Page 7598 – 105.7 WDNY

Nothing compares to ewe: Studio comes up with ‘Lamb’ giveaway as weird as the movie is

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

It took some doing, but independent studio A24 has come up with a giveaway to promote its thriller Lamb that’s as weird as the Icelandic import itself.

While the gag gives away a spoiler the movie holds onto — painstakingly — for a majority of its running time, the studio is giving away a baby doll of the movie’s half-human half lamb hybrid, Ada [AH-dah].

The dark folktale from Icelandic directing newcomer Valdimar Jóhannsson stars Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason as a childless couple who discover one of their sheep has birthed a hybrid child. Ada is an offspring with a human body and a lamb’s face — and the couple decides to raise her as their own, as people in Icelandic films might wont to do.

A24 is giving people the chance to follow in their footsteps with its #AdoptAda contest. Just post a video about why you should be Ada’s primary caregiver, tagging @A24, and use the hashtag #AdoptAda for a chance to bring Ada home.

Ada comes complete with her trademark galoshes, overalls, and a cable knit sweater to complete her baby lamb ensemble.

“Baba Ada can be yours forever,” the odd little online ad notes, giving you “the gift of a lifetime: parenthood.”

It also warns, “Protection from other sheep not included.”

Submission videos can be shared on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and a winner will be announced Monday, November 1.

Matthew Perry to release “unflinchingly honest” memoir in 2022

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Flatiron Books has announced it will release Matthew Perry‘s first book, a memoir from the Friends veteran that not only dishes on his time on the beloved sitcom, but also details his personal battles.

The book is as yet untitled.

“Perry takes readers behind-the-scenes and onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction,” the publisher promises.

“Candid, self-aware and told with his trademark humor, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all,” continues the description, which also says the book, “the first from a cast member of Friends, is unflinchingly honest, dishy, and hilarious.”

Flatiron teases, “[T]his is the book that Friends fans have been waiting for but will also shed a powerful light for anyone who is in their own battle for themselves or a loved one.”

The memoir will be released in the fall of 2022.

Plans in the works for an immersive Beatles attraction in band’s hometown of Liverpool, UK

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

U.K. officials have announced plans to create an “immersive, world class” attraction focusing on The Beatles in the band’s hometown of Liverpool, the Liverpool Echo reports.

In a speech on Wednesday, U.K. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that two million pounds, equivalent to about $2.8 million, would be allocated for a Fab Four-themed attraction that would be located on Liverpool’s waterfront.

According to the Echo, the plans, which are in the very early stages, may feature hologram technology similar to what will be used for the upcoming virtual ABBA concert experience that’s opening in London in spring 2022.

Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram tells the newspaper that the plans for the Beatles attraction are “the culmination of many years of hard work to help develop this exciting project for our region,” adding, “This would be a truly world-class, cutting-edge immersive Beatles experience.

Rotheram noted that the attraction “would bring even more visitors from across the globe to build on our unique position as home to the single most influential musicians to walk the planet.”

Reflecting on the band’s impact on the city’s economy and cultural significance, the Mayor said, “The Beatles helped to firmly cement Liverpool on the map in the ’60s. Their legacy still draws millions of visitors over half a century later, which adds millions of pounds to our economy every year.”

The Echo pointed out, however, that the announcement about the monetary allotment did draw criticism from some local residents, who argued that the funds could be better spent to address such issues as poverty and deprivation.

Zayn Malik denies “striking” Gigi Hadid’s mom, Yolanda

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Zayn Malik has released a statement following allegations that he “struck” Gigi Hadid’s mom, Yolanda.

In the message posted to Twitter Thursday, the singer begins by saying that he’s a private person and wants to create a safe space for his one-year-old daughter, Khai, but he felt the need to speak out after the accusations were “leaked” to the press.

He does not mention Yolanda by name in the post but says there was an “argument” with one of Gigi’s “family members” several weeks ago.

