New Jack a.k.a. Jerome Young -- former ECW pro wrestling star -- died at the age of 58 on Friday after suffering a heart attack, his family announced.
Young was multiple-time tag team champion during his days with Extreme Championship Wrestling in the mid-'90s... and was often celebrated for his reckless abandon inside the ring (and well, from the balcony).
As a result of his wild style -- getting hit with chairs, busting through tables, using weapons in the ring -- NJ dealt with a litany of injuries throughout his career.
While wrestling in ECW, "Natural Born Killaz" by Ice Cube and Dr. Dre famously played during his matches.
New Jack split from ECW when the promotion closed up shop in 2001 ... but the controversial wrestling star continued to occasionally wrestle over the years.
The pro wrestling world is weighing in on the loss ... with X-Pac sharing a photo with New Jack, and writing, "I couldn't help but love New Jack. #RIPNewJack"
I couldn't help but love New Jack. #RIPNewJack pic.twitter.com/Ux4JAfbGaC
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) May 15, 2021 @TheRealXPacNew Jack is survived by his wife Jennifer ... with whom he lived in North Carolina.
R.I.P.
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Tom Brady Week 4 Return To NE ... Tix For Big Game Going For Absurd Prices!!!
5/13/2021 8:50 AM PT
Getty UPDATE8:48 AM PT -- Even Brady himself is fired up for the matchup ... the G.O.A.T. just tweeted about the big game, writing, "It’s like when your high school friends meet your college friends."
A ticket to see Tom Brady play against Bill Belichick could cost ya a small fortune ... with even nosebleed seats for TB12's return to New England already running for $1,000-plus!!!
The Tampa Bay Bucs and New England Patriots released their schedules Wednesday evening ... revealing the future Hall of Fame QB will come back to Foxboro in Week 4 on Oct. 3.
The matchup is a HUGE one -- it's already slated for the league's Sunday Night Football tilt that week -- and according to ticket experts, a seat at the game could rival Super Bowl prices.
"It could be close to $1,000 just to get into the nosebleeds upstairs," John Higgins, who owns Higs Tickets, told WBZ this week.
"It could be a record for an NFL game that’s not a Super Bowl."
Popular ticket website, TickPick, backs up Higgins' claims ... the cheapest seat available there is currently selling for over $1,400!!
And, demand is only expected to increase as the game draws closer.
Of course, demand for NFL tickets is already through the roof ... after all, most people have been locked out of stadiums since the 2019 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gallery Tom Brady On The Bucs Launch Gallery GettyBut still, Brady coming back to the place where he won SIX Super Bowls is historic ... and will clearly cost an arm and a leg to see in person.
Five months 'til kickoff ... better start saving now!!
Originally published -- 7:52 AM PT
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Wayne Gretzky Famous Lenny Dykstra Mansion Sells For $17.6 Mil. ... $4 Million Profit!!!
5/11/2021 2:10 PM PT
Gallery The Thousand Oaks Estate Launch Gallery Jeremy Blair/The Luxury LevelWayne Gretzky's California mansion has a new owner (again) -- the Great One just sold his awesome pad (again) for $17.6 million ... resulting in a whoppin' $4 million straight to his pocket!!
As we previously reported, the hockey legend listed the Thousand Oaks property for $23 million back in October 2020 ... marking the second time he put the mansion on the market.
Of course, the history behind this gem is a bit wild, so follow along:
Gretzky built the 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom house back in 2002 ... and sold it to ex-MLB star Lenny Dykstra 5 years later.
But, Lenny's time with the baller crib came to an end after he filed for bankruptcy in 2009 ... with the home going to a new owner at a foreclosure auction in 2010.
Gretzky turned around and re-bought the insane mansion in 2013 for $13.5 million ... before deciding to move on from the 13,300-square-foot estate for good this month for $17.6 million, according to reports.
The lucky buyers -- Eric and Joanna Miller -- are getting all the bells and whistles -- a screening room, gym, game room, office, championship tennis court, outdoor entertainment area, wood-burning pizza oven, wood and gas barbecue, and formal gardens, according to the listing from Arvin Haddadzadeh of The Agency.
