Murphy to host Oscars, Snipes loses appeal

Eddie Murphy has been picked to host the Academy Awards for the first time in his career. The announcement makes Oscar organizers appear as if they are aiming for laughs in 2012, after this year's performance by co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco fell flat with critics and many viewers. Murphy can next be seen in the comedic film "Tower Heist" out November 04. The Oscars will be held on February 26, 2012.
Jury selection will begin this week in the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, who faces charges of involuntary manslaughter. As for choosing an impartial jury, legal experts say it will be impossible to find anyone who knows nothing of Jackson. Some will adore him, while others will dislike him. After a jury panel is selected, the trial will be recessed until opening arguments begin the last week of September.
Finally, a federal appeals court has turned away the latest attempt by Wesley Snipes to overturn his conviction and prison sentence on tax charges. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the appeal by Snipes, who was convicted in 2008 on three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file income tax returns. Snipes started a three-year stint in a Pennsylvania prison in December.
Bob Mezan, Reuters.