May 30, 2009
Producer Phil Spector sentenced to 19 years to life
Phil Spector was sentenced Friday to 19 years to life in prison for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was shot through the mouth in the music producer's home six years ago. Spector, 69, looked straight ahead and showed no emotion as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler ordered a term of 15 years to life for second-degree murder plus four years for personal use of a gun. Clarkson's mother, Donna, made a brief statement before sentencing, speaking of her daughter's fine qualities, sense of humor, intelligence and dedication to her craft of acting. "I'm very proud of Lana, proud to be her mother," Donna Clarkson said. She added, "No one should suffer the loss of a child." The judge also ordered Spector to pay $16,811 in funeral expenses, $9,740 to a state victims' restitution fund and other fees. Spector, dressed in his customary dark pinstripe suit with a red silk tie, was led away immediately. His attorney asked that he be transferred immediately from county jail to a state prison. It was not immediately known to which prison Spector would be assigned. Spector gained fame decades ago for what became known as the "Wall of Sound" recording technique that changed rock music. Clarkson was most famous as the star of Roger Corman's 1985 cult film classic Barbarian Queen. She was 40 when she died.
Leno bids farewell to 'Tonight,' hello to successor O'Brien
Jay Leno wrapped up 17 years as Tonight host Friday with jabs at favorite targets, including politicians and his own network, and with an unusual touch of sentiment. "Now comes the hard part," Leno said as the NBC show drew to a close. After reminiscing briefly about his time as host, Leno said he had an answer to those who asked him about his Tonight legacy. He invited the audience to "take a look" at the children born to show staffers during his tenure - all 68 of them, babies to teenagers, who filled the studio stage. "That's what I'd like my legacy to be," Leno said, his voice thickened by emotion. "When these kids grow up and they go, 'Hey, Mom and Dad, where did you guys meet?', they're going to say they met on the stage of The Tonight Show. " Giving his successor, Conan O'Brien, a pre-debut boost, Leno welcomed him Friday as his final guest. "You were the perfect choice. You've been an absolute gentlemen in private and in the press," Leno told O'Brien, lauding him for his "sharp" material. "Conan rocks," a studio audience member shouted. "I agree, Conan rocks," Leno replied.
Pa. checking if 'Jon & Kate' complies with child labor laws
Jon, Kate and their eight children have attracted a huge TV audience, screaming tabloid headlines and, now, a state labor investigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor says it's looking into whether the hit reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8 is complying with child labor laws. The TLC series follows Jon and Kate Gosselin as they raise their eight young children, including 8-year-old twins and sextuplets who just turned 5. Labor Department spokesman Justin Fleming told the Associated Press that the department is looking into a complaint against the show.
'Idol' winner Kris Allen duets with Mike Huckabee
American Idol winner Kris Allen is already thinking about getting into politics. The 23-year-old acoustic crooner from Conway, Ark., duets with Mike Huckabee during an appearance on the former Arkansas governor's Fox News Channel show. The segment is scheduled to air today Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination last year, backs up Allen on bass for the Beatles' Yesterday . During the appearance, Allen asks: "Maybe someday I could be the governor of Arkansas, right?"
Birthdays
Country fiddler Johnny Gimble , 83 Actor Clint Walker , 82 Actor Keir Dullea , 73 Actor Michael J. Pollard , 70 Guitarist Lenny Davidson , 65 Actor Colm Meaney , 56 Actor Ted McGinley , 51 Actor Ralph Carter , 48 Country singer Wynonna Judd , 45 Guitarist Tom Morello , 45 Guitarist Patrick Dahlheimer , 38
