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Vanilla Fudge to release cover of Supremes hit “Stop! In the Name of Love” next month; lines up US shows

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Vanilla Fudge had their biggest hit in 1967 with a psychedelic cover of The Supremes‘ classic “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and now the veteran rockers are set to release a rendition of another chart-topping smash by the legendary Motown group — “Stop! In the Name of Love.”

The band’s new version of “Stop! In the Name of Love” will be released on September 6, and will be available as a digital download and for streaming.

The track features the final recording of founding Vanilla Fudge bassist Tim Bogert, who died of cancer in January at age 76. A pre-order/pre-save link for the song includes a 30-second instrumental snippet from the tune, as well as a brief recording of Vanilla Fudge members Vince Martell, Carmine Appice and Mark Stein sharing memories of Bogert.

Meanwhile, according to a post on the band’s Facebook page, Vanilla Fudge has nine U.S. concerts lined up, spanning from a September 30 show in St. Charles, Illinois, through a November 17 date in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Doors guitarist Robby Krieger is on the bill of seven of the gigs, including a November 15-16 stand in New York City.

Here’s the full list of dates:

9/30 — St. Charles, IL, The Arcada Theater*
10/1 — Des Plaines, IL, Des Plaines Theater*
10/26 — Leesburg VA, Tally Ho Theater
10/27 — Warrendale, PA, Jergels
10/29 — Riverhead, NY, Suffolk Theater*
10/30 — Sugar Loaf, NY, Sugar Loaf PAC*
11/15 — New York, NY, Sony Hall*
11/16 — New York, NY, Sony Hall*
11/17 — Ridgefield CT, The Ridgefield Playhouse*

* = with Robby Krieger.

‘Really Love’: Kofi Siriboe and Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing share how their romantic drama tapped into “very real” emotions

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Kofi Siriboe and Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing say they both found a deep connection to their Really Love characters in the Angel Kristi Williams-directed film.

Wong-Loi-Sing tells ABC Audio that playing the ambitious law student Stevie, a young woman who’s trying to find herself amid falling in love with an up-and-coming painter, was something that excited her as an actor.

“One of the reasons why I was attracted to Stevie’s character was the very clear dilemmas that she’s dealing with,” she says. “It’s thinking you’re ready to love, but maybe not always having the right emotional skills.”

Those dilemmas, although not hers, were things that Wong-Loi-Sing says were “very real” to her as a woman who’s also navigated the real emotions of love.

“Sometimes, I can be a little pretentious,” she reveals. “And a little arrogant in thinking like I’m the best communicator, when the whole point is that it’s not about how you communicate, but to what extent you’re able to resonate, or say certain things, or act a certain way that resonates with the other person — regardless of how you feel would be ideal.”

The same can be said for Wong-Loi-Sing’s co-star Siriboe, who plays Isaiah, a talented painter also struggling to find himself. Siriboe says he found his role “very self reflective.”

“Because it makes you wonder, ‘Why are you trying to keep up or trying to create something that’s not sustainable?'” he says of the couple’s strained relationship. “It’s nice to…want to…evolve or expand…to another level. But at the same time, you gotta be real with the process, and where you are.”

Really Love is now available to stream on Netflix.

What’s behind latest grocery store product shortages

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Consumer demand has soared for some grocery store products and retailers are scrambling to keep up.

According to The Wall Street Journal, some grocers are struggling to keep items in stock. From kid-favorite frozen waffles to certain beverages and Lunchables, the fight to keep store shelves filled with many popular brands is real.

“In the 50 years I’ve been in the business, we’ve never seen the markets like they are today. They’re wild,” Stew Leonard, CEO of his eponymous Northeast-based grocery chain, told Good Morning America.

Kraft Heinz said in a statement it is “seeing an all-time high demand for our brands.”

Kraft said it’s seen “double-digit growth for the first time in five years.”

The company told ABC News that it has increased production to meet demand and is “working fast and furiously to get more product into the hands of consumers as soon as possible.”

In the meantime, as demand outpaces supply for some items, Leonard said his stores have tried to come up with new solutions.

“Lobster is probably at a record high right now as far as the price per pound and lobster rolls are a big hit,” he said. “One of the things we’ve done is make a shrimp roll right now.”

According to the Food Marketing Institute, a national trade association, demand pressures have yet to go back to pre-pandemic levels. The food and retail organization told ABC News that a combination of factors such as shortages of materials and ingredients, combined with labor and transportation, “will continue to be disruptive and will create an uneven supply chain recovery, but we ask that shoppers hold on as we continue to recalibrate.”

Market research firm IRI, which examines consumer, shopper and retail market intelligence, found in its data that monthly grocery store sales are up 3% from last year and nearly 14% from August 2019.

