Legendary broadcaster, Hall of Famer and actor Bob Uecker dies at age 90

Bob Uecker statue in front of the ticket windows at Miller Park. Milwaukee^ Wisconsin / USA - April 6^ 2019

Baseball icon Bob Uecker, the legendary Hall of Fame Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer, died Thursday at the age of 90.

Uecker’s family said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Bob. To many, he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more. Bob faced a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he met with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present, never allowing his spirit to falter. He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished. While his contributions to the game are noteworthy, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that we will hold closest to our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time as we grieve and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call ours.”

Uecker, known as “Ueck” and “Mr. Baseball”,  made his MLB debut as a player in 1962 with Milwaukee, and also played with the St. Louis Cardinals (a team led by Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson which won the World Series in 1964), Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. Uecker hit just .200 throughout his six season career before moving onto the broadcasting booth, joining the Brewers radio broadcast team where he became an instant hit with fans. The 2024 season marked Uecker’s 54th as a Brewers broadcaster. In 2003, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame where he was presented with the Ford C. Frick Award, the sport’s highest broadcast honor.

The Milwaukee Brewers posted on social media on Uecker’s death: “We are heartbroken to announce that Brewers icon & Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker passed away today at the age of 90”. They also shared in a statement: “Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends.”

In to his baseball and broadcasting career, Uecker acted in roles on the 1989 movie “Major League” and later the sitcom “Mr. Belvedere” from 1985 to 1990, where he portrayed sportswriter George Owens on the ABC sitcom about a suburban Pittsburgh family of five and their British butler.

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Lineup for FireAid benefit concerts: Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Jelly Roll, Lil Baby and more

The Intuit Dome with cars driving on the street^ lush green palm trees and powerful clouds at sunset in Inglewood California USA. Inglewood^ California USA - 10 22 2024

A wide-range of performers across all musical genres have signed on to perform at the upcoming FireAid benefit concerts, taking place on Jan. 30 at the Inuit Dome and Kia Forum in Los Angeles. FireAid, described as ‘an evening of music and solidarity,’ will be dedicated to rebuilding communities devastated by the fires and supporting efforts to prevent future disasters throughout Southern California.

Variety reports that Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Katy Perry, Sting, Billie Eilish and Finneas, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and more will perform, with the shows also featuring performances by Lil Baby, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jelly Roll, Gwen Stefani, Tate McRae, Rod Stewart, Gracie Abrams, P!nk and Stephen Stills, and performing together for the first time, Dave Matthews and John Mayer. More acts and special guests will be confirmed in the coming days. The show was originally slated for the Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, but will now also include nearly Inglewood venue The Forum.

The event, sponsored by American Express, Intuit, and UBS, will start at 6 p.m. PT and tickets go on sale Jan. 22 at noon PT via Ticketmaster.  FireAid will also be broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, exclusively on “LIFE with John Mayer,” Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, and YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets.

Proceeds from the concerts will go toward a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies.

Ticket information and other details can be found:  HERE.

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Lineup for FireAid benefit concerts: Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Jelly Roll, Lil Baby and more

The Intuit Dome with cars driving on the street^ lush green palm trees and powerful clouds at sunset in Inglewood California USA. Inglewood^ California USA - 10 22 2024

A wide-range of performers across all musical genres have signed on to perform at the upcoming FireAid benefit concerts, taking place on Jan. 30 at the Inuit Dome and Kia Forum in Los Angeles. FireAid, described as ‘an evening of music and solidarity,’ will be dedicated to rebuilding communities devastated by the fires and supporting efforts to prevent future disasters throughout Southern California.

Variety reports that Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Katy Perry, Sting, Billie Eilish and Finneas, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and more will perform, with the shows also featuring performances by Lil Baby, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jelly Roll, Gwen Stefani, Tate McRae, Rod Stewart, Gracie Abrams, P!nk and Stephen Stills, and performing together for the first time, Dave Matthews and John Mayer. More acts and special guests will be confirmed in the coming days. The show was originally slated for the Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, but will now also include nearly Inglewood venue The Forum.

The event, sponsored by American Express, Intuit, and UBS, will start at 6 p.m. PT and tickets go on sale Jan. 22 at noon PT via Ticketmaster.  FireAid will also be broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, exclusively on “LIFE with John Mayer,” Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, and YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets.

Proceeds from the concerts will go toward a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies.

Ticket information and other details can be found:  HERE.

Editorial credit: Marcus E Jones / Shutterstock.com

See the video for Kesha’s hit single ‘Joyride’

Kesha at the 2020 Muiscares at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 24^ 2020 in Los Angeles^ CA

Kesha’s music video for her song, “Joyride” sees the 37-year-old singer sitting in a car’s backseat, as a news reporter’s voice plays over the radio with the message: “Breaking news, pop star Kesha is set to be released after nine years of wrongful imprisonment. Sources say new evidence exonerating the singer has come to light.”

Later in the video, Kesha is shown in the driver’s seat, escaping various foes, where she sings: “I’ve earned the right to be like this. Oh, you say you love me? That’s funny. Well, so do I.”

That lines from ‘Joyride’ seemingly allude to Kesha’s former work relationship with producer Lukas Gottwald — better known as Dr. Luke – whom Kesha has accused of being emotionally and sexually abusive (Dr. Luke later sued Kesha for defamation).  The singer went on to create ‘Kesha Records’, with “Joyride” becoming the label’s first song; and later releasee the track ‘Delusional’ which can be streamed: HERE.

Check out the “Joyride” video – HERE.

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‘TODAY’ co-host Sheinelle Jones taking time away from show due to ‘family health matter’

Sheinelle Jones attends the 14th Annual Woman's Day Red Dress Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center on February 7^ 2017 in New York City.

