Thursday, November 30, 2023 – Edition: #7608
Another Sheetload of Bull!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Shannen Doherty says her cancer has spread to her bones, but she’s trying to stay positive. In an interview with People, the 52-year-old actress said “I don’t want to die. I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better.” Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Two years later, she went into remission, but in 2019, the cancer returned. In June, Doherty revealed via social media that the cancer had spread to her brain. She hopes to get into clinical trials as new treatments are developed, and said: “My greatest memory is yet to come.”
-People, OK!
★ Mark Cuban already has a name in mind to fill his seat on “Shark Tank”. The Dallas Mavs owner, who just announced that he has sold his majority interest in the team, and announced that he is leaving the ABC series after over 10 years, said his top pick is Emma Grede. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because she is the co-founder of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS and Khloe Kardashian’s Good American brands. She’s also served as a recurring shark since 2021, making her the first Black woman investor on the show. Speaking with TMZ, Cuban said she is “insanely good.”
-NYPost
★ Audiences have a renewed interest in “Squid Game”, thanks to the release of Netflix’s reality competition series based on the hit Korean show. “Squid Game: The Challenge” debuted at #1 among the streamer’s English-language programming last week, with 20.1M views. That’s a big showing for a TV series in its first week, especially with only 5 episodes available. The remaining episodes will roll out over the next 2 weeks. Squid Game, Netflix’s most popular series of all-time, also benefited, returning to the Non-English TV list, where it landed at #6.
-Deadline
★ In the wake of 3 lawsuits alleging sexual assault, Sean “Diddy” Combs has temporarily stepped aside as chairman of Revolt, the music-oriented TV network he co-founded in 2013. A statement posted to Revolt’s Instagram reads, in part: “While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps to ensure that Revolt remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people.” Combs maintains his innocence.
-Variety
★ The house from “A Christmas Story” apparently didn’t sell to a private owner after all — the group managing it has just announced a new owner – and it’s one of their own. The property operates as a tourist attraction in Cleveland, giving people a chance to tour it and stay overnight. But last year, the company announced its plan to sell it, and find an owner who could either continue running it as a museum, or live in it as a regular home. That sparked interest from a group of actors from the 1983 film, spearheaded by Yano Anaya. It appeared that that group would acquire the place, but that deal must have fallen through, because the business page for “A Christmas Story House” now says the new owner is current CEO, Joshua Dickerson.
-TMZ
★ Jana Kramer will star in Lifetime’s first-ever movie featuring a sex scene. The “One Tree Hill” star, who filmed her parts in “A Cowboy Christmas Romance” while pregnant, said on her podcast: “When I read it, I was like, ‘Well, this is gonna be interesting…How are we gonna do this with the baby belly?” Kramer portrays ‘Lexie Crenshaw’, a real estate “closer” who returns to her hometown in Arizona, to try to convince a horse-whispering rancher to give up his family’s land. Of the sex scene, she said: “It’s still Lifetime, it’s still family. But it was pushing limits there, too.” A Cowboy Christmas Romance premieres on Lifetime on Dec. 9.
-NYPost
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Sarah Silverman, Dwight Yoakam
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Josh Groban, John Stamos, Tyla, Mick Jagger (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Barbra Streisand (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Josh Gad, Joe Pera (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Venita Aspen, Jarrett “JT” Thomas
• “The Daily Show (COM): Guest host Michelle Wolf, Dr Stu Fischbein
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies, Brian Stelter
• “The Talk” (CBS): Joel McHale
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Melissa McCarthy, Kurt and Wyatt Russell
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Jennifer Garner, Tony Gonzalez
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Delilah
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Winnie Harlow, Dionne Warwick and Damon Elliott
• “The Golden Bachelor” (ABC): Season 1 finale, and ‘After the Final Rose’
• “Caught!” (DSC): Series premiere. Jewel thieves use their imagination for huge scores; ATMs face brutal assaults from heavy machinery, a daring attempt to rob an armored car.
• “Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays” (FOOD): Selena Gomez welcomes Chef Alex Guarnaschelli to help with a meal for her tree-trimming party.
