ABBA Member Dies in Freak Accident



A member of the Swedish pop group ABBA was found with cuts to his neck. An autopsy ruled the death of 62-year-old Ola Brunkert, a former drummer for the band, an accident, according to the Associated Press.

A Civil Guard spokesman confirmed to the AP that Brunkert hit his head against a glass door in his dining room, shattering the glass and fatally cutting him in the neck. While he managed to wrap a towel around the wound, he collapsed in his garden when going to seek help.

"It is tragic," ABBA band member Benny Anderson told Swedish daily Expressen.

“He was a very creative musician who contributed a lot when we toured together and worked in the studio," band member Bjorn Ulvaeus added.

Brunkert played with ABBA (whose regular members consisted of Anderson, Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad) on their first single, “People Need Love,” and toured with them in 177, 1979 and 1980. The group, known for hits like “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen,” has not performed together since 1982.

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe: I'm Gay



R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe has come out of the closet.

“It was super complicated for me in the ’s," he tells Spin. "I was totally open with the band and my family and my friends and certainly the people I was sleeping with. I thought it was pretty obvious.”

The singer, who had always deflected questions about his sexual orientation, says he "didn’t always see" how coming out could help others.

"But I see now, of course, that’s the case," he says. "I’d just never felt strongly enough about a particular relationship to say, 'Yeah, he’s my boyfriend, that is what it is.’

"Now I recognize that to have public figures be very open about their sexuality helps some kid somewhere out there.”

The band recently played the South by Southwest Music festival.

They release their next album, Accelerate, on April 1.

George Clooney: I’m Not Returning To ER

George Clooney denies reports claiming the actor, 46, will return to ER for a 15th season next fall to reprise his role as Dr. Doug Ross.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight Canada airing Monday, Clooney was asked if he is indeed returning to the NBC show. “No, never — we never even talked about it,” he says in the interview. “No one has ever asked me. It’s the funniest thing. The story came out, and I was like ‘Where did that come from?’ It was everywhere — I mean in one day!”

Clooney added that the reports were news to TV execs, as well. “I ran into [ER Executive Producer] John Wells two days ago on the lot … and said to him, ‘What the hell happened?’ He said, ‘I don’t know. I don’t know where that came from.”

But Clooney isn’t discounting how crucial the role was to his career. “I was 33 when ER hit, so I have a very different outlook on the way things work,” he says. “I don’t think I was supposed to have been famous. I realize how much of this is luck.”

Madonna and Guy 'Remain Happily Married'



Madonna and Guy Ritchie are not headed for splitsville, according to the singer's rep.

"I am delighted to confirm that Mr. and Mrs. Guy Ritchie remain happily married," Liz Rosenberg said in a statement Monday, countering rampant speculation about trouble in the couple's marriage.

Earlier Monday, a British news service published a story quoting an unnamed source as saying "Madonna and Guy Ritchie are over." Multiple reports also speculated that the couple, who have been working on separate projects, were planning to split up.

Rosenberg, However, denied there was any truth to those rumors. "Though they were in different countries recently – Madonna in the U.S. doing promotion for her upcoming album Hard Candy and Guy finishing up post production on his new film RocknRolla as well as completing a Nike commercial and working on several scripts in England – the family are joyfully back together at home in London."

Madonna, 50, and Ritchie, 39, are parents to three children: Lourdes, 11, Rocco, 7, and David, 2 1/2, whom they are in the process of adopting.

Added Rosenberg, "All is well and wonderful in the Ritchie household."

"Death And Life Have Determined Appointments ..."
"... Riches and honors depend upon heaven."

So says this Chinese proverb tattooed in Mandarin Chinese (according to PageSix.com) down the side of David Beckham's left side ribcage which was revealed this weekend at the LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas friendly soccer match ... behold:



MMMM ... the tattoo is pretty sexy but he seems to be going a bit overboard with all the new ink. I don't mind all the new tats so much right now ... but if he ends up getting Thug 4 Life tattooed on his stomach then we're gonna hafta be dunzo!

Freeloaders

Celebs of varying importance came out to the Scandinavian Style Mansion over the weekend to partake in the high-end celeb swag fest which is known for attracting all sorts of famous freeloaders. This soiree was originally supposed to be hosted by Britney Spears but her hosting duties were squashed by that pesky mental breakdown thing she suffered a little while ago ... Lindsay Lohan stepped in to host in her place. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals:


Photo credit: Splash News and Wireimage

Oh look! Cousin Alli Sims decided to wear a particularly horrendous dress so that she could represent the absent Britney Spears. I'm sure Brit Brit just loves it when Cousin Alli, hungry for any and all attention possible, uses her name to get into swanky parties. I always find it so interesting that rich celebs like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan are always so quick to show up to gifting events like this. I feel a bit guilty whenever McDonald's gives me one too many sweet and sour packets when I order Chicken McNuggets. Alas, I guess this is how the rich stay rich ... they spend their money as little as possible.

Thomas Jane Busted For DUI!

