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Phasers set to “stunned”: George Takei labels William Shatner an “unfit guinea pig” after spaceflight

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

There’s nothing colder than space: except maybe Star Trek star Geoge Takei.

William Shatner‘s record-breaking flight to space on Wednesday didn’t put any space between Takei and his longstanding grudge against his former co-star.

“He’s boldly going where other people have gone before,” Takei sniffed to Page Six, while in New York City at the Wednesday night opening of the play Thoughts of a Colored Man.

The 84-year-old Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu alongside Shatner’s Captain Kirk on the classic TV show and on the big screen, added, “He’s a guinea pig, 90 years old and it’s important to find out what happens. So 90 years old is going to show a great deal more on the wear and tear on the human body, so he’ll be a good specimen to study.”

Takei added, however, that Shatner was “not the fittest specimen of 90 years old, so he’ll be a specimen that’s unfit!”

To quote the actor’s famous catchphrase, “Oh my.”

In the past, the two U.S.S. Enterprise veterans have famously taken shots at each other, with Takei calling Shatner “self-centered,” and accusing him of trying to limit Sulu’s importance to the franchise. In turn, Shatner has said of Takei, “There must be something else inside George that is festering, and it makes him unhappy that he takes it out on me.”

Bill has said he feels “nothing but pity” for his Star Trek co-star.

Shatner blasted off Wednesday morning aboard Jeff Bezos‘ New Shepard spacecraft, which is operated by the Amazon head’s Blue Origin company. The actor was moved to tears upon his return.

Darius Rucker featured on carefree new song by singer-songwriter Keb’ Mo’, “Good Strong Woman”

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Darius Rucker lends his voice to “Good Strong Woman,” a breezy new release off of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Keb’ Mo’’s forthcoming Good to Be album.

Gently lilting and optimistic, the song celebrates how beautiful life can be with the right partner.

“She will never leave you if you treat her right /She’ll be there in the morning ‘til the late of night,” Darius sings in his verse of the song. “She’s the kind that’s never gonna let you down/ Makes you put the brakes on the world around.”

Keb’ Mo’ co-wrote “Good Strong Woman” with Nashville writers Jason Gantt and Jason Nix, and Darius is one of a handful of country collaborators on Good to Be. Others include roots-leaning act Old Crow Medicine Show and actor/singer-songwriter Kristin Chenoweth. Vince Gill produced a portion of the new record, which will be out in January 2022.

For his part, Darius recently celebrated his latest number-one hit with another carefree anthem, “Beers and Sunshine.”

Ed Sheeran asks fans to help Elton John knock him out of #1 on the British charts

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

How often do you hear of an artist asking fans not to stream his song, and stream his rival’s song instead? Well, that’s just the kind of guy Ed Sheeran is.

Ed’s hit “Shivers” has been number one on the British singles chart for several weeks now and Ed himself has been number one for some 15 weeks straight, thanks to his previous single “Bad Habits.” But right behind him this week are Elton John and Dua Lipa, with their mashup remix “Cold Heart.”

The prediction is that “Cold Heart” will overtake “Shivers” — and Ed is the one who wants to see that happen the most.

“@eltonjohn is so close to knocking me off the #1 spot in the U.K.,” Ed writes on Instagram. “It will be his first number one in almost twenty years and I really want it to happen. Please go buy/stream/download Cold Heart with@dualipa now.”

He continues, “15 weeks at #1 was more than I ever expected anyway, love you all. Who doesn’t wanna be knocked off by Elton anyway?”

Of course, Ed and Elton are close friends; in fact, Ed used to be managed by Elton’s company, Rocket Management. The two are also coming out with a joint Christmas single soon that will no doubt put them both on top of the British charts, so it’s not like Ed has that much to lose by promoting Elton’s song over his.

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From “Best of You” to best-seller: Dave Grohl’s ‘The Storyteller’ book tops ‘NY Times’ lists

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Dave Grohl can now add “New York Times best-selling author” to his ever-impressive list of career accomplishments.

The Foo Fighters frontman’s debut book, The Storyteller, sits at number one on the Times‘ Hardcover Nonfiction and Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction rankings.

The Storyteller faced some stiff competition, having been released the same day as former Donald Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham‘s tell-all book, I’ll Take Your Questions Now, as well as actor Stanley Tucci‘s Taste memoir. Still, Grohl’s collection of rock n’ roll tales, which range from his childhood to joining Nirvana and jamming with everyone from Paul McCartney to Iggy Pop, grabbed the top spot.

In a tweet reacting to the news, Grohl writes that he’s “honored” by the book’s success.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would someday be a number-one bestselling author,” Grohl says. “But it’s those same wildest dreams that I’ve followed since the day I picked up a guitar.”