The change, according to IRI, comes down to the simple factor that consumers have been eating at home more and out less.

“So many behaviors changed during the pandemic. And that’s kind of what we’re experiencing. There’s a lot more confidence in the kitchen,” Joan Driggs, vice president of content and thought leadership for IRI, told GMA. “We have a whole new generation of cooks out there who like it, they get more of exactly what they want, they take great pride in it.”

Driggs is telling consumers there’s no need to panic shop.

“People are able to go and fulfill their list — I don’t think we’re going to go back to that big stop, stock up panic shopping that we experienced in the spring of 2020,” he said.

Levar Burton gives “no comment” to TMZ about ‘Jeopardy!’ hosting gig

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Sony Pictures Television/Jeopardy! Productions

If you’re looking for any scoop about Levar Burton and his possible future as the host of Jeopardy! following Mike Richards‘ short stint, don’t ask the man himself.

The affable Star Trek: The Next Generation and Reading Rainbow star was tracked by a TMZ reporter to a Staples store in Los Angeles, where he asked Burton about the gig.

“No comment,” a masked Burton replied, adding, “I’ve got nothing to say.”

The reporter persisted, insisting he — and “so many people” — were pulling for him, to which a giggling Burton noted, “What does ‘no comment’ mean?”

Well, at least he answered that in the form of a question.

Officially, the search for a new host continues after Richards stepped down last week in light of past insensitive comments he made on a podcast. In the meantime, Mayim Bialik, who was recently announced as a host for Jeopardy! specials, is filling in behind the podium.

Burton is a fan favorite to host Jeopardy! and was one of the guest hosts, along with Bialik, prior to Richards’ being announced as host.

‘Nevermind’ cover baby Spencer Elden sues Nirvana for child pornography

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Spencer Elden, who was photographed as a baby for the cover of Nirvana‘s Nevermind, is suing the band for child pornography.

The suit, which was obtained and posted by Pitchfork, alleges Nirvana committed “commercial child sexual exploitation of [Elden] from while he was a minor to the present day” with the album artwork, which depicts the then-infant Elden swimming underwater naked while reaching for a dollar bill.

“Defendants knowingly produced, possessed, and advertised commercial child pornography depicting Spencer, and they knowingly received value in exchange for doing so,” the suit reads.

Defendants named in the suit include the late Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, who’s the executor of her husband’s estate, as well as drummer Dave Grohl, bassist Krist Novoselic and former member Chad Channing. Photographer Kirk Weddle, art director Robert Fisher and labels including Universal Music Group, Geffen Records, Warner Records and MCA Music are also named.

“Neither Spencer nor his legal guardians ever signed a release authorizing the use of any images of Spencer or of his likeness, and certainly not of commercial child pornography depicting him,” the suit reads. It also accuses Nirvana of specifically choosing to show Elden reaching for a dollar in an effort to depict him “like a sex worker.”

Nirvana nor any of its members have responded publicly to the suit as of Wednesday morning.

Nevermind was released September 24, 1991. It’s considered perhaps the most defining album of the ’90s grunge and alternative scene — if not the entire decade — and has been certified Diamond by the RIAA for over 10 million copies sold.

Lorde reflects on ‘Pure Heroine’ debut album: “It’s so cozy to me when I think about it”

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Lorde‘s debut album Pure Heroine celebrates its eighth anniversary next month, and the singer admits to feeling pure nostalgia when thinking about her first studio effort.

Speaking to Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, the “Royals” singer expressed, “That album, to me, is just that mixture of toughness and cluelessness that you have at 15.”

“I felt totally invincible and also totally uninformed, or very specifically informed by my existence up to that point, being a kid on the North Shore,” said Lorde, now 24. “It’s so cozy to me when I think about it.”

The Grammy winner said she recently listened to Pure Heroine again and was brought straight back into her teenage mindset when flipping through the tracks.

“I was like, ‘Man, just the feeling of being out after dark as a kid, waiting at some bus stop or being in someone’s car, it was kind of exotic to be on your own and doing your own thing,'” she grinned. “I was tough at that age. It’s cool to think about baby [me.]”

Lorde, who released her new album Solar Power on Friday, demonstrated how much she’s grown as an artist since her 2013 debut.

“I definitely thought about wellness in many forms for this album,” she said, taking note of the single “Mood Ring” and the vibe it exudes. “This song is very much getting at the deep weirdness to it and the questionable elements of white women like me, trying to achieve a sense of spiritual oneness. Whether they’re burning sage or palo santo or having this crystal around.”

She continued, “I was really careful to say, ‘Look, I’m not a climate activist. I’m a pop star.’ I have this massive machine. I’m trying to symbolize my commitment to be better, environmentally.”