FYI -- Joanna is the daughter of disgraced former L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling (who happens to be a billionaire) ... so safe to say the new owners probably won't have the same issues as Dykstra this time around.
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Novak Djokovic Goes Off On Umpire In Meltdown At Italian Open
5/11/2021 11:08 AM PT
Novak Djokovic lost his cool on the court in a BIG way Tuesday ... going off on an umpire in an epic meltdown -- and the entire tantrum was captured on video.
It all went down at the Italian Open in Rome, when Djokovic got upset with an umpire for letting his match with Taylor Fritz go on despite heavy rain.
In video from the court, Djokovic can be heard exploding on the ump ... "How much more do you want to play?!"
🔊 #Djokovic #IBI21https://t.co/evx9mubBy2 pic.twitter.com/3SmgwDKpcK
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) May 11, 2021 @tennis_gifsNovak was fuming over the clay court's conditions under the falling rain ... and when the ump responded, "I want to check the court," Djokovic continued to yell.
"I asked you three times!" the world's #1-ranked tennis player said. "You're not checking anything!"
The two exchanged more words ... before Djokovic ultimately walked off the court and sought cover in the tunnel area.
The match was eventually suspended due to the weather a few minutes later.
Every angle of Novak Djokovic completely destroying his racquet which left the court damaged. 🔥🔥🔥
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/7uAf53PWTv #9WWOS #AusOpen #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/hn5irHYwS0
Of course, this is far from Djokovic's first outburst on the court ... just three months ago at the Australian Open, he demolished his racket after botching a play.
El pelotazo de Djokovic a una jueza en el partido contra Carreño.@usopen pic.twitter.com/eGRSILpJ4T
— Rubén García (@rubengarciado) September 6, 2020 @rubengarciadoAnd, just a few months before that, he was DQ'ed from the U.S. Open for angrily hitting a ball that struck a lineswoman in the head.
Djokovic apologized for that outburst ... and vowed to be better.
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Bob Baffert I May Have Given Horse Banned Substance ... Unwittingly!!!
5/11/2021 8:27 AM PT
TMZ.comBob Baffert believes he's figured out why his Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance ... and it all may stem from a case of dermatitis.
As we previously reported, Medina Spirit was popped for betamethasone in a post-race test ... begging the question, did Baffert cheat to win?
Bob issued a new statement Tuesday morning explaining why he believes MS tested positive ... and insists it has NOTHING to do with cheating.
Baffert says Medina Spirit developed a skin condition called dermatitis following the Santa Anita Derby back in April ... so he took the horse to a vet to get checked out.
Bob says the vet "recommended the use of an anti-fungal ointment called Otomax. The veterinary recommendation was to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, help heal the dermatitis, and prevent it from spreading."
Bob says his barn followed the recommendation and Medina Spirit was treated with the medication "once a day up until the day before the Kentucky Derby."
GettyBut here's the rub ...
"Yesterday, I was informed that one of the substances in Otomax is betamethasone."
"While we do not know definitively that this was the source of the alleged 21 picograms founds in Medina Spirit's post-race blood sample, and our investigation is continuing, I have been told by equine pharmacology experts that this could explain the test results."
In other words, Bob now seems to open to the fact he may have unwittingly given his horse a banned substance.
Question is ... shouldn't a legendary, experienced trainer know if there's a banned substance in medication before administering it?
Pro athletes in other sports are responsible for what they put in their bodies ... so shouldn't horse trainers share the same burden?
Bob has been suspended by Churchill Downs in Kentucky pending the results of a formal investigation -- but he insists Medina Spirit will run at the Preakness in Maryland this weekend and has threatened legal action if event organizers try to block him.
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Tampa Bay Lightning Start 3 Black Forwards ... '1st Time Ever In NHL History'
5/11/2021 6:40 AM PT
History was made on the NHL ice Monday night ... the Tampa Bay Lightning started an all-Black line, and it's believed to be the first time an NHL team has EVER done that.