Grohl recently wrapped a tour in support of The Storyteller, which featured him playing drums alongside the recording of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would someday be a number one bestselling author, but it’s those same wildest dreams that I’ve followed since the day I picked up a guitar. Honored. pic.twitter.com/LpZx93C2jn

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) October 14, 2021

Television Academy Foundation announces Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship Fund

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The Television Academy Foundation, the charitable arm of the Television Academy, has announced the establishment of the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship Fund, in honor of the beloved Jeopardy! host who died of pancreatic cancer in 2020.

The foundation, launched with a gift of $50,000 from Jeopardy! Executive Producer Harry Friedman and his Harry & Judy Friedman Family Foundation, the fund will provide “a select number of need-based fellowships” to college and university educators.

The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowships will fund these educators’ participation in the Television Academy Foundation’s annual Faculty Conference. The event, which “connects college classrooms with the television industry by providing media professors with curriculum-enhancing seminars on the latest in the art, science and business of television,” will be held virtually from November 15-17. Other funds from the charity will support the conference itself.

When the conference returns to an in-person format, the fellowships will fund educators’ travel and lodging to the event. Fittingly, one of this year’s conference panels is called, “The Art of the Game: Careers in Quiz and Game Shows,” in which 19-time Emmy winner Friedman will participate.

Initially, 25 college and/or university educators from across the country will be granted the fellowships; those who wish to apply can find out more information at TelevisionAcademy.com/faculty-seminar.

In a statement, Friedman said the fellowships “will serve as a lasting tribute to our dear friend’s life and work.”

Trebek began hosting Jeopardy! when it launched on syndication in 1984, and continued until shortly before his death at age 80.

Ray J released from Miami hospital after battling pneumonia

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Ray J has been released from a Miami hospital and is back home after suffering from pneumonia.

TMZ reports that he was released over the weekend. The Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star is no longer using an inhaler and needing oxygen.

As previously reported, last week the singer/actor was feeling positive about his recovery. “I appreciate all the love and support from everybody,” Ray J said in a message that his manager, David Weintraub, shared with People. “Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, and I will be back up and running soon.”

Weintraub added that the illness was “not the contagious kind,” and that Ray does not have COVID-19, despite initially being placed in the hospital’s COVID unit. “They gave him multiple COVID tests, and he tested negative for all of them,” said Weintraub.

The manager added the illness is a result of the 40-year-old entertainer being a workaholic — shooting Love & Hip Hop, developing and promoting products through his Raycon brand, and producing new music.

Shortly after announcing that he was taken to the hospital, Ray J filed to divorce his wife of five years, Princess Love. The “Wait a Minute” singer cited irreconcilable differences as cause for their separation. Ray J is seeking joint custody of his and Love’s two children — Melody, 3, and Epik, 1.

Cracks in their relationship started to show last November, when the model accused her husband of leaving her “stranded” in Las Vegas and threatened to divorce him.

This latest filing marks the third time that the pair have tried to separate. Their first separation was in May 2020, but the couple patched things up that July and Love asked the court to dismiss her request. Four months later, Ray J was the one to file for divorce.

COVID-19 live updates: COVID No. 1 cause of death for 35- to 54-year-olds in September

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The United States has been facing a COVID-19 surge as the more contagious delta variant continues to spread.

More than 719,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 while over 4.8 million people have died from the disease worldwide, according to real-time data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Just 66.2% of Americans ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data from the CDC.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Oct 14, 11:54 am
FDA’s independent committee hours away from vote on Moderna booster

The FDA’s independent committee is meeting on Thursday and will vote in hours on whether to greenlight the Moderna booster for: people 65 and older; people 18 and older who are at high risk of severe illness because of an underlying health condition; and people 18 and older whose job may put them at greater risk for exposure to the virus.

In introductory remarks Thursday, the FDA’s Peter Marks urged the independent panel to “harmonize” its decision with what has already been decided for Pfizer in order to avoid unnecessary confusion for the public.

Pfizer boosters have been authorized for people over 65, all adults with underlying medical conditions and adults whose job puts them at high risk.

The vote is scheduled for about 4:45 p.m.

Oct 13, 6:49 pm
Pending vaccine distribution for kids will be based on population: CDC

Initial distribution of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old will be based on a state’s population of eligible children, according to a new planning document distributed to state immunization managers by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The document, obtained by ABC News, was sent to state officials in advance of the vaccine being authorized by federal regulators. The authorization could happen as soon as early November.

The pediatric vaccine will be shipped in 100-dose packs, each with 10 vials, the document said.

A person familiar with the planned rollout told ABC News that while the government purchased 65 million doses total, the initial shipment may be closer to the 10 million to 20 million range.

After an initial distribution, a “weekly supply will be made available to help sustain the network,” according to the document.

