Cops take DNA sample from King of Pop
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Pop star Michael Jackson voluntarily gave a DNA sample via mouth swab to California authorities, the New York Daily News reported Monday.
Santa Barbara County officials Friday raided Jackson's Neverland Ranch to take photos and measurements to create exhibits for his upcoming child molestation trial, and Saturday they got the DNA swab.
Typically, a DNA sample is required of defendants accused of sex abuse though it is unusual for investigators to wait so long -- more than a year since Jackson's initial arrest in November 2003.
Jackson is accused of molesting a 13-year-old recovering cancer patient and conspiring to hold the boy and his family hostage at Neverland in 2003. He denies all the charges.
Stevie Wonder knocks Eminem video
NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Legendary Motown singer Stevie Wonder has criticized Eminem for ridiculing pop star Michael Jackson in his latest video.
Eminem refers to Jackson's plastic surgery and child molestation charges lodged against Jackson in a video for his latest single "Lose It," the BBC reported Monday.
"Kicking someone when he's down is not a good thing," Wonder told Billboard magazine. "I was disappointed that he would let himself go to such a level."
There was no immediate comment from Eminem or his spokespeople. His video also mocks Madonna, Pee Wee Herman and MC Hammer.
"I have much respect for his work, though I don't think he's as good as (late rapper) Tupac (Shakur)," Wonder said, adding that Eminem has "succeeded on the backs of people predominantly in that lower pay bracket, people of color."
British vote's in on gag-worthy film lines
LONDON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A British survey seeking the all-time cheesiest movie line has ranked No. 1 Leonardo DiCaprio's "I'm the king of the world" from "Titanic."
The British food manufacturer Warburtons conducted the poll among 2,000 moviegoers, and produced the list of ridiculous lines, the BBC said.
In "Dirty Dancing," Patrick Swayze's line "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" came second, followed by "Is it still raining? I hadn't noticed," spoken by Andie MacDowell at the end of "Four Weddings and a Funeral."
Swayze's co-star in "Ghost," Demi Moore, placed fourth for when Swayze said "I love you" and she replied "Ditto."
"Top Gun" ranked fifth for Val Kilmer telling Tom Cruise "You can be my wingman any time," followed by Julia Roberts' line in "Notting Hill" -- "I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her."
Billy Idol returns to recording studio
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Rocker Billy Idol has finished work on his first album of new songs in more than 10 years, CSP Records/Sanctuary Records announced Monday.
"Devil's Playground" is scheduled for release on March 22, 2005 and the first single, "Scream," is scheduled to be released to radio on Jan. 31.
Idol quit recording to -- as he put it at the time -- "regenerate, get free of myself and make an album for the right reasons." His band for the new project includes his long-time guitarist Steve Stevens, as well as new drummer Brian Tichy, bassist Stephen McGrath and keyboardist Derek Sherinian.
Idol's collection of platinum or multi-platinum albums includes "Billy Idol," "Rebel Yell," "Whiplash Smile," "Vital Idol," "Charmed Life" and "Greatest Hits." He had a No. 1 single with "Mony Mony" and seven Top 20 hits -- including "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face."
Plans call for Idol to launch a world tour in March 2005.
