Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman End Engagement, Split After 8 Years Together

 Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman have ended their eight-year romance. The former couple, who got engaged in November 2019, are moving forward as friends and parents to their daughters, 4-year-old Haley and 2-year-old Hope.

"People have written in and asked why I wasn't wearing my engagement ring," Kotb shared on Monday's Today With Hoda & Jenna. "Joel and I have had, we've had a lot of prayerful and really meaningful conversations over the holidays, and we decided that we're better as friends and parents than we are as an engaged couple."

The 57-year-old morning show anchor shared that she and Schiffman are no longer a couple going into this new year.

"We decided that we are going to start this New Year and begin it on our new path, as loving parents to our adorable, delightful children and as friends," she said. "It's not like something happened. They say that sometimes relationships are meant to be there for a reason or a season or for a lifetime, and I feel like ours was meant to be there for a season."

Kotb admitted to struggling with the announcement, adding, "This is weird and awkward. I really was struggling with this. I was like, 'What do I say, how do I say it?' But I feel like often we share the joyous pieces of our life... and then the difficult part sometimes you want to forget about. You want to erase them, you don't want to share them because that's not part of a pretty picture. But I think a lot of women know what this feels like in this moment, to be changing course in life. And I feel really brave in this moment, I really do."Shingeki no Kyojin Saison 4 vostfr, Euphoria Saison 2 vostfr, The Walking Dead saison 11 vostfr, Kimetsu no Yaiba Saison 2 vostfr, All of Us Are Dead vostfr

After revealing the status of her relationship with Schiffman, Kotb told her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, "I feel relieved that I said it. I feel better."

As for Schiffman, Kotb has nothing but admiration for her ex. "He's a great guy. He's a very kind and loving person, and I feel privileged to have spent eight years with him," she shared.

In October 2020, Kotb opened up to ET about considering adopting a third child with Schiffman.

"We wondered, you know, would our family be better with another child? Do we have enough love, do we have enough time, you know, will we be a better family unit? And the answer to all those questions seems to be 'Yes, we would be,'" she said at the time.

When announcing her breakup, Kotb did not mention whether she and Schiffman still planned on adopting a third child together. 

Howard Hesseman, Dr. Johnny Fever on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 81

 Howard Hesseman, who made a career out of portraying off-the-wall characters, none more popular than the disc jockey Johnny Fever on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, has died. He was 81.

Hesseman died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles of complications from colon surgery he first had last summer, his wife, actress and acting teacher Caroline Ducrocq, told The Hollywood Reporter.

A member of the San Francisco improv group The Committee and a real-life DJ back in the 1960s, Hesseman also was known for his stint as out-of-work actor turned history teacher Charlie Moore on the ABC comedy Head of the Class. (He quit that show after four seasons to aim for a movie career.)

And on the ninth and final season of One Day at a Time, his character, architect Sam Royer, married longtime divorcee Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin).

In other eccentric turns, Hesseman played hippies in Richard Lester’s Petulia (1968) and on NBC’s Dragnet (he was billed as Don Sturdy back then); a patient suffering from writer’s block on The Bob Newhart Show; a psychiatrist on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman; a pimp opposite Dan Aykroyd in Doctor Detroit (1983); and the manager of rocker Duke Fame in This Is Spinal Tap (1984).

Hesseman received Emmy nominations in 1980 and ’81 for his work on CBS’ WKRP in Cincinnati, which ran for four seasons (1978-82). With his shades, moustache and slouch, he became a countercultural icon.

Veteran TV director Jay Sandrich, who was hired to helm the WKRP pilot for MTM Enterprises, suggested Hesseman would be great for Fever after Richard Libertini said he couldn’t do it at the last minute. The two had just worked together on the ABC comedy Soap, with Hesseman playing a prosecutor out to convict Katherine Helmond‘s Jessica Tate of murder.

“Howard had at one time been a DJ,” Sandrich said in a 2001 interview for the website The Interviews: An Oral History of Television. “He just stepped in and killed it. He knew exactly what he was doing.”Shingeki no Kyojin saison 4 streaming

Hugh Wilson, a former sales executive at a Top 40 radio station who created WKRP (the fictional station’s call letters were a pun on “W-crap”), based the rock DJ on “a guy I knew in Atlanta called Skinny Bobby Harper,” he once said. “That was funny, because he was the morning guy, so Skinny had to get up at 4 in the morning to get in there. But he also loved being in the bars at night. He was like Fever.

