Summer

A young New Yorker drew outrage for taking a dip in the infamous Hudson River -- but as it turns out, she might've had the last laugh ... 'cause it's actually safer than you might think.

TikTok user Donna P -- a 20-year-old food blogger from the Big Apple -- posted some videos of herself jumping off a boat into the murky waters right near the Statue of Liberty, which put a whole lot of Twitter truthers into a tizzy ... with a lot of them calling her out.

Folks were making fun of her, saying she was foolish and generally deriding the fact she thought this could possibly be safe ... not to mention she did it with so much verve and free-spirited passion. Basically, people thought this was downright dumb, putting her health at risk just for a TikTok video. There were also plenty of jokes and memes to go around.

BUT, it looks like Donna mostly walks away with the W in this sitch, 'cause she did her homework. When she caught wind of the "backlash," she decided to do a bit of research and took people to school with the facts -- per the NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

If you go to their page about the Hudson River, it dishes out a lot of info as to whether it's safe or not to swim in. Long story short ... yes and no. The Dept. notes, generally speaking, it probably won't do much harm to take a swim or a dive. Fact is, the river's not quite as toxic or polluted as it was in the old days -- even though people are under the impression that it very much is. BTW, Donna tells us she knew this going in ... and that she's fine.

Now, we don't recommend taking to New York's river waters regularly -- good for the back as it might be. Frankly, it's probably not the best habit, 'cause there can still be some gnarly stuff in there that could be harmful. Different parts of the Hudson are certainly worse than others, and rain runoff can mix in with the city sewage and can seep in, even today.

Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie refuse to let that whole global pandemic thing stop them from their annual super-expensive, ballerrific Euro-Trip -- because they've just touched down in Croatia!

We've been covering Magic's summer trips for years -- he typically spends MILLIONS to rent fancy yachts for MONTHS to sail around the Amalfi Coast with his rich and famous friends.

But, with COVID still rearing its ugly head, the Johnson's are keeping more of a low profile this time around -- even rocking masks to try and limit their exposure. Smart!

Still, Magic and Cookie were spotted by fans in Dubrovnik -- and naturally, they smiled and posed for pics with anyone who asked while trying to keep a safe distance.

In previous years, we've seen Johnson Family Trip cameos from superstars like Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Holly Robinson Peete, Steve Harvey and more.

Unclear if the same crew will make it out this time around with the pandemic still affecting parts of the world.

Magic's vacations usually last around 6 weeks and can cost anywhere from $4 mil to $6 mil just on yacht fees!

In 2019, Magic's yacht featured a dining room area, movie theater, hot tub and massive outdoor deck.

RZA's giving whole new meaning to dropping bars ... after releasing a brand new ice cream truck jingle to replace the original one, which is rooted in racism.

The Wu-Tang Clan leader partnered up with Good Humor to come up with the hot new track as a family friendly alternative to "Turkey in the Straw" -- the jingle you probably grew up hearing as you chased the ice cream truck.

RZA's new ice cream joint has that same hot summer day feel, but with a better beat ... and zero racism.

So, what's the problem with the OG jingle? If you hadn't heard ... "Turkey in the Straw" had no racist undertones when it originated from British and Irish folk songs, but took a sad turn when it got popular in the U.S.

It was big at American minstrel shows during the 1800s, and some blackface performers added incredibly offensive and racist lyrics. It was eventually played inside ice cream parlors, and then ice cream trucks too.

RZA and Good Humor are now urging ice cream truck operators to replace "Turkey in the Straw" with their version ... and it won't cost 'em a thing cause he says the jingle will be free.

And, just like Wu-Tang, he says that's foreva!!!

Anthony Michael Hall got weird in a hotel pool and caused a ruckus over feeling disrespected, but video only shows him acting belligerent and disrespectful ... and now he's apologizing.

The '80s movie star was with his wife and his assistant Wednesday afternoon at the South Congress Hotel pool in Austin, TX and brought along a portable speaker and a jug of something ... according to witnesses.

We're told Hall was being rude and obnoxious from the get-go -- blasting his music, bothering other guests and cursing in front of kids, so he was asked to tone it down.

Based on this video, Anthony didn't respond kindly to that request, and started yelling at the group of pool patrons ... making it clear he didn't care what they thought about his behavior, and accusing them of being in the wrong.

At one point he referred to a woman recording the incident as Rosie O'Donnell. Clearly agitated over her filming, he started splashing water in her direction.

Our sources say hotel security was called during the altercation, and Anthony ended up leaving the pool area. Police were not called.

Anthony's now issuing a major mea culpa, saying he formally apologizes to the entire staff, his family, and everyone who witnessed the incident.

Hall says ... "As a result of a misunderstanding and miscommunication between myself and some hotel guests, the situation needlessly and regrettably escalated." He adds, "I am deeply sorry for my words and actions and ask for forgiveness from anyone who I may have offended."