Oct 13, 2:00 pm
COVID No. 1 cause of death for 35- to 54-year-olds in September

COVID-19 was the leading of death among people ages 35 to 54 — and the second-leading cause overall — in September, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Peterson Center on Healthcare.

The research also estimates that since June more than 90,000 U.S. deaths from COVID-19 could have been prevented with vaccines, and more than half of those occurred last month.

In January, COVID-19 was the nation’s No. 1 cause of death, the analysis found. In July, before the delta surge, COVID-19 briefly dropped to eighth.

CMT Artists of the Year 2021 brings genre-defying moments, epic performances

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Stars of all backgrounds and descriptions collided at the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony, which aired live from Nashville on CMT Wednesday night.

A handful of the genre’s biggest and most influential artists were the night’s honorees, while other stars from a diverse background of genres and musical styles were on hand to help celebrate them.

Alongside rising pop-soul act Yola, Breakout Artist of the Year honoree Mickey Guyton gave the world premiere performance of her song, “Remember Her Name.” Christian star Michael W. Smith celebrated honoree Gabby Barrett’s faith-filled roots before her performance, and Kane Brown was paid tribute by rapper Nelly, his musical pal and recent collaborator.

Another honoree, Luke Combs, was introduced by his country-rock hero, Eric Church, before performing recent hit “Forever After All.” Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton got a special tribute performance, with R&B greats Boyz II Men teaming with Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola to highlight the soulful side of Chris’ song, “Cold.”

Kelsea Ballerini delivered a performance live from her tour with pop act the Jonas Brothers, treating the audience to their version of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” recorded in Franklin, Tennessee.

Of course, traditional country played a big role in Wednesday night’s ceremony, too. Garth Brooks celebrated his fellow traditionalist Randy Travis, who was honored with the Artist of a Lifetime award. Kane also took the stage in honor of Randy, delivering a version of the legendary artist’s “Three Wooden Crosses.”

Lil Kim responds to 50 Cent’s diss: “This is getting creepy”

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Lil’ Kim isn’t here for 50 Cent‘s latest antics.

The Power star recently took aim at the Queen Bee, posting a side-by-side of her next to a Leprechaun meme and writing, “I’m sorry i know it’s early but i don’t know why s[tuff] like this is funny to me. LOL,” according to a screenshot obtained by The Shade Room.

While it was funny for 50, Lil’ Kim thought he could have done better. Commenting on the post, she replied, “ur so Obsessed wit [sic] me this is getting creepy.”

Adding the yawning emoji, she continued, “This one ain’t it bro not funny at all I was hoping to laugh wit [sic] u but cornyyyyyyy… U fallin [sic] off Im too bad and too fly in this video u reaching now but we all kno whyyyyyyyy.”

The “Lady Marmalade” rapper then went on to slam 50, calling him lame and claiming that the real reason he dissed her was because he was “crushin hard.”

Lil Kim’ ended her rebuttal with a plug for her upcoming book. “DONT FORGET TO PREORDER MY BOOK YALL MEMOIRS OF ” LIL KIM THE QUEENBEE” PEROOD,” she concluded.

This isn’t the first time the “In da Club” artist dissed Lil’ Kim. Back in July, 50 compared her to an owl because of her outfit during a performance at the BET Awards.

After catching wind of the diss, Kim admitted that it was “accurate” and “hilarious” but didn’t bother her “one bit.” That didn’t stop her from throwing a little shade herself, though.

“50 Cent, I see u still in ur feels about that dinner date u asked me on that I had to turn down,” she fired back. “Let it go, u have a beautiful girlfriend, I have a loving husband. Let it go.”

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Demi Lovato’s claim that the word “aliens” is derogatory dismissed by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson

October 14, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Demi Lovato made headlines recently by saying we shouldn’t call beings from outer space “aliens” because it’s “a derogatory term for anything, even extraterrestrials, ” saying they prefer the term “ETs.” But now a true expert on space is calling Demi out for that claim.

In an interview with TMZ, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson jokes, “All the aliens that I’ve ever met, they have no feelings,” and states that it seems silly to be “worried about offending them by calling them an alien.”

But then, more seriously, he says, “What is [Demi] thinking is going on in the head of species of life from another planet? I know it’s very considerate of [them], but really?”

deGrasse Tyson goes on to explain that when he talks about aliens, he uses the phrase “space aliens,” and points out nobody really calls people “aliens” — as in the term “illegal alien” — anymore, anyway.

“What we used to call ‘aliens’ — undocumented immigrants, that’s what the new term is for them,” he says. “So what that means is…the only invocation of the word ‘alien’ is for creatures from outer space that want to kill us all.”

He laughs, “I don’t care what they feel. Plus, why should I even believe they know English?”

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