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Morning Links: Balloon Boy father Richard Heene getting the harsh reality treatment

Heene family Careful what you wish for, Richard Heene. The Colorado father wanted to be on a reality TV show, and now he is on the most real, with intense scrutiny from the media and law enforcement. TMZ is over-flowing with Heene related tidbits. Where to begin?

• Richard Heene had a profile on the website RealityWanted.com where he pitched himself as a research scientist and general contractor.

• The FAA is investigating Heene with regard to releasing a tethered balloon without authorization, and for filing a false report. While the charges aren't criminal, they could result in a big fine.

• The producer of "Extreme Home Makeover" says Heene pitched a show to him, and lied about exclusivity. Tom Forman says Heene made a personal pitch to the TLC network for a show despite telling Forman he was only in negotiations with him.

• The Hennes were previously reported to Child and Family Services in 2006.

• A clip of Heene's amateur show "The Psyience Detectives" in which he joked launching a 60 lb rocket was like launching one of his sons into space.

• Henne dabbled in writing his own theme music for shows he was pitching.

• Heene was arrested in 1997 and charged with misdemeanor vandalism, vehicle tampering, and disturbing the peace.

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Meanhwile, the Denver Post has a story about how Richard Heene has been chasing fame for years, and interviews friends and acquaintances of Heene who recount some of his desperation. Failed open-mic stand-up appearances. Volatile behavior while filming storm chases. Trying to get talk show host Jimmy Kimmel to give him $25,000 to put his name on a rocket Heene would fire into space. Stiffed a photographer out of $6,000. Not very flattering stuff. As former friend, actor/comedian Perry Caravello said of Heene, "I'm embarrassed to say I know this guy."

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Beyonce has postponed a concert in Malaysia because of concerns by Muslim politicians who look at the performer's act as possibly immoral under Islamic law. This is the second time that Beyonce has had troubles in Malaysia. In 2007 the singer had to cancel a show when the youth wing of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party protested the show.

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TMZ founder Harvey Levin says he will fight the Los Angeles sheriff's department, who pulled his company's phone records in the investigation to determine who leaked the details of Mel Gibson's 2006 arrest. 

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Whitney houston Whitney Houston had a near wardrobe malfunction Janet Jackson-class while performing on Simon Cowell's "X-Factor" show in the UK. While performing "Million Dollar Bill," the strap on the singer's dress came untied, leaving the possibility that her top would topple. But Houston made it through the song without losing her top or poise. After her performance, she quipped "I sang myself out of my clothes!"

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The wife of actor Eddie Furlong has asked to withdraw the restraining order she had placed on the actor, saying that she wants their split to be amicable and that Furlong has taken steps to prove he is on the right track. Rachael Kneeland had accused Furlong of threatening her life while in drug fueled episodes, and asked for a restraining order for protection. "We're actually friends. We're not having a bad divorce. We just ran into some issues. Eddie did some things to prove to me that he's back on track with his life and that's all I wanted," Kneeland said.

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Former Miss California Carrie Prejean is being sued by a production company for the boob job they helped her get. K2 Productions is seeking $5,200 from Prejean, who was stripped of her Miss California crown, for the breast augmentation surgery for which they paid.

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David Hasselhoff is in discussions with the A&E network for a documentary-style reality show, which would feature The Hoff and his kids. Despite a tweet by Hassellhoff daughter Hayley stating that the contracts had been signed, The Hoff's rep says the deal is not done.

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It's been a few months since Adam Lambert ended the last "American Idol" season as its runner-up. But he has an album coming, a song featured in a big film, and has no problem glamming it up. Lambert has tongues wagging over his new photo shoot with Details magazine. Oh, and he did an interview too.

Morning Links: Balloon boy's parents will be charged in hoax, sheriff says

Heene A Colorado sheriff now says that his parents' report that 6-year-old Falcon Heene may have climbed into a homemade balloon before it floated off last week was a hoax concocted by either or both Richard and Mayumi Heene. The family home was searched while authorities continue to consider charges against the parents, who came up with the idea two weeks ago as a way to grab national attention and get their own reality TV show, sheriff Jim Alderden said. Alderden also said protective services will determine whether Falcon and his two older brothers should be removed from the home. The charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a felony, could result in a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $500,000 fine. The sheriff also said of the "scientist" and "storm chaser" Richard Heene, "His education level is only high school .. He may be nutty, but he's not a professor." Police executed a search warrant at the house and were seen removing boxes and a computer.

