael Jackson's body and "no indication of foul play" - but he said the superstar had been taking "some prescription medications."

It has been theorized - though not confirmed - that a Demerol overdose may have played a role in his demise by slowing Jackson's breathing until it stopped.

While the singer pronounced dead in the emergency room of UCLA, evidence suggests he was not breathing or conscious at the time a 911 call was placed.

Dr. Conrad MurrayA Michael Jackson Photo

Attempts by Dr. Conrad Murray (left) to revive Michael Jackson were unsuccessful after he suffered cardiac arrest. Michael Jackson's official cause of death is still unknown.

His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Robert Murray (pictured) was presumably the last person to see him alive, performing CPR before paramedics arrived.

Jackson's body will be released after 6 p.m. PST.

Rick Astley Dead? Not So Much!

Rick Astley is reportedly dead.

Rick Astley is also reportedly NOT dead.

In what appears to be yet another Internet death hoax this week, a fake AP report said the singer-songwriter, most famous for his one-hit wonder single "Never Gonna Give You Up" in 1987, had been found dead in a Berlin Hotel Room.

According to a CNN iReport that appeared to be based on a legitimate AP wire story, Astley's body was found at the Angleterre Hotel in Berlin:

"[Rick Astley] was found unconscious in his hotel bedroom and was unable to be resuscitated. He was pronounced dead on the scene."

Rick Astley

However, the story did not appear on the official AP newswire, and a link on the Digg social networking site took visitors to a YouTube clip of Astley singing "Never Gonna Give You Up" and said, "You've beeen Rickrolled."

While the people reponsible for this probably thought this was pretty funny, it was a borderline move at best during a week in which several prominent figures died - Ed McMahon, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Billy Mays.

Over the past week alone, fake news reports have surfaced saying such stars as Jeff Goldblum, George Clooney, and Natalie Portman had died.

Twitter hacking of Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears' accounts also suggested the premature demise of these talented youngsters. Will it ever end?

Michael Jackson: Tribute to a Legend

Quite possibly the world’s most well known man, Michael Jackson leaves a legacy of changing the music world as he passed away on Thursday afternoon (June 25) at the UCLA Medical Center.

Suffering from what’s being described as full cardiac arrest, paramedics attempted to resuscitate Jackson via CPR - but were unsuccessful in doing so.

And while many theories as to what triggered the heart attack are already floating around, all of the King of Pop’s fans are reeling from the devastating events of the day.

Celebrities sending out there condolences via Twitter include actresses, musicians and reality stars, with some as follows:

John Mayer: “I think we’ll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player. Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.”

Miley Cyrus: “Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings.”

Lindsay Lohan: “NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... i feel sick..”

Kim Kardashian: “Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!”

Star Jones: “Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument.” He IS and WAS the greatest entertainer of all times...Peace to you brother.”

Demi Moore: “I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!”

Heidi Montag: “The world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans God bless God rest his soul he will live on forever! life is so short enjoy every second God gives you!”

BET Awards Fashion Face-Off: Beyonce vs. Tyra Banks

Last night's BET Awards were highlighted by emotional tributes to Michael Jackson, as Janet Jackson teared up on stage and Jaime Foxx performed the moonwalk.

Still, it was also a celebrity-filled event, which means fans have been clamoring for a look at various stars on the red carpet.

Beyonce and Tyra Banks didn't disappoint, as each showed up for the ceremony looking her most beautiful. Dressed in contrasting outfits, the celebs stopped and posed for numerous photos.

Here are two of them. Compare and vote below:

Beyonce at BET AwardsTyra Photo

[Photos: Fame Pictures]

Who looked best at the BET Awards?

Tyra Banks
Beyonce
View Results

Michael Jackson Has Heart Attack, Dies at 50

Michael Jackson passed away this afternoon. He was 50 years old.

A 911 call came in at 12:21 p.m. at his Holmby Hills home in L.A. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest. Paramedics administered CPR to the music icon in the ambulance.

Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, said he had been alerted to the emergency but didn't have details. His mother was reportedly on the way to visit him as well.

"I am in Las Vegas but yes people in Los Angeles called me and are with Michael and tell me he was taken to the hospital," the elder Jackson told an E! News reporter. "His mother is on her way to the hospital now to check in on him.

"I am not sure what's wrong. I am waiting to hear back."

According to TMZ, a Jackson family member said the King of Pop was in "really bad shape" and his brothers were headed to UCLA Medical Center where he was.

He died shortly thereafter.

When paramedics arrived, Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

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

He had 13 number one hits during his solo career, considered by many to be the greatest in history. He will be missed. There will never be another like him.

A Michael Jackson Pic

Erin Lucas Leaving The City

Whitney Port's "friend" Erin Lucas will not be returning to MTV's The City.

The NYU grad, who appeared on The Hills spinoff's first season, shot some scenes for the upcoming second season but will no longer be on the show.

