Gabby Petito dies in Wyoming after being strangled while gone missing

This post believes 22-year-old Gabrielle Petito, or Gabby for short, to have died in Wyoming after being strangled while gone missing. She died there before the FBI found her dead. Hopefully, Gabby would play Jeopardy in heaven because Alex Trebek died last year.

Former WGN-TV news anchor Allison Payne dies at 57

 I remember such a former WGN-TV news anchor like Allison Payne. She died on September 1 at 57 years old. No cause of death has been announced by this blog as of yet. I remember Payne from the WGN superstation airings of the WGN-TV newscasts that may have been tape delayed for the Eastern time zone. Around the time, the superstation delayed two of Payne's newscasts in that time zone, where the news at noon was delayed to 1PM Eastern with the news at 9PM in Chicago was delayed to 10PM in the Eastern time zone.

Mike Richards no longer host of Jeopardy and executive producer of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune

OMG, can you even believe what just went down with Jeopardy? It’s like, a whole saga, and honestly, it’s been a wild ride. So, if you haven’t been living under a rock, you know that after literally ages of speculation and a bunch of guest hosts, they finally picked someone to take over for the legend, Alex Trebek. And who was it? Mike Richards. Like, the Mike Richards, who was already the executive producer. Cue the collective groan, right? It felt a little… self-serving? But whatever, I was like, “Okay, maybe he’s got this, he knows the show, blah blah blah.” But then, the internet, being the internet, started digging. And oh boy, did they dig.

Suddenly, all these old podcasts and lawsuits started surfacing, and it was a whole mess of problematic comments and workplace allegations. And I’m sitting here, eating my cereal, scrolling through Twitter, just thinking, “Dude, no way. This is not going to fly.” And guess what? It totally didn’t. It was like, a week, maybe two? Before the news dropped that Mike Richards was stepping down as host. I remember seeing the headlines and just being like, “Called it.” Not in a mean way, but more like, “Yeah, that makes sense.” The backlash was intense, and frankly, deserved. You can’t just gloss over that kind of stuff, especially when you’re trying to fill shoes as big as Alex Trebek’s. It just felt… icky. The whole thing was just a bad look, from start to finish. It’s like, sometimes you just gotta read the room, you know?

But wait, there’s more! Because it wasn’t just the hosting gig. Initially, he was still staying on as the executive producer for both Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. And again, I’m like, “Hold up. You’re telling me this dude, who just got canned from hosting because of all this drama, is still going to be in charge behind the scenes?” That just felt… off. It’s like, if you’re too controversial to be the face of the show, how are you still okay to be the guy calling all the shots? The optics were just not it. And honestly, it made me wonder about the decision-making process in the first place. Like, how did this even get this far? Did no one do a deep dive before they announced him as host? It was baffling.

So, the drama continued, and eventually, the hammer dropped again. Mike Richards was out as executive producer too. Finally, I thought. It just felt like a necessary step to really clean house and move forward. It’s a bummer that it all went down like this, but at the same time, it feels like the right outcome for a show that’s so beloved and has such a long, positive legacy. You can’t just let that get tarnished by bad vibes and controversy.

And now, for the glow-up! So, over on Jeopardy, they brought in Michael Davies to take over as executive producer. He seems like a solid choice, and hopefully, he can bring some fresh energy and stability to the show. It feels like they’re trying to hit the reset button, which, honestly, is probably what they needed after all that chaos. And then, get this, over on Wheel of Fortune, they made a historic move! Bellamie Blackstone stepped in as the new executive producer, and she’s the first female executive producer for Wheel of Fortune! How cool is that? Seriously, that’s a huge win, and it’s awesome to see some fresh perspectives and diverse leadership coming into these iconic shows. It just goes to show that sometimes, even through all the drama, good things can come out of it. It’s like, they finally realized they needed a real shake-up, and now we’re seeing some positive changes. It makes you feel a little bit more hopeful for the future of both shows, you know? Like, let’s get this bread, but like, good bread. No more stale drama, just good ol' trivia and puzzles.

HSN to eliminate live programming from 7AM ET hour starting October 1

This blog post believes HSN to eliminate live programming from its 7AM Eastern Time hour starting on October 1. As a result, Now That's Clever With Guy would be moved to 8AM but would continue airing on Saturdays, and it would be the lead-in show to Saturday Morning with Callie and Alyce. Additionally, Obsessed With Style With Debbie D would be moved to 8AM, still airing on Thursday mornings. Wake Up Beautiful With Valerie will continue to air Wednesday mornings at 9AM.