“In the pilot, I said [to Hesseman], ‘You’ve got to play it like you’re sleepwalking, because you should be asleep by 8, but 8 is just when you’re going out.’ “

The guy who would up playing Johnny Fever was perfect for hosting Saturday Night Live three times and for fronting music specials like 25 Years of Motown and Supernight of Rock & Roll.

Describing his iconic character in a in a 1979 interview with The New York Times, Hesseman said: “I think maybe Johnny smokes a little marijuana, drinks beer and wine, and maybe a little hard liquor. And on one of those hard mornings at the station, he might take what for many years was referred to as a diet pill. But he is a moderate user of soft drugs, specifically marijuana.”

He was born on Feb. 27, 1940, in Lebanon, Oregon. His father was an auto-parts salesman and a musician. His parents divorced when he was 5, and his mom married a cop.

After graduating from Silverton High School in 1958, Hesseman spent a couple of years at the University of Oregon, then was off to San Francisco, where he landed a gig as a disc jockey for the underground rock station KMPX. He then latched on with The Committee, where he took the Don Sturdy stage name.

He told the Times that he spent 90 days in the San Francisco County Jail in 1963 for selling an ounce of marijuana (a conviction that was thrown out for entrapment). And in a 1983 profile in People, he did admit to conducting “pharmaceutical experiments in recreational chemistry.”

The Committee once had a long engagement on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, and he and other troupers made an appearance in Billy Jack (1971).

In Shampoo (1975), Hesseman played a lazy, boozy character known as Red Dog, then showed up in The Sunshine Boys (1975), Silent Movie (1976), The Big Bus (1976) and The Other Side of Midnight (1977).

In the WKRP pilot, which first aired on Sept. 18, 1978, his character introduces himself to newly hired program director Andy Travis (Gary Sandy) as Johnny Caravella. “I’m also known as Johnny Midnight, Johnny Cool, Johnny Duke, Johnny Style and Johnny Sunshine,” he says.

Johnny was fired from a Los Angeles station, where he was making $100,000 a year, for using the word “booger” on the air. That led him to embark on an odyssey that led to jobs in Amarillo, Texas; Denver; Boise, Idaho; Fargo, North Dakota; and then Cincinnati.

With WKRP switching to a Top 40 rock format, he christened himself Dr. Johnny Fever. After that series ended, he came back a few times for The New WKRP in Cincinnati, which had a couple of seasons in syndication.

Afterward, Hesseman kept busy with appearances in such films as Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985), Heat (1986), Gridlock’d (1997), About Schmidt (2002), The Rocker (2008) and Halloween II (2009).

He also guest-starred as a judge on Boston Legal, a radio station manager on That ’70s Show, a former drug dealer on John From Cincinnati and a schoolmaster on Fresh Off the Boat.

In addition to his wife — they lived together for seven years before getting married in July 1989 — survivors include their godchildren Grace, Hamish and Chet.

Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019 and 'Extra' correspondent, dies at 30: She 'embodied love'

 Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 winner of the Miss USA pageant and a correspondent for the entertainment news program "Extra," has died at age 30.

Police said Kryst jumped from a Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday morning. Her family confirmed her death in a statement.

According to police, Kryst's body was found at approximately 7 a.m. Sunday in front of the Orion building, a high-rise on West 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan.

"In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," the statement said. "Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on."Spider-Man: No Way Home pelicula completa, Estamos muertos pelicula completa, ¡Canta! 2 pelicula completa, Scream 5 pelicula completa, Encanto pelicula completa

In a statement Sunday, the nationally syndicated program "Extra" called her "not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends."

Kryst, a former Division I athlete and North Carolina attorney, won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019, and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year.

Kryst earned a law degree and an MBA at Wake Forest University before becoming a civil litigation attorney who does pro bono work to reduce sentences for inmates.

During the 2019 Miss USA competition, Kryst said during the final round that she was glad to be competing in Nevada partly because it's the first and only state in the nation with female majorities in both houses of the state legislature.

That night, Kryst also told a story of how she'll never forget the time a judge at a law conference told her to wear a skirt instead of pants because judges prefer skirts. "Glass ceilings can be broken wearing either a skirt or pants," Kryst said.

On Sunday, the Miss America official Twitter account issued a statement on Kryst's death.

"We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. Cheslie was an incredible example and a role model for so many," the statement read. "We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who knew her."

Shortly after earning the Miss USA title, Kryst represented the United States at the Miss Universe competition in 2019 and earned a spot in the top 10. With Kryst's Miss USA win, 2019 became the first year that all four major U.S.-based pageants were won by Black women — including Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa (as Miss Universe), Nia Franklin (as Miss America) and Kaliegh Garris (as Miss Teen USA).

