Ann vs. Al

It's a showdown between conservative commentator Ann Coulter and the Rev. Al Sharpton! They'll debate health care reform, the war in Afghanistan, Sarah Palin's viability as a 2012 presidential candidate and much more! Plus, why is Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a lifelong Catholic, barred from taking communion? Ann and Al never hold back - and tonight's no exception!

Murder for Hire Plot?

Michael Dippolito tells Larry how he became the alleged target of a murder for hire plot - devised by his own wife! Dippolito's wife, Dalia, allegedly hired a hit man to kill her husband. Only catch –  the hitman turned out to be an undercover cop. Hear the just-released tapes between Dalia and the police officer - tonight ONLY on Larry King Live!

Oprah's Friends Speak Out

Oprah Winfrey tearfully told her audience that her show will come to an end in 2011 after 25 years of being on the air. Tonight, hear from her best friend Gayle King and Suze Orman, who regularly contributes to The Oprah Winfrey Show. Why did Oprah make the surprise announcement? What's next for the Queen of Talk? And don't miss a very special guest - Oprah's fourth grade teacher, Mary Alice Duncan. Oprah said the years she spent as a student in Mrs. Duncan's class were "defining moments" for her!

That's all tonight on Larry King Live at 9ET/6PT!

And we want to hear from you:

Who do you tend to agree with on political issues - Ann Coulter or Al Sharpton?

By Orifiel the Frog

Hello, I'm the Frog you've been seeing all summer long. I'm the one in all those Prince's Rainforest Project videos on YouTube. Yes I've been on Pele's famous foot, I've been caressed by Harrison Ford, I've been held aloft by the Dalai Lama, I've even been cuddled by Robin Williams.  Sir Richard Branson even tried to turn me into one of his beautiful red suited stewardesses.  That didn't turn out so well.

Why all the fuss hey? Well I'm in trouble. Yep, me and whole load of other species out here in the Rainforest.

You know everyone now seems to be aware of the impact cars, power stations and planes have on climate-changing pollution, but not so many know we have to keep our remaining rainforests alive- standing up- not being cut down.

This viral video created by the Prince's Rainforest Project (click here to watch it and you'll see me at the end) aims to fill the gap and mobilize public support for action.  It does a good job in delivering a powerful message while also allows the chance for everyone to make a positive difference.

Yes you too.

If enough people see the video and go to the website (rainforestsos.org) to signal their support for action, then perhaps world leaders will in the weeks ahead of Copenhagen be more persuaded to put in place some properly funded response to help the developing countries value their forests as worth more alive than dead.

Almost 15 million acres are cleared each year- causing billions of tons of carbon dioxide to be released. That's not good news. So please help a Frog in Need- Lend a Hand- well a click I guess- and watch this video, encourage others to watch it (all my frog friends have) and wait until the very end. The more people who see this, and act on it, the more likely it is that we'll get the response the world needs.

NOTE: OK, a Frog didn't really write this, but Kieran Baker did.  He's Executive Producer of the Viral Video Campaign for the Prince's Rainforests Project.

Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician at the center of the homicide investigation into singer Michael Jackson's death, has resumed his practice.

Murray returned home to Houston, Texas, and was treating patients at the Armstrong Clinic where he practiced medicine before leaving to become Jackson's personal physician in April.

"I'm taking my life back step by step, and I wanted to come home and this is my home," he told congregants Sunday at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in northwest Houston. "And therefore, I am back to serve," he said, his eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses and his voice quivering. "This isn't easy for me. Mentally it's tough."

In a letter to CNN affiliate KPRC in Houston, Murray's lawyer said the physician returned to work out of a financial necessity.

"Because of a deteriorating financial condition and prompting by many of his beloved patients, on Nov. 20, 2009, Dr. Conrad Murray resumed his cardiology practice in Houston, Texas," said lawyer Ed Chernoff.

Chernoff added that Murray planned to attend to patients in Las Vegas as well, but the cost of reopening his clinic there was "prohibitive."

Murray told church members he saw 16 patients Friday, and each encounter was twice as long as a regular appointment because patients wanted to know how he was doing. As he spoke, the church attendees stood and cheered. Later, they posed with him for photographs.