Daniel Walcott, Gemel Smith and Mathieu Joseph -- who are all Black -- started at the center and wing spots for TB in their game against the Panthers ... and the scene was awesome.
The trio logged a ton of ice time -- all 3 dudes played over 10 minutes each in the contest -- and they were praised by the Lightning broadcast team for their efforts in the game.
Tampa makes history! #HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/94MwLN1msh
— NHL (@NHL) May 11, 2021 @NHL"There's another look at Daniel Walcott, playing with Mathieu Joseph and Gemel Smith," Lightning play-by-play man Dave Randorf said in the 2nd period.
"First time ever in NHL history they have started an all-Black line in this league. A big, historic moment tonight for sure."
Walcott and Smith aren't regulars on the Lightning roster -- Smith has played sparingly this season and Walcott was playing in his 1st-ever NHL game -- but Mathieu was SUPER fired up to have gotten the start with the guys nonetheless.
"Honestly, it was pretty awesome," Joseph said ... adding, "I think it’s a step in the right direction and obviously you got to thank the coaching staff for that, it was their call."
"But, it was definitely fun to have some progress and clearly it's a process over this, but seeing that, and I don’t know if it was the first, but I think it was great to see and I’m glad I was part of it."
The Lightning wasn't able to get the win -- they dropped the contest 4-0 ... though Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper was certainly pleased with his starting group's effort.
"They deserve to be here and have worked their tails off," the coach said of the three. "To have them all together, they had a little chemistry. Moving forward in the league, you hope it isn't a story anymore and will be the norm. It was a pretty cool moment for all those guys."
Added Walcott, "Coop did something really special here to promote this for young kids."
Indeed!
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Golden Globes HFPA Rolls Out Detailed Plan ... After NBC Dumps Show
5/10/2021 3:17 PM PT
Getty UPDATE3:15 PM PT -- HFPA has responded to NBC putting their award show on the shelf for a year, and it looks like the move lit a fire under their ass -- 'cause they've got a way quicker (and excruciatingly detailed) timeline on what they're going to do to shape up ... and exactly when.
UPDATEThe org says, "Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly -- and as thoughtfully -- as possible remains the top priority for our organization." They add, "We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large."
UPDATEStarting this week, HFPA will begin the process of adding 20 new members (presumably all of whom will be BIPOC) by August ... and increasing their membership by 50% in 18 mos. By the end of May, HFPA is aiming to hire a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant, a bunch of other execs, roll out a new code of conduct and train their members up ASAP.
UPDATECome June, they're planning to review new bylaws with an independent firm they're bringing on, and also form a new credentials committee ... while sending out ballots to vote on these changes. In July, they're hoping all the new bylaws will be adopted and all the changes will go into effect -- and when August rolls around, they want to admit their new class of HFPA members. There's A LOT to do, but HFPA wants everyone to know ... they're on it.
Looks like there will be one less award show next year ... NBC just axed the 2022 Golden Globes because of a lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The network announced its decision to cut ties with the Golden Globes Monday, citing the need for "meaningful reform" at the HFPA, which is stirring outrage in Hollywood due to a lack of people of color among its members.
NBC says it won't air the Golden Globes in 2022, but the network's leaving the door open for the award show's return in January 2023, as long as the HFPA follows through with a new plan to increase membership among POC.
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2021 LET'S DO BETTERRemember, the HFPA -- a non-profit made up of international journalists who put on (and vote for winners of) the Golden Globes -- has been called out for reportedly having ZERO Black members for several years now.
The hosts of this year's Golden Globes, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, even raised the issue during NBC's February broadcast.
GettyNBC's decision to ax the Globes comes the same day Tom Cruise reportedly returned his 3 Golden Globe trophies to the HFPA in a sign of protest.
#ChangeIsGolden pic.twitter.com/cKCF6A7Pmm
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) May 8, 2021 @MarkRuffaloThere's been growing opposition to HFPA ... as we reported, Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson recently called on Hollywood to "step back" from HFPA, and the Globes by extension.