HSN must have announced the reduction of live programming to 18 hours a day by the end of August. They must have decided that this change would take effect at the start of October.

FOX 13 News announces Nikki Bass dead of COVID-19 at 38

Man, this is a tough one to write. I'm still trying to process it, to be honest. You know, you see news reports every day, and a lot of it is just... information. But then sometimes, something hits different, you know? Something that feels way too close to home, or just plain heartbreaking. And that's exactly how I felt when I heard the news about Nikki Bass.

Fox 13 News, my go-to for what's happening around here, they announced it. It popped up on my phone as a notification, and I just stared at it for a minute, hoping I'd misread. But nope, it was right there: Nikki Bass, dead at 35 from COVID-19. Thirty-five. That's practically my age, man. It just hits different when it's someone so young, someone who had so much life left to live. It's a gut punch, you know?

Aaron Messmer was the one who reported on it, and you could hear it in his voice, even through the TV, that this wasn't just another story for him. It's not just a statistic. It's a person. A real person who was here one day, and gone the next, all because of this damn virus. She died right here in Tampa, too. It makes it all feel even more real, more immediate. Like it could be anyone. Like it is anyone, and it just happened to be Nikki this time.

And then I found out she was a nurse. A nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital right here in Tampa. Can you even imagine? She was out there, on the front lines, day in and day out, taking care of people, putting her own health at risk to help others. That's a hero, plain and simple. She was dedicating her life to saving lives, and then this virus took hers. It's just so incredibly unfair. It makes you angry, you know? Angry that this is still happening, angry that we're still losing people like Nikki. She was probably working tirelessly, seeing the worst of it, and then she became a victim herself.

It's just a tragic reminder, if we even needed one, that this thing is still out there, and it's still dangerous. It's not just something that happens to "other people" or "old people." It's real, and it's taking people who are young, vibrant, and essential. Nikki Bass was only 35. She had a whole career ahead of her, a whole life. Her family and friends are going through something I can only imagine is excruciating right now.

My heart just goes out to her family, her friends, her colleagues at St. Joe's. They lost someone special, someone who made a difference. And the rest of us lost a dedicated healthcare worker, someone who was actively making our community better and safer. It's a huge loss, and it's one that shouldn't have happened. Rest in peace, Nikki Bass. Your work and your sacrifice won't be forgotten. This one really hurts.

Stacy Title dies of Lou Gehrig's Disease at 56

Man, it's already August 17th, 2021. Where has the year gone? Seriously, feels like just yesterday we were all ringing in 2021 with… well, probably a quiet night in, given everything still going on. But sometimes, even with all the new stuff happening, you look back and realize you missed something pretty significant. Something that slipped through the cracks. And that’s kind of how I feel about Stacy Title.

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, "Justin, who?" And honestly, if you're not deep into indie horror or film history, it's a name that might not immediately ring a bell. But it really should. Stacy Title, a director who gave us some genuinely unique and unsettling visions, passed away back on January 11th of this year. January! And I'm only really sitting down to process it now, seven months later. It’s wild how life just keeps moving, and sometimes you don’t catch up until a random thought sparks something.

I was actually talking to my mom, Lana, the other day – she just turned 50, btw, still rocking it – and we were trying to figure out what to watch. You know how it is. Scrolling through endless options, nothing really grabbing you. And for some reason, the conversation pivoted to bad horror movies we've seen. Not "bad" in a good way, like a classic B-movie, but just… forgettable or confusing. And Mom, bless her heart, she pipes up and says, "Oh, you know, that Bye-Bye Man movie? I actually watched that one. It was… something." And a lightbulb just went off in my head. The Bye-Bye Man. Directed by Stacy Title.

It's funny, because The Bye-Bye Man got a lot of flak. Like, a lot. And yeah, I get it. It wasn't exactly a critical darling. But there was a certain… ambition to it. A core idea that was genuinely creepy. A thought virus that spreads by saying a name? That’s gold, conceptually. It just didn’t quite stick the landing for a lot of people. But even in its flaws, you could see a director trying to do something interesting, something different from the usual jump-scare fest.