(Read More)

Rhode Island's top Roman Catholic leader has asked Rep. Patrick Kennedy to stop taking Communion over his support for abortion rights, the diocese said Sunday.

In a statement issued Sunday, Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin said he told Kennedy in February 2007 that it would be "inappropriate" for him to continue receiving the fundamental Catholic sacrament, "and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so."

Kennedy, a Democrat, is the son of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy and a scion of the most prominent Catholic family in modern U.S. politics.

In an interview published Sunday, Patrick Kennedy told the Providence Journal that Tobin had barred him from receiving communion and instructed priests in the diocese not to administer the sacrament "because of the positions that I've taken as a public official."

Tobin, in a statement issued in response to the Kennedy interview, said his advice to the congressman was "pastoral and confidential," and he was surprised that Kennedy chose to discuss it publicly. "I am disappointed that the congressman would make public my request of nearly three years ago that sought to provide solely for his spiritual well-being," he said.

(Read More)

More than 80 Michael Jackson collectibles - including the late pop star's famous rhinestone-studded glove from a 1983 performance - were auctioned off Saturday, reaping a total $2 million.

Profits from the auction at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York's Times Square crushed pre-sale expectations of only $120,000 in sales.

The highly prized memorabilia, which included items spanning the many stages of Jackson's career, came from more than 30 fans, associates and family members of the singer who contacted Julien's Auctions to sell their gifts and mementos.

Jackson's flashy glove was the big-ticket item of the night, fetching $420,000 from a buyer in Hong Kong, China. Jackson wore the glove at a 1983 performance during "Motown 25," an NBC special where he debuted his revolutionary moonwalk. Fellow Motown star Walter "Clyde" Orange of the Commodores, who also performed in the special 26 years ago, said he asked for Jackson's autograph at the time, but Jackson gave him the glove instead.

"The legacy that [Jackson] left behind is bigger than life for me," Orange said. "I hope that through that glove people can see what he was trying to say in his music and what he said in his music." Orange said he plans to give a portion of the proceeds to charity.

Hoffman Ma, who bought the glove on behalf of Ponte 16 Resort in Macau, paid a 25 percent percent buyer's premium, which was tacked onto all final sales over $50,000. Winners of items less than $50,000 paid a 20 percent premium. Darren Julien, president and CEO of Julien's Auctions, said people were hungry for such tokens of Jackson's life, as evidenced by the 3,500 who registered as bidders for the auction.

(Read More)

NOTE: Tonight on LKL we will be discussing the new federal advisory board recommendations concerning mammograms for women (to read more about their recommendations, CLICK HERE).

Peter Criss, original drummer and founding member of the rock band, KISS, shares his story of overcoming breast cancer.  While many people think breast cancer doesn’t affect men, they are wrong:  In 2009, there will be an estimated 1,910 cases of breast cancer diagnosed among men in this country, according to the National Cancer Institute.  Of those cases, 440 deaths are expected.  For women, the numbers are much higher:  an estimated 192,370 women in the U.S will be diagnosed, with 40,170 deaths.  Doctors stress early detection can save your life.  This blog originally appeared on Oct. 27th.

Peter Criss answered our “5 Questions” about his diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

1. LKL Blog: First of all, how are you doing?  We've read that you are cancer free?

Peter Criss: I am doing great thank you for asking.  Yes I am thank God cancer free!!

Peter Criss, 63, says of his breast cancer, "Early detection saved my life."

2. LKL Blog: There's a lot of awareness and information out there about breast cancer – but most of it has to do with women. Frankly, a lot of people don't realize men get it too. How did you discover that you had breast cancer?  Tell us about finding the lump....

Peter Criss: First, let me say I agree there is very little awareness and information for men on breast cancer.  I would like to see that change for men, more information in and out of doctor's offices.  So men feel more comfortable talking about it and getting it checked.

Now how I found the lump?  I am very aware of my body.  I got home one day from the gym, after a shower I felt a little lump in my left nipple.  It hurt the more I messed with it.  I just knew something was wrong, my brain went ( red light ! ).  I showed it to my wife Gigi.   She was going to her gynecologist and she said she will have the doctor take a look at it.