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Stephanie_pratt Stephanie Pratt of "The Hills" was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Hollywood early Sunday morning, an LAPD official said, a few hours after she attended the birthday party of co-star Heidi Montag, posing for photos showing her grape-colored tongue. "It was your basic DUI. Our traffic officers driving down the street spotted her and pulled her over," Sgt. Sal Ogaz told People. "She was cooperative and there were no issues with her arrest." Sources told TMZ.com that police saw her get into her car and pulled her over immediately. Pratt, 23, younger sister of Spencer Pratt, was arrested at 3:45 a.m., charged with a misdemeanor DUI. At 11 p.m. Pratt tweeted: "its my sissy @hollymontags bday party! just finished dinner and going to Empire but im pretty tired aka yes i am the party pooper :("  She told E! News the same thing: "I'm a party pooper tonight. I got bad news this morning. A friend passed away in a car accident, so everyone needs to drive safe." The photo at left was taken after her 2006 shoplifting arrest.

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Burglars cleaned out Kourtney Kardashian's jewelry box, making off with some $108,000 in jewelry from her Calabasas, Calif. home, Los Angeles County Sheriff Sgt. Kristy Criner told People. "That's what was discovered missing in the initial investigation," she says. Kardashian, 30, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Scott Disick around Christmas. Missing, according to TMZ.com, is some vintage jewelry Kourtney was left by her deceased father, as well as a Cartier watch worth around $30,000, Scott's expensive Rolex, and multiple diamonds.

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Dina Lohan suggests that her ex-husband Michael  pay the back child support he owes and stop talking about what he says are their daughter Lindsay's drug problems. She says Michael "needs to focus on being a parent, paying child support, of which he is six months behind, and making up for all the years he was an absentee dad. And stop going on national television talking about his children publicly." This follows his comment to web site X17 that he plans to see a judge this week about LiLo. "I can't believe they didn't drug test Lindsaywhen she went into court," he said. "If I can't get a conservatorship, then I'm going to take her to an undisclosed location and get her straight. But I know I'm gonna get charged w/ kidnapping."

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Meanwhile, Lindsay, who's been through rehab at the tender age of 23, was photographed face down in a vehicle leaving a Hollywood nightclub over the weekend. "Probably doing homework for her alcohol education classes," TMZ.com snarked.

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Roman Polanski has been taken from the Swiss jail where he has been held for three weeks to another location, where he is undergoing medical treatment, his attorney says. Herve Temime told Reuters, "All I know is that he has been taken from prison for medical attention. I don't know where he is or when he will be returned to prison."

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Debbie Rowe has asked a judge for a default judgment against a former friend who she says defamed her on TV by saying Rowe didn't want custody of the two children she had and turned over to Michael Jackson. Rowe wants $490,000 from ex-pal Rebecca White, who said in a TV interview that she had an email from Rowe that says, "Do I want the kids? Hell no. Does it look good for me to ask for them? Absolutely." The judge will rule next month on Rowe's request.

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Paris and Prince, the two oldest Jackson children, took a trip to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and met up with their late dad's friend Liz Taylor, who is recovering from a heart procedure. The kids were photographed yelling while riding one of the scary rides, but Liz, in a wheelchair, skipped the rides.

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Madonna's upstairs neighbor on Central Park West says the Material Girl cranks up the volume and has disrupted her life. In a lawsuit against the building board, neighbor Karen George says Madonna "and one or more of her invited guests repeatedly dance and train . . . to unreasonably high-decibel, amplified music, causing noise and vibration to pour through the walls, ceilings and radiators ... Ms. George has been forced to endure blaring music, stomping and shaking walls for approximately one and a half to three hours each day."  The suit also says Madonna has already been threatened with  eviction.

-- Anne Neville

A smile to start the weekend: Sing a song of musical stairs and a musical road

A delightful look at how to make walking up (and down!) stairs fun!

And here are some people playing on musical stairs:

And what about a musical road? This one is in Lancaster, Calif.!

Have a great weekend!

