Queen Latifah would like you to know...

"Now (rap) is probably the least populated with females since I started. I don't know what it is, I think it's a myriad of things but I think definitely we need to look out for each other.

Radio needs to give us that space, video needs to give us that space, because you can't have rap music without female rappers. There has to be a balance...It can't all be male-dominated, it gets boring."

- Rapper/Actress Queen Latifah, who's tired of blah-blah-women-and-bling
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Caught in traffic: How not to propose

"Here are 16 videos of really unfortunate marriage proposals, [like getting onstage to propose in front of a crowd]...Good idea. Until she runs away...

[Also] make sure you know where your significant other is before you pop the question...[and] it's probably not a good idea to let your local radio DJ propose to your girlfriend."

Point of origin: Matt Stopera/Buzz Feed

The #12 video isn't actually a proposal gone wrong, it's just quirky, goofy and completely over the top. What planet is this guy from? Planet Loon.

In a good way. Okay, in a good-ish way. You'll know what we mean if you watch it. Actually:



However...anyone who feels like mocking cheerful dude and his endearingly dorky music video extravaganza are missing the crucial point, here: She said "Yes."

Although it should be noted that, seeing what this now-engaged, happy couple does for fun, maybe it wasn't so over the top at all -- dude was just over-caffeinated.

You can watch the rest of the videos here.
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Lisa Marie Presley, on Michael Jackson: Michael knew he would die this way

Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone

Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, was the daughter of music legend Elvis Presley, another music icon who also caved in to the pressures of fame.

Elvis died at age 42; Michael Jackson died on Jun. 25 at the age of 50, after suffering cardiac arrest at his home.

In the aftermath, Lisa writes in a MySpace post that Michael secretly confided to her that he thought he'd die just the same way her father did.

She writes:

He knew. Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general. I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my father's death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

Fourteen years later, I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part.

Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

,

Shown above: Michael Jackson funeral, Jul.7, 2009, and surrounding media circus

I wanted to "save him" I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened. His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, in trying to save him, I almost lost myself. He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated. When he used it for something good, it was the best and when he used it for something bad, it was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying. I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision. The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret. Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation. At some point, I truly became indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play the exact scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (a sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.


Shown above: Archive footage, Elvis funeral, Aug. 16, 1977, and surrounding media circus

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him. He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now. He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The world is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.

I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.

~LMP

Visit her MySpace page here

Shown at header: Michael and Lisa Marie, in You Are Not Alone
Kiss, Kiss: Source Source Photo cred

News coverage: Michael Jackson public memorial

Pop singer Michael Jackson, who died on Jun. 25, 2009 at the age of 50, was remembered by millions of fans worldwide on Tues., July 8.

The public memorial, held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, was watched by millions around the world.

It opened with a church choir serenading his golden casket and continued with tributes and musical performances.

Shown above: Undated promo still, Michael Jackson

More than 1.6 million people registered for the lottery to win free tickets, and 8,750 people were chosen to receive two tickets each.




Shown above: Memorial service close: Michael's daughter Paris says goodbye

Millions of fans around the world gathered at odd hours to watch the ceremony, which was broadcast from Tokyo to Paris and streamed everywhere online.

Shown above: Michael's three children (Paris, Prince Michael and the youngest, called "Blanket") who lost a father, not a pop music icon

The memorial service closed with a goodbye from Michael's daughter Paris (video above), who eulogized the King of Pop with perhaps the most sincere tribute of them all: A child's tears.

News coverage:

