Michael Jackson reportedly interviewing for job in Bahrain

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Michael Jackson seems to be settling in to the Persian Gulf. The pop star has shopped for real estate here, been spotted in glitzy malls – and now appears to be interviewing for a job.

Jackson, who was acquitted on child molestation charges last year in California, is negotiating a position as a consultant with a Bahrain-based company that plans to set up theme parks and music academies in the Middle East, according to a press release.

AAJ Holdings Ltd., owned by Ahmed Abu Bakr Janahi, said it wants to hire Jackson, 47, to give advice on setting up entertainment businesses.

O’Reilly challenges viewers to debate him on the air

New York – Love him or not, viewers will have the chance to debate Bill O’Reilly on his Fox News Channel talk show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” next month.

O’Reilly has announced the Great Factor Debate Contest, in which six winners will face off with the outspoken TV commentator on a topic of their choice.

“You want a piece of me?” O’Reilly said Monday. “Would you like to sit on this set right here and let me have it? Of course you would. Well, now that can happen.”

He warned viewers to “be careful what you wish for.”

Applicants can enter by e-mailing OReillyContest@foxnews.com.

‘Just Married’ star engaged

Los Angeles – Brittany Murphy is engaged, according to published reports.

The 28-year-old actress, who met Joe Macaluso while he was working as a production assistant on the 2004 romantic comedy “Little Black Book,” became engaged over the holidays.

The couple haven’t set a wedding date, People and Us Weekly magazines reported Monday.