Month: August 2021

Categories
Pop Daypop

Taylor Swift officially joins TikTok, recreates past album looks

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Taylor Swift officially made her TikTok debut, writing in her bio: “This is pretty much just a cat account.”

Swift, 31, posted one video which highlighted her previously released studios albums, in anticipation for her re-recorded version of 2012’s ‘Red.’  Swift channeled four different looks from her Folklore, Evermore, Fearless and Red eras, captioning the video: “Lots going on at the moment: Red (my version) vinyl is up for presale on my site and oh I’m on tiktok now let the games begin.”  The clip included Swift lip-synching to the song “Screwface Capital” by British rapper Dave.

Swift’s upcoming re-release of her fourth studio album, ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ will be available on November 19. She previously teased that the album will include 30 songs, with the addition of a 10-minute extended version of “All Too Well. ‘  Swift is currently re-recording all of her older albums amid her fallout with former label Big Machine Records’ executives Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun. In June 2019, Swift accused Braun of reportedly paying Borchetta, more than $300 million to acquire the Big Machine Label Group, which made him the owner of the singer’s master recordings from 2005 to 2018.

Taylor Swift Makes Her TikTok Debut With Lip-Sync Rap

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Categories
News Daypop

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo defiant in farewell address on his last day in office before resignation takes effect

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a farewell message on his last day in office on Monday, defiantly citing himself as the victim of a “political stampede” that cut his term short. Cuomo’s resignation follows an investigation conducted by private attorneys that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office, some of whom were employed by the state. The findings were released in a 165-page report by Attorney General Letitia James.

In a pre-recorded message, Cuomo questioned the fairness of that report and its findings, saying he authorized the attorney general’s investigation in February and repeatedly asked constituents and critics alike to wait for their findings before issuing judgement upon his administration. Cuomo said Monday, “The truth is, ultimately, always revealed. The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic and it worked. There was a political and media stampede.”

However, the governor reaffirmed his decision to step down amid growing bipartisan calls at both a state and federal level. New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will be sworn in as governor at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, scheduled to serve the remainder left in Cuomo’s term. Hochul will become the first woman to hold the position of NY governo, and has also announced plans to run for governor once this partial term ends.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, cautions against use in younger children

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The US Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for people age 16 and older, and authorized it for people as young as 12. However the agency is warning against using the vaccine “off-label” in children younger than 12, saying it “would not be appropriate.” The Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is not currently approved nor authorized for children younger than 12, and the appropriate dosage for this age group has yet to be determined.

‘Off-label’ refers to an approved product being used in a way or in a patient that it wasn’t necessarily approved for; it happens commonly with some drugs, such as when a chemotherapy approved for one type of cancer is used to treat a different type.

The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both strongly recommend that all eligible adolescents ages 12 to 17, be vaccinated as soon as possible, especially as the highly transmissible Delta coronavirus variant continues to circulate nationwide. As of last week, the AAP reported 180,000 new cases of Covid-19 among children and adolescents, according to the Academy. Currently approximately 8.5 million or 34% of all adolescents ages 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

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Categories
Sports Daypop

New England Patriots’ Cam Newton sidelined due to ‘misunderstanding’ over COVID-19 testing

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The New England Patriots announced on Monday that quarterback Cam Newton will be sidelined until Thursday because of a “misunderstanding” about COVID-19 tests “conducted away from NFL facilities.” Newton’s absence came after he traveled to a team-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area, the Patriots said. The team said in a statement: “He received daily COVID tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility.”

Under the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals are exempt from daily COVID-19 testing and allowed to travel if they have been vaccinated. The enforcement of the league’s protocols in Newton’s case suggests the quarterback is unvaccinated, though he has previously declined to reveal whether he is vaccinated or not. He is one of few players on the Patriots who goes on and off the field while wearing a mask, and undergoes daily COVID-19 testing, another stipulation for unvaccinated players.

The 32-year-old Newton will continue participating virtually in team activities, but he will miss practices Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Categories
Sports Daypop

Former Boston Bruins player Jimmy Hayes dies at age 31

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On Monday, Aug. 23, the Boston Bruins confirmed on social media that their former teammate Jimmy Hayes passed away at age 31. The Bruins shared on Twitter, “The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time.”  In addition, the men’s hockey team from Boston College also paid tribute on social media writing, “Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family.” Law enforcement and first responders went to Jimmy’s home in the early morning hours of Aug. 23 where he was pronounced dead. According to police, Jimmy’s death is not considered suspicious, but the cause of his passing was not immediately available.