And just who, pray tell, is Thomas Jane, you ask? Thomas Jane (née Thomas Elliot) is the semi-sexy actor who starred in the most recent movie adaptation of The Punisher comic books and is married to Medium star Patricia Arquette. TMZ reports that Mr. Jane was nabbed this morning on suspicion that he was driving while under the influence of alcohol:



TMZ has learned "The Punisher" star Thomas Jane was busted early this morning for DUI. Jane, whose real name is Thomas Elliot, was nabbed in Kern County, Calif. by CHP officers. He has been charged with DUI and driving with a blood alcohol level above .08% -- both misdemeanors. CHP tells TMZ Jane was stopped in a late-model Maserati for driving at "an extremely high rate of speed" on I-5. We're told he failed several field sobriety tests, including a breathalyzer. Cops also say he was also driving with a suspended license. A cooperative Jane was taken to the pokey and he's already out. His arraignment is set for April 9th.

Boo. Another day, another celeb DUI. It is such a sad comment on the times when this sort of news isn't even shocking anymore ... these days, it's basically a matter of "who is it now?" Folks, don't drink and drive ... no matter what the celebs may think, it's deffo not cool to risk the live of others just because you don't know how to call a cab.

The Last Chapter

At long last the new movie Chapter 27, which stars Jared Leto and Lindsay Lohan, is finally set for an imminent release in theaters. The film is scheduled to open in limited release this Friday March 21 with a more wide release to follow. As you may recall, Jared had to pack on the pounds for the role of Mark David Chapman so he is almost unrecognizable in the new movie poster for the film:



You may also recall that it was during the filming of this movie that rumors began to circulate that Jared and Lindsay had sparked up a romantic relationship (which now seems like eons ago). While it pains me to say that I don't think that this very serious film will be the right vehicle for L. Lo's acting prowess to shine thru, I wouldn't be surprised if Jared Leto ended up garnering accolades for his performance. It's uncanny how creepily disturbing he comes across in just the movie trailer:



You can tell from the trailer that this is the kind of movie where the creepy tension builds over the course of the film until it reaches its violent end. I'm actually a big fan of Leto's acting skillz, he tends to give really great performances in his movies ... it remains to be seen if Lindsay's involvement in the film will be detrimental to the overall effect of this dramatic film but I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Brit's Dad Selling Her Rides From Under Her



Britney's conservators got the judge today to authorize them to sell some of Brit's cars. Thank God someone is trying to get her off the road!

Co-conservator Andrew Wallet made the request in court. The exact makes and models of the cars were not discussed in open court.

The judge also did what we told you he'd do -- extended the restraining order against Sam Lutfi for another month

As we first reported, Lutfi agreed not to fight the restraining order and allow the extension. That means Lutfi must continue to stay 2 1/2 football fields away from the Britster and basically have no contact with her at all.

Danny Noriega: Big Time Cruiser

Danny Noriega may have been tossed overboard from the SS "American Idol" but he's already got a post-"Idol" gig.



The petite performer is singing aboard Rosie O'Donnell's "R Family Vacations" cruise.
Show tunes for everyone!

Pay Up, BritBrit!



Britney Spears has just been ordered by the LA courts to pay Mark Vincent Kaplan, Kevin Federline's lawyer, $375,000 in legal bills.

The fees stemmed from the 4 month battle between Kaplan and BritBrit's lawyer's over the custody of Small Fry and Tater Tot.

BritBrit should be happy that she didn't have to pay the $500,000 Kaplan was originally asking for!

On top of that, Spears also has to pay HER former lawyers over $600,000 for their services.

It's a good thing homegirl's getting back to work. She needs to be making a steady income!

[Image via WENN.]

Elton for Hillary



Sir Elton John will perform at a solo concert fundraiser for Hillary Clinton on April 9th at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, it was announced today.

The event, called Elton and Hillary: One Night Only, is Elton John's first public solo concert in New York City without his band since his solo concert at Madison Square Garden in October 2000.

"I'm not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does," said Elton. "I'm excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night."

Tickets will go on sale this Wednesday.

To purchase tickets, go to http://www.HillaryClinton.com/Elton or call the campaign office at 212-213-3717.

[Image via Mavrix Online.]

Heather To Fight For More Money!



For Heather Mills, the $50 million divorce settlement she was awarded this morning is apparently not enough.

Her friends say she is 'seriously considering' filing an appeal. Mucca is unhappy with the amount and with the guardianship arrangements for her and Sir Paul McCartney's daughter Beatrice.

She supposedly expected to get more money otherwise she would have settled months ago.

A 'close' friend says, "But it's not really about the money. She is more upset about who will care for Beatrice if both she and Paul died. They both want different people to look after Bea and it appears Paul has got his way."

Yeah right!

An English divorce expert says, "If Heather took the custody issue to the Court of Appeal it would remain private. But if she decides to appeal on the financial settlement it would be heard in public."

If Mucca brings it on, we'll at least get to hear all the juicy details.

Take the money and run, Mucca. $50 million is enough to support lots of charities, which you CLAIM is your passion, biyacth.

[Image via Mavrix.]

Operation Xenu: Recruiting The Smiths



Who wants to join Scientology????

Not us!

But it seems like Will Smith and Jada Plinko Smith might be the latest members to join the cult religion.

TomKat's influence is growing more notable on their famous friends, it's being reported.

An insider says, Will's "been getting more and more involved (in Scientology), and it isn’t just him, it’s definitely Jada, too."

"It’s not so much that anyone is upset that Will is becoming a Scientologist, it’s that as he becomes more involved, you’d think he’d sort of help fly the flag with Tom, who seems to only get a bad rap for it, while Will does this and comes through just fine," adds the source.

