Welcome to a new segment called “Top 10 Shocking Stories,” where we’ll be discussing the top ten stories of the week.

Ordinarily, the top stories of the week would still be about the second episodes of the new fall shows, such as “The New Girl,” “Pan Am,” “The Playboy Club,” “Prime Suspect” and others, as well as the first episode of “Terra Nova.” But, all news has been obliterated by Michael Jackson–the involuntary manslaughter case of Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, started Monday, Sept. 26, and that’s dominated a lot of the news cycle. So, with that introduction, here are the links to some of the stories America–or, in the case of Jackson, the world–has been following:

1. Michael Jackson: Again, the case involving Dr. Conrad Murray has been going on this week. The opening case was riveting and disturbing, since there was also a death picture of Jackson shown, as well as a recording of Jackson’s voice when he was heavily sedated.
ShockYa: Dr. Conrad Murray’s Manslaughter Trial Is Underway

2. “Pan Am” premiere: The frothy, light-hearted 1960s ABC show “Pan Am” has come out ahead of the show that’s number three on this list, NBC’s “The Playboy Club.” Neither show is entirely truthful to the timeperiod, but it would seem that “Pan Am” glosses over the 1960s much more successfully than “Playboy.”
–The Hollywood Reporter–”Pan Am” reviews: What the critics are saying

3. “The Playboy Club” vs. “Pan Am”: A lot of television viewers and critics are pitting “The Playboy Club” and “Pan Am” against each other since both are about the 1960s (albeit loosely) and both slightly fetishize women. It’s like a woman-against-woman mud catfight. In my opinion, both shows are going strong, especially since it would seem that “Playboy” has gotten a bit more interesting by Episode 2.
CinemaBlend–”The Playboy Club” vs. “Pan Am”: Which show is doing the ’60s better?

4. Premiere of “Terra Nova”: The premiere of Fox’s “Terra Nova” has astounded both audiences and critics. What could have been simply a gimmick show out to get “Lost”‘s territory actually has a very strong plot and a sturdy backstory.
–The Huffington Post:”Terra Nova” review: Dinosaurs, Dystopia and Family Love

5. “The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence)”: The totally gross “The Human Centipede” sequel has been released, and the film reviews are out. The Hollywood Reporter states that it’s only for the devout fans of the first, but if you do happen to watch it, it doesn’t have a lot of the originality the first one had.
The Hollywood Reporter–”The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence): Film Review

6. Halloween: It’s now October, so everyone’s going to be furiously searching for news on Halloween costumes, party ideas and food.
The Chicago Sun-Times: Get ready for creepy, crawly Halloween fun

7. Andy Rooney retiring: “60 Minutes” staple Andy Rooney and his “Get off my lawn!”-style editorials are going away. Sad times.
ShockYa: Andy Rooney Ending Segment On 60 Minutes

8. Judah Maccabee: Judah Maccabee has suddenly become hot property among entertainment studios. Two projects are in the works–one by Mel Gibson and another by Bruce Nash.
ShockYa: Another Judah Maccabee Movie In The Works

9. Troy Davis’ Funeral Troy Davis, the death row inmate who was executed recently even though his guilt was doubtful, was laid to rest Friday.
CNN: Family, friends celebrate Troy Davis’ life at funeral

10: “50/50″ premieres: Everyone was curious about the movie dubbed the “comedy about cancer,” but it appears that the film has the right balance of humor and serious moments.
CNN: Review: “50/50″ balances comedy and pathos