Saucy dealings; Madonna’s DNA not for sale; Dr. Phil’s big money – SFGate

Chronicle Staff and News Services

Photo: Frank Wiese, Associated Press

Rapper Tupac Shakur was killed in 1996.

Rapper Tupac Shakur was killed in 1996.

Dr. Phil is making lots and lots of money.

Dr. Phil is making lots and lots of money.

Saucy dealings; Madonnas DNA not for sale; Dr. Phils big money

Number of the day

$4.2 billion

Thats how much U.S. spice maker McCormick & Co. paid for the food business of Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of such items as Frenchs mustard and Franks RedHot sauce. The combined group is expected to have annual sales of around $5 billion. In an unrelated condiment development, Heinz recognized National Hot Dog Day and the reluctance of Chicagoans to put ketchup on a hot dog by offering Chicago Dog Sauce in a limited-edition bottle. It looks an awful lot like, uh, ketchup.

No, you cant buy Madonnas DNA

A New York judge has stopped an impending auction of Madonnas personal items, including a love letter from ex-boyfriend Tupac Shakur, a pair of worn panties and a hairbrush containing her hair. The Material Girl sought an emergency court order saying she was shocked at the planned online auction by Gotta Have It Collectibles, and said a former friend is behind the sale. Its outrageous and grossly offensive her DNA could be auctioned, she said.

But Dr. Phil could

have won the bidding

Speaking of wealthy entertainers, Forbes has come out with its annual list of the worlds top-earning TV personalities. Phil McGraw leads the list with $79 million, followed, in order, by Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Gordon Ramsay and Ryan Seacrest. The earnings include income from additional activities such as producing, non-TV performances, endorsements and merchandising.

Compiled from staff and news services. See more items and links at http://www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle

Read more:
Saucy dealings; Madonna's DNA not for sale; Dr. Phil's big money - SFGate