The report claims that the Scientology Church has "also set its sights on African Americans, opening up a center in Harlem in 2003."

It is even rumored that Kimora Lee Simmons might be dabbling in the Xenu religion.

At a 2006 gathering, David Miscavige, the Scientology leader, spoke "glowingly of Kimora Lee Simmons’ efforts to distribute a personalized edition of Hubbard’s The Way to Happiness, featuring her image on the cover, to school kids in New Jersey.”

Uhmmm, we think that may be an urban legend. At least we sure hope it is.

Stay away, KLS. Stay away!

[Image via WENN.]

Return Of The Tiz



Ashley Tisdale was spotted near her home in the Valley on Sunday.

Ashley had a little brunch at Chez Nous with a friend, and then she made her way to a recording studio with her mother.

We've been needing our High School Musical fix!

The Tiz has been in New Zealand working on a film, while Vanessa HudgenXXX has been in Texas and Zacquisha in the U.K.

Come back soon Zefron!

[Image via Pacific Coast News Online.]

Quote of the Day



"I think there's a whole new way of healing depression that doesn't require drugs, but using supplements instead. I'm writing a book about it."

- Jim Carrey, on his own battle with depression

Diddy Denies LA Times' Tupac Story



LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean "Diddy" Combs has denied a report by the Los Angeles Times that his associates were responsible for the 1994 robbery and shooting of Tupac Shakur at a New York recording studio, and that he knew about the attack in advance.

"The story is a lie," the hip-hop mogul said in a statement Monday. "It is beyond ridiculous and completely false. Neither (the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.) nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during or after it happened. ... I am shocked that the Los Angeles Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story."

The 1994 shooting triggered the celebrated feud between East and West Coast rappers that led to the killings of Shakur and B.I.G.

The Times said its story was based on FBI records, interviews with people at the scene of the 1994 shooting, and statements to the FBI by an informant. None of the sources was named. The story says associates hoping to curry favor with Combs — who was overseeing B.I.G.'s white-hot career at the time — lured Shakur to the studio because of his disrespect toward them.

The story said that talent manager James Rosemond and promoter James Sabatino arranged the assault. They and Combs declined to be interviewed for the story, which appeared on the Los Angeles Times Web site but not in its paper publication.

Rosemond called the story a "libelous piece of garbage."

"In the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges," he said in a statement. "Chuck Philips, the writer ... has reached a new low by employing fourth-hand information from desperate jailhouse informants along with ancient FBI reports to create this fabrication. I simply ask for all rap fans and fans of Tupac to analyze this fiction for what it is."

The story, written by Chuck Philips, was the first investigative report published as a Web exclusive, said Meredith Artley, editor of LATimes.com.

"This piece was perfect for the Web," Artley said. "The Web audience skews younger. We had all these great multimedia elements, and we said we really don't need to wait to fit this in the paper."

A "smaller version" of the story may still run in the paper, she said.

Diddy Denies LA Times' Tupac Story



LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean "Diddy" Combs has denied a report by the Los Angeles Times that his associates were responsible for the 1994 robbery and shooting of Tupac Shakur at a New York recording studio, and that he knew about the attack in advance.

"The story is a lie," the hip-hop mogul said in a statement Monday. "It is beyond ridiculous and completely false. Neither (the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.) nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during or after it happened. ... I am shocked that the Los Angeles Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story."

The 1994 shooting triggered the celebrated feud between East and West Coast rappers that led to the killings of Shakur and B.I.G.

The Times said its story was based on FBI records, interviews with people at the scene of the 1994 shooting, and statements to the FBI by an informant. None of the sources was named. The story says associates hoping to curry favor with Combs — who was overseeing B.I.G.'s white-hot career at the time — lured Shakur to the studio because of his disrespect toward them.

The story said that talent manager James Rosemond and promoter James Sabatino arranged the assault. They and Combs declined to be interviewed for the story, which appeared on the Los Angeles Times Web site but not in its paper publication.

Rosemond called the story a "libelous piece of garbage."

"In the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges," he said in a statement. "Chuck Philips, the writer ... has reached a new low by employing fourth-hand information from desperate jailhouse informants along with ancient FBI reports to create this fabrication. I simply ask for all rap fans and fans of Tupac to analyze this fiction for what it is."

The story, written by Chuck Philips, was the first investigative report published as a Web exclusive, said Meredith Artley, editor of LATimes.com.

"This piece was perfect for the Web," Artley said. "The Web audience skews younger. We had all these great multimedia elements, and we said we really don't need to wait to fit this in the paper."

A "smaller version" of the story may still run in the paper, she said.

Family Feud



Bob Irwin, dad of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin reportedly left the famous Australia Zoo because he doesn't agree with daughter-in-law Terri Irwin's plans to sell the zoo property.

Terri supposedly wants to relocate to her native U.S. with kids Bindi and Robert.

What would Steve think of that????

Zoo insiders claim the rumoured sale to cable network Animal Planet and plans for a $100-million Disney-style wildlife theme just doesn't sit well with Bob Irwin. It's not in line with keeping "his son's dream alive."