Hayes played more than 330 games in the NHL for four teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils. After leaving the professional sports world in 2019, Hayes went on to co-host a podcast titled ‘Missin Curfew’ with former NHL players including Shane O’Brien and Scott Upshall. Their last live show was on Aug. 5.

Jimmy shared sons Beau and Mac with his wife, Kristen. Just this weekend, the couple appeared to celebrate Beau’s second birthday, with Kristen writing on social media: “Let’s keep making more babies. So much fun celebrating these 3 boys over the weekend. The cutest lil friendships (their dads all played hockey together at BC) if you make it to the end that’s a preview of college beau. Can’t wait to watch them grow up together.”

Categories
Country Daypop

Florida Georgia Line cancels their 2021 concert tour due to surge in COVID-19 cases

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Florida Georgia Line have announced their ‘I Love My Country’ tour has been canceled due to concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The 29-date arena and amphitheater tour was set to kick off on Sept. 24 at the Cellairis Amphitheater in Atlanta.

The musicians tweeted: “While we’ve been able to see some of y’all at shows recently, everyone’s continued safety has been weighing heavy on us. We’re so bummed to have to cancel this tour, but we love y’all and can’t wait to be back out when the time is right. For all current ticket holders, refunds will be issued to the original method of payment used at time of purchase. No action is required to obtain a refund.”

Band member Tyler Hubbard wrote a statement on his Instagram, “Due to the rising COVID cases and risk of putting our family, band and crew, friends, and fans in harms way, we’ve decided it’s best to cancel the fall tour. He added that it was “one of the toughest decisions” and that canceling the shows “breaks our hearts.” Brian Kelley added on his Instagram stories. “Massive bummer y’all!!!! Was looking forward to this more than anything! Sad day. LOVEYALL.”

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Keith Urban returns with new single ‘Wild Hearts’

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Keith Urban has released his latest song “Wild Hearts,” writing on Instagram: “To all of the lost ones who aren’t really lost ones, this song is for you. We are WILD HEARTS!”

“Wild Hearts” is Urban’s first new single since his album ‘The Speed of Now Part 1’ was released in September 2020. The album features “God Whispered Your Name,” “Superman,” “Out the Cage” featuring Breland and Nile Rodgers and other singles.

Take a listen to “Wild Hearts” – here.

Keith Urban Says Pursue and Manifest Your Dreams in New Song ‘Wild Hearts’

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Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘Schitt’s Creek’ farewell tour canceled due to concern over surge of COVID-19 cases

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Eugene Levy announced on Twitter that the Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell tour has been canceled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.  Series co-starts Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy had scheduled tour visits to several North American towns to talk to fans about the show; however, the duo has since decided to cancel all live speaking engagements.

Eugene and Dan Levy starred on the Emmy-winning sitcom for six seasons. Eugene Levy said in a statement: “We’re so sorry to be missing you, and we will continue to try to find a way to see you in the future.”  Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.

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Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Mayim Bialik to guest host ‘Jeopardy!’ for three weeks in wake of Mike Richards departure

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Mayim Bialik, 45, will temporarily step in as “Jeopardy!” host for three weeks, following longtime executive producer Mike Richards’ decision to remove himself as full-time host amid controversy surrounding his past comments. Bialik will start filming episodes this week, which will air beginning Sept. 20. Bialik will film a total of 15 episodes which will air after the five episodes Richards had already pre-taped.

Richards and Bialik were announced as the new “Jeopardy!” hosts earlier this month, with Richards set to host regular broadcasts, while Bialik was tapped to host the primetime and spin-off editions of the quiz show. Both Richards and Bialik served as guest hosts of “Jeopardy!” this year as the show searched to find a permanent replacement for the late Alex Trebek, who died last year after a long battle with cancer at age 80. However last week, Richards stepped down as host of the game show after the recent resurfacing of misogynistic, racist and anti-semitic jokes he told on a podcast that ran from 2013 to 2014.

A Sony rep said: “As we move forward with production on this season of ‘Jeopardy!’, additional guest hosts will be announced.” Richards will still remain an executive producer of “Jeopardy!”

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Categories
Rock Daypop

Third Eye Blind release new song, ‘Again,’ featuring Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast

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Third Eye Blind have released a new single from their upcoming album, ‘Our Bande Apart’ due out September 24th. “Again” is the name of the single, which features an appearance from Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino.

Alongside the Sept. 24 album release, the band will also be premiering their documentary titled “We Hold Each Other Right Now: The Making of Our Bande Apart” which will premiere on album release day at the Gramercy Theater in New York, following up with a Los Angeles premiere at the Masonic Lodge on Sept. 28.

You can check out the brand new video for “Again” – here.

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