People: Roker-de Blasio storm blows over
TV weatherman Al Roker and New York City’s mayor made up Monday after a spat over snow and school closings.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and the meteorologist met cordially on camera on NBC’s “Today” show about two weeks after Roker lambasted de Blasio on Twitter for keeping schools open during a storm that left nearly 10 inches of snow; most other schools in the region were closed. Roker had suggested that the city’s “goofball policy” could endanger children.
On Monday, Roker said the two had chatted about snow and schools, “and we both want the best for the school kids and our city.” Both have children attending the city’s public schools.
De Blasio said letting people know about weather hazards is “something we do together,” and he jovially invited Roker to make it even more of a joint effort.
The mayor gave Roker a city Sanitation Department baseball cap and invited him to join in next time the city needs to plow.
“If you’d like to come out and join us for snow clearance, this could be a new part of your career,” de Blasio said.
“I’d love to do it,” Roker responded, adding that his father was a city bus driver.
Worthington accused of assault
Police said actor Sam Worthington has been arrested in New York City on charges of punching a photographer after the man kicked Worthington’s girlfriend in the shin.
The 37-year-old “Avatar” actor was arrested on an assault charge after the confrontation Sunday evening in Greenwich Village.
The photographer, 37-year-old Sheng Li, was released without bail after his arraignment Monday on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges.
A court complaint says Worthington’s girlfriend told police Li followed her on the streets and tried to trip her.
Defense lawyer Ronald Kuby says Li was attacked by the couple, not the other way around.
Neil Young plans another memoir
Neil Young is not done with writing memoirs.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has a deal with Blue Rider Press for a book focusing on his passion for cars, while also featuring stories about his life in music.
Blue Rider told the Associated Press on Monday that the new book is scheduled for the fall and is currently untitled. Young’s first memoir, “Waging Heavy Peace,” was a best-seller, published in 2012.
Blue Rider says the second memoir is an “eclectic amalgam” that also will include artwork by Young and his thoughts on politics and the environment.
The birthday bunch
CBS newsman Bob Schieffer is 77. Singer-guitarist Mike Peters (The Alarm, Big Country) is 55. Actress Tea Leoni is 48. Actor Sean Astin is 43. Comedian Chelsea Handler is 39. Actress Rashida Jones is 38. Singer Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square) is 36. Actors James and Oliver Phelps (“Harry Potter” films) are 28.