TMZ

If necessity really is the mother of invention, then lots of folks have stepped up with their own ways of staying relatively safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Check out our gallery of homemade protective masks or reasonable facsimiles thereof. From party hats to a giant water bottle … they hopefully do the trick. As you know, or should know by now, we’re all being advised not to wear the professional-grade masks which are in extremely short supply and reserved for frontline health care workers, so the creative ones are welcome by all. As for how to make a homegrown mask, the CDC recommends it fit snugly but comfortably and secured with ties or ear loops. It should also include multiple layers of fabric and allow for unrestricted breathing. It should also be laundry friendly. The CDC has recommended wearing face coverings when out in public, but some members of the Coronavirus Task Force are now urging us to stay clear of grocery stores and pharmacies for the next 2 weeks … which is going to be a rough period for all of us. Read Full Article

Tom Dempsey, a legendary NFL kicker who is best known for a spectacular game-winning field goal, died Saturday from complications from the coronavirus. Dempsey, who was born without toes on his right foot and without fingers on his right hand, was able to excel as an NFL kicker with the help of specially-designed shoes. As for the legendary kick, it went down in 1970.  Dempsey was the kicker for the New Orleans Saints when they played the Detroit Lions, and he shattered the field goal record by 7 yards, propelling it 63 yards. The record has since been matched by 5 kickers and it was shattered — actually more like broken — by Denver Bronco kicker Matt Prater in 2013, when he scored a field goal from 64 yards. Dempsey also played for the Eagles, the Rams, the Oilers and the Bills during his 11-year career. The Saints said, “The New Orleans Saints family is deeply saddened and heartbroken at this most difficult time. Tom’s life spoke directly to the power of the human spirit and exemplified his resolute determination to not allow setbacks to impede following his dreams and aspirations.” He exemplified the same fight and fortitude in recent years as he battled valiantly against illnesses but never wavered and kept his trademark sense of humor.” As for how Dempsey contracted the virus … he was living in a New Orleans retirement home where 15 patients have died from the disease. Louisiana has really gone through it … more than 12,400 confirmed cases. New Orleans, where many contracted the virus during Marti Gras, has had 153 deaths so far. Dempsey grew up in CA and played football at Palomar College in SoCal. After calling it quits with the Saints, he became an oilfield salesman, and later became a high school football coach and a car dealership manager. Dempsey had been battling dementia for years. He’s survived by his wife and 3 kids. Dempsey was 73. RIP Read Full Article

Elton John has dug deep into his pockets only to pull out a million bucks to protect people living with HIV from contracting the coronavirus. Sir Elton posted a video, saying, “Today, I’m proud to announce that my Foundation is launching a $1million COVID-19 Emergency Fund to make sure that our frontline partners can respond to the effects of COVID-19 on HIV care for the most marginalized communities around the world.” The singer, who also hosted last Sunday’s coronavirus relief concert, Fox Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America, has been a driving force in combating the AIDS epidemic for 30 years. People with HIV often have compromised immune systems, so they can be especially vulnerable in contracting the disease. Elton says, “Now and always, I’m committed to not leave anyone affected by HIV behind. Visit http://ejaf.org/covid19 for more info. Sending love to all of our Foundation’s partners, grantees, supporters, frontline workers and members of our community during this time.” Read Full Article

If you forgot what it looks like when Hollywood titans meet up for chitchat, take a peek at this. The likes of Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw joined married couple Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley as they walked their Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the westside of L.A. They meandered around the hood late afternoon for about an hour, and were yakking it up the whole time. Hard to tell from the pic if they’re properly social distancing — 6 feet of separation, please. L.A. has been a mixed bag when it comes to the stay-at-home order. Many beaches, hiking trails and open-air markets have been crowded this week, despite orders by the Mayor and the Governor. The famous quartet did what lots of people are doing … taking a walk, stretching, getting some air and trying to avoid going stir crazy. Read Full Article

Demi Lovato and Max Ehrich are here to show you how it’s done when you venture out for some grub!!! Demi and Max, the newly-minted couple who are self-quarantining, hit up Erewhon organic market in L.A. Saturday, and they were following recommendations from the top down — when you venture out, protect yourself and others. In case you’ve been under a rock — which, in many ways we all have — we’re all supposed to act in public as if we have the disease because a mask and gloves can prevent others from contracting it. Max, whose credits include “Young and the Restless” and “American Princess,” gave us a peek into his and Demi’s life this week, along with her trusted pooch, Batman. Demi and Max got together recently and this is the test for many couples … spending 24/7 together during the stay-at-home order. Read Full Article

