Al Sharpton Rejects 'Dancing w/ the Stars' -- Again!!

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Rev. Al Sharpton just turned down ANOTHER offer to join "Dancing with the Stars" ... but not because he's scared of the competition -- in fact, Al insists, "I've got moves ... I'D BLOW 'EM OUT!!"

The Rev claims he just doesn't have the time due to his commitments with the National Action Network -- but wants to make one thing clear ... "There would be no chance for anybody to touch me!"

He does do a mean James Brown ... and if you haven't seen it -- CLICK THIS LINK!!!!!!!

Cheryl Burke -- The Graphic Airport Grope

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"Dancing with the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke just tweeted about inadvertently two-stepping with a TSA agent's jazz hands today.

That's almost as humiliating as when she had to tango with Tom DeLay.

Lorenzo and Donna D -- Campaigning for 'DWTS'

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Some celebrities might try and play hard to get when it comes to trying to get a spot on the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars" -- Lorenzo Lamas and Donna D'Errico are not those celebs.

As TMZ first reported, Lamas and D'Errico are both "in talks" to do "DWTS," but so far nothing is locked down. The "DWTS" website is taking viewer suggestions for who should make the cast ... and when he caught with them outside the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday, they each took turns lobbying to get on the show.

A little subtlety might work.

'Dancing w/ the Stars' -- Targeting Lorenzo Lamas

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"Dancing with the Stars" execs are currently locked in negotiations to bring a "Renegade" and a "Baywatch" babe to the ballroom next season ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the show tell us Lorenzo Lamas and Donna D'Errico have been contacted by the DWTS people ... and are "in talks" about a possible deal.

We're told nothing is in stone yet -- but we're hearing both Lorenzo and Donna have "serious interest" in doing the show.

Meanwhile, ABC is already soliciting casting ideas on their website -- and we're told DWTS staff is actually paying attention to the answers.

Bristol to Margaret Cho: Here's a Gay Joke ...

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Someone needs to keep the Palin girls off Facebook -- this time it's Bristol posting an open letter to her "Dancing With the Stars" co-star Margaret Cho ... and making a gay "joke" at Margaret's expense.

Bristol responded to a blog Cho wrote this week that suggested Sarah Palin made Bristol do "DWTS" -- and that Sarah "harshly and openly" blames Bristol for costing her the election.

In Bristol's new post, which she wrote last night, she made her point in a few decently-worded paragraphs, but then decided to end things by saying that if Margaret understood conservative politics better, she "would embrace us faster than KD Lang at an Indigo Girls concert."

Reading between the lines ... KD Lang = lesbian. Indigo Girls = lesbian. Cho is openly bisexual.

But Bristol did say she's willing to let Cho babysit Tripp, so there's that.

TMZ Live: Charlie Sheen, Bristol Palin, and Kanye

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We took your questions on everything -- including cops wanting to interview Charlie Sheen, Bristol Palin coming up short on "Dancing with the Stars", and Kanye West unloading on Matt Lauer ... again.

Plus: Oksana goes to the movies!

Obama: Turkey Pardon is Like 'Dancing with the Stars'

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President Obama let the jokes fly during his turkey pardoning ceremony this morning -- comparing the turkey competition to "Dancing with the Stars" ... if the show murdered the contestants who didn't make the cut.

Obama explained that each bird had to compete in a feathery beauty pageant set to music -- insisting it was like a "turkey version of 'Dancing with the Stars' ... except the stakes for the contestants was much higher."

He continued, "Only one pair would survive and win the big prize -- LIFE ... and an all expenses paid trip to Washington ... where they've been living it up on corn feed at the W hotel."

Obama concluded, "The W Hotel has really been putting them up?? It's great advertising."

Bristol & Mark -- In a NYC Groove

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"Dancing with the Stars" third place rump shaker Bristol Palin was spotted with partner Mark Ballas hustling through the streets of Manhattan on Wednesday.

These two move quick.

Derek Hough and Jennifer Grey Ballin'

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After knocking off Bristol Palin and Kyle Massey last night, newly crowned "Dancing with the Stars" champs Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough showed off the hardware in New York this morning.

Ultimately, Bristol finished 3rd -- Kyle came in 2nd ... but we gotta ask ...

Red Alert at 'DWTS' Finale -- Release the Hounds!