An Australia Zoo spokesman denied claims that Miz Irwin was planning to sell the zoo and relocate to the U.S. with her two children. However, she refused to comment on future plans that might involve Animal Planet, after the zoo announced its expansion.

In other news, legal troubles go on for Mrs. Crocodile Hunter, who is being sued by debt collection agency Alyssa Treasury Services.

She was allegedly involved in a seemingly shady business transaction with a tax commissioner.

Alyssa Treasury is suing Australia Zoo for $2.5 million and Mrs Irwin for $60,000 for allegedly failing to pay bills of exchange.

Selling the land or hooking up with a big corporate partner will surely allow her to pay her debts plus lots of play money!

On Her Father's Affair



Brooke Hogan is still hurt by the Hulkster affair.

Thankfully, for us, she's working through her issues publicly!

The failed singer just posted the following on her MySpace Celebrity page:

"Life…

well,

I realized your mother is your mother. Your father is your father. Nothing is thicker than blood. No matter how angry, sad or depressed you are, your family will always love you no matter what. We are all human. Yes, I’m still hurting very deeply inside, but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not saying I will get over this in a week, month, year or ten years. I dont know when It will be. But you must always respect your father and your mother. Always love them. My parents made me and my brother from pure love…thats all I need to know to live. Nothing will ever change how much I love my family. I just realized the longer you cease to forgive, the more you miss them, and the more it hurts you inside. I have a wonderful, angel of a brother…and I have two amazing parents. I mean AMAZING. I know mistakes have been made. And I have no doubt there is major guilt that carries with that… But no mistake ever made in a persons life changes real love. We may not be a perfect family, we may not be living in a house together, but I’m positive we will all love eachother till death. Thats all that matters to me. You can have money, fame, cars, clothes, but youre naked without the people that love you. I don’t know where this blog will go next. But I hope everyone sees it, maybe it will help someone else in need…

Brooke"

Spears Splashes Out On Ocean-themed Nursery For Jamie Lynn.



Spears Splashes Out On Ocean-themed Nursery For Jamie Lynn....

Britney Spears has bought her pregnant sister a one-of-a-kind elephant - as a gift for her unborn baby.

The pop star has reportedly ordered a six-foot tall custom-made elephant for 16-year-old Jamie Lynn, as part of a $30,000 (Gbp15,000) nursery gift.

Reports suggest Spears has commissioned the owners of trendy Los Angeles baby boutique Petit Tresor to design an ocean-themed nursery for her sister in Kentwood, Louisiana.

An insider says, "It is going to have organic bedding and baby blankets...

Britney's sparing no expense.

"She also ordered a custom made, six-foot tall elephant with a blue bow which she wants to sit in the middle of the nursery".

Jamie Lynn confirmed she was pregnant with boyfriend Casey Aldridge's baby in December (07).

Harry Puffer Daniel Radcliffe



Daniel Radcliffe's friends are pleading with him to quit his "disgusting" 20-a-day cigarette habit.

The 18-year-old actor - who is currently filming 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' - has become so addicted to nicotine he has been nicknamed 'Harry Puffer' by his co-stars.

A source said: "Daniel has been smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day. Every time they call 'cut', he lights up. It's disgusting.

"Friends, including co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, have been warning him about the dangers of smoking. But he doesn't take any notice."

Daniel reportedly got through a whole pack of cigarettes when he had to film a difficult stunt last week.

The insider added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "He was really nervous about the scene and was sparking up constantly."

Movie bosses are said to be worried Daniel's habit could tarnish his schoolboy image and have reportedly told him not to smoke in public.

Stars Who Won't Wed
Us Weekly

JENNY MCCARTHY AND JIM CARREY
When asked if wedding plans were in the works with his girlfriend of two years, Carrey told Us,
"Nope, not at all." But McCarthy has said, "We're more in love than we've ever been in our relationship.
It was completely meant to be."


MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY AND CAMILLA ALVES
The Fool's Gold star announced his model girlfriend was pregnant on his blog in January, but has
been mum on marriage talk.


HALLE BERRY AND GABRIEL AUBRY
The Oscar winner, who's about nine months pregnant, has said, "I will never marry again. I mean
it with every bone in my body." But she's admitted she "needs a partner."

SIMON COWELL AND TERRI SEYMOUR
The American Idol judge has said, "Marriage is not for me. It just feels really out of date. Ask
Paul McCartney what he thinks about marriage right now. If Paul hadn't married Heather, he
wouldn't be in the mess he's in now. Simple as that." Meanwhile girlfriend Terri Seymour has
said, "He doesn't want kids, full stop...I would definitely love to have a baby."


OPRAH WINFREY AND STEDMAN GRAHAM
"A piece of paper does not define a life," Oprah (with Graham at Boulevard3 in L.A. Feb. 9, 2007)
has said. "I always knew that was not the answer for me."


PAULA ABDUL AND JT TORREGIANI
"It's looking upwards," Abdul has said about her restaurateur boyfriend. "Things are good right now."

Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault
Mother to six-month-old daughter Valentina, Hayek has said, "I don't have a need for
marriage. You want to grow old with someone, you want to have a partner and to have
children - we have all those things. Some people nee the commitment. Maybe we'll just make the party!"


ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT
"Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be
married is legally able," Pitt has said.


NICOLE RICHIE AND JOEL MADDEN
Baby Harlow was born in January, but "they have no marriage plans yet," a source close to t
he pair have told Us. Instead, they wear commitment rings.