NBC TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones is taking time away from the show to tend to “a family health matter.” Sheinelle has been with NBC News since 2014 as a Weekend Today co-host, and began co-hosting the third hour of TODAY alongside Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin in 2019.

Jones posted a message on Instagram announcing her leave, which was also read by TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie on Jan. 15: “Hi everybody … I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show. I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter. It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today Show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon. Love, Sheinelle ❤

Guthrie said after sharing Jones’ statement on the air: “we know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle, and missing her, and we miss her, too. We’ll see you soon,” while Melvin added: “Sheinelle, we all love you, and we are so looking forward to having you back.”

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See the new trailer for Season 3 of HBO’s ‘The White Lotus’

Natasha Rothwell at The HBO Emmy Party at the Pacific Design Centre. LOS ANGELES^ CA. September 17^ 2018

The White Lotus is set to return for a third season in February, with HBO sharing a teaser trailer and revealing the Feb. 16 premiere date.

The black-comedy, drama anthology series was created, written, directed and executive produced by Mike White, with each season follows the guests and employees at a different ‘White Lotus’ resort. Season 3 is set at “an exclusive Thai resort and follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week.”

In the trailer for Season 3, we meet a whole new group of vacationers taking in the local Thailand culture. Reprising her role as spa manager Belinda Lindsey is Natasha Rothwell – the only returning cast member in the third season.

Season 3 will star: Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal (Blackpink’s Lisa), Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong and Aimee Lou Wood

Watch the trailer for “The White Lotus” Season 3 – HERE.

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Megan Thee Stallion joins TWICE in their music video for ‘Strategy’

Megan Thee Stallion performs at Bonnaroo music festival. Manchester^ Tennessee USA - 06-16-2024

K-pop girl group TWICE has teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for their latest music video, “Strategy.”

Strategy is the title track from TWICE’s 14th mini-album STRATEGY, and marks the second collaboration between the artists, following their feature on Megan’s remix track “Mamushi.” The album features six other tracks: “Kiss My Troubles Away,” “Like It Like It,” “Sweetest Obsession,” “Keeper,” “Magical” and the Twice-only version of “Strategy.”

The “Strategy” video has a magazine-inspired theme and shows the members of Twice – comprised of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu – dancing at a firing range, while Megan Thee Stallion performs on a rooftop.

Watch the “Strategy” music video – HERE.

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Jack Harlow drops the video for new song ‘Tranquility’

Jack Harlow at the 2022 BET Awards Arrivals at Microsoft Theater on June 26^ 2022 in Los Angeles^ CA

Jack Harlow recently returned to the music scene with the new song and video for‘Hello Miss Johnson‘. Now Harlow is dropping the follow-up track with the song ‘Tranquility’.

Released as just as a YouTube exclusive, the song hears the Louisville rapper shares address the recent backlash he has been facing after he canceled his Kentucky festival. In “Tranquility,” Harlow addresses these criticisms claiming that his label has been asking for a new record amidst financial renegotiations from his inaugural Gazebo Festival.

See the music video for Tranquility, produced by Hollywood Cole – HERE.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Catherine, Princess of Wales, announces she is in remission from cancer

The Princess of Wales attend a mental fitness workshop run by SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. Marlow^ UK. 12 October^ 2023

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, announced on Tuesday that her cancer is in remission – less than one year after first announcing her diagnosis.

Catherine, the wife to the heir to the throne, Prince William, shared the news of her remission in a social media post while posting pictures of her visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital in London (one of the U.K.’s leading oncology facilities, where Kate received treatment).  The caption read: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year  My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional. In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer. It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C”

The 43-year-old princess revealed she had cancer in a video announcement in March 2024. At the time she said she was undergoing “a course of preventative chemotherapy” on the advice of her medical team, but has not shared publicly further details of her diagnosis. The Princess of Wales has made several public appearances since she revealed her diagnosis, attending the men’s final at Wimbledon with her daughter Charlotte, 9, in July; and back in September, she revealed that she had completed chemotherapy and was focused on staying “cancer free” and returning to work.

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Timothée Chalamet set for double-duty on ‘SNL’; Dave Chappelle hosting with musical guest GloRilla

Timothée Chalamet attends the World Premiere of "Dune: Part Two" in Leicester Square in London^ England. London^ United Kingdom - February 15^ 2024

Saturday Night Live has announced its first hosts of 2025, with actor Timothée Chalamet serving double duty as both host and musical guest, and comedian Dave Chappelle serving as host with musical guest GloRilla.

Chappelle, 51, will be hosting for the fourth time on Jan. 18, with the actor and comedian promoting his latest Netflix standup comedy special, Dave Chappelle: Dreamer.  Rapper GloRilla, 25, will be making her Saturday Night Live debut when she serves as the musical guest of the Jan. 18 episode; the artist recently earned two Grammy nominations this year for her hit song “Yeah Glo!”

Oscar-nominated actor Chalamet, 29, will be the host and the musical guest of the Jan. 25 episode. He can be seen in theaters playing the legendary Bob Dylan in the film A Complete Unknown, for which he learned to play guitar and harmonica while singing Dylan songs.  The Jan. 25 episode of SNL will mark Chalamet’s third time as host, and first time as musical guest. He previously hosted Saturday Night Live in November 2023 and December 2020.

The hosting announcement comes as SNL is preparing for its 50th anniversary celebration on NBC, culminating with the airing of the live primetime special “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” on Sunday, Feb. 16. The four-part docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” is also set to debut on Peacock on Jan. 16; and finally on Jan. 27, NBC will debut the special “Ladies & Gentleman… 50 years of SNL Music.”

Season 50 of Saturday Night Live resumes Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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