"It never hurts to try something new, but when you're born to do something, chances are you're going to wind up doing it no matter where you detour," her rep said.

The overdramatic release continued: "The latest proof comes from Erin Lucas, who loved her hosting career and never meant to stray ... until The City beckoned."

"It was nice while it - and her friendship with Whitney Port - lasted."

"But it was hosting she loved, and it is to hosting she returns, blowing kisses to all as she departs the series for her hosting home turf."

Note to rep: No one even knows who Erin Lucas is.

Erin Lucas Image

Erin Lucas - whose previous hosting credits include mtvU - has received new job offers and is working on other projects, including a video podcast, called "Style Lounge."

Why the sudden departure? Sources say Lucas was completely uninteresting and MTV wanted to bring in party girls to stir up fake drama had a falling out with Port.

Someone named Samantha Swetra has been brought in to replace Lucas.

Lindsay Lohan Poses Like Michael Jackson, Claims to be a Workaholic

God, Lindsay Lohan is pathetically in need of attention.

The out-of-work actress exploited Michael Jackson's death this week in an attempt to make headlines and seem like she was one of the millions of people affected by the passing of the King of Pop.

Lohan Tweeted a poolside picture of herself posing like Jackson. But she isn't self-involved, of course, because "M.J. was playing when this was taken, I'm not that much of narcissist," as she told her Twitter follwers.

In related news, if you follow Lindsay Lohan on Twitter, you really need to get a life.

Making Like Michael Jackson

Lindsay Lohan, who was barely alive when Michael Jackson had his last hit, poses like the King of Pop. Is nothing sacred anymore?!?

Meanwhile, Lindsay also gave an interview to Britain’s OK! Magazine prior to her 23rd birthday last week.

In the conversation, Lohan - forgive us as we stifle fits of laughter - focused on her dedication to, and obsession with, work.

“It’s not that hard to be me, but I do work harder than most of my friends’ parents. I’m a workaholic," she said. "I don’t know what to do when I’m not working. I get creatively frustrated. I am the hardest-working person I know."

Note to Lindsay: working some random dude's pole every Saturday night does not qualify you as a workaholic.

BET Awards Fashion Face-Off: Cassie vs. Ciara

The official results of this celebrity fashion face-off are not in yet, but we feel comfortable issuing the following warning to Cassie Ventura:

It will be difficult to win any matchup as long as your head is half-shaven.

At this weekend's BET Awards, the singer (and rumored girlfriend of Diddy) was spotted on the red carpet, decked out in all her weird hairstyle glory. Fellow star Ciara was also in attendance.

Compare their looks below and then vote in our poll:

Cassie Ventura PhotoCiara, BET Awards

[Photos: Fame Pictures]

Who looked best at the BET Awards:

Cassie
Ciara
View Results

Fashion Face-Off: Carrie Underwood vs. Whitney Port

One became a major music star singing country.

One became the star of a show called The City.

Both look gorgeous in the same black and white dress - but there can be only one winner in our latest celebrity fashion face-off! Who will it be?

Carrie Underwood went for a glam look at a pre-Grammy Awards party in a Pamella Roland dress, while Whitney Port showed off her seemingly endless legs in the same dotted minidress at a fashion event in New York this past week.

Who do you think looked best?

Black and White CarrieBlack and White Whitney

Who looked best in the dress?

Carrie Underwood
Whitney Port
View Results

Celebrity Hair Affair: Zac Efron

Zac Efron might have a new girlfriend.

But he definitely has a new haircuit!

The young actor, who created a stir by dining with Megan Fox this week, has cut off his trademarks locks.

Brace yourselves, ladies, you're in for a whole new Zac now. Does his adorable face make up for anything he does with his hair? Or do you wish he'd have thought twice before giving the order to cut away?

Compare Zac Efron looks below and then share your opinion in our poll...

Short and Sexy Best Male Performer

Do you like Zac's haircut?

Yes, short is sexy!
No, long is lovelier!
View Results

Robert Pattinson: Still Filming New Movie, Still Stirring Up Romance Rumors

Turn away, Twilight fans!

In the photos below, Robert Pattinson is giving a large stuffed animal to a woman that is NOT Kristen Stewart!

** UPDATE: Phew. We're being told the woman in the following pictures is Emilie de Ravin and the images are courtesy of a movie she is filming with Pattinson, Remember Me.

Robert and Emile

It doesn't seem like Stewart has anything to worry about... unless certain reports from the film's set are to be believed. A witness told Life & Style:

"[Robert and Emilie] both seemed to be having a great time and looked genuinely happy to be working together."

This is causing extreme heartbreak for Stewart because, in the words of a Twilight insider: "Rob flirted with Kristen when they were filming, so she can't help but wonder what he's doing with Emilie."

Uh-oh. As you click on the pics below of Pattinson and de Ravin, let us know: Do you think these two are hooking up?

Robert Pattinson and Emile de RavinPlay Time for PattinsonRemember Me Pic