OZZY OSBOURNE's son JACK has been hailed a hero after catching a thief who had attempted to steal a woman's handbag.
JACK OSBOURNE
The reality TV star was walking along London's Marylebone High Street on Saturday (27Sep08) when he witnessed the crime take place.
He chased after the robber and wrestled him to the ground.
Fellow shoppers aided the 22-year-old in pinning the assailant down while they waited for the police to arrive.
A source tells Britain's News of the World newspaper: "He (Osbourne) ran after the mugger like a man possessed - a real hero. It happened so quickly. Whatever technique he used meant the robber couldn't escape."
But Osbourne insists his actions were simply reflex.
He says, "I could see the girl was in trouble, it just felt like the natural thing to do. I'm glad it turned out okay."
Theatre star ADRIAN BAILEY is suing the producers of THE LITTLE MERMAID and the Disney organisation after falling through a trapdoor on the stage.
Adrian Bailey at 'The Little Mermaid' theatre play at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. First performance after the Broadway strike. New York City, USA - 29.11.07
The thespian is also suing the prop and set builders.
He fractured his wrists, ribs and foot and broke his back and pelvis in the fall on 10 May (08).
Since the accident, Bailey has also suffered from herniated vertebral discs that have required at least five surgeries, according to Backstage.com.
In a statement released by Bailey's attorneys, the actor says, "My life has been changed forever. It will never be the same. My immediate goal is to somehow be able to walk up to my own apartment and care for myself. I try to stay positive. I look forward to being made whole some day and being fully compensated for my injuries."
BEATLES producer SIR GEORGE MARTIN was honoured in Ireland on Saturday (27Sep08) with the James Joyce Award from the University College Dublin's Literary and Historical Society.
SIR GEORGE MARTIN
Martin, who has often been referred to as 'the fifth Beatle', received the accolade for his lifetime contribution to music.
In accepting the honour, the 82-year-old recalled fond memories of working with the Fab Four as students as Beatles fans listened intently.
A Dublin-based Beatles tribute band performed at UCD before Martin took the stage and addressed the audience, which included his wife Judy and his producer son Giles.
Joking about the techniques he used when he began his career, Martin, who recently topped a Rolling Stone poll of the best producers, said, "You are looking at a real dinosaur."
And he told his audience that he was far from impressed when he first heard the Beatles, telling their manager Brian Epstein "if he wanted me to sign them based on what he had played me of their music, the answer had to be 'No'."
But he added, "They imparted a sense of well being. I was hoping they might do the same for the audience."
Martin went on to give up studio secrets and little-known Beatles facts, stating the group quit touring in 1966 because, "The girls were screaming so loud that Ringo Starr could only keep up by watching the bums wiggling in front of him."
He concluded his acceptance speech by quoting from the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band: "You're such a lovely audience, we'd love to take you home with us."
VICTORIA BECKHAM has dropped her lawsuit against American fashion label Rock + Republic over alleged loss of earnings.
VICTORIA BECKHAM
The former Spice Girl signed a deal with the company in 2004 to make her dVb brand jeans, but split from the firm two years later (06) amid reports of a fall out with owner Michael Ball.
She filed suit against the firm's executives at London's High Court earlier this year (08), claiming they owe her up to $100 million (GBP50 million) in lost wages.
Beckham's $2.2 million (GBP1.2 million) claim was due to be heard before a judge next month (Oct08), but she has now abandoned the case.
According to British newspaper the Sunday Express, a notice of discontinuance was filed in the High Court last week (begs22Sep08).
A source close to Beckham tells the publication: "Victoria had meetings with her (legal) team, who have advised her extensively on the case. She just wants to move on and focus on her own successful line of clothing and draw a line under the matter. She doesn't want to spend any more time or money on it."
HOUSE star HUGH LAURIE has been left 'unnerved' after his Los Angeles home was ransacked by thieves.
Hugh Laurie at 'Netflix Live!' presents Band From TV at the The Autry National Center of the American West, Los Angeles, CA - 09.08.08
The British actor had his laptop and a number of other personal items taken in the raid on his new $4 million (GBP2.2 million) Hollywood Hills mansion earlier this month (Sep08).
Laurie, who relocated to the U.S. in 2004 after landing the role of Dr. Gregory House in the hit medical drama, and his wife Jo were asleep when his house was targeted. No one was harmed in the break-in.
Laurie, 49, revealed the news of the burglary after arriving late for a U.S. TV interview to promote the forthcoming series of House.
After apologising to the TV crew, he said, "We were in bed when it (the burglary) happened. I came down this morning and said, 'Where's the laptop?' Then we realised."