 -- Anne Neville

Morning Links: Judge orders Lindsay Lohan back to court after bad report from drug program

The judge who sentenced Lindsay Lohan to complete an alcohol education program has just been ordered to appear in court today, TMZ is reporting. Sources say the judge was contacted by somebody from the course who says she is violating the terms of the program. If she fails to complete the judge's requirement, LiLo's probation can be revoked and she could end up in jail.

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Stephanie-santoroBabysitter and Jon Gosselin paramour Stephanie Santoro plunged back into the spotlight by claiming that Jon bragged about hacking into his estranged wife Kate's emails, phone records and online bank accounts. "Her online banking, that he had a trace on every single one of her emails so anytime she would get an email he would get a copy of it!" Santoro, left, told RadarOnline. In a statement, Kate says she's "disturbed" by the allegations. Her attorney said Kate "is carefully considering all of her legal options regarding this matter, and she will pursue them if and when the time is right." Jon's attorney Mark Heller says Jon denies the charges. "He unequivocally told me that he's never illegally invaded Kate's electronic privacy in any way," said the attorney. Heller called Santoro "an individual who clearly has a motivation to tell stories about Jon that might result in financial [compensation]."

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Thomas dekkerThe teen who was struck and injured by actor Thomas Dekker's car in North Hollywood was a 17-year-old who was riding a bike across a freeway on-ramp, TMZ is reporting. Dekker, 21, left, who played John Connor on "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," was jailed briefly and is accused of felony DUI and causing bodily harm. He also appeared in "Glee" and is in an upcoming version of "A Nightmare on Elm Street."

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"Dancing With the Stars" pro Karina Smirnoff, who recently split with costar Maksim Chmerkovskiy, is enjoying flying solo. "I love being single," she told Hollyscoop.com. Smirnoff denies widespread Internet rumors that she is involved with current dancing partner Aaron Carter. She says of the rumors, "Sometimes I read [tabloids] and wish I was living that life. I've learned to deal with it and now I'm just glad they care."

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It lasted longer than Britney Spears' first marriage, but still, Fred Durst bailed out of his marriage to Esther Nazarov after just a bit longer than a month. In the divorce papers Limp Bizkit frontman Durst filed in Los Angeles, he says the pair were married from July 13 until they separated Aug. 25, driven apart "irreconcilable differences."

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Both Fox and Burger King have apologized to Jessica Simpson for a cartoon aired during Fox NFL Sunday in which cartoon depictions of Marion Barber and Jason Witten commented on Simpson's weight. The Barber character said, "I still can't believe Tony dated Jessica Simpson, even after she blew up bigger than Flozell Adams," and Witten's character said "Unlike Tony, at least Jessica comes up big when it counts." Simpson tweeted: "i will never understand why people attack for a laugh. own your beauty and don't listen to the judgement."

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A man who reportedly slugged singer Leona Lewis in the head at a book-signing has been jailed in an area for prisoners with mental health issues, police in London say. Peter Kowalczyk, 29, was charged with assault after the incident at a bookstore in London's Piccadilly area.

-- Anne Neville

Morning Links: Medical examiner testifies at Anna Nicole Smith drug trial; Model suffered from buttocks abscesses

Anna nicole smith Anna Nicole Smith was suffering physically in the days before her death, according to testimony in the drug case for Howard K. Stern and Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor. The three are on trial having been charged with six felonies, including prescribing, administering, and dispensing a controlled substance to an addict.

In Los Angeles Superior Court, the Florida medical examiner Dr. Harold Schueler said that Smith had abscesses all over her buttocks, causing infections at injection points. According to E! Online: "[Infections] would have had an impact on her ability to withstand the drugs," the doctor said, reducing her tolerance to the sedatives and muscle relaxers she had been taking for pain, anxiety and insomnia. "Her respiratory system could also have been compromised." This condition, Schueler said, may have contributed to her death.

Smith's former bodyguard also testified that he witnessed Stern inject the former Playboy Playmate multiple times in the days after her son, Daniel's death.

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The Michael Jackson documentary film "This Is It" is a hot ticket already with box office pre-sales.The film doesn't open for another two weeks, but advanced tickets sales already account for 1,600 sold-out show, and is the No. 1 ticket at websites Fandango and MovieTickets. "The pre-sales activity all over the world has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Steve Elzer, a spokesman for Columbia Pictures.