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (NBC): An animated tale about the lonely and heartless Grinch who dresses as Santa to steal Christmas decorations, gifts and the feast from the people of Whoville.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Charli XCX — is engaged! Tuesday, she took to Instagram to announce that she said “yes” to George Daniel, the drummer and producer for The 1975. She also gave an indication of how Daniel must have proposed: a pic showing 2 tea cups, flowers, a candle, and an engagement ring sitting on a tray table on top of a bed. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/n6f8udsy
• Tate McRae – The 20-year-old Canadian’s hit ‘Greedy’ is #1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. The song is currently at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Mariah Carey – Her seasonal chestnut ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ has jumped from #17-4 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Dec. 2. Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ has also returned to the top 10, leaping from #32-13.
• Foo Fighters — Dave Grohl had a “no cursing” sign made to remind him not to swear during his weekend show in Abu Dhabi at the Grand Prix after-race concert. Swearing is strictly prohibited in the UAE, and use of the F-word is punishable by up to one year in prison. Grohl told the crowd it was “the first time ever” he’d made it through a live set without swearing. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/fe984k3
• Heart – Ann Wilson said in an interview that the band will go on if the group’s upcoming shows, their first since 2019, feel right. Quote: “It’s gotta be real. No going through the motions. No phoning it in. No just getting on some kind of circuit just to take people’s money.” She and sister Nancy are also working on potential new Heart music.
• Spinal Tap – Director Rob Reiner has confirmed that a sequel to 1984’s “This is Spinal Tap” will begin shooting next year. Returning as members of everyone’s favorite pathetic heavy metal band are stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer, with appearances by Paul McCartney, Elton John and Garth Brooks. (Will they call it “Spinal Tap 2”, or “Spinal Tap 11”?)
• Kenny Chesney – Three weeks after announcing the “Sun Goes Down Tour”, he has added additional summer shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough MA, plus 3 new shows in MLS venues. Previously announced dates were set for NFL stadiums. Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker will support Chesney during 2 new shows in Ohio (June 29 and Aug. 8) and another in Utah (July 16).
• Chayce Beckham — The “American Idol” alum will drop his new song ‘This Ol’ Rodeo’ tomorrow. He’s currently at #17 and rising on the country charts with his autobiographical single ‘23’.
• Kelsea Ballerini and Mickey Guyton – are 2 of the stars who will perform at the annual All for the Hall charity benefit show Dec. 5 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The event will also feature Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Hardy, and the War and Treaty, plus Patty Loveless and Trisha Yearwood. Keith Urban and Vince Gill will co-host.
SHOOTING THE BULL
MAN’S BEST FRIEND – NOW EVEN BETTER!
A San Francisco biotech company has announced that the FDA has conditionally approved its “longevity drug” for dogs. (Paws for applause!) That’s correct, “Loyal” claims its life-lengthening injections, known as “LOY-001”, work by decreasing the amount of the growth hormone IGF-1, which is in abundance in large dogs. The problem is that it not only causes larger breeds to grow, it also reduces their lifespan. This helps explain why some smaller dogs can live as long as 20 years, while very large dogs such as Great Danes and Newfoundlands may only live 7-8 years. The injection would only be given to dogs over age 7, so as not to interfere with their growth. It is not known how many years the LOY-001 will add to a dog’s life. The drug still must undergo a series of complicated tests for full approval. Loyal hopes to make it available in 2026.
(I’ve said it before: The only thing that keeps dogs from being perfect is that they don’t live long enough. Now – they’re perfect! Oh – except for that ‘rolling in poo’ thing…forgot about that!)
(You’ve got to admit, though, that a ‘Miniature Great Dane’ or ‘Miniature Newfoundland’ would be pretty interesting!)
-NYPost, Insider
CHECKING IN WHEN YOU’VE CHECKED OUT:
Here’s a little something to think about as you dream of a mid-winter getaway: When you are lucky enough to go on vacation, do you call your family and close friends? In a new survey, one in 4 claim they “always” keep in touch with loved ones when traveling (24%), one in 8 admit they “rarely” or “never” do – and just try to enjoy their time away. The poll of 2,000 Americans who have traveled abroad in the past 5 years also found that more than half (58%) said they require “recovery time” when they arrive at their destination. And the average person spends 4 days in “recovery mode” after the trip ends. And what might these people be recovering from? Nearly a quarter of those surveyed have at least 3 “panic” moments while traveling internationally. The most common moments of panic include issues with their flight being canceled or missed, losing their luggage, or not being able to understand or speak the language of the country they’re visiting.