And that's what gets me about Stacy Title's passing. She died at 56 from complications of ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. Fifty-six. That's way too young, man. Way too young for anyone, but especially for an artist who still had so much potential to explore. You look at her filmography and it’s not super extensive, but it’s got some gems. The Last Supper from '95, for example, is this dark comedy about liberal grad students who accidentally kill a conservative guest and decide to start murdering right-wing extremists. Talk about a premise! It’s sharp, it’s provocative, and it really holds a mirror up to certain kinds of political discourse, even back then. And it’s got a killer cast, too – Cameron Diaz, Ron Eldard, Courtney B. Vance. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it, go check it out. It’s got a cult following for a reason.

Then there’s Hood of Horror from 2006, part of the Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror anthology series. She directed the segment "Demon Sayers." Again, embracing that indie, slightly campy, but still genuinely unsettling vibe. She wasn’t afraid to lean into the weird, the grotesque, the things that make you squirm a little.

I guess what I’m getting at is that when an artist like Stacy Title passes, it’s not just a person gone; it’s a whole universe of potential stories, unique perspectives, and cinematic visions that we’ll never get to see. What other twisted, thought-provoking, or just plain fun movies would she have made? What other concepts would she have brought to life, whether they were critical darlings or cult classics? We'll never know, and that's a real bummer.

It’s a reminder, I guess, to appreciate the creators while they’re here, and to revisit their work, even the stuff that didn’t quite hit perfectly, because there’s always something to learn, something to connect with. And sometimes, it takes a conversation with your mom about a horror movie she vaguely remembers to make you realize you missed saying goodbye to a director who truly left her mark, even if it was a subtle one.

So, rest in peace, Stacy Title. Thanks for the stories, the scares, and the unforgettable images. You were gone too soon, but your work lives on. And maybe, just maybe, more people will discover it now. I know I’m going to go back and rewatch The Last Supper tonight.

Jeopardy executive producer Mike Richards to host first week of 1984 revival's 38th season; Mayim Bialik to host the next seven weeks of season 38

As the iconic game show Jeopardy gears up for its 38th season, the search for a new host continues to captivate audiences and fans worldwide. With the passing of the legendary Alex Trebek, the show's producers have been tasked with finding a worthy successor to carry on his legacy. After much speculation and anticipation, it has been announced that Mike Richards, the executive producer of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, will step into the role of host for the first week of the upcoming season.

This decision has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and critics alike. Many are curious to see how Richards will fare in this new position, while others are eager to witness a fresh perspective at the helm of one of television's most beloved shows. However, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Jeopardy, as actress Mayim Bialik is set to take over hosting duties for the following seven weeks of the season.

Bialik's background in neuroscience and her previous experience as a guest host on Jeopardy have garnered widespread praise from viewers. Her intelligence, charm, and wit make her a natural fit for the role, and her presence is sure to bring a unique energy to the show. The decision to have both Richards and Bialik at the helm reflects a commitment to honoring Jeopardy's legacy while also embracing new possibilities.

But the excitement doesn't stop there. In early November, fans can look forward to seeing Bialik share hosting duties with none other than Ken Jennings, a household name among Jeopardy enthusiasts. Jennings' record-breaking 74-game winning streak during the Trebek era solidified his status as a fan favorite, and his return to the show is sure to be met with enthusiasm.

The decision to have Bialik and Jennings co-host further demonstrates Jeopardy's dedication to preserving its rich history while also embracing change. This dynamic duo is poised to bring their own brand of charisma and expertise to the show, ensuring that viewers are in for an unforgettable experience.

In addition to their regular hosting duties, it has been suggested that Bialik should also take on hosting responsibilities for Jeopardy's ABC primetime specials such as the National College Championship. This expansion of her role would not only showcase her versatility as a host but also provide an opportunity for fans to see her in a different light.

As we eagerly await these exciting developments on Jeopardy, one thing is clear: change is on the horizon, but it comes with an unwavering commitment to excellence. The upcoming season promises to be a celebration of tradition and innovation, with each host bringing their own unique flair to one of television's most enduring institutions.

So mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable journey through knowledge and entertainment as Jeopardy embarks on its 38th season with an all-star lineup of hosts who are ready to lead us into uncharted territory while staying true to what makes this show so special. Get ready for some thrilling moments ahead!