‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ star John Schneider says AI cannot simulate ‘heart’ and ‘soul’

“The Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider isn’t afraid of artificial intelligence.

“What AI does not have and what AI cannot simulate is a heart, is a soul. So, I’m not afraid of AI,” he told Fox News Digital.

Schneider gave an analogy, comparing the technology to artificial dairy coffee creamer, to explain why he’s not concerned.

“A lot of people are talking about AI like it’s this terrible, terrible thing that’s coming in. I think it’s powdered cream at best,” he said. “You know, it’s Coffee-mate. It will never be half-and-half. It’ll never even be 2% [milk]. It’s always going to be powdered cow.”

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He continued, “Now, it may be good, it may taste good, but it ain’t milk and it ain’t half-and-half. It is not a dairy product. So, I’m not concerned about it. I don’t think anybody should be concerned about it.”

Artificial intelligence loomed large over Hollywood this year, with the technology being a key issue in negotiations during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes over the summer and fall.

WGA ratified their contract on Sept. 25 and SAG-AFTRA ratified theirs on Dec. 5; both expire in 2026.

Like many other actors and creatives in entertainment, Schneider feels that the human element will never be fully removed from the creative process.

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“When the rubber hits the road, great content comes from inspiration, which I think comes when your heart and your soul bump up against each other,” the 63-year-old said. “And that’s not going to happen in AI.”

He added with a laugh, “So there, take that, AI! I’m not worried about you. You Coffee-mate, powder-cow phony!”

WATCH: ‘THE DUKES OF HAZZARD’ STAR JOHN SCHNEIDER CALLS AI ‘PHONY’

Schneider is currently starring in the new family-friendly Christmas comedy “Jingle Smells,” which was executive-produced by FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity and Logan Sekulow. Released on Nov. 23 on Rumble, the holiday film also stars Eric Roberts, Ben Davies, Brad Stine, Jim Breuer, Victoria Jackson and Dylan Postl.

“People are excited to be able to sit and watch and enjoy a movie with their whole family again,” Schneider said. “Those opportunities really aren’t around anymore.”

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He continued, “‘Jingle Smells’ is in fact one of those. And I think it’s going to be around for years and years to come. It’s a very fun movie.”

The actor also recently launched John Schneider’s Revenuer’s Reserve Premium Moonshine, which sold out on the first day of its launch this month.

“We’ve done now two runs of 10,000 bottles. And they’re gone in three weeks,” he said. “That’s 20,000 bottles apparently in three weeks. It’s crazy.”

Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this report.

Kirk Herbstreit's son, an Ohio State tight end, 'in good spirits' after hospitalization with heart 'issues'

Zak Herbstreit, the son of Kirk Herbstreit and a current tight end at Ohio State, is home from the hospital.

The 21-year-old was in stable condition with what his father called “some issues with his heart.”

The ESPN analyst said “the last five or six days have been kind of a whirlwind,” but things are trending upward for his son.

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“He’s in good spirits, he’s home with us where his mom can take really good care of him,” the former quarterback told “The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday.” This is just going to be a long process to kind of see how his heart responds to some of the medications that he’s on. This is a three- or four-month kind of thing to kind of see how it recovers. But the key is being patient and positive.”

The elder Herbstreit said the hospitalization “came out of nowhere,” and they initially thought he had pneumonia, but further testing showed otherwise.

“I really would encourage anybody who’s playing sports to go a little bit more than just doing your normal physical or even EKG wiring, that’s not really enough,” Kirk said, “The [echocardiogram] is what you really need to discover some things that potentially can be scary. We’re very fortunate that he got the echo and found some stuff. … He had very few symptoms. You would never know that he was dealing with what he’s dealing with.”

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“I have had a bit of a setback these past couple of weeks. Not feeling right,” Zak said. “Culminated with tests results this past Friday that forced me into the hospital. I have some of the best cardiologists looking after me, and I am beyond appreciative. We are doing a number of tests and conjuring a plan to ensure that I will be able to be back to feeling normal again. I appreciate the overwhelming support over the past couple of days. I am feeling good and hope to be out of the hospital soon.”