I went with her to her appointment to see the doctor. The doctor felt it and took a sonogram of my breast.  She did not like the look of the sonogram and called Dr. Swistel and asked if he would check me right away.  He agreed and I went right over to his office at Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian Hospital.  He ordered some test (biopsy, mammogram and ultrasound).  I went to a doctor by where I live in New Jersey to do the test – they said it was just a nodule or cyst, you're cool get it out if you want to, if it hurts.  Dr Swistel did the operation.  I felt fine afterwards.  I got a call over the weekend – he said that I had breast cancer but don't freak out you will not need chemo or medication because we got it (early).  But I need to go back in and operate.  The operation went great.  I had my check up October 5th and I am cancer free!!!   I said to my wife and doctor I am going to tell the world, perfect time as it is breast cancer awareness month .

3. LKL Blog: How difficult was the diagnosis and treatment for you personally? And also generally speaking -as a man- what are the challenges?

Peter Criss: The diagnosis was very difficult for me, a man dose not think he can get this.  The treatment was easy, only because we got it (early)!!!  As a man the challenges are to tell other men to get checked...there are no physical challenges.

Criss, pictured third from the left, was the "Catman" and an original member of the band KISS.

4. LKL Blog: What advice do you have for other people out there – men or women – when it comes to early detection and treatment?

Peter Criss: Man or woman: the minute you feel something wrong, just GO TO THE DOCTOR, I beg you.  It is a matter of life and death – early detection saved my life.

5. LKL Blog: How have things changed for you (personally or professionally) since this happened?

Peter Criss: I have always believed in miracles and God.  This lets me know miracles are true.  I am a grateful person, but I always have been.  My faith is my strength and my family and friends and the fans.  There is enough bad news in the world; have faith in God and the world is yours.

Be Happy.

Editor’s note: For more information on breast cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov.

Patrick Swayze's wife

Lisa Niemi, wife of the late Patrick Swayze, on  the heartache of losing her husband – and his public battle with cancer.

Plus, the late star's brother on Patrick Swayze's final days.

Connick & Clive

We'll also have the amazingly talented Harry Connick Jr. and legendary music producer Clive Davis.

Remembering A Messenger

We'll end with a very special interview with one of our favorite people.  Jeni Stepanek, mother of the late Mattie Stepanek.  Mattie inspired millions with his message of peace.  He helped us find our Heartsongs, and after you watch our interview with his mother, you'll see how he found his.

NOTE: Jeni Stepanek will be our guest tonight on LKL.  It's an emotional interview you won't want to miss.

By Jeni Stepanek for the Larry King Blog

For many years, people have asked me, “When are you going to write the story of Mattie’s life? I am inspired by his words, his message. I want to know more about Mattie as a person.” And for a number of years, I have had this story planned – outlined into chapters, with detailed notes and thoughts about how such a book might unfold chapter by chapter. It wasn’t until last fall that I felt the time was ‘right’ to tell this story though.

Despite the sad truth that Mattie died just before his 14^th birthday, I wanted this book to be a celebration of his life. I wanted to capture his wisdom (yes, he penned seven NY Times bestselling books of poetry and essays), and also his wit (yes, he really DID put apple juice in a urine cup and panic unsuspecting doctors who saw him drinking it). I wanted to write a book that inspired people to think of Mattie with a smile, and to recognize that he was an ordinary kid who made some extraordinary choices in life. I wanted folks to remember why they were drawn to him during his time on earth. I wanted readers to feel how ‘real’ Mattie was, and how very much alive his message of hope and peace is in the world today through a legacy that is growing outward and ‘forthward’ more and more each year. Now, that book, “Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs” is complete, and ready ripple around the world.

Through television appearances and writings and speeches, Mattie reminded people of all walks of life that ‘hope is real’ and ‘peace is possible’ and ‘life is worthy’ – despite whatever burdens or blessings were a part of any given day. This book will help readers finally learn about Mattie himself, and how he came to believe and live those truths in his own life. Readers will learn about Mattie’s hopes and hesitations, his education and spirituality, and his practical jokes and adventures at summer camp. The importance of ‘morning coffee’ and ‘afternoon tea’ are explored, as well as the significance of ‘sunrise on pier’ and ‘pumpkin season’ and other themes that touched Mattie’s essence. I share details of Mattie’s private life at home, his journeys on the road once he achieved some level of celebrity, and his long months in the intensive care unit during his final years of life. The book is filled with photos from throughout Mattie’s life, most of which I have never shared before. There are also bits of previously unpublished poetry and journal entries by Mattie, as well as excerpts from his e-mail correspondence with Oprah Winfrey, Chris Cuomo, and other friends.