"Cheslie my friend, I am devastated," Tunzi wrote in an Instagram tribute Sunday. "didn't sleep a wink, caught in between not believing the news and trying to make sense of what is happening. You were supposed to send me photos of the outfit you were going to wear to a wedding this past Saturday and all the details that happened at the event. You took me by surprise Queen. I am not ready for a world you don't exist in."

Tunzi continued: "I hope you are resting easy now love. You meant everything to so many people and you forever will. You made a mark in this World and touched so many lives. We celebrate your life. I love you so, so much my forever friend and forever Miss USA."El callejón de las almas perdidas pelicula completa, La abuela pelicula completa, Harry Potter: Regreso a Hogwarts pelicula completa, The Fallout pelicula completa, Héroes de guerra pelicula completa

After winning the Miss USA title in May 2019, Kryst became a New York correspondent for "Extra" in October.

University of South Carolina praised the former student-athlete, calling her “a woman of many talents.”

North Carolina U.S. Senator Thom Tillis shared on social media that he was "heartbroken to hear about the tragic death of former Miss North Carolina & Miss USA Cheslie Kryst."

He continued: "I enjoyed meeting her in my office in 2019, where we discussed a number of issues affecting North Carolinians. Susan & I are praying for her family during this difficult time."

Television host and comedian Loni Love shared a conversation with her and Kryst on Twitter and wrote: "This is how I will remember #CheslieKryst…" Love called her "smart, beautiful and talented."

"I wish we had more time …Such a wonderful young woman.. Condolences and prayers to her family.." Love concluded.

Mason Greenwood's girlfriend accuses him of attacking her in shocking Instagram post

 Mason Greenwood’s girlfriend Harriet Robson has posted several shocking posts of serious injuries that she has suffered, claiming to be the victim of abuse from the Manchester United star.

The social media influencer uploaded a number of pictures, videos and voice notes to her Instagram story, including one of her lip badly bleeding and several bruises to her face, body and thighs.WWE Royal Rumble streaming, Encanto, la fantastique famille Madrigal streaming, Presque streaming, L'amour c'est mieux que la vie streaming, The King's Man : première mission streaming

With blood flowing from her mouth in one video, a caption read: “To everyone who wants to know what Mason Greenwood actually does to me.”

An audio file was also uploaded to her story that detailed a graphic scene involving a female voice in communication with a male voice.

The posts have since been deleted from Harriet's Instagram account.Tendre et saignant streaming, Les promesses streaming, Tous en scène 2 streaming, En attendant Bojangles streaming, 355 streaming

United made the following statement in light of the posts: “We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media. We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”

Greater Manchester Police issued a statement to Mirror Football which did not confirm any names, but said they were looking into the matter.

The statement read: "Greater Manchester Police is aware of images and videos circulating on social media. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

Sportswear giants Nike, who sponsor the player, also released a statement to The Athletic which read: "We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

The couple had been dating since school where they first met at Mersey School in Greater Manchester but had split up in 2020 prior to Greenwood’s debacle with England.

On his first call-up to the national squad, the striker sneaked in two Icelandic models in the team hotel along with Phil Foden despite strict instructions to quarantine.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate ended up sending the United ace home, along with Foden, who also had a girlfriend at the time.Les Tuche 4 streaming, Les Éternels streaming West Side Story streaming, Hôtel Transylvanie 4 : Changements monstres streaming, House of Gucci streaming

Despite the incident, the couple rekindled their relationship two months after and had been together since.

What action is set to be taken remains to be seen after Harriet’s claims were broadcast to nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Greenwood is an up and coming star for United, where he has won over the approval of club legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who regarded him as one of the best young players in the world.

He said: “He’s got the coolness and the coldness of a great striker.

"He never panics, his shots are always low, he’s always inside the posts. He’s shown great qualities.”Harry Potter : Retour à Poudlard streaming, Venom 2 : Let There Be Carnage streaming, Licorice Pizza streaming, Matrix 4 Resurrections streaming, S.O.S. Fantômes : L’Héritage streaming

The 20-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Red Devils this season, scoring six times and has a contract until 2024, with an option to extend by another year.

The forward has played one time for England - coming on as a sub against Iceland two days before his team hotel debacle.

He has not played for the Three Lions since though Southgate did say: "He is in our thoughts, I've spoken with him and his club, he is a player we really like.”

Greenwood has been warned at United for a number of breaches of discipline during his short time in the first-team squad.

And rumours arose this season of a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined from Juventus last summer in a surprise reunion with the Old Trafford outfit.

