VP Mike Pence Denies He's in Self-Isolation ... After Staffer Catches 'Rona

Published | Updated
UPDATE

4:04 PM PT -- Mike Pence's office has released a statement, essentially denying Bloomberg's report that he's self-isolating -- but their wording is interesting.

UPDATE

A spokesperson for the VP says, "Vice President Pence will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine. Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow."

UPDATE

It's interesting, 'cause Bloomberg didn't say Pence was in quarantine ... they made sure to use the phrase self-isolation. In any case, it was a brief solo stint if he was, in fact, doing that ... as he's apparently expected to be back at the podium on Monday. Welcome back!

Vice President Mike Pence is going away for a little while -- the Veep is reportedly self-isolating after someone in his own office tested positive for coronavirus.

Pence is self-isolating away from the White House, which would explain his absence from a meeting with President Trump and other top military officials Saturday, according to Bloomberg. He's staying home out of an abundance of caution says Bloomberg, noting he hasn't tested positive himself. Unclear how long MP will be in isolation, or if it'll be a full quarantine.

Of course, this comes after his press secretary, Katie Miller, recently tested positive. She's usually in close contact with Pence, as well as others on the coronavirus task force. Miller is also married to Stephen Miller, who's a key member of Trump's administration at the WH.

As for DT, no word yet if he'll shutter himself in like his #2. One of Trump's personal valet of his also tested positive for coronavirus, as have several Secret Service agents.

In the meantime, both the Prez and Vice Prez will continue getting tested daily. Pence is the latest at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to head inside -- Dr. Fauci is currently in a modified quarantine himself ... and other CDC officials are on lockdown too.

The White House is a mess.

Originally Published -- 3:20 PM PT

Mother's Day Serenade Granny Gifted a Balcony Song ... Other Old Folks Piggyback

Published

The more the merrier is the attitude this trio of grandkids had when their quarantine Mother's Day gift for meemaw brought out other old folks, who wanted some of the love.

Check out this sweet video of a group of young-ins who went to their grandma's living facility and delivered a song and dance for her from outside, while she safely watched from her balcony. Definitely considerate -- especially seeing how seniors are incredibly vulnerable.

Welp, the "Say Anything" moment evolved into a mini get-together via other residents of the old folks home. At least 2 other women came out onto their balconies as well and enjoyed a little bit of "You Are My Sunshine" for themselves. Mother's Day vultures??? Eh, maybe.

The person who shot this video says several women came out, apparently thinking the serenade might've been their own gift. They write, "Today we went to visit my grandma at her independent living facility and 4 other women came out thinking we were there for them. They all loved it. And so did we."

They also tagged John Krasinski's Some Good News channel, and it looks like the clip caught their attention. The account retweeted the vid -- yeah, it's right up their alley.

Karl-Anthony Towns Remembers His Mom on Mother's Day ... W/ Loving Christmas Texts

Published | Updated

Karl-Anthony Towns is honoring his late mother on a holiday dedicated to her and moms everywhere -- this less than a month after she succumbed to coronavirus and passed away.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star posted a touching tribute on social media Sunday, showing off a screenshot of an old text exchange he had with his mom, Jacqueline Towns, during Christmas last year ... where they shared some loving words between each other.

At the time, she wrote to her boy ... "My Son it seemed like I closed my eyes for just a moment and suddenly a man stood where a boy used to be, I (may) not carry you in my arms anymore but I always carry you in my heart. You are the sweetest present life has ever given me." KAT responded, "Love you mom Merry Christmas!"

Jacqueline then sent Karl a photo of herself in a Santa sweater. KAT wrote of the interaction on Sunday, "Miss you so much," while adding an animated heart with an arrow through it.

Karl Anthony-Towns 3/24/20
A PLEA TO THE PEOPLE

Karl's mother passed away last month after a long battle with coronavirus -- which she contracted around mid-March and later had her placed in a medically-induced coma.

The NBA big man released an emotional video at the time, pleading with people to take the virus seriously while revealing the news that his mother had been hospitalized because of it.

Central CA Hiker Gets Trapped in Vicious Whirlpool Rescued by Crafty Cop!!!

Published | Updated
Hiker Whirlpool
A STRAPPING SAVIOR

A man who got stuck in a vortex of water while hiking has one resourceful officer of the law to thank for saving his life -- a moment that was captured on WILD video.

The 24-year-old Fresno-area man -- who has not been identified -- was hiking the Angel Falls crossing along the Willow Creek Trail near Bass Lake in Central Cali this weekend, when for some reason -- he ended up off the beaten path and right in the middle of a whirlpool.