“This was and still should be a private matter but it seems for now there is divisiveness and despite my efforts to restore us to a peaceful family environment that will allow for me to co-parent my daughter in a manner in which she deserves, this has been ‘leaked’ to the press,” Zayn continues.

He concludes, “I am hopeful though for healing for all involved with the harsh words shared and more importantly I remain vigilant to protect Khai and give her the privacy she deserves.”

In a statement to TMZ, which first reported the allegations, Zayn says, “I adamantly deny striking Yolanda Hadid and for the sake of my daughter I decline to give any further details and I hope that Yolanda will reconsider her false allegations and move towards healing these family issues in private.”

pic.twitter.com/Idwdx1PZdB

— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 28, 2021

Packers to be short-handed at receiver against Cardinals

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(PHOENIX) — The Green Bay Packers will be short-handed at wide receiver when they take on the Arizona Cardinals tonight.

Davante Adams and Allen Lazard will both miss the game after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week. Adams is vaccinated but tested positive. Lazard is unvaccinated and was deemed a close contact of Adams.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling will also miss the game after the team did not activate him. He has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury.

Adams ranks third in the NFL with 744 receiving yards and second in catches with 52.

Packer defensive coordinate Joe Barry will also miss the game because of COVID-19 protocols.

Former New York Gov. Cuomo charged with misdemeanor sex crime

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been charged with a misdemeanor sex crime in Albany City Court, according to a spokesman for the New York State Court System.

The complaint, filed by an Albany County Sheriff’s Department investigator, accused Cuomo of forcible touching.

The alleged crime took place at the governor’s mansion on December 7, 2020 when Cuomo “intentionally and for no legitimate purpose” forcibly placed his hand under the blouse of an unnamed victim and onto an intimate body part.

“Specifically, the victims left breast for the purposes of degrading and gratifying his sexual desires, all contrary to the provisions of the statute in such case made and provided,” the complaint said.

Cuomo resigned in August following a monthslong investigation by State Attorney General Letitia James that found he sexually harassed 11 women, including current and former state employees.

“Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women,” the report said.

Following his resignation, Cuomo said the report was politicized and that there was a rush to judgment.

“Let me say now that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system and that doesn’t serve women and it doesn’t serve men or society,” Cuomo said during his farewell address. “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment, but that is not right. It’s not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter.”

Cuomo was replaced by then Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Ryan Reynolds named 2021 Entertainment & Entrepreneurship Innovator by ‘WSJ. Magazine’

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Ryan Reynolds covers the November issue of WSJ. Magazine, which named him the publication’s 2021 Entertainment & Entrepreneurship Innovator.

The actor and producer was hailed for his efforts as a marketing guru, with viral ads for not only his 2016 hit Deadpool, but clever spots for his companies Mint Mobile and Aviation American Gin. Some interview highlights:

For Deadpool, Reynolds saw getting creative control of the then-obscure property a make-or break moment for his career. “While I was obscenely privileged to star in movies, a lot of times they weren’t working,” he admits. “That’s when I said, ‘I need to have some authorship here.'”

The movie became an unlikely blockbuster, and spawned a franchise.

Deadpool also taught him “invaluable life lessons,” many of which insped his company Maximum Effort, which produces everything from hits like his recent movie Free Guy, to viral ads.

“We had so little to make that movie and even less to market the movie,” said Reynolds. The unconventional character meant “marketing it had to step outside any semblance of normalcy.”

He says of Maximum Effort, “We love storytelling. Marketing, to a certain extent, is diet storytelling…,” noting that the “scrappy” ads focus on character over budget.

Reynolds admits, “I tend to bite off way more than I could or should chew,” and blames it on a “Canadian sensibility.”

“I fixate on things….I lay awake at night, wrapping and unwrapping every possible scenario,” he declared, then quipping, “I slept at a perfect right angle for so many years.”

Ryan says he tends to, “pave over anxiety with work and, to a lesser extent, achievement.”