Michael Jackson memorial: Streaming video and blog
"I won tickets to the Michael Jackson memorial service."
100,000 fans to converge on Staples Center
Brit invasion expected in LA
Michael Jackson memorial: Play-by-play
In Pictures: Michael Jackson memorial (photo gallery)
Liveblogging: Michael Jackson memorial service
Memorial ticket sales top 1.6 million
Michael Jackson takes his final bow
Star-studded roster marks Michael Jackson memorial
Jackson's public memorial takes a spiritual turn
Fans and family remember Michael Jackson
John Mayer performs Human Nature
Usher breaks down singing Gone Too Soon
Mariah Carey covers I'll Be There
Mariah Carey sings I'll Be There (video)
Stevie Wonder tribute (video)
Michael Jackson's last time in the spotlight
Facebook: 6,000 Jackson comments a minute
Jackson t-shirt vendor booted from Staples Center
Jackson memorial in quotes
Michael Jackson's memorial in numbers
Reporters' log: Jackson memorial
Michael Jackson: The rise and fall of the King of Pop (bio timeline)
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris delivers emotional goodbye
Michael Jackson's daughter speaks at memorial
Jackson family in legal bid for his money
Michael Jackson's memorial: A review
Fans sing Michael Jackson songs outside Staples Center
House where star died will become memorial site
What will happen to Michael Jackson's body?
Michael Jackson to be buried in same cemetery as grandmother
Forest Lawn final resting place for many stars
Kiss, Kiss: Source Photo cred Photo cred Photo cred

Rihanna has some friends she'd like you to meet

Hello!

Yes, she was out celebrating Independence Day with her star-spangled nipples, long may they wave. Maybe it makes a strange kind of sense, if you think about it. Or not.
Kiss, Kiss: Source Photo cred

Bon dits: Mariah Carey

"Mimi is dragging it up as an Eminem-type for her new video Obsessed. You know, because Eminem is obsessed with Mimi. Or maybe she's obsessed with him. Or both. I don't know. I just hope this shit also includes a scene featuring Hello Kitty."

The target: Mariah "I Know You Are, But What Am I?" Carey and her lil' celeb spat with Eminem. We can't be arsed to add further commentary, except a lazy one-size-fits-all observation which will have to do for both: "What are you, 12?"

Who said it: DListed

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Liz Taylor refuses to attend Michael Jackson memorial

Plans for Michael Jackson's private funeral at Forest Lawn Cemetery and a ticketed public memorial at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jul. 7 have turned the pop star's recent death (Jun. 25, 2009) into his very last big show, but one of the women closest to him during his life is turning her back on the media circus.

Hollywood acting legend Elizabeth Taylor, who was friends with Michael for two decades, and first christened him "The King of Pop," has a reason for turning down an invite to speak at the high-profile, star-spangled event, which will include performances by singers Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and John Mayer.


Shown above: Elizabeth, I Love You, written and sung by Michael as a birthday surprise for Elizabeth, for the program Elizabeth Taylor: A Celebration of Life, commemorating her 65th birthday

Quite simply, she says, she just doesn't think her private grief should be a public spectacle. (Music producer Quincy Jones, 76, who produced Michael's breakthrough album Thriller, which launched Michael to mega-stardom, has also decided not to attend, saying he "won't go to any more funerals.")

Elizabeth left a brief message on Twitter for fans who've expected her to attend the memorial service of one of her closest friends, explaining why she won't be coming:

"I've been asked to speak at the Staples Center (http://tinyurl.com/mz9nj3). I cannot be part of the public whoopla [sic]. And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word. I said I wouldn't go to the Staples Center and I certainly don't want to become a part of it."

"I love him too much," she went on explain. "My love goes out to [his mother] Katherine and Michael's beloved children (http://tinyurl.com/mrv9lx). I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event."

Shown at header: Elizabeth and Michael, undated file photo, circa 2005
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The Twitter files: Who's new: Sarah Palin, Adam Lambert, George Lopez

And, for folks trying to keep up with who's who and who's real on Twitter, here are some new visitors to Twitter, if you'd like to see what they're up to, now:

Sarah Palin - @AKGovSarahPalin
Adam Lambert - @adamlambert
George Lopez @georgelopez

Shown at header: Adam Lambert
Kiss, Kiss: Source Photo cred

Caught in traffic: Ping pong sharks

Point of origin: YouTube

Don't try getting into a friendly pick-up game of ping pong with these girls. 'Cause they ain't playin'.
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Video: Michael Jackson's final rehearsal

Shown above: Singer Michael Jackson's final dress rehearsal for his upcoming tour, shot just 48 hours before he died on June 25, 2009. Clip includes footage from the rehearsal and additional news coverage/commentary.
Kiss, Kiss: Source/Photo cred

So long, Mrs. Slocombe: Mollie Sugden dies at 86

Mollie Sugden, beloved to generations of TV viewers as the arch but feisty Mrs. Slocombe on long-running Britcom Are You Being Served? has died (Jul. 1) at the age of 86.