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As Maury would say, "Keanu Reeves... You are NOT the father!" The actor was being sued by a woman for spousal and child support, claiming that Reeves was the father of one of her four children. Karen Sala claimed that she met Reeves in the '80s and that he got her pregnant. Sala was seeking $3 million spousal support, retroactive to 1988, plus an additional $150,000 a month in child support also going back to the same date. Reeves has maintained that he has never met Sala and now A DNA test confirms that Reeves doesn't match any of the children. According to Reeves' lawyer, Sala does not accept the test results.

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Leona Lewis Singer Leona Lewis was punched in the head at a book signing in London yesterday. At an appearance promoting her new biography "Dreams," Lewis was approached by a man for an autograph. After signing, Lewis looked up and the attacker punched her in the side of the head. Lewis was taken to an area hospital and was said to be "badly shaken" by the incident.

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Avril Lavigne has filed for divorce from her hubby, musician Deryck Whibley from the band Sum 41. The couple separated in September, and now Lavigne has made it official by filing divorce papers last week, citing irreconcilable differences.

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Actor Chris Pine took over the iconic role of Capt. Kirk in this summer's mega-hit "Star Trek." Now he has been cast in another big role, taking over the Jack Ryan character. CIA agent Jack Ryan was first played by Alec Baldwin in "The Hunt for Red October," then the role was taken over by Harrison Ford for two films, and later Ben Affleck for one. But Paramount Pictures is calling this a re-boot, trying to resurrect the franchise.

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The prosecutor in the Letterman extortion case wants the evidence to be sealed by the court. Suzanne Vieux says that her case against Robert "Joe" Halderman could be damaged, especially if witnesses get wrapped up in the media circus. Vieux is also asking that today's hearing be closed, trying to keep the wraps on this very public case.

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We're still more than two months away from the premier of American Idol, but Randy Jackson is already handicapping the race. "I think I have to give the edge going in to the girls. We haven’t had a girl winner in a long time and some interesting talented girls showed up [to audition.]," Jackson told media at a NYC music and yodeling festival.

Jackson also defends the addition of Ellen DeGeneres, who critics point to with her lack of music credentials. But Jackson says, "I think Ellen will bring an easy light kind of side to it. She isn’t that music aficionado like all of us but I don’t think the panel necessarily needed more of that."

-- Dave Valenzuela

Morning Links: Judge orders Jon to return $180,000 to Gosselin family account

The battling Gosselins met in court Tuesday, and Jon was ordered to return $180,000 to a joint bank account he shares with estranged wife Kate, a source close to Kate told People. This is part of $232,000 that Kate claimed Jon took from the account after their divorce arbitrator banned them both from remoing funds. "The remaining sum of $55,000, which Ms. Gosselin used for household bills and expenses relating to the children, will be subject to further determination by the arbitrator at a later date," Kate's lawyer, Mark Momjian says in a statement. "I am pleased that the Court has ruled fairly on behalf of myself and my children. ... I look forward to returning to private arbitration, as we have agreed to do, to resolve any remaining issues," Kate told People. If Jon doesn't return the money by Oct. 26, he could face contempt of court charges; by the same date, Kate must provide an accounting of the family finances. Tuesday evening, Jon tweeted, "Today was a long day. Today the court divided my family ..."

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A second woman has stepped forward to say she, too, was confronted by a naked guy in Dr. Phil's production office. The lawsuit, filed by Crystal Matchett in L.A. County Superior Court, makes it clear that the man was starkers: a "completely naked man, who was exposing his entire naked body, genitals and all." Got that? The suit is similar to one filed by Shirley Dieu last week, except that Dieu says Dr. Phil also touched her inappropriately. Dr. Phil called Dieu's suit "without merit." No word yet on Matchett's claim.

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Miley may be gone, but Rihanna has joined Twitter, where she says, "The Wait Is Ova. Nov. 23 09. A new album? People says, "stay tuned." The buzz for the as-yet-unknown album has been significant, with aceshowbiz.com reportingthat Akon, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Kanye West, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, Soulja Boy, Shontelle and Pharrell Williams have all reportedly been involved in the album.

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Annanicole The preliminary hearing against Anna Nicole Smith's boyfriend.Lawyer Howard K. Stern and two of her doctors depicts Smith's final days of severe illness and the drug intoxication that caused her death. Witnesses described Smith's soiled bed, a baby bottle filled with Pedialite, and a dozen prescription drugs and many more illicit drugs. Three days before her death, Stern supported her as they walked into the lobby, and she became progressively less responsive, falling in the room shortly before her death, witnesses told the court.