Meanwhile, the HFPA says it's planning to make sweeping changes ... like admitting 20 new members with a focus on Black recruitment.
NBC says change at the HFPA "takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right."
See ya in 2023?!?
Originally Published -- 12:25 PM PT
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MLB Announcer F.P. Santangelo Pulled From Games ... After Sexual Misconduct Allegations
5/10/2021 8:06 AM PT
GettyWashington Nationals broadcaster F.P. Santangelo has been pulled from calling MLB games in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations ... but he insists the claims are "untrue."
The 53-year-old, who's turned into one of TV's best baseball analysts following a 7-year MLB career, was removed from his role as Nats color commentator several times last week.
And, The Athletic reports sexual misconduct allegations are the reasons why.
According to the report, a 31-year-old woman says Santangelo "made an unwanted advance several years ago, ignored her when she repeatedly told him to stop, and sexually assaulted her."
The woman, speaking to the outlet on the condition of anonymity, also claims Santangelo "sent her angry text messages and blocked her on social media after their one and only in-person interaction."
The woman says she has not filed a complaint with police and does not plan on filing a civil lawsuit ... explaining, "I don’t have any motives behind this other than I wanted to avoid this happening to other women.”
Santangelo, though, has denied the allegations ... issuing a statement to The Athletic saying, "What I have read in your recently published article from an anonymous individual about me is untrue and did not happen."
"This is not representative of who I am as a man or a professional. I am confident that my name and reputation will be fully cleared."
Santangelo, who's been calling Nats games for MASN since 2011, was initially pulled from broadcasts last weekend but was allowed to return ... before he was pulled again a short time later.
Nationals officials explained the situation to The Athletic, saying in a statement, "Late last week, we were made aware of allegations of conduct by F.P. Santangelo that are inconsistent with our values as an organization."
"We alerted MASN and revoked our approval of him as a member of our broadcast team. MASN assured us that they would investigate these allegations thoroughly. After MASN notified us that their investigation was complete and that F.P. should be reinstated, additional posts appeared."
The team continued, "Once again, we notified MASN and revoked our approval of F.P. as a member of our broadcast team indefinitely. Moving forward, we will refer all questions regarding this investigation to F.P.’s employer, MASN."
Santangelo played for the Expos, Giants, Dodgers and A's before beginning his broadcasting career.
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Elon Musk Reveals on 'SNL' ... I Have Asperger's
5/9/2021 8:31 AM PT
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MAKIN' HISTORYElon Musk took a hard left turn from comedy as he hosted 'SNL' Saturday night ... announcing he has Asperger's.
He made the announcement at the beginning of his monologue, speaking in a monotone voice. Musk revealed he's the first "Saturday Night Live" host with Asperger Syndrome.
However, Dan Aykroyd, a former 'SNL' cast member, also has Asperger’s and hosted the show in 2003.
Asperger Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It manifests itself with major difficulties in engaging in social interactions and nonverbal communication. It is characterized as an autism spectrum disorder. It does not affect one's intelligence or language abilities. People with autism can experience physical and communication difficulties.
Elon was funny ... he seemed relaxed and was super self-deprecating. He joked about how he smoked a joint on Joe Rogan's podcast and now everyone thinks he's a pothead.
He also told an O.J. Simpson joke ... that O.J. too had hosted twice "and he killed it."
Elon, who's 49, brought his mom, Maye Musk, on stage for a sweet moment that was also kinda funny.
We got this post up quick, so we're still watching ... but so far, so good.
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Kentucky Derby Winner Medina Spirit Tests Positive for Steroids ... Trainer Bob Baffert Suspended
5/9/2021 8:57 AM PT
Getty UPDATE8:52 AM PT -- Bob Baffert has been suspended from entering any horses at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
UPDATEKentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit was allegedly juiced up when he won the race, because he apparently tested positive for steroids.
The legendary Bob Baffert, the horse's trainer, broke the news Sunday that the test results showed the presence of corticosteroid Betamethasone. It's kinda technical, but the sample came back positive for 21 picograms of the drug. It's used as an anti-inflammatory.