She died after a long illness, according to her agent, who said she'd never recovered from her husband William Moore's death in 2000.


Mollie's twin sons, Robin and Simon Moore, were at her bedside at the Royal Surrey County Hospital when she died, said agent and long-time friend Joan Reddin, who started working with Mollie in the 1960s.


Shown at header, above: Mollie in character as Mrs. Slocombe
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Michael Jackson leaves custody of kids to his mum, 79 -- or Diana Ross

Pop phenomenon Michael Jackson, who died last week (Jun. 25), has left custody of his kids to his elderly mother Katherine, 79, according to his will, lodged today with a Los Angeles court.

However, the will also stipulates that if Katherine died before Michael did, or became incapacitated, singer Diana Ross would become their legal guardian.

Diana was his co-star in The Wiz and a mentor to him when Michael was a child star with The Jackson Five.

Michael leaves behind three children: Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, nicknamed "Blanket."

Michael reportedly made no provision for their birth/surrogate mother(s) in his will -- former dermatologist's technician Debbie Rowe gave birth to Prince Michael and Paris. The mother of his third child has not been identified.

The will also makes no mention of Michael's father, Joe Jackson, and doesn't make provision for any of Michael's brothers or sisters.

The will establishes a Michael Jackson family trust, to benefit the children and his mother Katherine. There will be three executors of the estate, including lawyer John Branca, and music industry executive John McClain.

Michael was deeply in debt at the time of his death, but an explosion of public interest in his works and a secret new songs catalog that Michael arranged to be held in trust for the children might mean that Prince Michael, Paris, "Blanket" and mother Katherine will be left with significant means of support for the rest of their lives.

The entire document is available for viewing, here.
Kiss, Kiss: Source Source Photo cred

Knife-wielding attacker, 23, picks the wrong victim -- as retired boxer, 72, whups his ass

A knife-wielding attacker got the shock of his life when he went after 72-year-old Frank Corti in a home invasion -- he didn't know that the victim was a retired boxer.

Gregory McCalium, 23, came out much the worse for the wear, as seen in his police mugshot.

Frank was at home with his wife Margaret at the time of the incident. Gregory smashed his way into the couple's home, then attacked Frank with a blade.

The pensioner dodged the knife and punched the intruder twice in the face, leaving him with a black eye and swollen lip, then restrained him until police arrived.

Frank asked him to drop the knife but he wouldn't. He recounts what happened next: "I shouted to my wife to ring the police. I was absolutely petrified. As I saw it, it was a matter of do or die..I adjusted my position and hit him with my right hand. It was just below the eye."

He continues, "I heard the knife drop. We grappled. I was trying to drag him out of the back door. We both fell to the floor. I had to subdue him by punching him, which I did not take a great deal of pleasure in."

He then sat on the would-be attacker until the police arrived.

Today, Gregory, 23, is beginning a four-and-a-half year prison sentence after a judge told him he "got what he deserved."
Shown at header: Archive cutting from the Oxford Mail in 1954 showing Frank Corti at the age of 16. He'd just won the National Association of Boy's Clubs Boxing Championships
Kiss, Kiss: Source Photo cred

Caught in traffic: Michael Jackson news covers from around the world

(Stockholm - Sweden)

(San Juan - Puerto Rico)

(Chicago, Illinois - USA)


(Los Angeles, California - USA)


(Amsterdam - The Netherlands)

"World. Wide. Phenom."

Point of origin: Matt Stopera/Buzz Feed
View all covers
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Caught in traffic: Love bites

"A little Japanese boy presents flowers to girls after their piano performances. He succeeds the first time, gets rejected on the second [try]...his reaction is priceless! He cries out in Japanese "NANDE?!?! which means WHY?!?!"

Oh, ay -- haven't we seen this somewhere before?

Point of origin: You Tube
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Update: Michael Jackson dies at 50

NBC News and the Associated Press report they've confirmed that pop singer Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50, after suffering cardiac arrest at his California home. The New York Times and the LA Times are also reporting that the singer has died.