The star is the latest celebrity in the area to fall victim to burglars - it is believed the same group of thieves are responsible for raids at the homes of singer Faith Hill and her husband Tim McGraw, and movie studio boss Sherry Lansing, who all live nearby.
A police source says, "The raid on Hugh Laurie was very similar to ones we have been investigating in that area. It is lucky that he did not disturb the burglars or we could have been looking at something much more serious."
A spokesman for Laurie has confirmed the incident, saying: "Hugh was the victim of a burglary at his home. The matter is under investigation by police and I cannot say any more."
However, according to a close pal of the actor, the incident has shaken Laurie, who has famously struggled with depression.
The friend explains, "Hugh keeps thinking about what would have happened if he had woken up to confront the burglars. There are some crazy people in Los Angeles who don't think twice about using violence. He was very lucky that he slept through it all."
The news comes just two weeks after the star took a $400,000 (GBP216,200)-per-episode pay rise - making him one of the highest paid actors on the small screen.
Hollywood stars ROBERT REDFORD, GEORGE CLOONEY and JULIA ROBERTS have led the tributes to movie legend PAUL NEWMAN, who lost his battle with lung cancer on Friday (26Sep08).
Paul Newman at Opening Night of 'Thurgood' at the Booth Theatre, New York City, USA - 30.04.08
News of the Oscar winner's death was confirmed by his spokesperson Marni Tomljanovic on Saturday (27Sep08), and the tributes have been flooding in ever since.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Spy Game actor said: "There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life - and this country - is better for his being in it."
Clooney hailed the late Cool Hand Luke star as "the best" in the business, saying, "He set the bar too high for the rest of us", while his Ocean's Eleven co-star Roberts adds, "He was my hero, he was a total inspiration."
Newman, who died at his home in Westport, Connecticut, had reportedly been given only weeks to live after completing chemotherapy treatment at a New York hospital in August (08).
He was nominated for 10 Oscars in his five-decade-long career, winning the best actor accolade for his role opposite Tom Cruise in The Color Of Money in 1986.
He also won two Golden Globe awards, a Screen Actors Guild award, a Cannes Film Festival award and an Emmy award.
In 2007, he announced his retirement, admitting he was too old to continue his work in Hollywood.
But his legacy will be remembered for years to come, claims actor/director Kevin Spacey.
He says, "An era just ended. Paul Newman was a great humble giant. He said it was all down to luck, but the rest of us know it was his talent, wit and generous heart that made him the star he was.
"He should be an example to the acting profession because he seemed to have had his ego surgically removed."
Newman was also famed for his charity work. Following the death of his only son Scott from an accidental drug overdose in 1978, the star set up the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention.
He was also the founder of food company Newman's Own, from which Newman donated all profits and royalties to charity.
And filmmaker Sam Mendes, who directed Newman in Road To Perdition in 2002, has credited the star for his philanthropy: "Working with him on Road to Perdition was the highlight of my professional life. To say he was an extraordinary man would be an understatement. It seems to me one of the great 20th century lives, a shining example of how to use global fame for the greater good."
Newman is survived by his wife - actress Joanne Woodward - and their three daughters, Elinor, Melissa and Claire. He also has two daughters, Susan and Stephanie, from his first marriage to Jackie Witte.
British rockers Arctic Monkeys were left with a massive $18,500 (GBP10,000) bar bill when a licensing blunder meant they were forced to give away free booze at the opening of their new pub.
Arctic Monkeys at Brit Awards held at Earls Court - Arrivals. London, England - 20.02.08
Drummer Matt Helders, 22, and ex-bassist Andy Nicholson, 22, who left the band two years ago, had been preparing for months for the opening of The Bowery in the band's home city of Sheffield, England.
But the celebrations went wrong at the last minute when a delay in obtaining a licence for the bar meant the event had to be switched to a private party.
And to avoid getting in trouble with the law, the Mardy Bum hitmakers had to dish out free champagne, wine, beer and cocktails to party-goers.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Star Sunday that the musicians were upset about the glitch, adding: "It had been a highly-trumpeted launch and people were coming from all over to be a part of it. Everyone obviously had a really great night but it wasn't quite the start Andy and the others had hoped it would be."
Spanish singer ALEJANDRO SANZ has won a court settlement against El Mundo newspaper over claims he was involved in a gay romance.
Alejandro Sanz performing live at Rock in Rio Lisboa 2008, Lisbon, Portugal - 31.05.08
Sanz sued the Spanish newspapers editors over the story, which falsely linked him to a fashion designer, and he has been awarded almost $44,000 (GBP23,800) in damages.