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The man who was accused of stalking Olympian Shawn Johnson will stand trial on four of the five charges filed against him. Robert O'Ryan will be tried on counts of four of the five charges that were filed against him -- felony stalking, felony commercial burglary and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded firearm in his car. Another charge of attempted kidnapping was thrown out, even though he'd prepared his car with zip ties, duct tape, a shotgun and handgun, knife, bulletproof vest and wooden club.

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Shauna sand Shauna Sand says she did not sleep with her stepson, A.J. Lamas, although the first episode of the reality show "Leave it to Lamas" dealt with the family's concern that she did. She has made a couple of sex tapes, but denies that Vivid Entertainment has the right to distribute one. When she went to drop off their three young daughters at the home of their father, Lorenzo Lamas, he was angry with her about the tape, then, at her urging, scrawled and signed this statement, which she showed to TMZ: "I, Lorenzo Lamas, will not seek custody of my minor children with Shauna Sand. Even in the event of a release of a sex tape with her and her boyfriend. Lorenzo Lamas."

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Jeffrey Tambor of "The Invention of Lying" has two reasons to celebrate. He and his wife, Kasia, welcomed twin sons on Oct. 4. Hugo Bernard and Eli Nicholas join siblings Eve Julia, 2, and Gabriel Kasper, 3, as well as Tambor's adult daughters from previous relationships. "Everyone is thrilled and healthy," Tambor's rep tells People. The 65-year-old Tambor also starred as George Bluth Sr. on "Arrested Development" and Hank Kingsley on "The Larry Sanders Show."

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Indianapolis 500 champ Helio Castroneves and girlfriend Adriana Henao toyed with naming their first child, a girl expected in January, "Indy," but decided it would be a "little too much." They have since settled on the name Mikaella. Next up for the pair might be marriage, Castroneves says is the "natural next step.

-- Anne Neville

Morning Links: Michael Jackson single controversy; Anka threatens suit for credit

Paul anka Michael Jackson's estate released a new single -- "This Is It" -- to accompany the documentary film of the same name due to hit theaters on October 28. But even in death there is controversy with the song

Turns out that the tune was co-written by Paul Anka, who had complained publicly that he was not compensated as the co-writer. The estate has now taken care of Anka, who had threatened lawsuit, promising him 50 percent of the proceeds from sales. 

"The song was picked because the lyrics were appropriate because of the name Michael gave his tour. We are thrilled to present this song in Michael's voice for the first time, and that Michael's fans have responded in unprecedented numbers. The song was co-written by the legendary Paul Anka," the estate administrators said.

Jackson and Anka wrote the song in 1983 for an Anka album, but Jackson was said to have taken the tapes after they were recorded and only a threat of lawsuit by Anka forced Jackson's hand  to return them.

• • •

Heidi Klum and Seal welcomed their new daughter this week. Lou Samuel was born to the couple on October 9th, joining siblings Johan, Henry and Leni. Seal wrote in a statement, "It's difficult to imagine loving another child as much as you love your existing children.  Anyone who has a family will tell you this. Where will one find that extra love? ... On Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at 7:46 p.m., the answer to this question came in the form of our fourth child and second daughter. Lou Sulola Samuel was born, and from the moment she looked into both of our eyes, it was endless love at first sight. She is beautiful beyond words and we are happy that she chose us to watch her grow over the coming years." 

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Jon and Kate Gosselin are headed into arbitration today to attempt to straighten out their he-said/she-said money situation. Kate has accused Jon of draining the bank account of $230,000, leaving her with just $1,000 to pay bills. Jon says that Kate has been draining the account for months, for far more than he has, and he is entitled to more, in fact. The arbitration was court-ordered, and would allow the couple to keep private all of the negotiations. But if they cannot reach an agreement, a dispute before a judge could be ugly. Kate is seeking spousal and child support, since Jon's stunt with the money.

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Elvis Presley Elvis fans, break out the checkbook. This Sunday you will have a chance to buy a bag of Elvis Presley's hair. The hair is said to have come from Presley as he was given a crew cut upon joining the army in 1958. In a 2002 auction, a different bag of Presley's hair fetched $115,000. The hair is part of an auction of more than 200 items being offered by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago this weekend. Other items available include clothes, scarves, Christmas cards, records and Elvis memorabilia, including dolls, Pez dispensers, and watches.