JOHNNY DEPP AND VANESSA PARADIS
"For all intents and purposes, we are married," Depp has said of his longtime love and mother of
his two children. "We have two kids together and she is the woman in my life. But if she ever said:
'Hey, let's get hitched,' I would do it in a second." Another reason they remain unmarried? "It would
be such a drag to stick her with Paradis-Depp. It's like a flat note."


JESSICA ALBA AND CASH WARREN
This engaged pair, who are expecting a baby in late spring or early summer, aren't in any rush to tie
the knot. "She doesn't want to be pregnant in a [wedding] dress!" a source close to Alba has told Us.


JAIME PRESSLEY AND ERIC CUBICHE
Pressley's thoughts on marriage? "When you put someone in a straitjacket, especially me in a
straitjacket, all I want to do is rip it off and run!" she has said.

CHARLIZE THERON AND STUART TOWNSEND
Following in the footsteps of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Theron has said, "We will get married the
day that gays and lesbians can get married [in America] - when that right is given to them."

Dennis Quaid: Babies' Blood
'Was Everywhere'

Having each lived through a parent's worst nightmare, Dennis Quaid and his wife, Kimberly, are speaking out again about the medical errors that nearly took the lives of their newborn twins – this time for a national television audience.

"[Mix-ups] happen in every hospital in every state in this country and … I've come to find out, there's 100,000 people a year killed … in hospitals by a medical mistakes," the actor, 53, tells 60 Minutes in a segment scheduled to air Sunday, CBS reports.

"It's bigger than AIDS. It's bigger than breast cancer. It's bigger than automobile accidents and yet, no one seems to be really aware of the problem," says Quaid, who also details the ordeal he and his wife experienced.

Last November, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace Quaid – who were hospitalized due to a suspected infection – nearly died at Los Angeles's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after mistakenly being given a massive overdose of the drug Heparin, an adult-strength blood thinner, rather than Hep-tock, a much-weaker version of the drug routinely given to clear IV lines in pediatric patients.

"Our kids are bleeding from everyplace that they've punctured," says Quaid. "They were working on Boone, whose belly button would not stop bleeding – blood squirted across the room. It was blood everywhere. It was a life-and-death situation." (Last month, Quaid said the babies are now doing fine.)



Suing the Manufacturer
Dennis Quaid Photo by: Nikki Nelson / WENNDennis Quaid: Babies' Blood 'Was Everywhere'| Health, Dennis Quaid
The vials Hep-lock and Heparin looked similar, contend the Quaids, who are suing manufacturer Baxter International. A parallel incident in Indiana resulted in three infant fatalities and for Baxter to re-label its vials and issue a warning to hospitals.

"After these three kids died in Indiana, they did not issue a recall," says Quaid, noting that toasters and trucks are routinely recalled. "They recall dog food that came from China last year. But they don't recall medicine that kills people if you give it in the wrong dosage. We think it's wrong."

Debra Bello, a senior director at Baxter, tells 60 Minutes that her company did not issue a recall, "Because the product was safe and effective, and the errors, as the hospital has acknowledged, were preventable and due to failures in their system."

Quaid is now establishing a foundation to look into preventative measures within the medical system. "We all have this inherent thing that we trust doctors and nurses, that they know what they're doing. This mistake occurred right under our noses," he says. "The nurse didn't bother to look at the dosage on the bottle. It was avoidable, completely avoidable."

English Patient Director Anthony Minghella Dies



British director Anthony Minghella has died at the age of 54, his agent told the Associated Press.

He suffered a brain hemorrhage early Tuesday morning at Charing Cross Hospital in London, where he had undergone a routine operation on his neck, a spokesman said, according to Variety.

In 1997, Minghella won the Academy Award for Best Director for the epic romance The English Patient.

He went on to direct The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon.

He leaves behind a wife, choreographer Carolyn Choa, and two children.

Report: Heather Mills Dumps Water on Paul McCartney’s Lawyer



Heather Mills may have claimed she was “so happy” with her $48.6 million divorce settlement but she didn’t seem too psyched inside the courtroom.

Multiple British papers are reporting that Mills dumped a glass of water on Paul McCartney’s attorney, Fiona Shackleton, after the hearing was over.

"It was cool, calm and collected," a witness told U.K’s The Sun. “It trickled down Fiona's neck.”

Photos show Shackleton arriving to the courthouse with a bouncy blonde ‘do and leaving with damp hair.

When the BBC asked Mills about the attack, she said Shackleton had been "baptized in court."

In a statement, Mills, who represented herself in the divorce case, attacked Shackleton, saying she “handled this case in the worst manner you could imagine. “

She claimed the lawyer called her “many, many names before even meeting me.”

Sister: Halle Berry and Beau "Very Happy" to Be New Parents



Gabriel Aubry couldn’t contain his excitement on Sunday when girlfriend Halle Berry went into labor.

“He called my father to say, ‘It's time! It's happening!’” his sister, Eugenie, tells Us. “She was about to give birth. He sounded a bit nervous but happy!”

The couple welcomed a baby girl a short time later. A name has yet to be released.

Eugenie says she hasn’t spoken to the new parents, but has no doubt her brother’s ready for diaper duty.