A judge held the newspaper and Carmen Rigalt - the journalist behind the story - liable for defaming the star.
Rap superstar JAY-Z has been named in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by sports clothing company I Will Not Lose, LLC over a slogan used in the star's 2007 Rocawear apparel advertising campaign.
Jay-Z at 2008 Rock the Bells at Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, New York - 03.08.08
I Will Not Lose, LLC CEO Reggie Tucker claims Rocawear's marketing executives used his trademarked phrase 'I Will Not Lose' to promote their urbanwear range internationally without permission.
In legal papers filed in Georgia Northern District Court on 18 September (08), Tucker further alleges that Rocawear bosses failed to respond to calls to settle the matter out of court.
Rocawear's I Will Not Lose campaign was launched early last year (07) and featured spokesmodels including Chris Brown and Ciara, who recited the copyrighted phrase.
The 99 Problems hitmaker, real name Shawn Carter, sold the rights to his Rocawear fashion firm to Iconix Brand Group in March 2007, but is believed to still oversee the product development, licensing, and marketing of the urbanwear.
Tucker is seeking the termination of Rocawear's use of the slogan and is suing for an undisclosed amount of damages, according to AllHipHop.com.
KYLIE MINOGUE has found herself at the centre of a terrorism scare after British spies reportedly uncovered plans to target her forthcoming gig in the United Arab Emirates.
Kylie Minogue leaving her record label after a business meeting, London, England - 11.08.08
The Spinning Around hitmaker, 40, is due to entertain a party of 2,000 high-profile guests at the opening of Dubai's $25,900 (GBP14,000)-a-night Atlantis Hotel on 20 November (08).
She is expected to scoop a $3.7 million (GBP2 million) pay cheque for the performance, but her appearance has been thrown into doubt after it was revealed that British intelligence is investigating claims of a possible al-Qaida attack at the venue.
A source tells the U.K.'s Daily Star Sunday newspaper, "There has been talk of attacks in internet chatrooms.
"There has also been surveillance on a number of suspects who pose a credible threat to the building and the people at the party."
The British Foreign Office has put the area on "high alert".
A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Dubai says, "We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates.
"Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
Welsh soul star DUFFY is leading the nominations for the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards - she's up for three prizes including Album of the Year for ROCKFERRY.
DUFFY
The singer will also compete for the New Act accolade and Most Addictive Track for her hit single Mercy.
She will compete against Britney Spears, Leona Lewis, Coldplay and Alicia Keys for the best album award, and go head-to-head with pop newcomer Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus in the New Act category.
Spears has landed a second nod for Act of 2008, for which she is nominated alongside Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Coldplay and Lewis.
ROLLING STONE rocker RONNIE WOOD is facing a massive $92.5 million (GBP50 million) payout to his estranged wife JO after she began to seek advice from lawyers about a possible divorce.
RONNIE WOOD
Wood, 61, was exposed as a love cheat after his affair with Russian Ekaterina Ivanova, 20, was exposed in June (08).
The star, who returned to rehab earlier this summer (08) to curb his alcohol addiction, has been living with his young lover in recent weeks, and the couple was snapped together for the first time on Monday (22Sep08) as they enjoyed a romantic meal at a top London restaurant.
But the pictures have infuriated Jo, prompting her to consult her attorneys with a view to officially ending her 23-year marriage.
A close friend of Jo tells Britain's News of the World newspaper, "She feels humiliated, spurned and furious that her best friend has treated her like that. She has spoken with her legal team and they've made it clear she is in a terrifically strong position."
Wood's wife has played an intricate part in his career, working as his executive assistant, holding a controlling stake in the couple's finances and acting as his personal management assistant on a number of profitable deals. Jo also serves as a joint director of his music empire Rockyarch and is company secretary for his painting business Scream Art.
This means that if Wood is taken to the divorce courts, the payout to Jo is likely to eclipse that of Sir Paul McCartney's $50 million (GBP24.3 million) divorce settlement with ex-wife Heather Mills.
Jo would be entitled to half of Wood's estimated $129.5 million (GBP70 million) fortune - but she could also scoop another 20 per cent of his earnings for her time as his employee.
A New York tower block widely acknowledged as the birthplace of hip-hop is to be sold next week (begs29Sep08), despite efforts by rap pioneer DJ KOOL HERC to save the property. Kool Herc - real name Clive Campbell - held a house party in a recreation room at Bronx block 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in August 1973, and many hip-hop historians credit that event as the unlikely spark for the genre.