This means the horse could be disqualified. BTW ... Medina Spirit is the only horse in the race to test positive.
Baffert denies doing anything wrong ... "I don't know what's going on, but there's something that is not right.” It's not official till the split sample comes. Usually, we wait for that, but I wanted to get in front of it."
Facts are facts, and this would be Baffert's 5th medication violation since May, 2020.
GettyThe good news for bettors ... they won't have to give their money back. The bad news for Baffert, the trainer and the jockey ... they'll have to return their winnings if their appeal fails.
If Medina Spirit is stripped of the win, it'd be the first DQ since 1968, when Dancer's Image won but was later disqualified for an anti-inflammatory drug.
Originally Published -- 7:17 AM PT
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Chinese Rocket All Earthlings Safe!!! Debris Careens into Indian Ocean
5/9/2021 6:34 AM PT
GettyThe Vegas odds paid off this time, because debris from the Chinese Long March rocket conformed to the probability it would crash down on water.
Parts from the wayward booster landed in the Indian Ocean, pretty close to the Maldives.
Google MapsIt's good news because no one had any idea where the space junk would hit. It was out of control in space and the re-entry was, to say the least, dicey.
🇨🇳 Debris of the Chinese Rocket over the Dead Sea, 🇯🇴 Jordan, the lowest point on Earth @ 03:16 UTC GMT#Jordan/#China pic.twitter.com/0AaMEzLYhc
— 🆁🅰🅶🅴🆇 (@theragex) May 9, 2021 @theragexThere's unconfirmed video that seems to show debris falling from the sky over the Dead Sea in Jordan.
The biggest piece of debris was about as big as a Mack truck, so it could have done serious damage if it landed in a populated area.
China's Manned Space Engineering Office claims most of the debris burned up during re-entry, but clearly not all of it did.
This is one of the biggest, uncontrolled objects from space ever to hit the Earth, and that includes meteors, folks!
China has been criticized for allowing a booster to just float around in space. There was no plan to safely bring it back to Earth.
NASA was critical but measured, saying, "Spacefaring nations must minimize the risks to people and property on Earth of re-entries of space objects and maximize transparency regarding those operations," adding, "China is failing to meet responsible standards regarding their space debris."
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Floyd Mayweather Physical Altercation with Jake Paul ... 'I'll Kill You Motherf****r'
5/6/2021 3:28 PM PT
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ABSOLUTE MAYHEM!!! UPDATE2:50 PM PT -- Jake Paul says he WAS punched in the face -- and claims it was one of Floyd's bodyguards who threw the punch.
UPDATE"1 of Floyd’s 30 bodyguards got a clean shot on me in the eye," Jake said after the incident ... "RESPECT!!"
UPDATEHe added, "Honestly have had 3 easy fights as a pro so been itching for some real action."
UPDATEJake also said his plan from the beginning of the media event was to steal Floyd's hat -- so in his mind, it's mission accomplished.
UPDATE1:33 PM PT -- Whoa!!!! Things just got VERY physical between Floyd Mayweather and Jake Paul during a confrontation AFTER the face-off between Floyd and Logan.
UPDATEJake got in Floyd's face while Floyd was doing an interview and snatched the baseball cap off of Floyd's head.
UPDATE Play video content
ALTERNATE ANGLES OF THE CHAOS UPDATEThings went berserk from there -- and it appeared as though punches were thrown. Hard to see who threw the shots and if anything landed. You could see Jake's shirt was ripped and stretched out after the melee.
UPDATEMayweather was PISSED -- and raged after the two sides were separated, unlike anything we've ever seen from him before.
UPDATEAt one point Floyd shouted, "I'll kill you mother****er."
UPDATEWhile Floyd and Jake were going at it, Logan was forcefully restrained by people who realized they need to keep these dudes healthy in order to cash in on June 6.
UPDATE
UPDATEStory developing ...
UPDATE1:15 PM PT -- Floyd just told Logan Paul he'll fight both Logan AND Jake Paul on the same night ... June 6.