News coverage:

In Memoriam: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
Jackson leaves hefty debts, unrealized comeback
Elton John sings for Michael Jackson
The day that Michael Jackson died
The Peter Pan of pop
Secret library of 100 songs could be released
Michael Jackson's death: Avoidable or inevitable?
MJ R.I.P.
100 facts about the King of Pop
Did O2 gig pressure kill Jacko?
Growing up as Michael Jackson: Out of hardship came success
Michael Jackson should have died a rich man
Michael Jackson: Record sales rocket
Michael Jackson: Talented, troubled voice of pop
Thriller, MTV made Jackson into megastar
Fans recall Michael's talent, not quirkiness
Jackson's mourning fans gather
Michael Jackson's life was infused with fantasy and tragedy
Michael Jackson dies, leaving legacy of award-winning music
Michael Jackson-related traffic doubled Twitter's update frequency
What's your all-time favorite Michael Jackson song?
Michael Jackson [death]: "Everyone is just crying"
Fans gather outside pop singer's home
What caused Michael Jackson's cardiac arrest?
Michael Jackson passed 2009 physical for tour insurance
Michael Jackson's death shakes the newsroom
Michael Jackson's kids will be in his mother's custody

Kiss, Kiss: Source Source Source Photo cred

Report: Michael Jackson rushed to hospital

Pop star Michael Jackson, 50, has been rushed to the UCLA Medical Center by ambulance after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest at his home.

Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Steve Ruda confirms that paramedics responded to a 911 call at Michael's home around 12:26 p.m.(PST).

The singer was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center.

Michael is renting a home in the Holmby Hills in the 100 block of Carolwood Drive, off Sunset Boulevard, only a few minutes from the UCLA Medical Center.

Family members have already been contacted and are on their way to UCLA, sources say. Rumors that the pop singer has died have not been confirmed by medicos.

Updated: NBC News claims confirmation of death, LA Times reports that Michael Jackson has died, New York Times, ABC, CBS claim confirmation
Kiss, Kiss: Source Source Source Photo cred

Report: Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

Actress Farrah Fawcett has lost her battle with cancer.

The 1970s icon known equally for popular TV series "Charlie's Angels," her feathered hair and her stormy love life, died this morning (June 25) after a long struggle with rectal cancer, Entertainment Tonight reports. She was 62.

Former ex-lover-turned-long-time partner Ryan O'Neal and friend Alana Stewart, who filmed the documentary "Farrah's Story" about Farrah's cancer battle, were by her side when she died at 9:28 a.m (PST) at a Los Angeles hospital.

News coverage:

Farrah Fawcett, a sex symbol who aimed higher
Farrah Fawcett leaves a legacy
Farrah Fawcett could win posthumous Emmy Award
TV "Angel's" story comes to a sad ending
Ex-publicist talks about his discovery of Farrah Fawcett
How Farrah came to Hollywood
A writer's memory of Farrah Fawcett
RIP Farrah
O'Neal, "Angels" pay touching tribute to Farrah
Farrah Fawcett: Serious acting's poster child
Friends, co-stars react to Farrah Fawcett's death
Fawcett's son allowed to attend funeral
Hollywood mourns Farrah's death
Ryan O'Neal to People mag: "She's gone."
Tatum O'Neal reflects on Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett photo gallery
Goodbye, Farrah: An Angel Has Fallen
Kiss, Kiss: Source Source Source Source Photo cred

Rachel Hunter's hockey hubby-to-be makes a run for it

Model Rachel Hunter woke up to a shockeroo the other day, as fiance Jarret Stoll cancelled their wedding just seven weeks before they were due to walk down the aisle.

The pro hockey player decided to call the whole thing off by emailing everyone on their guest list, telling them the August 14 nuptials are a no-go.

It took him nearly a year to make up his mind this wasn't gonna work out. There's a guy who's slow on the draw!

Rachel, 39, meanwhile, has no idea what happened, since her sweetie pie won't tell her the reason for the sudden cancellation of the big event.

Well, duh -- cold feet. Cold feet, and/or another woman, and/or he's really not that keen on the idea of being on call, playing step-dad to two tweenies, and/or spending his off season knee-deep in diapers.

We're going with: All of the above. Unless he realized just now that he's actually gay. Or just wants to ramp up on his me time.

Kiss, Kiss: Source Photo cred