newsmakers

newsmakers

Chrissie Hynde closes vegetarian restaurant

AKRON

Pretenders’ frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has closed her vegetarian restaurant in her hometown of Akron.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports Hynde posted the shutdown notice Sunday on the VegiTerranean restaurant Web site and blamed the struggling economy.

She said she and the staff had tried to keep the restaurant open, but the economic climate didn’t make that possible.

Hynde opened the downtown Akron restaurant four years ago.

In 2009, Hynde campaigned against a recall effort targeting Mayor Donald Plusquellic and credited him with doing a good job to revive downtown Akron.

He survived the recall effort.

‘Idol’ champ McCreery to sing at World Series

NEW YORK

“American Idol” champ Scotty McCreery is getting a dream gig: Not only is the avid baseball fan going to this year’s World Series, he’ll sing the national anthem.

McCreery has been tapped to perform before Game One of the World Series, which is scheduled to start Oct. 19. McCreery’s love of baseball was highlighted during his “American Idol” championship run.

McCreery calls the opportunity “incredible” and says singing there will be like putting his “two greatest loves together.”

He says he’s looking forward to seeing which teams will be playing; the division championship series are just under way.

The budding country star releases his debut album, “Clear as Day,” today.

Nimoy attends his final ‘Star Trek’ convention

ROSEMONT, Ill.

Leonard Nimoy has attended his final “Star Trek” convention.

The 80-year-old actor, best-known for playing Mr. Spock in the original TV series that began in September 1966, formed four fingers into a V for Vulcan sign and intoned to fans Spock’s most-famous phrase: “Live long and prosper.”

Nimoy has said the convention in suburban Chicago celebrating the 45th anniversary of “Star Trek” would be his last.

He spoke for an hour about his life and career and thanked fans for their support over the years. Some held signs saying: “We love you Leonard! Live long & prosper.”

Creation Entertainment organizes the “Star Trek” conventions. Company CEO Adam Malin says the company has toured and collaborated with Nimoy for nearly three decades and that Nimoy “will be missed.”

Vindicator wire services