Fortunately for him, an off-duty CHP officer named Brent Donley was hiking nearby and he rushed over to help. He was quick on his feet and MacGyvered a contraption that ended up rescuing the dude. Donley tied his backpack strap to a branch, tossed it to the kid, and with the help of others, safely yanked him to the edge of the rocks he was plopped on.

Waiting for your permission to load the Facebook Video.

It's a pretty incredible scene -- and the best part is that Donley is actually trained for this type of thing ... he's been described as a search and rescue CHP officer, so literally the perfect man for the job.

CHP Fresno and the Madera County Sheriff's Office were obviously proud, posting videos of the actual rescue and the aftermath too -- showing they even got the guy's bag out of the water.

Let's hear it for our first responder heroes!

Scientists on Coronavirus Eyes Are An Easy Entryway ... Tears Could Spread It!!!

Published | Updated

Do NOT cry us a river during this pandemic, 'cause it could cost you your life -- or at the very least ... possibly infect you with coronavirus, according to a new scientific study.

A team of docs and lab heads over at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine released a new report suggesting eyes and the surrounding tissues might very well be perfect gateways for COVID-19 to get inside us -- this after they examined dead people.

Long story short ... the scientists studied a group of 10 cadavers -- who did not die from anything coronavirus-related -- and found that their eyes and the area underneath their eyelids produced a solid amount ACE2 -- an enzyme known to facilitate COVID-19's permeation of the human body. This enzyme is found in lots of places -- like in the mouth and lungs -- but until now, it wasn't known our eyes had 'em in such copious amounts.

That's a huge problem, obviously -- but it gets worse. There's another enzyme called TMPRSS2 which further helps the virus slip through our pores and blood vessels ... and the Johns Hopkins crew found that our eyes have a crap-ton of that floating around as well.

Here's the kicker ... the group goes so far as to say that tears could possibly be a way of transmitting the virus and spreading to surfaces and/or to the others -- depending on where you're crying. For the record, this new study has not been peer-reviewed by others yet.

Still, it's scary to think about. Of course, we've heard the pros tell us not to rub our eyes during these times -- now, ya have even more reason to refrain from an eye scratch.

Talk about see no evil, huh?

Naples, FL Beaches Closed Again in Record Time ... But Airplanes Just as Packed

Published | Updated

The Mayor of Naples is a helluva lot better at closing beaches when she sees a problem than the mayor in "Jaws" was -- people were flocking to the sand again ... and she shut it all down in less than 24 hours.

The Florida city put an emergency order into effect very early Sunday morning -- right at 12:01 AM -- decreeing all beaches and beach amenities be off-limits immediately after photos surfaced the day before showing that their citizenry wasn't obeying new guidelines.

A little context ... Naples' beaches shut down en masse back on March 23, and on April 30 ... the city reopened them with limitations in place that people were supposed to follow to stay safe -- such as proper social distancing, no crowds larger than 10 people, etc.

Obviously, those rules went right out the window in the week and change that they welcomed back beachgoers. Now, the City Council's gonna meet this week to discuss further steps -- but at the moment, it's no waves and sand for anybody. Periodt!!!

Ironically enough ... while social distancing continues to be an issue on the ground by choice, it's also a huge problem in the air too -- only with a twist, by force this time.

Check out this photo of a United Airlines flight that a UCSF scientist captured and posted online, showing just about every row packed to capacity -- including middle seats -- which flies in the face of United's own updated policy on booking guests in light of coronavirus.

The company said it'd leave middle seats empty and attempt to limit the number of passengers they let on any of their flights. Clearly, those rules were also DOA.

Singer Betty Wright Dead at 66 Cancer Diagnosis in the Fall

Published
UPDATE

11:25 AM PT -- Steve Greenberg of S-Curve Records says Betty was diagnosed with cancer last fall.

Betty Wright, a supremely talented R&B singer who popularized the phrase, "No pain, no gain," has died.

Wright's cause of death was not announced when her niece confirmed the passing. Something was clearly wrong though because 2 days ago, Chaka Khan made a plea ... "Calling all my #PrayWarriors. My beloved sister, Betty Wright @MsBettyWright, is now in need of all your prayers."

Wright, whom some in the music industry called one of the most underrated singers of her time, was recently honored on TV One's, "Unsung."

Waiting for your permission to load the Facebook Video.

Betty recorded so many songs, including her 1971 hit, "Clean Up Woman. She was only 18 when the song was released, and it turned out to be her biggest song ever. Other hits included "Let Me Be Your Lovermaker," "Shoorah Shoorah," "Tonight is the Night," and "Where is the Love."

Betty made a bold move in the '80s, launching her own independent label ... it had not been done before by a female artist. That's when she recorded "No Pain (No Gain)." Ever heard that phrase? Later she recorded "Mother Wit," and it went gold -- the first time an African-American female singer went gold on her own record label.