As you might recall ... Hall was facing prison time back in 2016 for allegedly assaulting one of his L.A. neighbors. He ended up pleading no contest and got 3 years probation instead.

The world's last remaining Blockbuster store is getting an extreme makeover ... it's converting into a rental property for an epic end-of-summer sleepover!!!

Here's the deal ... Sandi Harding, the manager of the only surviving Blockbuster in Bend, OR, is converting the store into an Airbnb for 3 nights only ... and the once-in-a-lifetime experience sounds pretty freaking cool.

The 3 lucky folks who snag one of the reservations are in for a sleepover unlike ever before ... they get the keys to the store -- literally -- and can watch movies to their heart's content in a makeshift living room complete with a pull-out couch, bean bags, lamps and pillows.

Movies aren't any fun without snacks ... and this Blockbuster sleepover includes free pizza, Pepsi, candy and popcorn, plus whatever else you wanna bring.

The store's entire movie collection is up for grabs, plus video games too. Oh, and there's a VHS player, as long as you remember how to work it!!!

Reservations are available starting Monday at 1 PM PT, but ya gotta be a resident of Deschutes County to book the Blockbuster for one night only. The overnight sleepovers are set for Sept. 18-20 and the place accommodates up to 4 people.

Sandi says she wants to thank the local community for supporting the world's only surviving Blockbuster, which is why it's only being rented to locals and costs a measly $4.

Fun Fact -- did you know Paige VanZant can execute a perfect toe touch??

The MMA superstar is out to prove any doubters wrong ... by throwing on a tiny hot pink bikini and posting a slow-mo vid as evidence on Monday!!

"Suns out buns out ☀️✌🏼🌴" Paige captioned her video ... which, might we add, is a very factual statement.

PVZ and her Bellator hubby, Austin Vanderford, have been spotted training at the famous American Top Team MMA gym in Florida this past week ... but made sure to get in some solid fun at the pool during their time off.

Of course, ATT houses some of the biggest names in MMA -- from Amanda Nunes to Joanna Jedrzejczyk ... and VanZant basically confirmed the move in an Instagram post.

"Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one that’s going to help you grow. #NextChapter #Florida," PVZ captioned the pic.

Back to the toe touch -- PVZ was a cheerleader in HS and went on to prove she still had moves while appearing on "Dancing With The Stars" back in 2016.

How's Danica Patrick getting over the Aaron Rodgers breakup???

LAKE VACAY WITH THE FRIENDS, BABY!!!

The former NASCAR superstar threw on a tiny bikini and hit up a body of water somewhere in the U.S. this week -- and, yeah, doesn't look like she's too broken-hearted, right!?

Danica got in some sun, some swimming and even a little wake surfing with a couple buds ... and it appears she's doing just fine with Aaron in her rearview mirror.

As we previously reported, the power couple officially called things off last month after two years of some pretty heavy romance.

The NFL superstar and the ex-racecar driver -- who started dating back in 2018 -- were exchanging L-bombs on the regular ... and had even bought a $28 million mansion together in Malibu.

In fact, Danica had told Jenny McCarthy on her SiriusXM show back in November she wouldn't mind getting engaged to the QB.

No reason's been given yet for the splitsville ... but Patrick's clearly doing her best to move on.

Ex-NFL receiver Eric Decker is still making miraculous catches in retirement .... but instead of snagging footballs, he's grabbin' handfuls of his stunning wife!!

The 33-year-old former Broncos and Jets star hit the pool with Jessie James Decker -- sporting a cheetah-print bikini -- and the pics will highlight your Friday.

Of course, Decker retired from the NFL in 2018 ... but you wouldn't be able to tell by his body -- dude is still JACKED!!!

As for JJ, the country singer threw on a skimpy bikini while taking a break from promoting her new cookbook, which hits shelves in September.

The couple even tried throwing the football around for a bit ... and it's safe to say Eric is the only one in the family who was blessed with hands.

It's GREAT to be Dak Prescott ... dude just showed off his shredded bod by the pool Friday -- and just hours earlier, he made things Instagram official with his smokin' hot model GF!!

Oh, and he just signed a 1-year, $31 MILLION deal with the Dallas Cowboys this month!!!

Yeah ... jealous yet?!

Dak was with the Dude Perfect guys for some trick shot work by the pool this week ... and while we're sure the throws were fun -- DO YOU SEE HIS BOD!?

The 6'2", 238-pound QB has clearly avoided the quarantine 15 ... the NFL star (who hasn't always been the most cut-up guy in the league) looks absolutely jacked.

There's abs. There's pecs. And, there's biceps.

Yup, keep droolin', Cowboys fans!!