The complex's owners announced plans to sell the tower block to real estate developers last year (07), prompting tenants to start a campaign rallying against the sale.
Residents were invited to buy the block for $14 million (GBP7.56 million), but they could only raise $11.5 million (GBP6.21 million).
They made a last-ditch attempt to save the property, filing a lawsuit against the landlords in the State Supreme Court, but their legal action was dismissed by a judge on Friday (26Sep08), allowing the developers to proceed with the deal.
The building is expected to be sold to real estate developer Mark Karasick's company in the coming days, according to Allhiphop.com.
Meanwhile, Herc isn't giving up on trying to save his former home - he says he'll be calling P Diddy, 50 Cent and other rap and hip-hop superstars to ask for a contribution.
The DJ introduced 'break beats' at a party he held for his sister Cindy at Sedgwick Avenue. His pioneering turntable skills thrilled guests and spread quickly throughout the neighbourhood.
When the apartment became overcrowded with the earliest hip-hop fans, Herc was forced to close the party down and relocate to a nearby park, where he performed his new technique well into the night.
GUNS N' ROSES' long-awaited comeback album CHINESE DEMOCRACY will go on sale exclusively through U.S. chain Best Buy by the end of 2009. The exact release date of the album, which has been in the works for over a decade, is still being worked out.
Much of the new album has already leaked online - in June (08), nine "mastered, finished" tracks were leaked on a fansite. The man behind the leak is currently at the centre of an FBI investigation.
Meanwhile, new G N' R track If The World will appear in the upcoming Leonardo DiCaprio/Russell Crowe movie Body of Lies. The song will play over the film's closing credits.
Hollywood legend PAUL NEWMAN was an "inspirational" father who will be "profoundly missed", his daughters have declared in a touching tribute to the late star. The screen icon lost his battle with lung cancer on Friday (26Sep08), at the age of 83.
He had reportedly been given only weeks to live after completing chemotherapy treatment at a New York hospital in August (08).
Newman was pictured being wheeled out of the Weill Cornell Medical Centre - which specialises in cancer treatment - looking thin and frail in July (08).
He died at his home in Westport, Connecticut, on Friday night surrounded by his family.
His daughters Claire, Elinor and Melissa, from his marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, and Stephanie and Susan, from his first union to Jackie Witte, were among the first people to pay tribute to the movie star, in which they revealed that his proudest achievement was his work away from the cameras.
A statement released on Saturday (27Sep08), immediately after the news of his passing was confirmed to the press, reads: "Our father played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing.
"He was a devoted husband, a loving father, an adoring grandfather and a dedicated philanthropist.
"Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.
"Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. He will be profoundly missed... but he leaves us with extraordinary inspiration to draw upon.
"During this difficult time, we ask for privacy for our family."
Newman was best known for his roles in 1969's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and 1967's Cool Hand Luke.
He announced his retirement in 2007, admitting he was too old to continue his work in Hollywood.
But Newman will be fondly remembered for his charity work, which he continued until the end.
The star set up the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention following the death of his only son Scott from an accidental drug overdose in 1978.
He was also the founder of food company Newman's Own, from which Newman donated all profits and royalties to charity.
AMY WINEHOUSE'S mother-in-law wants the troubled singer to kick her drug habit before she can be reunited with her husband after his release from prison. Blake Fielder-Civil is currently serving a 27-month sentence at Highpoint prison in Suffolk, England for causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and perverting the course of justice.
He is set to be released early on condition that he lives with his mother in Nottinghamshire, England.
And she claims her son has kicked his drug habit in prison.
Georgette Fielder-Civil says, "We can support him at home, away from Amy and the London drug dealers, and help him rebuild his life. Now Amy has got to do the same before they can get back together."
Fielder-Civil had previously declined early release from prison as the agreement meant he would have had to wear an electronic tag and be under a strict 7pm curfew.
PINK FLOYD's former manager BRYAN MORRISON has died, two years after falling into a coma following a polo accident. The 65 year old - who made his name in music management and publishing for bands including the Bee Gees, Wham! and The Jam - never recovered from head injuries sustained in a 2006 incident at Windsor, England's The Royal Berkshire club, of which he was a founder.
Doctors warned his family last year (07) that there was little chance of Morrison waking up from his coma, and he passed away on Saturday (27Sep08).
Morrison, who also helped to put Sir Elton John on the path to superstardom, is survived by his wife Greta, and their children Jamie and Karina.
His death comes less than two weeks after Pink Floyd rocker Richard Wright lost his battle with cancer, aged 65.
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