UPDATE Play video content
LOGAN AND FLOYD FACE OFF UPDATEHe also vowed to knock out Logan in the fight -- calling the Pauls "two fake fighters."
UPDATELogan responded, "The only thing that's fake on this stage is Floyd's f**king hairline."
UPDATELogan brought up Floyd's domestic violence conviction in an effort to rip on Mayweather. Floyd said Logan is entitled to his opinion on the matter but quickly changed the subject.
UPDATEThe Paul bros proceeded to mock Floyd's age -- Floyd told them he's gonna treat them like one of his grandkids and whoop their asses.
UPDATE12:34 PM PT -- Surprise, surprise -- the event is running behind schedule ... but don't worry, we're told it's still set to go down shortly.
UPDATESo, grab a snack and stretch your legs, but be sure to check back in when things kick off in a matter of minutes.
UPDATELogan arrived to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami like a badass ... showing up in a chopper. Of course, his lil' bro, Jake, was there to hype him up!!
UPDATE Play video content
SHOWING UP IN STYLEThis should be good ...
Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather are going to stand face-to-face in Miami on Thursday in an event to promote their upcoming boxing match ... and you KNOW it's gonna be a spectacle.
It's all going down at 12 PM PT -- and we'll live stream the whole thing here.
Logan has been extremely confident he'll be able to bang with one of the greatest pugilists of all time. Expect to hear a lot from him.
Floyd -- who's 50-0 as a pro fighter -- is also a master trash talker who famously verbally sparred with Conor McGregor for months leading up to their big fight in 2017.
So, when Floyd and Logan -- two masters of promotion -- get together, you know it's gonna get crazy.
The two are set to throw down at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 6. Ex-NFL star Chad Ochocinco has agreed to fight on the undercard, though his opponent has not been confirmed yet.
Chad is also expected to be at the media event on Thursday -- so plan to hear from him as well.
Logan is 0-1 as a pro boxer -- losing his first sanctioned bout to YouTube star KSI in a controversial decision.
His younger brother, Jake Paul, on the other hand, is 3-0 as a pro ... coming off an impressive knockout victory over UFC fighter Ben Askren.
Originally published -- 11:47 AM PT
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Elon Musk No, Aliens Aren't Invading (This Time) ... Just SpaceX's Satellites
5/6/2021 7:09 AM PT
@McCabeOnAir/TwitterHere's a skit for Elon Musk on 'SNL' -- terrified Los Angelenos staring into the sky thinking aliens finally arrived to take them away ... only to discover it's just Elon's new space toys.
Yeah, people in L.A. were freaking out Wednesday night when they saw a string of lights moving across the sky in unison. The freakout was in full effect for those who happened to be looking up, and many turned to Twitter (naturally) for answers.
Did anyone else see a strand of moving lights above Los Angeles tonight? 👽 pic.twitter.com/4qPw4JJmUs
— Casey McCabe (@McCabeOnAir) May 6, 2021 @McCabeOnAirOne person tweeted, "Did anyone else see a strand of moving lights above Los Angeles tonight?" ... followed by an alien emoji. If you're in L.A. and reading this, you've probably figured out there's no invasion. Yet.
What really happened is SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 60 of its satellites earlier this week. It was the second such launch in less than a week ... giving SpaceX well over 1,000 satellites up there.
Elon just made me think I was about to die thank you starlink satellites pic.twitter.com/1esVqHyd0y
— duchess pig of edinburgh (@sofiaisconfused) May 6, 2021 @sofiaisconfusedThe new ones had just deployed on Wednesday afternoon, and as astronomer Dr. James Davenport put it ... "They were still in low orbit, and they were still clustered together so we call this like the Starlink train."
He added, "You see like a little chain of satellites all close together reflecting sunlight back at us."
The launch itself also freaked out people all over the West Coast last week.
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4/28/21 HEADED FOR ORBITPeople in Washington and Oregon reacted to the lights and also figured aliens were invading!!!
Anyway, nothing to see here, folks -- well, not aliens at least. Not for now.