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"Dancing with the Stars" is taking security to a ridiculous level tonight for the big finale -- TMZ has learned ... they've amped up personnel, given Bristol her own bodyguard, and are even using bomb-sniffing dogs.

Here's how it breaks down -- sources tell TMZ, in addition to Bristol's personal security, there will be 2 bomb-sniffing K-9 units and 12 undercover guards ... some LAPD, some private security ... all armed.

We're told it's the first time they've had this much firepower on set -- and it makes sense ... because as we first reported, Bristol and Mark Ballas have received several death threats ... and if that wasn't enough ... we're told Mama Palin herself is expected to show up.

It's gonna be crazy.

Bristol Palin -- Gettin' Some Tail Before 'DWTS' Finale

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Bristol Palin gets to eat a big, fat LOBSTER dinner before tonight's "Dancing with the Stars" finale ... and TMZ has learned she won't even have to club it to death herself.

Sources tell TMZ Bristol -- along with the rest of the show's cast and crew -- will be served one hell of a last supper before this season's champion is crowned later tonight ... which includes:

-- Lobster Tail
-- Prime Rib
-- Chicken Rockefeller
-- Crab Legs
-- Tri-Color Tortellini
-- Mashed Potatoes
-- Potato bar
-- Corn
-- Asparagus
-- Salad Bar
-- Sundae Bar

Bon appetit!

Death Threats Targeting Bristol Palin, Mark Ballas

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Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas have received death threats and "Dancing with the Stars" has measurably heightened security ... sources connected with the show tell TMZ.

We're told the threats began to come in last week, after Bristol and Mark made the finals. Execs on the show told Mark to stop tweeting because it was inciting people. Mark complied.

Sources connected with the show tell us extra security will be on hand tonight for the show. And, if Bristol and Mark head to New York, execs are talking about breaking format and not doing their interview outside in Times Square -- but rather in the studio, where it's more secure.

TMZ broke the story ... a staffer on the show opened a "fan letter" to Bristol on Friday and white powder fell out. Turns out it was talcum powder, but the FBI is investigating nonetheless.

As one source said, "Everyone is genuinely worried. This is a dance competition, and it's just gotten crazy."

Bristol Palin -- The Show Must Go On

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Bristol Palin didn't let a little white powder in an envelope get in her way as she went to rehearsals for "Dancing With the Stars" yesterday.

No one tells Bristol to take a powder.

Emergency at 'Dancing' Over Powder Substance

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UPDATE #2 8:27 PM PT -- A rep for ABC tells TMZ the substance was determined to be talcum powder by the LAFD and adds, "Measures were taken to secure the area and ensure the safety of personnel."

UPDATE #1 8:20 PM PT --
A rep for the FBI tells TMZ ... "The L.A.P.D., L.A. City and FBI Hazardous Materials officials responded to a report of a threatening letter containing white powder received at CBS Studios in Los Angeles."

The rep continues, "Initial field screening was negative for hazardous substances but will be transported to a regional lab for further testing. A joint investigation is continuing."
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Cops and other emergency responders raced to CBS Television City studio late Friday after a white powder substance was discovered by a member of the "Dancing with the Stars" staff ... and sources tell us Bristol Palin may have been the intended target.

Law enforcement sources tell us a powder substance was discovered by a member of the "Dancing" staff ... and sources connected to the show tell us a section of the studio containing "Dancing" offices was evacuated.

Multiple sources connected to the situation tell us the powder was contained in a piece of fan mail addressed to Bristol Palin.

Mark Ballas: Why Democrats Are Voting for Bristol ...

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Mark Ballas claims he and Bristol Palin aren't just backed by Republicans -- and last night dude explained that all sorts of Democrats have pledged their support for the "Dancing" duo because of four specific reasons.

Man Shoots TV Over Bristol's 'Dancing' Routine

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A SWAT team posted up outside a home in Wisconsin yesterday -- after a shotgun toting 67-year-old man blasted his TV because he was so enraged with Bristol Palin's performance on "Dancing with the Stars."

Local authorities claim Steven Cowan (left) told officers that he felt Palin was not a good dancer and that she was only on the show because of her famous mother.

Officials say Cowan was so pissed after Monday's show -- that he fired at his television set and then aimed the gun at his wife ... though she managed to escape the house.

The SWAT team surrounded the home -- but negotiators were able to talk Cowan into surrendering early Tuesday morning. Authorities claim Cowan suffers from bipolar disorder.

Cowan was charged with 2nd degree reckless endangerment and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.