“He loves kids!” Eugenie tells Us. “Gabriel is an uncle, and the kids just love him. They bring him so much joy.”

Berry, 41, and Aubry, 32 — who began dating in 2005 — “are very happy,” Eugenie adds. “They make each other happy.”

So will their little girl be as gorgeous as mom and dad?

“I don’t know,” Eugenie says. “I have to meet her first to see if that’s true!”

Click here to revisit Berry's baby bump days, and here to see other celeb bumps.

Tiger Woods Buys $65 Million Mansion



Tiger Woods has a new spot to store his clubs.

The golfer, 32, has snapped up a $65 million, 13,200-square-foot oceanfront estate in Southampton, New York.

The digs come complete with six bedroom suites, a music room, a cypress wood-paneled library and staff quarters, as well as a 7,500-square-foot guesthouse, which features ocean views, three bedrooms, a den and a kitchen.

Wait, there’s more!

Nicknamed “By the Sea,” the mansion is surrounded by a seaside pool with spa, tennis court, lily pond and professionally-landscaped gardens. (Perfect for afternoon walks for Woods’ wife Elin Nordegren, 28, and their daughter, Sam, 9 months!)

Their new neighbors? Fashion designer Vera Wang and New York Times publisher Arthur Ochs Sulzberger.

The New York Post first reported the news. A rep for Woods had no comment when contacted by Usmagazine.com.

This isn’t the first home Woods has splurged on.

He also owns a $40 million estate on Jupiter Island, Florida (that was partially destroyed in a fire last year) and a 155-foot long yacht, Privacy. He’s also building a 16,500-square-foot palace that will feature a pool and theater on a golf course he designed in Dubai.

Kristin Davis: I Don’t Have a Sex Tape!



What would Charlotte say?

TMZ is reporting that 20 sexually explicit photos allegedly of Sex and the City star Kristin Davis are making the rounds. The shots are from a sex tape she made with an ex five years ago, the site says.

But her rep tells Us: "This is not a photo of Kristin Davis. There is no sex tape."

Davis can be seen next — with her clothes on — in the upcoming Sex and the City movie, out May 30.

Simon Cowell Donates $162,000 to Girl With Cancer



Simon Cowell may not be so mean after all.

The American Idol judge, 48, gave the family of a cancer-stricken 3-year-old $162,000 to pay off their mortgage, he announced on Oprah Winfrey’s Big Give show on Monday.

The family drives more than 100 miles from their Minnesota home every day so their daughter, Madelaine, can receive treatments.

“It’s a very basic story of a normal family whose daughter got very ill, and they had some financial problems which was relatively easy for me to sort out,” Cowell explained to Extra.

On the show, he told Winfrey that he “credits her” for teaching him to be a do-gooder.

Said Cowell, “I never knew that doing good could feel so good.”

Heather Mills Named Miss USA Judge



Heather Mills will be a judge for the Miss USA pageant, Extra reports.

Mills, 40, was awarded $48.6 million in her divorce from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney on Monday. She reportedly dumped a glass of water on McCartney’s attorney, Fiona Shackleton, after the hearing was over.

Both Mills and Marie Osmond, a cohost of Miss USA with brother Donny, are former contestants of Dancing With the Stars.

The pageant will air from Las Vegas on April 11.

Lynne Spears Spends St. Patrick's Day With Grandchildren



Lynne Spears celebrated St. Patrick's Day with her grandchildren, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 17 months.

They were spotted at Kevin Federline's L.A.-area home on Monday. Lynne was photographed holding Sean Preston's hand.

Britney Spears has also been spending some quality time with her boys since reuniting with them in February.

She worked out her filming schedule of CBS' How I Met Your Mother last week so that she could still see her boys.

Yesterday, CBS released art of the singer, who plays a dorky receptionist on the March 24 episode.

Ashley Dupre's Girls Gone Wild Video Will Be Released



Girls Gone Wild will release video from Ashley Dupre's week-long stint on their bus in 2003 that includes "nudity and same sex contact," the distributor said in a statement.

Dupre, former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's call girl, was celebrating her 18th birthday in Miami with the Girls Gone Wild crew. Dupre later took a Greyhound Bus home, according to the statement.

Before the footage was found, Dupre was offered a $1 million deal Tuesday by Girls Gone Wild's Joe Francis for a photo spread and bus tour.

"We were surprised to find Ms. Dupre in our archives," Francis said. "She's like a cloud that keeps circling back over the landscape."

Dupre, now 22, has already made over $200,000 from downloads of her songs, the New York Post reported Saturday.

Report: Arrest Warrant Issued for Actor
Shia LaBeouf



An arrest warrant has been issued for Shia LaBeouf, TMZ reports.

Neither the actor nor his attorney attended a scheduled court appearance this morning in LA regarding LaBeouf's misdemeanor charge for unlawful smoking in Burbank on February 18, TMZ reports.

A $1,000 bench warrant was issued for his arrest, according to TMZ.

The 21-year-old was arrested for trespassing in a Chicago pharmacy back in November. That charge was later dropped.

Halle Berry Reveals Daughter's Name



Halle Berry and beau Gabriel Aubry have named their newborn daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry, her rep confirms to Us.

What's behind the name?

