Entertainment and World News Wednesday

Hello and welcome to the Wednesday edition of Entertainment and World News. Today we cover a variety of stories involving our military, entertainment, music, book recommendations, and more. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Thank you for reading!

Today's top story comes from Fort Drum, an Army base in Watertown, NY and home of the 10th Mountain Division. During a training mission at the base there were a reported 10 soldiers that had been struck by lighting and at 5 of those have been hospitalized. We do not have any word yet on the extent of their injuries.   The soldiers were struck while out in the range area of the base during a training exercise during the storm. There will be an update on the status of the soldiers and names if possible. In the mean time please keep these soldiers in your prayers.

Dexter star James Remar is today's celebrity of the day. He was seen by TMZ patching up a bleeding homeless man in need of help. The man was sitting outside of a store and bleeding from a very bad head wound. Mr. Remar went into the store, purchased gauze and antiseptic ointment and helped clean the man up. James Remar, we here at Entertainment and World News salute you. I wish more people would reach out and help others like you.

Ron Palillo, of "Welcome Back Kotter" fame has passed away in Palm Beach Gardens, FL at the age of 63. Ron was known for his role as Horshack on the beloved show and suffered an apparent heart attack. My thoughts and prayers are going out to his family, friends, and many fans. Rest in peace, thank you for the joy you gave so many while you were here.

For those who have ever tuned in, you probably know and love America's daytime sweetheart, Kelly Ripa of "Live With Kelly". But did you also know that Kelly and her husband Mark also have their own production studio called Milojo Productions? Named after each of their children, this is just one of the many hats Kelly wears each day. She is a mother of three, the star of a two time Emmy Award winning show, she's the spokeswoman for Electrolux, She has her own shoe line (RYKA), and she also spends a considerable amount of time raising funds for charities like the OCRF, Wounded Warrior Project, and several others. One of her greatest qualities is that even though she has all this going on-she is still kind and very welcoming each day to fans who attend her show. She has been quoted as saying. "choose one person each day and make them feel special". She does this every single day. If you are a fan of Kelly, here are some sites to check out:

On Twitter you can follow her @KellyRipa, and @LiveKelly (the show account)

you can also follow her fan page @RockOnTeamRipa for the latest on all things Kelly!

On Facebook you can follow her fanpage LIVE! With Kelly and hit like for updates!

For more information on Kelly's charities or for information on getting tickets to the show go to the LIVE! With Kelly website 

Today's book recommendations are: "When Elephants Weep-The Emotional Lives of Animals"  and

  "The Art Of Racing in the Rain". Both are excellent reads! 

"When Elephants Weep" is a very touching book that looks into the very real emotional lives of animals and how we can affect them. In this book the author shares stories of  Buffalo's who ICE SKATE, pet dogs who show a variety of emotions from disappointment, to joy and grief, crows that used the Kremlin as a slide and more. A wonderful book for all who love animals. This will touch your heart.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a very well written fictional book that gives the reader an idea of the world through the eyes of Enzo the dog. This is such an incredibly illustrated very heartfelt book about Enzo and the life he shares with his human. We see the family dynamics change, environments change, and we see Enzo grow and change. What remains constant is all this is told by Enzo in the first person. This story will change the way you view your pets-and it will make you hold them even closer. It will make you laugh, cry, and beg for a sequel. Two thumbs up for this great book!

In sports news, Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson has been fired from the Miami Dolphins following a domestic violence incidence involving him and his wife. In a police statement, Mr. Johnson head butted his wife Evelyn during an argument. Evelyn has officially filed for divorce from Johnson and I say good for her. NO MAN should ever hit a woman. PERIOD. Domestic violence is never ok and this has to stop. I also give props to the Miami Dolphins for taking immediate action and firing Johnson for this. Many times these sports stars are babied and never learn their lesson when they commit a crime. My prayers are going out to Evelyn and the rest of the family during this time. She did the best thing for herself by getting away because the violence will never stop. Once someone abuses you-that is a red flag to get away and stay away. If you are in a dangerous situation there are many places you can go for help to get away. Contact VERA House or your local authorities, church, or even a trusted friend-do not feel like it is your fault and do not get trapped into staying in an abusive situation. GET HELP.