Reports emerged that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had clashed with Greenwood over his reluctance to pass while the two are looking to play in the same position.

Joni Mitchell Joins Neil Young in Yanking Her Material From Spotify

 Joni Mitchell announced on her website Friday night that she would remove her entire catalog from Spotify. She is now the second high-profile musician who emerged on the scene in the late 1960s to make such a move. In a post titled, “I Stand With Neil Young!” Mitchell wrote: “I’ve decided to remove all my music from Spotify. Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.”

She linked to an open letter to Spotify signed by scores of doctors, nurses, professors, and scientists condemning a December 31 appearance by Dr. Robert Malone on The Joe Rogan Experience. The show, exclusive to Spotify’s platform, is led by Joe Rogan, the former Fear Factor host turned ivermectin enthusiast who lately appeals to the types of people “just asking questions.” On the episode, Dr. Malone, a vaccine skeptic who has been banned from Twitter, asserted an unfounded “mass formation psychosis” theory concerning the public’s acceptance of COVID-19 protocols and compared the current climate promoting such measures to Nazi Germany. The episode was deleted from YouTube but remains on Spotify via a licensing deal reportedly worth over $100 million.

The letter from public health experts accuses Spotify of “allowing the propagation of false and societally harmful assertions” concerning COVID-19. “Spotify is enabling its hosted media to damage public trust in scientific research and sow doubt in the credibility of data-driven guidance offered by medical professionals.”My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission streaming, L'Âge de Glace : Les aventures de Buck Wild streaming, Spider-Man : No way Home streaming, Adieu Monsieur Haffmann streaming

Earlier in the week, Mitchell’s friend and fellow Canadian, Neil Young, had nearly all of his catalogue removed from the streaming platform. “I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines—potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them,” he reportedly wrote in a note to his management, which was published on his site and later deleted. He added, “They can have Young or Rogan. Not both.”

Spotify has yet to publicly respond to either musician. While Mitchell and Young’s actions may seem, at first, like aging hippies tilting at digital windmills, Variety reports that the company has lost over $2 billion in market capitalization after Young took his stand. The San Fransisco Chronicle’s Datebook puts the number at $4 billion. (The depreciation in value does not take Mitchell’s reinforcement into account.)

Young posted a new note to his site on Friday, in which he wrote that he preferred the audio quality on music services provided by Amazon, Apple, and Qobuz. In bold, he added: “I support free speech. I have never been in favor of censorship. Private companies have the right to choose what they profit from, just as I can choose not to have my music support a platform that disseminates harmful information. I am happy and proud to stand in solidarity with the front line health care workers who risk their lives every day to help others.”

David Crosby, who has, to put it delicately, a nuanced relationship with Young, has supported his former bandmate’s action against Spotify. (In a 2019 interview with V.F., Crosby was blunt in his appraisal of the streaming service: “They are stealing our shit,” he said.)

The Qobuz service, which offers curated playlists in high resolution, just so happens to have a “Best of Neil Young Live” promotion atop their homepage.

Young’s 50+ years of music is entirely gone from Spotify, minus a few stray tracks that appear on movie soundtracks (this is likely the first time Inherent Vice and Bright will be mentioned in the same breath) and special concert appearances (like his outstanding cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” at 1992’s Bobfest at Madison Square Garden). Spotify also still has his work with early groups such as Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. As of this report, Mitchell’s work has somewhat disappeared from the platform. If one dials up her 1971 masterwork album Blue, many songs are still streamable, but they pull from complications like “Sad Songs,” not the album itself.

Mitchell and Young have been friends since 1964 and are linked in a number of different ways. Mitchell famously wrote the song “Woodstock,” recorded by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, who turned it into an anthem. Mitchell backed Young up on “Helpless” at The Band’s farewell concert, as captured by Martin Scorsese for The Last Waltz, and Young joined on harmonica for the track “Furry Sings The Blues” from her 1976 album Hejira, which is almost as perfect as Blue if you have not heard it.Nightmare Alley streaming, All of Us Are Dead streaming, Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba Saison 2 streaming, Scream 5 streaming

Should you decide to switch to Qobuz or one of the other streamers (or even, heaven forfend, dig out an old record, tape, or compact disc), we strongly advise you to move at once to listen to Shadows and Light. This 84-minute miracle of folk-rock-jazz fusion, recorded live at the Santa Barbara Bowl in 1979, features Mitchell backed by Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Don Alias, Lyle Mays, Michael Brecker, and, at the end, The Persuasions. It is a piece of sui generis perfection and will brighten your day.