Of course, Prescott's got some reason to look good shirtless these days ... he just made things social media offish with his longtime rumored GF Natalie Buffett -- and she's STUNNING!!

The model -- who was once a "Barstool Smokeshow" -- posted a happy birthday message for the QB on Wednesday ... and he wrote back, "My girl!!! Thank you" with a heart emoji.

This may be the scariest video of the month ... a super curious bear spotted a few women, approached them, sniffed them, got on its hind legs and seemingly hugged them, and they lived to tell about it!!!

It went down Saturday in Mexico at the Chipinque Ecological Park. You see the bear at one point putting its paw on one of the women, almost nuzzling her.

As most people know, bears often attack when people panic or run, and how can you not when a bear is all over you?!!?

Well, these folks are amazing. They remain clam -- and pretty much still -- as 2 men in the background try to scare the bear away by talking loudly.

The bear eventually has had enough and leaves, and boy ... you can only imaging the heart rate of those women.

So here's what authorities say about black bears that get too close ... "Stay calm, never stand between a baby and its mother, do not go near or feed them, take shelter and watch it, avoid photographing it or taking selfies."

Yeah, selfies would be a real bad move.

Kendall Jenner's hiking cover might've been blown by Devin Booker -- whom she's been dating -- because the dude made it clear ... Arizona was the place to be pre-NBA bubble.

The model posted a photo Saturday of her in a cool looking desert-y, mountainous region with a body of water below. She called it "not earth" from a trip she took a few weeks ago -- but didn't give much more of a hint than that. It could be anywhere on its face.

Now, it appears her recent point guard boo thang might've actually spilled a major clue -- assuming he and Kendall are still hanging out as much as they were earlier this year. Devin put up a few photos himself a few days ago of him hiking at Slide Rock State Park.

It's a place with tons of canyons and with tons of creek beds covering the floor throughout -- and just looking at the photos, we have to say they look kinda similar in scenery.

Of course, Devin plays for the Phoenix Suns -- and presumably has a place out there too. So, if they are hookin' up -- like Kendall has implied of late -- it's safe to assume she was somewhere in Arizona with her guy before he was sequestered away for work.

NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo are officially at war -- don't worry, their relationship is doing just fine -- but they're now competing against each other for the best abs on the planet!!!

The Carolina Panthers RB and former Miss Universe hit the waters for a romantic meal on Monday ... eating up all the Chick-fil-A sandwiches they could fit in their shredded bodies.

OC posted a snap from the getaway on Instagram ... with the couple sharing a kiss in between bites.

"You had me at fried chicken sandwich," Culpo posted.

OC's fellow S.I. Swimsuit model friend Brooks Nader took notice of the biggest takeaway from the picture ... adding the simple caption, "Abs!"

Of course, OC and CMC have been pretty much inseparable ever since they started dating in 2019 ... and we're sure quarantining together has been a hell of a time.

Remember, if you're gonna join Olivia and Christian in eating a bunch of fried chicken, you're not gonna look like them unless you work out nonstop like they do.

Yeah ... we may settle for a salad.

Jay-Z, Beyonce and the kids hopped aboard a private jet Friday for the Hamptons, but not before Bey released a new song -- "Black Parade" -- on Juneteenth.

Bey and Jay were decked out in face masks and super comfy sweatsuits. She's carrying Rumi Carter, and Jay's with Sir Carter. Blue Ivy was also front and center.

Beyonce's new song is an anthem to support black-owned businesses, and proceeds will benefit these small shops and companies. It was inspired by the brutal murder of George Floyd and is all about resilience and empowerment.

Bey said, "Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strentgh and power," adding, "BLACK PARADE celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses."

Drake should get more than 3 points for this shot, but it looks like he's playing solo ... so he wins no matter what. Also, he's playing from his 35,000 sq. ft mansion, so he'd already won.

The rapper was practicing cornhole trick shots Thursday night from long-distance -- about 50 feet away from the second-story window of his Toronto palace, and put one right in the hole after a few tries.

He was pretty pumped about it ... as was his lone spectator -- the guy recording the toss for the 'Gram.

Drake captioned his epic next-level shot, "Highlight of summer 2020 so far."

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas are getting the hell outta Los Angeles -- but they ain't flyin' solo -- Ben's kids are comin' along too!

Ben, Ana and at least two of his kiddos were spotted boarding a private jet Wednesday on their way to what we're guessing will be some rest and relaxation. Ana's pooch even made the trip to make it a true bonding experience.

The private jet seems pretty practical during the age of COVID-19, plenty of legroom, personalized service and not to mention some serious social distancing from strangers.

It's unclear where the group is headed ... but the trip isn't the first time we've seen Ben's kids hang with his new gf. Violet, Seraphina and Samuel were seen on a neighborhood stroll with Ben and Ana just last month ... they also brought their dog for some exercise.