Sequined Jackson glove sells for $49K
MELBOURNE, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- One of the late U.S. pop star Michael Jackson's iconic sequined gloves has sold for $49,000 at auction, TMZ reported.
Jackson was entombed in Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Great Mausoleum in Glendale, Calif., last Thursday night -- 70 days after his death at the age of 50.
The recording artist died of cardiac arrest due to propofol intoxication and his personal physician is under investigation for allegedly administering the powerful anesthesia to help Jackson sleep. No criminal charges have yet been filed.
Warwick Stone reportedly purchased Jackson's glove at a Bonhams and Goodman auction in Melbourne during the weekend on behalf of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
TMZ said Jackson donned the the famous fashion accessory when he wed Debbie Rowe, the mother of his two oldest children -- Prince Michael II, 12 and Paris, 11 -- in 1996. The couple divorced in 1999.
Ludacris gives 20 needy people cars
ATLANTA, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Hip-hop artist and actor Ludacris' Ludacris Foundation and Nissan South gifted 20 needy people in the Atlanta area with cars Sunday, organizers said.
"This year, we want to do something to help youth and families manage during these tough economic times," E! News quoted Roberta Shields, president of the Ludacris Foundation, as saying in a statement. "Having a vehicle to get back and forth to work and day care can make the difference in getting and keeping a job."
E! said winners of the "Ludacares Stimulus Package" contestant drove away with used vehicles and are entitled to free gas for 30 days.
Contestants penned essays explaining why they need a car.
Terry Wogan leaving morning radio program
LONDON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Veteran Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan has announced he intends to leave BBC Radio 2's morning program "Wake Up to Wogan" at the end of the year.
Wogan, 71, told his listeners Monday the decision to leave the program -- which he served as host of from 1972 to 1984, then again since 1993 -- is "the hardest thing I have ever done."
"It touches me deeply that I've played a part in your lives for, it seems, like generations," Wogan said. "This is not goodbye -- not even au revoir. ... I'd rather leave while I'm in love."
Although Wogan said he plans to return with a new live radio show next year, he did not offer any details about the forthcoming program.
"His unique talent has provided millions of listeners with the soundtrack to their morning," Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said.
The BBC said radio personality Chris Evans will take over in January. Wogan's last show is slated for broadcast Dec. 18.
Streets closed for 'Oprah' block party
CHICAGO, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Chicago's Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Ohio Street was closed early Monday in preparation for Oprah Winfrey's season premiere block party.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is set to take place Tuesday afternoon in honor of the Season 24 premiere of "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
Scheduled to air on television Sept. 10, the episode is to feature appearances by the Black Eyed Peas, Criss Angel and Jennifer Hudson.
The Chicago Tribune said the streets will be re-opened to vehicular traffic at 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Until then, people will be allowed on the area's sidewalks and given access into its buildings, except possibly during the actual two-hour taping of the show, the newspaper said.
The entrance for the standing-room-only event is being set up at the intersection of Michigan and Ohio, and will open at noon Tuesday.
People will not be allowed to camp out there ahead of time and weapons, pets, coolers, professional recording devices and large beach umbrellas have reportedly been banned.