Wright became an inspiration to so many singers, including Mary J. Blige, The Roots and Joss Stone. Wright performed with Joss on her song, "The Art of Love and War."

In 2005, her 21-year-old son, Patrick, was shot and killed. She had 4 other children.

Betty was 66.

RIP

Originally Published -- 8:04 AM PT

Shark Attack Surfer Killed Beach Closed

Published | Updated

A California beach has been abruptly closed, but not because of coronavirus ... it's because a surfer was killed by a shark.

A 26-year-old man was surfing in the Santa Cruz area Saturday, around Monterey Bay, when the attack occurred. As for what type of shark ... so far, authorities don't know, saying it was an "unknown shark species."

The surfer was pronounced dead on the scene.

Authorities immediately closed a 1-mile stretch of beach for at least 5 days. They will presumably monitor shark activity in the area before reopening. Interestingly, officials are not banning water sports -- like jet skiing or kayaking -- but they are "highly discouraged."

A photog for KRON-TV in the Bay Area says he's been seeing lots of great whites swimming near shore. On the day of the attack, he says he spotted 15 great whites while boating.

There's a reality here, folks. Sharks are everywhere in the ocean, and the risk of being attacked is extremely low. Nevertheless, it happens, but it has never deterred surfers, even in areas with high concentrations of sharks.

When Animals Attack Shopper Gets Goosed!!!

Published | Updated
Goose
WILD GOOSE CHASE

The feathers were flying in Canada when a rogue goose took its frustrations out on an unsuspecting customer, and the video is .... well, hilarious.

You wouldn't think a goose is that aggressive, or at least most people wouldn't, but this goose was out for bear as shopper exited a store and walked to the parking lot waiting for her ride to roll up.

That's when she noticed a goose was on the loose, but who'd think it would go after her.  Well, it did ... repeatedly, as her ride approached.

The shopper runs around the car as the goose gives chase!!! She jettisons the bag and hops inside the car ... but guess who follows her in?

The driver is blindsided as the feathers fly and then jumps out of the car and falls on the pavement. The shopper somehow gets the goose out of the vehicle.

We have no idea if the goose hung around for other shoppers, but if it did send up the video!!!

Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Roc Nation Demand Justice for Ahmaud Arbery ... Open Letter to GA Officials

Published | Updated

Jay-Z, Meek Mill and others over at Roc Nation are speaking out publicly to demand justice for the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery -- asking for a speedy trial and conviction of his killers.

Jigga, Meek and other Roc Nation artists -- including Alicia Keys and Yo Gotti -- have signed an open letter they're releasing this weekend, which is made out to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia AG Christopher Darr and District Attorney Tom Durden.

It says in no uncertain terms ... try Gregory and Travis McMichael fairly, but swiftly, so that felony convictions can fall on them. Also, they want another man arrested and tried as an accomplice.

The team writes, "By now, we’ve all seen the crime’s disturbing video, so the facts here are not in doubt: He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime. Which is why we call upon you today, as official leaders of the Great State of Georgia, and with the entire world watching, to ensure that a fair trial is conducted, as that can only lead to the appropriate felony convictions of both McMichaels. We also implore you to charge William Bryan as an armed accomplice to the crime." Bryan was the guy who filmed the video.

They go on to say that D.A. Durden must recuse himself from the case because of a conflict of interest -- namely, the elder McMichaels is a former cop and they know each other.

The Roc Nation squad also makes a point that the first necessary step for healing has taken place in the arrest of both McMichaels. They say, "We truly appreciate that you have arrested and charged these men with Ahmaud’s murder, and are hopeful that a trial and conviction will show that, in the state that gave us Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been the site of the best and worst of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. King’s words do ring true: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.'"

Last but not least ... the group is asking for a special prosecutor to be assigned in the case. And, they're asking all this be done expeditiously ... as it is an urgent matter.

UFC Announcer Bruce Buffer UFC 249 a Huge Success ... It Worked Without a Crowd!!!

Published
051020_bruce_buffer_4783183 :: 0_yep6mpqu :: 0_5mzybikx
THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE

The first sporting event without a crowd went down Saturday night in Florida, and by all measures, it was a big success, according to many, including UFC announcer Bruce Buffer.

It was weird at first ... looking at an empty VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, but when the fighting started, it was easy to forget the seats were empty. You actually hear the punches, kicks and reactions crisply and clearly.

Donald Trump
WE NEED OUR SPORTS BACK

Donald Trump opened the show, congratulating his friend, UFC Prez Dana White, for pulling off the event.

All the fighters were tested, and the ones who tested negative for the virus fought like they would in front of a crowd, but there was a twist.

In the absence of a crowd, the voices of the announcers billowed through the arena, and the fighters could hear everything. Former NFL star Greg Hardy won his fight and said afterward he was taking his cues from the announcers, who were offering critiques in real-time!!!