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The cast of Glee has been bumped from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade by NBC execs who were annoyed that the retailer accepted the Fox network's overture to appear without consulting then. While Fox has managed to get personalities in the parade before, namely former American Idol contestants, NBC does not want to promote competing network shows with current cast members.

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Saturday Night Live cast member Bill Hader and his wife Maggie Carey have welcomed their first child. Hannah Kathryn Hader was born on October  6. 

-- Dave Valenzuela

Morning Links: Jon claims Kate also looted funds; both due in court Tuesday

Jon Gosselin fired back at estranged wife Kate over the weekend, saying that she, too, took funds from the joint accounts without authorization -- $60,000 from their joint account between July and September. And if that doesn't stack up against the $230,000 she claims he took, leaving her with just $1,000, Jon also claims she took  more than a cool million between February 2008 and June 2009 that she has not properly acounted for. The battling Gosselins will be back in court Tuesday to hash out some of the money issues, and anyone found to have violated the orders can be found in contempt of court.

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Miley Cyrus quit Twitter last week, apparently at the urging of her new boyfriend, and her dad thought it was a bad idea, using his Twitter account to pass along this heavy message: "Miley. You are a light in a world of darkness. You were born"Destiny Hope Cyrus" for a reason.You can't leave everyone now.We r countin on u." But then he tweeted that Miley had quit after her account was hacked. Next from BRC was this: "Daddy got hacked too! Looks like I'll be goin bye bye also. I'm sad! I'll try to stay up 4 the weekend to say goodbye." Miley not only used her web site to explain further her departure from Twitter, she did a rap song about it that she posted on YouTube. OK, Miley. You're everywhere .. except not on Twitter.

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A woman who was a flight attendant for Oprah has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit after she says she was wrongly accused of having sexual contact with the pilot of Oprah's private jet during a flight. Corinne Gehrls says two other flight attendants -- Myron Gooch and Kirby Bumpus, who is the daughter of Oprah's close friend Gayle King -- said she and married pilot Terry Pansing had "inappropriate intimate contact" during a June flight with Winfrey on board, and both were fired July 7. Both Gehrls and Pansing reportedly have passed polygraph exams. She's asking for $300,000.

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Madonna&tracy Tracy Anderson, the perennially orange-skinned, sinewy trainer responsible for Madonna's frightening looking biceps, has been given the boot by the pop star. The two are pictured together a year ago at left, with Madonna wearing black. Anderson also trained Gwyneth Paltrow. A source told the New York Post's Page Six, "Madonna had grown tired of the baggage that Tracy always seemed to be carrying with her. Tracy had grown to be more of a distraction than anything else." Or maybe it was a clash over Philippe van den Bossche, the former head of Madonna's Raising Malawi charity, who quit his post in Los Angeles to move to New York to date Anderson. Van den Bossche was quoted as saying that Madonna was "happy" about his relationship with the trainer. But Madge was said to be disappointed that Anderson wouldn't join her on the final leg of her recent European tour until the very end so she could be with Van den Bossche.

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So Matt Damon and Ben Affleck aren't just really good friends, they're actually related? The New England Genealogical Society says they are both descended from one William Knowlton Jr., a bricklayer who left England and settled in Ipswitch, Mass., around 1630. They're -- get this -- 10th cousins, once removed. And so are half of the rest of the Eastern Seaboard! Oh, by the way, Affleck also is related to Princess Diana and 16 presidents, including Barack Obama, who is his 11th cousin, while Damon is related to six or seven U.S. presidents, he added.

• • •

Lady Gaga dressed up -- which means she wore more clothing than usual -- when she sang and played John Lennon's "Imagine" at the Human Rights Campaign dinner Saturday night, before the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. She was introduced by the president, who said, "It is a privilege to be here tonight to open for Lady Gaga. I've made it." Wearing round Lennon-style glasses, Gaga changed the lyrics of the song to reference Matthew Shepard's 1998 murder. 