Will Pharrell Williams’ good looks ever really die! Here is a 29-year-old version of the Grammy award-winning artist looking his best in his signature N.E.R.D. hat at a launch party in New York City while he made waves as The Neptunes with his longtime friend and music partner Chad Hugo back in 2002 (left). And, 18 years later … The trendsetter is spending this weekend celebrating his 47th birthday. The BBC boss and producer was last spotted sporting his Benjamin Button looks at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year (right). He’s got a lot to be happy about! The question is … Read Full Article

Vanessa Bryant just told the world how proud she is of Kobe, who has been honored as the next Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Vanessa sat with daughter Natalia as she fought back tears, saying how proud she was of Kobe’s posthumous accomplishment. Kobe will be inducted as part of the class of 2020, and Vanessa says it’s the pinnacle of her late husband’s storied NBA career, that spanned 20 years with the Lakers. Vanessa says, “It’s an incredible accomplishment and honor, and we’re extremely proud of him. Obviously, we wish he was here with us to celebrate, but it’s definitely the peak of his NBA career and every accomplishment that he had as an athlete was a stepping stone to be here.” The Lakers praised Kobe, saying, “All of us can trust that this basketball Hall of Fame honor is one Kobe would, and will, deeply appreciate.” Read Full Article

Jeff Lowe — Joe Exotic’s business partner and mentor — raised eyebrows on ‘Tiger King’ over his search for a nanny and has folks speculating it’s all a stunt … but the nanny in question tells TMZ — she’s legit, just not full-time. Masha Diduk is the hot nanny Jeff and his pregnant wife Lauren wanted to hire on the Netflix docuseries, and Masha tells us … she was indeed hired by the couple in September to care for their daughter. She says she actually met Jeff and Lauren 4 years ago in Las Vegas — where she lives and works as a model — back when they drove to Sin City with a few tiger cubs … as those who have seen ‘Tiger King’ recall. We’re told Masha’s agreement was to work part-time as their baby girl’s caretaker during business hours at Jeff’s Oklahoma zoo — mostly on weekends — which she’s been doing recently. The nanny recently appeared with Jeff, Lauren and the baby on “Lights Out with David Spade,” and rumors began swirling she was paid by Jeff to be there simply for the TV interview … but she says that’s not true. Masha tells us her Vegas work has dried up because of the pandemic — and Jeff’s been busy moving the zoo to a new location — so she really has been with the family taking care of baby Sarah. Granted, the timing with the release and popularity of ‘Tiger King’ is suspicious at best. As for ‘Tiger King’ … Masha says it’s entertaining, but she feels the producers twisted some things about Jeff. She says it made it seem like Jeff mistreated animals the way Joe Exotic did, but that’s wrong … and she wouldn’t work for him if he did. Read Full Article

Bad news hot dog fans … the greatest hot dog eating competition in the world is in danger of being canceled over the coronavirus. But, here’s some good news … JOEY CHESTNUT WANTS TO PUT ON A SHOW ANYWAY!!! The greatest eater of all time tells TMZ Sports he still hasn’t been informed about the state of the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (scheduled for July 4 at Coney Island) … but he “wouldn’t be surprised” if it gets the ax. However, just like LeBron James, Tom Brady and other GOATS … Chestnut says he’s still training like the champion he is. “Last week, I did like 8 pounds of cucumbers,” Joey said … “I feel like I’ll be ready when the contest starts.” We reached out to Major League Eating (the org. that runs the contest) — and they told us they’re still monitoring the situation. In other words, no official decision yet. But, if the contest does get canceled, like so many other major events, Chestnut says he’s 100% willing to put on a solo eating show for America, as long as he can get the wieners and the proper medical support staff in place. “It would suck not to do it in front of a huge crowd, but there’ll still be people watching and I’ll still be able to make people happy, I guess. And, I’d push myself to a ridiculous limit.” As for Nathan’s, Joey says their focus isn’t on the competition right now — they’re trying to do their part in helping the community. “They’re donating tons of hot dogs, making sure people in their community are being taken care of.” Read Full Article

Santa Monica parks are no longer filled with humans … they’re being overrun by a gaggle of squirrels … and the video is absolutely NUTS!!! Check out the furry little critters chilling out and catching some rays in the parks along the world-famous Santa Monica Beach … the squirrels definitely seem way more relaxed and comfortable now that tourists and locals are nowhere to be found. Most people are just staying indoors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus … allowing these squirrels to roam free without a care in the world. Seriously … have you ever seen squirrels out in force like this before?!? The squirrel scene is reminiscent of what we’ve already seen over in Wales, where an entire town is being overrun by goats as humans shelter-in-place. Enjoy it while you can, animals!!! Read Full Article