The big fight of the night ... Justin Gaethje TKO'd Tony Ferguson in the 5th and final round to win an interim title belt. Justin now has his sights set on Khabib Nurmagomedov, the current lightweight champ.

Hong Kong Protest Riot Cops Go Wild on Mother's Day Crowd

Published

Mother's Day was brutal in Hong Kong, after riot police went wild on protesters at a shopping mall ... mercilessly pinning a child on the ground.

It was supposed to be a protest against human rights violations, with organizers calling for independence. They're also demanding the city's leader step down.

A gaggle of cops descended on the mall and broke up the crowd, but it got very intense and very physical. The most shocking image ... a small child held down on the ground with what appears to be significant pressure.

Authorities denied an application for the protest a few days ago, citing concerns over coronavirus.

The city was convulsed by 7 straight months of often-violent protests last year with millions hitting the streets.

Alec Baldwin Hilariously Plays Trump ... In 'SNL' Season Finale

Published

The season 45 finale of 'SNL' was laugh-out-loud hysterical, thanks to one of the funniest Donald Trump skits ever.

Alec Baldwin reprised his faux-presidential role for the open of the show ... which began with a zoom graduation ceremony, where solicitations to the Obamas, murder hornets and others for keynote speaker were rejected ... but one person was happy to step in -- the Prez.

He provided "inspiration" to the grads by telling them there were many job opportunities available to them, like grocery store bouncer, camgirl, porch pirate ... you get the pic.

But then ... Trump was thirsty for more than compliments, and you gotta see what Baldwin does ... it's hilarious.

At the end of his speech, all but one graduate has fled zoom ... which then triggered "Trump" to say, "Wow, this crowd has thinned out faster than Adele."

It really works from home, right?

Taylor Swift Ditches a Private Jet!!! Has a Backup, Don't Worry

Published

Taylor Swift's not going full Elon Musk -- as in, selling off all of her possessions -- but she IS a little lighter in the private jet department.

TMZ's learned the famous singer's sold one of her 2 jets -- a Dassault Falcon 50 she originally bought back in 2012 -- reducing her personal air force by half.

It's unclear how much she paid for the aircraft back then, but similar jets are priced anywhere from $1 to 6 million. Since Swift bought it, it's been registered to a company called SATA, LLC in Nashville ... which is believed to stand for family members' names -- father Scott, mother Andrea, Taylor and brother Austin.

According to FAA records ... the Falcon 50 was switched over to BoneDoc Aviation, LLC on March 16, which means she transferred ownership just as most of the nation went under stay-at-home orders. Pretty good timing.

It's unclear what BoneDoc paid for its new plane ... but it flexed by sharing a photo of it on its Facebook page a couple weeks ago.

As we said ... the sale still leaves Taylor with one private jet at her disposal -- the Falcon 900. Not to flex back at BoneDoc, but the 900 is a bit bigger than the 50. She reportedly paid $40 mil for it in 2011.

It's the private jet featuring her lucky #13 at the front -- so it's no wonder she decided to keep that one.

Harry Styles Fans Target Candle with His Scent ... Sold Out Everywhere!!!

Published

Harry Styles admirers have gone wicky, wicky wild for a Target candle that supposedly smells like the singer ... and now it's harder to get your hands on than toilet paper.

Here's the deal ... die-hard Harry fans know the One Direction star wears Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille fragrance to enhance his natural aroma.

Well, somehow these fans also discovered the Cashmere Vanilla candle made by Target's Threshold brand smells almost exactly like the Tom Ford cologne ... and they want it more than a watermelon sugar high.

So, there's been a mad dash by Stylers to buy up the candle ... and now it's totally sold out online and is almost impossible to find on shelves in the physical stores too.

We're told Threshold is working to produce more of the candle with the Harry-esque scent, but there's no timetable for when they'll be back in stock.

Tough break for fans struggling financially right now, because the Target candle is much cheaper than the Tom Ford fragrance. A 6-oz candle goes for just $6.99 ... whereas a 1.7-oz bottle of Tobacco Vanille is $240.

That's the price ya gotta pay to get a whiff of Harry, though. Take it or leave it.

Teri Hatcher Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Published

Teri Hatcher is the mother of good looks!

Here is a 28-year-old version of the actress best known for her role as the quirky single mom, Susan Mayer, on "Desperate Housewives." The actress was spotted back in 1993 rocking this short bob during an ABC press event in New York City (left).

And, 27 years later ... The now 55-year-old star -- who has a daughter of her own -- can be seen glowing with good looks, she was last spotted at a comedy show in Los Angeles, CA earlier this year (right).

These good looks are no joke!

The question is ...