• • •

Stephen-gately A member of the Irish boy band Boyzone died unexpectedly while on vacation on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Singer Stephen Gately, 33, left, was on the island with his partner Andrew Cowles. The two were married in a civil ceremony in 2006. The announcement on the band's Web site did not list his cause of death, but The Daily Mail says he choked on vomit after a drinking session, and police would like to speak to a Bulgarian named Giorgio who accompanied the pair back to their home Friday night before Gately was found dead. The rest of band -- Shane Lynch, Mickey Graham, Keith Duffy, and Ronan Keaning -- released a statement saying: “We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more."

• • •

David Hasselhoff, who reportedly got so drunk at Simon Cowell's 50th birthday bash in London last week that he slugged a doctor and was reportedly held in a hospital for two days, arrived home at LAX over the weekedn looking rested and well, if a slight bit nuts. Asked how his trip had gone, he smiled wildly and said only, "It's alllll good," reports TMZ.

-- Anne Neville

Morning Links: Gosselins act 'cordial' for the kids on twins' birthday; Jon's cake order traced to TV show

Jongosselin Trouble was brewing around the Gosselin household Thursday when twins Mady and Cara celebrated their 9th birthday Thursday, with Jon complaining that Kate planned to ban him after just two hours of the party, and Kate's homemade chocolate chip cake possibly being eclipsed by a posh vanilla cake Jon picked up at Manhattan's Cupcake Cafe, which unfortunately misspelled the name of one of the country's most famous sets of twins  -- Mady had two d's. But a truce was called at the last minute, and Jon was allowed to stay in the house until the eight's bedtime, he told reporters outside. "We're trying to be cordial for Mady and Cara," he added. The two battling parents will be back in court Tuesday before an arbitrator, when the question of whether Jon emptied the joint account of some $230,000 will be addressed.

• • •

Speaking of the cake from Cupcake Cafe -- staffers there told TMZ.com that "Entertainment Something" ordered the misspelled, flower-bedecked cake picked up by Jon, and were there filming when he picked it up. It's unclear who paid the $94 for the confection, although Jon handed over cash, the owner thinks. A rep for "Entertainment Tonight" denies that the show paid for the cake, but it would explain how they knew where Jon was picking up the second cake for the party.

• • •

Dr. Phil's reps vehemently deny the claims of a Shirley Rae Dieu, who has filed a lawsuit alleging that his staff held her against her will, confronted her with a naked man and then and touched her inappropriately. In the statement, Dr. Phil's rep says the "claims are without merit. ... Dr. Phil is never alone in the House with any of these guests and all of his interactions are captured on video and/or audio tape. All guests are, of course, free to come and go as they please." The statement also says that Dieu filed a police report nine months after the alleged incident, but Los Angeles authorities decided not to pursue it.

• • •

More than a year after what seemed to be the end of their divorce battle, Christie Brinkley and ex Peter Cook are headed back to court. The latest legal fight is over an incident in which Cook says Brinkley refused to turn over the passport of their 14-year-old son, Jack, in time for him to make a school tip to Egypt. Steven Kuhn, an attorney for Cook, says he had "no other recourse" but to ask a judge to find Brinkley in contempt of court. Brinkley's attorney, Peter Caronia, says that Cook's complaint is "without merit and wholly disingenuous." In any case, Brinkley is "really upset and embarrassed that this is going back to court," her spokesman, Amy Jacobs, told People.

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Also in legal trouble is Dr. Conrad Murray, but it has nothing to do with the death of Michael Jackson. The Las Vegas District Attorney's office recommended the court issue a bench warrant for Murray Thursday after he failed to show up in a Las Vegas courtroom for a child support hearing. Murray was expected to explain why he hasn't paid some $13,000 he owes to baby mama Nenita Malibiran. He has 10 days to explain himself before a bench warrant would be issued.

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Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo called it quits in June, but the relationship is back on, he tells "Good Day Philadelphia." She says, "I am happy in a relationship. I was single for a minute, there, and then we've kind of patched things up." Lachey also described Minnillo as "a very smart girl. She's far smarter than I!"

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Lachey also expressed his sadness over the the apparent death of Daisy, his ex-wife Jessica Simpson's dog, who was grabbed by a coyote last month from Simpson's back yard. “I think a lot of people forget that Daisy was my dog too — for years," Lachey told "Access Hollywood." And although he said his thoughts were with Simpson, “I didn’t reach out to her. ... I’m sure she was upset… I was upset… It was sad to hear that happened, but it’s part of the cycle of life.”