(My biggest panic moment usually comes when I see my credit card balance!)
(I know one thing: I definitely don’t call my mother-in-law when we’re away. But it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s because she always comes along!)
-StudyFinds
THE GOODS ON A BAKED GOOD:
Because this is the type of information that you NEED TO KNOW, and because it’s the info that you count on us for…a “Sesame Street” staffer has spilled the baked goods on how the cookies are made that the ‘Cookie Monster’ scarfs down on the show. Puppet wrangler Lara McLean told the New York Times that the Cookie Monster’s cookies are, in fact real, although the recipe doesn’t sound all that appetizing. McLean, who started working for the show as an intern in 1992, bakes the cookies for the show at home. Ingredients include: Pancake mix, puffed rice, Grape-Nuts, instant coffee and water, flattened into cookie shape. The chocolate chips are dots of colored hot glue. She says this mixture results in a crispy, crackling, flat ‘cookie’, which is “kind of like a dog treat.” A typical episode requires about 2 dozen cookies. Ideally, the script calls for crumbs to fly all over the place, and when that happens, it’s best to be careful of the “shrapnel” that comes when the Cookie Monster is doing what he does best. After all, if he munched a cookie and it only broke into 2 pieces, that just wouldn’t be funny. McLean reinvented the “crumby” recipe in the 2000s, after the previous cookies just weren’t cutting it. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2xkfsxa4
(…tune to “Recipes of the Stars” again tomorrow, when we’ll find out how Beyonce makes her famous lemonade!)
(Cookie Monster accepted cookies before accepting cookies was a thing!)
-Messenger
FUNNIEST TWEETS OF THE WEEK FROM PARENTS:
⇒ What I said: Mommy is really sick and needs to rest now. What my 2yo heard: Let’s review every shape I’ve ever learned about – Mommeh Thee Dearest
⇒ 8: “I’m running fast! I’m going like….like …10 miles per hour!! Maybe even 5!!” Homeschooling is going well. – Dadman Walking
⇒ Me: “Wow, a weekend without much to do, this is glorious.” My kids: “THERE IS NOTHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND LETS MAKE PLANS.” – Meg St-Esprit
⇒ Picked my kid up from a playdate at a pristine home and the mom said “excuse the mess” so I guess that’s the end of that friendship. – I Hide From My Kids
⇒ My son caught me kicking crumbs under the fridge. I had to bribe him with ice cream, so he didn’t tell mom. This wasn’t in the parenting books. – Robert Knop
⇒ Cut my son’s peanut butter sandwich into the shape of a carrot so he’d get some vegetables. – Mumnipotent Ruler
⇒ The teacher who told my son “men are the providers and women are the caregivers” just emailed to say she needs a cantaloupe for the class tomorrow and damn, I sure hope one of those dads she emailed provides – Lyz Lenz
⇒ “Mama, I know how SpongeBob SquarePants got his name”- my kid, solving the mysteries of the universe – mom mom mom mom mom
⇒ Listen I know the term “wedgie” has been working just fine for us up until now but if we’re looking for something new, my 4-year-old just said “my bum is full of pajamas.” – Kristen Mulrooney
-HuffPost
DID YOU KNOW?
Losing can definitely bring out the worst in some people — especially sports fans. And a new study suggests that sports team losses can trigger violent and irrational behavior among fans. Conducted in South America, the research analyzed the brain activity of soccer fans, and found that victory activates the brain’s reward systems. Defeat? That can impair a fan’s cognitive control, raising the likelihood of violent or disruptive behavior. (Yet, they’ll still buy a new team jersey next season!)
-StudyFinds
BS CHRONOMETER 11.30.23
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Stay Home Because You’re Well Day”, a day to call in ‘well’ instead of having to fake sickness in order to get a day off. (Try it…your co-workers will love you!) [A survey found that 6% of adults have “called in well” in order to go holiday shopping. Have you?]