Zak Herbstreit has been with the Buckeyes since 2021. He previously played tight end for Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a third-generation Ohio State football player; his grandfather, Jim Herbstreit, played running back, and his father started at quarterback from 1989 to 1993.

Ohio State is coming off an appearance in the College Football Playoff and will enter the upcoming season ranked as the No. 4 team in the country in the preseason coaches poll. The Buckeyes kick off the 2023 season on Sept. 2 against Minnesota.

Fox News’ Chantz Martin contributed to this report.

Be well: Floss your teeth daily for better heart health

Less plaque, fewer cavities and healthier gums may be the more obvious benefits of flossing your teeth — but did you know it could also lower your risk of heart disease?

“There are a lot of studies that have talked about — at least for periodontal disease — the connection between gum disease and heart health,” said Sasha Ross, DMD, a periodontist for Cleveland Clinic

Gum disease can cause high blood pressure and lead to inflammation and bacteria in the heart, research has shown, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

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“There’s really a very strong association between the two, where patients who have periodontal disease are at a much greater risk for having heart disease, stroke or other issues like that,” Dr. Ross also told Fox News Digital.

Some 43% of adults 30 and older have some type of gum disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For adults 65 and older, that number rises to 70%.

Some people are more susceptible to complications even if they brush and floss every day, while others can do the bare minimum but have no issues at all, Dr. Ross pointed out. 

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Those who have heart valve disease are at a higher risk, according to Dr. Marietta Ambrose, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.

“The bacteria that live in your mouth when you have gum disease can cross into your bloodstream, enter the heart and directly infect the vulnerable heart valves,” she said in a 2022 article on Penn Medicine’s website. 

“That’s especially concerning in our patients who have artificial heart valves.”

People should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, either before or after brushing, says the American Dental Association (ADA).

Some signs of flossing negligence include bleeding or swollen gums, plaque buildup, cavities, loose teeth, bad breath and gum recession, Dr. Ross said.

“I think a lot of people are never taught how to properly floss and what kind of floss to use, so at one of these visits we can work with you and show you how to do it,” she said. 

“Then just make it part of your daily routine. I say it’s really good to floss once a day, ideally at night before you go to bed.”

For those who are unsure about the proper way to floss, Dr. Ross recommends using a water pick or special brushes designed to clean between the teeth.

For best results, here are specific flossing instructions, as shared by Healthline.

Break off around 18 to 24 inches of floss. 

Wrap it around both middle fingers and hold the floss taut.

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Glide the floss up and down between each tooth. 

Avoid pulling the floss up into the gums, as this can cause bruising or injury.

As the floss reaches the gums, curve it slightly to allow it to clean the space between the gums and the tooth.

For each tooth, use a new, clean section of floss.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visit a dentist regularly and limit sugary foods and drinks to protect dental health, the ADA recommends.

To read more pieces in Fox News Digital’s “Be Well” series, click here.

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf doing well after heart surgery

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf is doing well after undergoing a planned surgical procedure “in the heart area,” the palace said Monday.

The surgery “went according to plan and the King is doing well,” the royal household said. “The king thanks for all the support and the warmth shown to him and feels grateful for Swedish healthcare.”

The official announcement did not elaborate on the nature of the surgery. The king is not known to have had surgery for a any serious ailment before.

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After the surgery, the 76-year-monarch will take a rest period, meaning that his planned commitments this month and in early March will be pushed back to later this spring.

The king ascended the throne on Sept. 15, 1973 and is the longest reigning monarch in Sweden. Later this year, the king will celebrate his 50 years on the throne.

The royal family is hugely popular in Sweden. The monarchy enjoys widespread support despite the egalitarianism that otherwise characterizes society in the Nordic country.