"Nahla is the Arabic word for 'drink of water,'" Pamela Redmond Satran, the co-author of The Baby Name Bible and Cool Names for Babies tells Us. "Ariela is related to the Hebrew Ariel, which means 'lion of god.'

"Nahla is one of those names that is occasionally found among people of African or Arabic descent, but isn't commonly used in any particular culture," she adds.

Both names also have a connection to the big screen.

"Nala was the name of Simba's lioness mate in Disney's The Lion King, so it kind of has an African flavor as opposed to a genuine African pedigree," says Satran. And Ariela's "Disney antecedent," she says, is Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Berry and Aubry welcomed the girl Sunday.

Aubry’s sister, Eugenie, told Us he couldn’t contain his excitement when Berry went into labor.

“He called my father to say, ‘It's time! It's happening!’” Eugenie said. “She was about to give birth. He sounded a bit nervous but happy!”

So will their little girl be as gorgeous as mom and dad?

“I don’t know,” Eugenie says. “I have to meet her first to see if that’s true!”

Gwyneth Chops Off Her Locks!
Love It or Hate It?



Gwyneth Paltrow may be known almost as much for her iconic stick-straight, ultra-long locks as her landmark roles, so when the Oscar winner showed up to The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards in London just hours ago in a new shoulder-grazing tousled do we couldn’t believe our eyes. We love how Gwyneth’s updated look lends her the same graceful elegance but with a modern spin.

Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean Goes Solo



Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean put tickets on sale Tuesday for two sneak-preview solo concerts this coming Sunday and Monday in the Los Angeles area.

On Sunday, McLean will play the House of Blues in Anaheim; and on Monday the famous Roxy on L.A.'s Sunset Strip.

"After 13 years with the Backstreet Boys, and 75 million records sold worldwide, A.J.'s excited to take a step out on his own and present his music, in his style," his manager, Eric Podwall, tells PEOPLE. "He's excited to connect to his fans on a one-on-one basis at smaller venues – something you can't do in large arenas – and to give them a taste of some of the music that will appear on his first solo record later this year."

McLean's record, expected to be released toward the end of the year, will include songs such as "What If," "I Hate It When You're Gone," "London," and "Drive-By Love," a tune that McLean has already been singing at Backstreet Boys shows.

Following his own two shows, as well as the Backstreet Boys' European tour wrapping up May 14, McLean is set to play a series of solo shows in small venues throughout Europe before returning the States to continue working on the record.

But Backstreet Boys fans need not fret. A source also confirms that McLean is planning to record another album with the group next year.

Judge Rips Heather Mills, Praises Paul in Divorce Ruling



The judge gave Heather Mills hundreds of millions of dollars less than she wanted after finding her "inconsistent" and "less than candid," according to a scathing judgment made public Tuesday.

"She was a less than impressive witness," says the judge, Justice Bennett. "The wife for her part must have felt rather swept off her feet by a man as famous as the husband. I think this may well have warped her perception leading her to indulge in make-belief."

The judge by contrast, described McCartney as "consistent, accurate and honest." (Click here to see the full judgment.)

Mills and McCartney became lovers in 1999, married in June 2002 and separated in late April, 2006. Without a prenup prior to marriage Mills sought a financial divorce deal of $250 million while McCartney offered $30 million.

As for Mills's appearance in court and documentation she provided to support her financial claim, the judge said: "I am driven to the conclusion that much of her evidence, both written and oral, was not just inconsistent and inaccurate but also less than candid."

Other Revelations in the Judgment


• McCartney did tell the judge Mills "has always been a good mother." And he revealed he and Mills stopped using contraception the night they were married in 2002.

• Although he is very rich, the judge said McCartney lived in a "very modest property" on a 1,500-acre property in Sussex, England.

• Charity campaigner Mills had not given -90 percent of her income to charity as she told the court. "Moreover her tax returns disclose no charitable giving at all."

• McCartney revealed he "was and remain fairly old-fashioned about marriage ... I believed it was for life." He admitted he still grieved in 2002 for first wife Linda, who had died in 1998. He wore his wedding ring from Linda until his second marriage in June 2002.

• Mills wanted $6.5 million a year for herself and her four-year-old daughter, Beatrice. As well as to buy a London home for $25 million, a $6 million pad in New York City and $1.5 million office in an English seaside town.

• Mills told the court she had $6 million in the bank. "There is no documentary evidence to support that assertion," said the judge. "During the hearing she was asked repeatedly to produce bank statements ... to verify this claim. No bank statements were ever produced." P] • The judge did not believe a house – known as "Heather House" – that was bought by McCartney on Heather Road in Beverly Hills was bought for Mills.

• A house in England known as "Angel's Rest" was not a gift as she was given a loan by one of McCartney's companies, which she was paying back.

$7.4 Million in 15 Months
• Mills spent $7.4 million in a 15-month period, including $2 million for legal fees and "forensic accountancy fees". Mills paid $300,000 for consultants to assess her husband's business assets as at March, 2000.

• Mills also spent in that period $1.2 million on household refurbishment and also wanted $800,000 to put in a swimming pool at her present home.

• Mills was paid more than $200,000 to appear on Dancing With The Stars

Press Leaks
• Both sides blamed the other for leaks. "The wife says that the husband did it in order to capitalize on his good press and to blacken the wife's name for making such unfounded allegations," wrote the judge. "The husband says the wife did it in order to blacken his reputation."

