The question of who will replace Simon Cowell as an 'American Idol' judge began in earnest today with Page Six claiming that Howard Stern is the 'Idol' producers' top choice to take Simon Cowell's throne. Stunt casting? Attention-grabbing? Total bull? You can take your pick because this smacks of a PR turn if ever there was one.

For a moment, though, let's consider the possibility. Howard's contract with Sirius XM Radio wraps next January. That contract was in the $100 million neighborhood. Could 'American Idol' fork over a pay-out equal to that? Umm, yes. They make enough. Will they? Hard to imagine. The figure mentioned in the report was $50 million a year, which is what Simon will earn this season, but that's based on the fact that Simon has a track record with 'Idol.'

Rosie O'Donnell reminds me of a sexually transmitted disease.

I might have enjoyed my first experience that brought me in contact with her. But she's grown painfully irritating over the years, and I can't seem to get rid of her now. No matter what happens, she just keeps coming back to irritate me further -- leaving me to wonder what ever led me to welcome her irritation in the first place.

When O'Donnell proved too annoying even for The View, and then flamed out on her disastrous one-off variety show, I thought we'd seen the last of her. But it looks like we'll at least "hear" from her again, as she's moved away from the TV talk circuit and taken a gig hosting her own satellite radio talk show on Sirius XM.

According to Reuters, a New York state court clerk has disclosed that a settlement has been reached in the suit that CBS filed against Howard Stern. The suit alleged that Stern had improperly promoted his move to Sirius satellite radio in the months leading up to his day on CBS Radio.

Of course, as in all stories like this, there is no confirmation of a settlement from either side. In fact, both sides are careful to say that no agreement has been signed yet, which doesn't mean that no deal has been reached, just that one hasn't been "signed" yet. As they say in the news, stay tuned ...