Smithsonian Says No to O.J.

Although OJ Simpson was kind enough to offer to donate the suit he was wearing when a jury found him not guilty of murdering Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, the the Smithsonian Institution told TMZ, “It is highly unlikely we will accept it.”

Ellen vs. Simon?

Insiders at “American Idol” are saying that tensions are mounting bewteen judges Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell. TMZ is reporting that, even though producers have separated the two at the judges table, that the animosity continues to grow. 

J.K. Rowling: Plagiarist?

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been sued again for plagiarism, a charge the writer calls “unfounded” and “absurd”. The claim says that she stole plot elements from Adrien Jacobs’ 1987 book,
“The Adventures of Willy the Wizard — No 1 Livid Land” .
In a statement, Rowling said, “I am saddened that yet another claim has been made that I have taken material from another source to write Harry.”

“My Sharona” Singer Dies

Lead singer of pop band The Knack, Doug Fieger, died Sunday at the age of 57 after about with cancer. The band is most commonly associated with the 1979 hit song “My Sharona”.

Nancy Kerrigan Sticks Up For Her Borther

TMZ is reporting that former ice skater Nancy Kerrigan is claiming that the official cause of death of homicide for her father, Dan Kerrigan, was “unjustified”. Furthermore, she said that she was planning “to help my brother fight.”  The article goes on to state: “The Medical Examiner determined Dan Kerrigan died from cardiac dysrhythmia after suffering a neck injury during a fight with his son, Mark.”

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pit Sue Tabloid

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are suing the British tabloid “News of the World” for allegedly making “false allegations about their relationship.” Their lawyer, Keith Schilling, relased at statement saying that “the allegations published by the News of the World are false as well as intrusive.”

Brittany Murphy’s Death Avoidable

Brittany Murphy’s autopsy indicates that her death was “preventable,” TMZ is reporting. Anonymous sources say that her death was caused by pneumonia and severe anemia, and both were treatable.

Academy Awards Nominees Announced

Here’s a selected list of some of the nominees:

Best picture
“Avatar”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“Up in the Air”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Up”
“The Blind Side”
“District 9”
“An Education”
“A Serious Man”

Actor
George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”

Actress
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”
Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”

Supporting actor
Matt Damon, “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson, “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer, “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci, “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

Supporting actress
Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique, “Precious”
Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Penelope Cruz, “Nine”
Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Crazy Heart”

Director
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
James Cameron, “Avatar”
Lee Daniels, “Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”

Etta James Hospitalized

Iconic R&B singer Etta James was recently hospitalized in Southern California for sepsis, an infection. The 72 year-old singer, best known for the song “At Last”, is stable, but no one knows how long it will take her to recover.

Super Bowl Singer Selected

And the singer is…Carrie Underwood. The country superstar has been selected to sing the national anthem at the biggest game of the year.

Brooke Mueller Checks Into Rehab

Charlie Sheen‘s wife, Brooke Mueller, has reportedly checked into a North Carolina drug and alcohol treatment center. According to TMZ, Brooke flew there yesterday, and will be staying for about a week. Mueller has supposedly been in the hospital this past week for pneumonia.

Bonanza Actor Dead

Pernell Roberts, who played the part of the eldest Cartwright brother on"Bonanza,” died at the age of 81 in his home in Malibu, California this past Sunday.
His career spanned decades, and included roles in “Trapper John, M.D.” and M.A.S.H, but his real passion was “pursuing his dream of equality for all,” according to a family statement released by his lawyer.

Bristol Palin Looking Looking For Money

Bristol Palin‘s lawyers filed papers late Thursday in Alaska that demand Levi Johnston to pay $1,750 per month in child support for their son Tripp. They’re arguing that Levi’s only given $4,400 for 13-month-old Tripp.

Conan and NBC Reach $45 Million Settlement

TMZ is reporting that Conan O’Brien and NBC reached a deal that is much more lucrative than expected. The $45 million settlement includes a severance of $32.5 million, even if he goes on to host another program, while his staff gets $7.5 million.  Furthermore, O’Brien has agreed to not host another show until at least September.

Sandra Bullock Gives A Million To Haiti Relief Efforts

Recent Golden Globe winner Sandra Bullock has given $1 million to Doctors Without Borders for helping with the Haiti relief effort, according to reports. She says in a statement: “I wanted to ensure that my donation would be used immediately to meet the needs of the Haitian people affected by this catastrophic event,” said Bullock in a statement.

Bad News for LA Film Production

FilmL.A. Inc., the nonprofit group that handles city film permits, says on-location filming days declined 19 percent in 2009 from the previous year — the largest year-to-year decline since they were first tracked in 1993.The decline was blamed “on the recession, lingering effects of an actors contract dispute and a continuing exodus of production to cheaper locales. (via msn.com)

R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass Dead at 59

R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass has died of colon cancer in suburban Philadelphia, where he had been hospitalized for months.  Pendergrass was a hugely successful musician until a car crash 28 years ago put him in a wheelchair. Before the crash, Pendergrass’ hit songs included “Close the Door,” “It Don’t Hurt Now,” “Love T.K.O.” and several others. (via msn)

Obama Musical Opening in Germany

This week-end Germany saw the premier of a musical about President Obama’s historical election campaign, featuring love songs from Obama to Michelle, duets with HIllary Clinton, and solos from John McCain and Sarah Palin. (via msn)

Dan Rather’s Appeal Against CBS Rejected

Dan Rather‘s bid to reinstate his $70 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against CBS Corp. was rejected today by New York’s top court. The newsman had sued CBS, claiming that he was wrongfully terminated by “CBS Evening News after filing a report that questioned the President Bush’s military record.

Balloon Dad Off to Jail

Hoax mastermind and father of Balloon Boy, Richard Heene, just turned himself into the Larimer County Detention Center where he will serve for 30 days. After that, he’ll be available for a work release program.