Mattie was my son, and he was also my best friend. There is not a day that passes that I don’t miss him, or the little notes he would leave by my bed, or his snuggles and foot massages, or the word games and board games we played, or the conversations we had about life and our world, or just holding his hand. But this book is not about what I miss, or about my grief, or even about Mattie’s passing. This book is truly about the celebration and lasting inspiration of a young man who taught us all through word and action, to “Remember to play after every storm!”

I am very proud to be “Mattie’s mom.” And though there were some difficult moments during the writing of this book and during the audio recording of this book for CD, I am so happy that I realized last fall that it was time to share this story. I am excited about the release of this book, and I am looking forward to interacting with readers who want to share their thoughts after reading the pages. What a gift it has been to me to have the opportunity to share the story of my son’s life in this book. Please feel free to contact me through Mattie’s website: www.mattieonline.com.

"Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie  J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs" is in bookstores November 3rd.

Accompanied by two smitten young men vying to impress her, a resentful Amanda Knox toyed with a knife and then plunged it into her roommate's neck, killing her, an Italian prosecutor charged in closing arguments Friday.

The November 2, 2007, death of British student Meredith Kercher occurred during a twisted sex game in which Knox taunted Kercher, and the two men - boyfriend Rafael Sollecito and acquaintance Rudy Guede - sexually assaulted her, prosecutor Guilano Mignini said during his seven-hour closing.

The prosecutor said Knox hated and resented Kercher and had decided the time had come to exact revenge.

Knox, 22, and Sollecito, 26, are on trial for sexual assault and murder. Police found Kercher's bloody body under a duvet on the floor of the apartment she shared with Knox. Both deny the charges.

Mignini said Kercher died about 11:30 p.m. after she and Knox had quarreled - either over money or Guede's presence at the house.

The prosecutor said the men pinned Kercher down by her arms while Knox played with the knife, prodding at her throat and saying, "Ah, you were pretending to be such a little saint. ... Now we are going to show you."

Knox's lawyer, Carlos Della Vedova, later told reporters, "I believe that Mignini's presentation was very suggestive, but we are in a courtroom, and proof is needed in order to convict a person."

(See the full details of the trial HERE)

NOTE: Tonight on LKL, a very special interview with Lisa Niemi, Patrick Swayze's wife, and his brother Donny Swayze.

And we want to hear from you: What are your favorite Patrick Swayze memories.  Post them HERE or below, and we'll use them on the show tonight.

Julie Fleshman is President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  In this LKL Web Exclusive, she offers her thoughts on the death of Patrick Swayze.

Patrick Swayze was a shining star in Hollywood darkened much too soon by pancreatic cancer.  On behalf of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Lisa, the Swayze family and his millions of fans around the world. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Swayze increased awareness of the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States by speaking out publicly about his diagnosis.  His surprise appearance in September 2008 at the Stand Up to Cancer telethon and his unabashed interview with Barbara Walters in January 2009 left us in awe as he vowed to fight this disease. He exuded an impassioned sense of hope, and a true belief that he would make it long enough to find a cure.

He was a beacon of hope for the entire pancreatic cancer community, and for nearly two years his fighting spirit helped him to beat the odds that were clearly stacked against him. In fact, 76% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis and the five year survival rate is just 5% because there are no effective early detection tools or treatments for this disease. Despite these statistics, pancreatic cancer is the least funded among leading cancer killers in our country.

Mr. Swayze made a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer and you can too. Join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) and take action to ensure progress is made to give pancreatic cancer patients a fighting chance.  Your help is critical now more than ever because the pancreatic cancer incidence is projected to increase by 12% in 2009 and by 55% by 2030.

If you or someone you know is facing pancreatic cancer please have them contact the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at 877-272-6226.  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.  Please join us today.

Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA
President & CEO
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network