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Bill Gates Divorce Gives Melinda $1.8 Billion in Stocks ... On Same Day of Divorce Filing
5/5/2021 11:19 AM PT
GettyBill Gates lined his estranged wife's pocket with nearly $2 BILLION the very same day she filed for divorce ... and this revelation is a sign they were working out the property settlement long before the divorce announcement.
The transaction went down like this ... an investment firm controlled by Bill transferred millions of shares in two companies to Melinda Monday, the same day the billionaires announced the end of their marriage.
Bill's investment firm, Cascade Investment LLC, sent Melinda more than 14 million shares of Canadian National Railway Co. and more than 2.9 million shares of AutoNation Inc ... according to docs obtained by TMZ.
Based on Wednesday's stock prices, the shares are worth north of $1.8 billion ... including about $1.53 billion in Canadian National Railway shares and about $310 million on AutoNation shares.
Gallery Bill and Melinda Happier Times Launch Gallery GettyAs we first told you ... Melinda filed divorce docs that make it clear there's no prenup.
They signed a separation agreement ahead of the divorce filing, and the stock transfer indicates they are already down the road in dividing assets.
It'll be interesting to see how Bill and Melinda divvy up their assets ... and the billion-dollar stock transfer is the first clue.
Stay tuned ...
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Broadway Back in Biz in September ... Full Reopening!!!
5/5/2021 10:03 AM PT
GettyTheater fans rejoice ... Broadway is set to reopen at 100 percent capacity on September 14 after a year and a half closure, so says New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo just made the surprise announcement days after revealing Broadway was not in the state's May 19 reopening plan. He'd stated theaters would need more time to properly get folks back in seats due to the logistics of producing shows at the venues ... but now he says they'll be back in business before fall.
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THE SHOW MUST GO ONBy Sept. 14, it will be 18 full months after Broadway shut down on March 12, 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic became a harsh reality in America.
Both Gov. Cuomo and The Broadway League had previously targeted September as the reopening month ... but now there's an official date.
September 14 falls on a Tuesday, and tickets go on sale tomorrow. Get 'em while they're hot.
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George Floyd Murder Derek Chauvin Wants New Trial
5/4/2021 3:16 PM PT
APDerek Chauvin's attorney says he deserves a new trial after the former Minneapolis police officer got convicted for murdering George Floyd.
Chauvin's attorney, Eric Nelson, filed legal docs Tuesday asking for the jury verdict in his murder trial to be thrown out, claiming there were numerous errors pertaining to the jury and prosecution.
In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Chauvin's defense claims he didn't get a fair shake ... alleging the court abused its discretion by disagreeing with defense requests to sequester the jury and change venue.
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WATERED DOWNAs we reported ... the judge presiding over Chauvin's murder trial said Rep. Maxine Waters may have given Chauvin additional arguments to make on appeal. Remember, the congresswoman from California had said protesters were banking on a guilty verdict. She encouraged people to take to the streets and get more confrontational if that didn't happen.
Of course, some took that as an incitement of violence. Chauvin's attorney brought up Waters' remarks after closing arguments and said her comments could have possibly influenced the jury.
Maxine Waters is marching in Brooklyn Center tonight and told people to take to the streets if Chauvin is acquitted pic.twitter.com/RemfvCCLAn
— Peace Promoter Poso (@JackPosobiec) April 18, 2021 @JackPosobiecNelson had asked for a mistrial but Judge Cahill didn't bite ... but the judge did say Waters opened the door for Chauvin to appeal the verdict. The judge told Nelson he had faith jurors followed his directive to avoid the news and talk of the case.
Chauvin's defense claims the jury should have been sequestered or at least warned to avoid all media related to the case. Nelson claims jurors could have felt intimidated.
Chauvin, who pressed his knee on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes back on May 25, 2020, was found guilty on all 3 counts, including 2nd-degree murder.
The maximum penalty for 2nd-degree unintentional murder is 40 years in prison. Chauvin, who will be sentenced in June, remains in custody.
Bottom line ... Chauvin claims his rights to due process and a fair trial were violated, and he wants a do-over.
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