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Done (at least for the time being) are Audrina Partridge and Australian BMX racer Corey Bohan. Their two-month relationship followed another brief relationship in 2008, during which Bohan appeared on four episodes of "The Hills." But now, her rep tells EOnline, "Yes, she is single."

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Liammiley Miley Cyrus has a new boyfriend, "Last Song" costar Liam Hemsworth, 19, left, and with the arrival of the new guy goes the departure of her Twitter page. She'd used it to keep her more than 2 million followers updated on her every mood and move. But her last tweet said, "FYI Liam doesn't have a twitter and he wants ME to delete mine with good reason."  EOnline points out, "Of course, her presence is sorely missed in the Twitterverse as #mileycomeback is the No. 1 trending topic."

-- Anne Neville

Morning Links: Michael Vick gets realty show on BET

Michael-vick The Los Angeles Times reports that convicted NFL quarterback Michael Vick is getting a reality TV series on the BET network. The show, tentatively called The Michael Vick Project, will be a documentary-style series which chronicles Vick's return to the NFL, as well as his "tumultuous past -- including his troubled childhood and his 2007 arrest for running a dogfighting ring."

Producers say that the show will not be like "The T.O. Show," with flamboyant Terrell Owens in silly, contrived situations. They insist that Vick's show will be somber as it shows his struggle to reconcile with his fiance and children. It also will revisit the Kansas prison where Vick spent 1 1/2 years after being convicted to dogfighting. 

"This is the raw storytelling of what happened, why and how," said executive producer, James DuBose.

PETA, however, says: "People who abuse animals don't deserve to be rewarded. They shouldn't be given multimillion-dollar contracts . . . or given the privilege of being a role model. We don't believe Michael Vick understands the seriousness of his crime. I think he's sorry he got caught, but only time will tell if he's truly remorseful."

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Jon Gosselin tells ET Online that estranged wife Kate is trying to limit access to his twin daughters, Cara and Mady, on their upcoming 9th birthday. Jon says that Kate has asked him to only come to the party for 2 hours, and has tried to alter the custody agreement to limit his access to the children this weekend.

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Brawley nolte Nick Nolte's son, Brawley, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of driving under the influence. The 23-year-old Nolte was stopped on the Pacific Coast Highway after hitting another vehicle while changing lanes. Police gave Nolte several sobriety tests at the scene and failed, leading to his arrest. He was released on $5,000 bail. Brawley Nolte starred as Mel Gibson's son in the 1996 film "Ransom."

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Guy Ritchie says in a new interview with Esquire that he still loves Madonna and returns the dig, calling her "retarded" too. A year ago when the power couple called it quits, Madonna called Ritchie "emotionally retarded."

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Jennifer Lopez has a new single out, but it is not from her upcoming album, "Love?", due to hit the streets in January. The song, called "Fresh Out of the Oven," is a dance track featuring rapper Pitbull which is being promoted on a web site for a fictional performer called Lola. Is J-Lo changing her persona, or is she just pulling a Sasha Fierce (Beyonce) or Chris Gaines (aka Garth Brooks)? The new album will not feature anything being released as "Lola".

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Former American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin says who the judges are on the top rated Idol really doesn't matter. Yamin tells PopEater: "I don't think it's going to affect the ratings, I don't think it's going to have any bearing on how many people watch the show.... I think Ellen is great, I think Paula is great. ... I know that Ellen is real passionate about music, just like Paula is. ... I'm looking forward to seeing her and how she fits that role."

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Despite rumors from the UK, Elvis Presley's grandson, Benjamin, is not recording an album. The Daily Telegraph reported that the 17-year-old had signed a $5 million recording contract with Universal Music, quoting the teen "The music will be nothing like Elvis. Nothing like him at all." But that was news to Universal Music, whose Executive VP tells People "This story is totally untrue."

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Evi Quaid -- who recently stiffed an innkeeper with hubby, Randy -- is now being sued for defamation by the police officer who arrested the couple after the hotel incident. Evi taped a sign across the street from Marfa City Hall, which read "Deputy James Davis Take Payouts, Call + Make Offers." The lawyer for the officer said, "Evi accused him of engaging in criminal activity. He wants to set the record straight. He's been damaged and embarrassed by this."

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