Serena Williams withdraws from US Open

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Tennis star Serena Williams will not compete in this year’s U.S. Open tournament, another setback in her quest to win her first Grand Slam title since giving birth to her daughter.

Williams, who will turn 40 next month, announced on social media that a torn hamstring injury will keep her from competing at Flushing Meadows in New York.

“After careful consideration and following the advice of my doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring,” Williams wrote on Instagram. “New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favorite places to play — I’ll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering everyone from afar.”

Williams has not competed since injuring her right leg in in her first-round match at Wimbledon in June, according to ESPN.

Williams’ U.S. Open withdrawal ends her bid this year to win a Grand Slam tournament, which would be her 24th Grand Slam title and her first since giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in 2017.

The four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis are the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open.

Winning a 24th Grand Slam title would tie Williams with Margaret Court for single majors titles.

It would also make her a member of the very small club of professional tennis player moms who have won Grand Slam titles, joining only Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters.

The last mom to win a Grand Slam title was Clijsters in 2009 at the Australian Open, according to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Williams won her first singles title since becoming a mom in January 2020.

Lizzo says she’s heard from Drake after mentioning him in “Rumors”

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Lizzo dropped her Cardi B-assisted single “Rumors” almost two weeks ago, but there’s one line that people seem to be stuck on.

At one point in the track, Lizzo says, “No I ain’t [expletive] Drake yet.” While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, guest host Niall Horan asked the singer to “explain.”

“Okay. So the original line was ‘No I ain’t [expletive] Niall yet but…the label said it was a little bit provocative,” the Grammy winner joked. “So…I changed it to Drake, a safer bet.”

When asked if she’s heard from the Toronto rapper, Lizzo made reference to where she landed on the Billboard music charts, cheekily saying, “I think he’s heard the #4 song in the country.”

On a serious note, Lizzo quickly added, “I have heard from Drake, but that’s all I’m going to say on that.”

Whether that means the two hitmakers will be collaborating on music soon, or whether they’ll be taking their relationship to another level, fans will just have to wait and see.

Whoopi Goldberg blasts cancel culture: “The truth doesn’t seem to matter as much these days”

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Whoopi Goldberg is apparently fed up with cancel culture, and she spoke about it during an appearance at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Tuesday, according to Variety.

The View co-host, who was there to deliver the annual International Icon Interview, said, “I feel like the truth doesn’t seem to matter as much these days.”

“Because there is cancel culture, people will call or text and say, ‘I’m not buying your product. This is who you have talking about your product, me and my five million followers — if you keep her — we’re not going to buy your car, or we’re not going to buy your shampoo or we’re not going to buy your toothbrush or we’re not going to buy your Pampers,” Goldberg went on.

The Oscar winner, who said she was out of work for five years after she allegedly joked about President George W. Bush in 2004, was able to restart her career when Barbara Walters offered her a hosting gig on The View.

“Lucky for me, Barbara Walters offered me a job and said, ‘Hey, would you like to do this?’” the 65-year-old comedian and TV personality recalled. “And I was like, ‘You know, I’m not in favor in the general public.’ [Barbara] said, ‘You’ll be perfect.’”

Asked whether she considered herself as having been canceled at the time because of the Bush joke, Goldberg replied, “No. I would describe that situation as a lot of people covering their backsides, because the joke was never about him.”

“But no one ever stood up and said, ‘Hey, here’s what actually happened.’ And they put it in the newspaper,” she continued. “They’d never seen what I exactly said, or what I said at all. But all somebody has to do is say you said it.”

Josh Duggar’s attorneys want child pornography case dismissed

August 25, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Photo by Washington County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images

Attorneys for 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar have asked a judge to dismiss the child pornography case against him.

E! News obtained copies of the filing, in which Duggar’s attorneys requested the court to dismiss both charges against him, that of possessing and receiving child pornography.

His attorneys argue that investigators failed to preserve “exculpatory evidence” that could have helped exonerate Duggar, 33. In addition, his legal team claims that two acting secretaries of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were not properly appointed when the Duggar investigation was unfolding, which they claim merits dismissal of the charges.

In addition to seeking dismissal, the reality star’s lawyers also requested the court prevent certain evidence from being shown in court, should it head to trial — such as statements Duggar provided police before speaking to his lawyer, as well as photos of their client’s hands and feet, which they claim were not authorized.

Duggar is accused of downloading child sexual abuse material, some of which depicts children younger than 12, and having it in his possession in May of 2019, according to the indictment. He has pleaded not guilty. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 40 years in prison.

Duggar has been the focus of several controversies over the years, starting in 2006 when he was investigated for allegedly molesting five underage girls when he was a teenager. Since then, two of his sisters — Jill, 30, and Jessa, 28 — have come forward as two of his victims.

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