Here's the Scoop...

Today is such a sad day. I'm sad to report that Carrie Fisher has died at the age of 60.

For years she was always Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies to me, to many of us. When I was a kid, she was the first girl that you didn't say, "Girls, Gross!" to. She was tough, funny and cool. She was just as interesting, heroic and important as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. And she was a princess, so not to shabby for her.

As I got older, I recognized Carrie Fisher as an entertainer, actress, comedian, and most importantly, a writer. She was such a tremendous writer. From screenplays to books, she knew what to write and had the perfect way to write it.

I'm going to miss her. I'm going to miss her humor. And I'm going to miss her more with each and every viewing of Star Wars. And the upcoming Episode VIII will be hard to watch knowing that's where her character's journey will end, but hopefully not.

RIP, Carrie Fisher. Everybody's princess.

Be Well,
Steve

Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve



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'Star Wars' actress Carrie Fisher dead at 60
Iconic Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher died Tuesday, her family announced. She was 60.

Family spokesperson Simon Halls confirmed her death in a statement to People on the behalf of Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd.

"It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Loud confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning," the statement reads.

"She was loved by the world and will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers."

Fisher was hospitalized for a heart attack Friday after going into cardiac arrest on a flight from London to Los Angeles. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds, said Sunday the actress was in "stable condition."

"Carrie is in stable condition. If there is a chance, we will share it. For all her fans & friends. I thank you for your prayers & good wishes," she tweeted.

Fisher was best known for playing Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars series of films. She most recently reprised the role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and briefly appeared as her younger self via CGI in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.


Iconic British singer George Michael dies at 53
George Michael, one of Britain's most popular and successful crooners in the last quarter of the 20th century, died at his London area home Sunday, his publicist announced. He was 53.

Michael, whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, died "peacefully" at his home, according to a statement by his publicist, BBC News reported.

Michael's cause of death was not immediately known but police reportedly said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Michael, who formed the 1980s pop group Wham! with singer Andrew Ridgeley, scored multiple No. 1 hits during his famed career, including "Faith" in 1987.



LOOSE LIPS:
"I would just like to be here long enough to have my children grow up and for me to see them thriving. Right? So that's all I ask. And that my husband and I are with each other."
--Nicole Kidman, on her ultimate wish, on CBS Sunday Morning


??? Guess Who ???
Which pop star surprised her 96-year-old fan with home concert?


'Watership Down' author Richard Adams dies at 96
Author Richard Adams, best known for penning the classic tale Watership Down, has died at age 96.

Adams' passing was confirmed by his daughter, the BBC reported Tuesday. A cause of death was not immediately released.

Watership Down, first published in 1972, went on to become one of the best-selling children's books of all time. The story followed a group of rabbits as they searched for a new home following the destruction of their warren.

The story was turned into an animated film in 1978 and into an animated television series that ran from 1999 to 2001 in the United Kingdom and Canada.

In April, Netflix and BBC announced a new upcoming animated miniseries based on the story that will feature the voices of actors John Boyega, James McAvoy and Nicholas Hoult.

Adams, who served in the British Army in World War II, was also known for writing Shardik and The Plague Dogs.


??? Guess Who ???
Which pop star surprised her 96-year-old fan with home concert?

Taylor Swift gave 96-year-old fan Cyrus Porter the surprise of a lifetime when she visited his home Monday to perform.

The pop star paid the visit to Porter after he became known for being Swift's oldest fan following an interview with local television station KFVS 12.

"Look what she does, she puts on a show no one else puts on," Porter, a World War II veteran, had said to KFVS. Hed said he'd gone to several Taylor Swift concerts with his grandchildren.

"Yeah, I just enjoy it, I'm getting old," he continued. "I'm just enjoying everything."

Porter's grandson Robert Frye shared photos and videos of Swift's visit on Twitter, including photos of her meeting Porter's family, checking out his WWII memorabilia and performing her hit single "Shake It Off."

"Taking selfies, holding babies, hugging grandpas and leaving lipstick marks. Taylor Swift does it all. Awesome day for my Popo!!" Frye wrote alongside a collection of photos from the visit.

"Amazing experience," Frye wrote alongside a clip of Swift performing on her guitar as she was surrounded by Porter's family.