He says, “You want to tick boxes sometimes. So these days, my goal is to be as present as I can and not just tick a box just to do it. I’m fully embracing and living that right now. It’s been amazing.” Making a “check mark” in the air with his finger, he adds, “OK. Heartfelt personal-growth quote: check.”

Kristen Stewart says it was “spooky” to film a ‘Spencer’ scene wearing a replica of Princess Diana’s wedding gown

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

As Kristen Stewart committed to transforming into the late Princess Diana for the movie Spencer, the actress recalled one fleeting scene that gave her goosebumps.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the 31-year-old admitted it felt “so spooky” to wear a replica of the late royal’s wedding dress, even if it was for a brief moment.

“When we put that dress on, it is embedded in a montage that kind of flashed her life before you. Even though the movie takes place over a three-day period… We still wanted to give a taste of the scope of her life,” Stewart explained. “Kind of touch on every part, even if it was in kind of lyrical dance. And the wedding dress is embedded in that montage and putting that on was a spooky day.”

As for what Stewart star had to do while wearing a replica of the wedding gown, she revealed, “We didn’t have to do the wedding scene but I still had one walk, walking outside of this castle.”

Stewart says director Pablo Larraín encouraged her to turn that brief scene into a standout, as it was a pivotal moment in Diana’s life.

“[He] was like, ‘Take everything you learned about that day, all of your emotional responses that you have accumulated, put them all right here. What does it feel like to believe in an ideal that then becomes very, very apparently farcical?'” she recalled him saying, adding that he wanted her to “let your heart break in a moment.”

When asked what she hopes the Royal Family will say, should they watch Spencer, said Stewart, “I would say is that we led with love and curiosity. And professed to know nothing. We’re literally just sort of admirers.”

Spencer arrives in theaters on November 5.

Michelle Obama to appear on final season of ‘black-ish’; Taye Diggs, Ne-yo to host variety specials at The CW

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The final season of black-ish has added a real-life icon to its lineup.

On Thursday, the show announced via social media that former First Lady Michelle Obama will be making a guest appearance on the eighth and final season of the ABC comedy. “#blackish is going all out for the final season! We are honored to have trailblazer @michelleobama join us as an upcoming guest star,” reads the Instagram caption of a photo of Mrs. Obama with the black-ish cast. While details on Mrs. Obama’s appearance are few, this isn’t the first time she’s appeared on a popular sitcom. The former First Lady also guest starred on the sixth-season finale of Parks and Recreation. The final season of black-ish is set for sometime in 2022.

In other news, The CW has tapped Taye Diggs and recording artists Ne-Yo and Eric Bellinger to headline two upcoming variety specials. The three will star in The Black Pack: We Three Kings and The Black Pack: Excellence, which will highlight Black performers. We Three Kings will premiere on November 29 and feature classic Christmas music, comedy and dance. It will also have appearances by Bre-Z, Tank, Sevyn Streeter and Jordin Sparks. The Black Pack: Excellence will air sometime in 2022 and will commemorate the Juneteenth holiday with music, dance and guest stars. It will also include a tribute to original Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr.

Finally, Deadline has learned that Isaiah Mustafa has been added to the cast of Boy Kills World, a forthcoming action film set in a “dystopian fever dream reality.” The film follows Bill Skarsgard as Boy, a deaf mute who’s trained by a mysterious shaman and becomes “an instrument of death.” A release date for Boy Kills World has yet to be announced.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by black-ish (@blackishabc)

PETA asks MLB to end use of ‘Bullpen’

October 28, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — PETA has asked Major League Baseball to end the use of the term ‘bullpen.”

The organization says they would like a more animal-friendly term that doesn’t reference the area where bulls are held before slaughter.

Their suggestion: The Arm Barn!

“Words matter, and baseball ‘bullpens’ devalue talented players and mock the misery of sensitive animals,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA encourages Major League Baseball coaches, announcers, players, and fans to changeup their language and embrace the ‘arm barn’ instead.”

+ More