• And both accused the other of harassment. "As to the telephone bugging episode in June 2006, the wife denies bugging the husband's telephone line," the judge said. "Both the wife and the husband accuse each other of conducting a campaign of harassment and vilification."

• Mills will be in breach if she writes a book about intimate details of the marriage. "Her opportunity to market a book about herself is probably at an end other than as a 'kiss and tell all' book," wrote Bennett, "which she told me she has no wish to do and in any event might well place her in breach of the confidentiality of these proceedings and of those concerning Beatrice."

How Heather Spent Her Money: Housekeeping & Helicopters



Heather Mills sought money for horses she doesn't ride and wine she doesn't drink, says a judge who found her divorce-settlement demands "unreasonable, indeed exorbitant."

In court documents in her case against Paul McCartney, Mills itemized her extravagant costs of living, with millions of dollars spent yearly on housekeepers, helicopter pilots, clothes, chauffeur and security guards.

Here's a rundown of her expenses:
• Mills claimed for seven fully staffed properties with full-time housekeepers in the annual sum of $1.29 million.

• Annual holiday costs of $1 million including private and helicopter flights of $375,000.

• $250,000 for clothes per year.

• $60,000 for equestrian activities annually. The judge noted she no longer rides horses.)

• $80,000 for wine a year. The judge pointed out she does not drink alcohol.

• $86,000 for a driver a year.

• $40,000 for a carer and $380,000 for professional fees p.a.

• $1.08 million a year for security.

• $1.25 million annually to give as charitable donations but Mills admitted $985,000 would be used en route in helicopters, first class and private jets.

• $146,000 for the cost of business staff and $80,000 for helicopter hospital flights a year.

Mariah Carey’s E=MC2 Album Cover



Mariah Carey just unveiled the artwork for her latest album, E=MC² (meaning: “Emancipation equals Mariah Carey to the second power”), which will be released April 15.

The 38-year-old diva is on the cover, looking pretty naked, but holding up a fur blanket.

And you won’t be able to get enough of Mariah on American Idol next month. She’s going to be on it three times! Tune in April 9th to see Mariah on Idol Gives Back, April 15th to see her mentor the remaining contestants and April 16th for a performance.

Katie Holmes For Armani — Her First Fashion Line



Katie Holmes‘ foray into fashion is just around the corner as she will release her own clothing line called Katie Holmes for Armani, reports OK!

Using daughter Suri, 23 months, as inspiration, Katie’s first collection, out spring 2009, will be designed for toddlers.

But that’s not all! Mrs. Cruise, 29, will then create a line for older children for Fall 2009 and then women’s clothes and handbags for Fall 2010.

Katie Holmes For Armani will be available at department stores including Saks, Barney’s, and Neiman Marcus.

Vince Vaughn Fires Manager, Agency



Vince Vaughn has kicked his United Talent Agency and his manager Eric Gold to the curb, reports Deadline Hollywood.

Vince, 37, has been with UTA since 1993 and Gold since 2005. He’s still rep’d by his attorney Debbie Klein.

Mr. Vaughn currently pulls in $20 million per pic but his latest film, Fred Claus, flopped at the box office.

His next film, Four Christmases, costars Reese Witherspoon and opens Nov. 26.

Zac Efron Goes Behind-the-Scenes in ‘17 Again’



New behind-the-scenes shots of Zac Efron and Michelle Trachtenberg in their new movie 17 Again will be featured in the April 2008 issue of teen mag J-14.

In the mag, actress pal Miley Cyrus said, “Zac Efron and I have become best friends, and all these girls are like ‘you’re so lucky, he’s so hot’. …I give him the hardest time about it. He’s like my brother.”

Producer Adam Shankman recently chatted up 17 Again: “This is about a man whose life has not gone the way he wants it to, so he wishes he was 17 again and he gets his wish. And then he’s realizing it’s nothing like he thought it would be. So it’s a reverse Big. It has as many funny scenes in it as it does heartfelt scenes.”

17 Again opens this summer — August 2008!

‘My Blueberry Nights’ Movie Poster



The movie poster for the Wong Kar Wai-directed flick My Blueberry Nights was just released on Cinematical and it features its women stars: Norah Jones, Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman.

The film is about a young woman named Elizabeth (Jones), who takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way.

My Blueberry Nights opens in limited released on Friday, April 4.

Christina Aguilera’s Sushi Stop



After a photo shoot at Smashbox Studios, Christina Aguilera dines at Hamasaku sushi restaurant in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday.

The 27-year-old Genie in a Bottle singer was accompanied by a gal pal and music exec husband Jordan Bratman.

No baby Max in sight but peep Xtina’s pale pink gradient handbag!

Who Wants It? Hilary Duff Wants It!

Hilary Duff was all smiles heading back to her car after a shopping trip in LA yesterday. She looks comfy cozy in her sweater and button-detail leggings — maybe she'd be interested in checking out the designs for Lindsay Lohan's upcoming line. Of course, Hilary has always held her own in the style department, recently telling Lucky magazine, "I'm very particular about the structure, texture, and detail of all my clothes. My favorite pieces are ones that steer away from the norm, at least a little bit, and I like things that have some drama." Hil's got enough drama in her earring collection alone, but somehow she still manages to pull off her trendy accessories.