• “International Computer Security Day”, to remind us to protect our computers, programs, and data at home and work. (There was a huge cyber-attack over the weekend, and the government is still looking for the hacker. They think he ‘ran some ware’. Sorry about that…)
• “Mousse Day”, an annual celebration of the divine dessert made from egg whites and cream. Did you know that ‘mousse’ is the French word for ‘foam’? It’s a fitting name for this light, fluffy, and decadent confection.
• “National Methamphetamine Awareness Day”, a day of education and awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine. Meth is a potent and highly-addictive stimulant, and one of the most dangerous drugs. Today, learn more about meth addiction or spread the word by using #NationalMethAwarenessDay.
• “Mason Jar Day”, celebrating the jar used for canning and countless other purposes, on the anniversary of the day John Mason patented it in 1858. Well into the 20th century, that patent and the date were embossed on every authentic mason jar.
• “St Andrew’s Day”, honoring the patron saint of Scotland who hurled his last haggis in 60 AD. It’s Scotland’s official national day. Be sure to dust off your sporran!
• “Personal Space Day”, to promote and support awareness of personal space boundaries. (Something my toddler definitely doesn’t understand when I’m in the bathroom…)
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] Christmas Lights Day
[Fri] Wear a Dress Day
[Sat] Mutt Day
[Sun] Advent Sunday
This Month is…Pomegranate Month
This Month is…Vegan Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1937 [86] Ridley Scott, South Shields England, movie producer-director (“The Martian”, “Gladiator”, “Alien”) COMING UP… “Gladiator 2”, 2024
1952 [71] Mandel “Mandy” Patinkin, Chicago IL, TV actor (‘Saul Berenson’ on “Homeland” 2011-20)/movie actor (“The Princess Bride”)/Broadway actor
1955 [68] Billy Idol (William Broad), Stanmore England, punk-ish rocker (‘White Wedding’, ‘Rebel Yell’)
1957 [66] Colin Mochrie, Kilmarnock Scotland (raised Vancouver BC), improv comedian (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” 1998-2004, 2013-present)
1965 [58] Ben Stiller, NYC, movie actor (“Night at the Museum” films, “Meet the Parents” films)/movie producer-director (“Tropic Thunder”, “Blades of Glory”)/son of Jerry Stiller
1965 [58] Ryan Murphy, Indianapolis IN, TV producer (“American Horror Story” since 2011, “Glee” 2009-15, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”)
1978 [45] Clay Aiken (Clayton Grissom), Raleigh NC, pop singer (‘Invisible’, ‘This is the Night’/2nd -place finisher behind Ruben Studdard on the second season of “American Idol”)/stage actor (“Spamalot”)
1982 [41] Elisha Cuthbert, Calgary AB (raised Longueuil QC), TV actress (“The Ranch” 2016-20, “24″ 2001-10)/movie actress (“Old School”)/married to ex-NHLer Dion Phaneuf
1985 [38] Kaley Cuoco, Camarillo CA, TV actress (“The Big Bang Theory” 2007-19, “8 Simple Rules” 2002-05, “The Flight Attendant” 2020-22) COMING UP… “Role Play”
1985 [38] Chrissy Teigen, Delta UT, TV host (“Lip Sync Battle” 2015-19, “Chrissy’s Court” since 2020)/fashion model (“Sports Illustrated”)/married to John Legend since 2013
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2013 [10] “Fast & Furious” star Paul Walker (age 40) and a friend are killed in a single car accident in Santa Clarita CA
2017 [06] Comedian/actor/singer Jim Nabors (“The Andy Griffith Show”, “Gomer Pyle, USMC”) dies at age 87
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1977 [46] Bing Crosby’s final Christmas special airs, 1½ months after his death. It is remembered for his duet with David Bowie, a modified version of ‘Little Drummer Boy’, with Bowie singing his new ‘Peace on Earth’ lyrics
1982 [41] Michael Jackson releases “Thriller”, which becomes the best-selling album worldwide (currently at 51.2 million in certified sales)
2022 [01] Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac dies from a stroke at 79
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2022 [01] The Artificial intelligence chatbot “ChatGPT” prototype is released by OpenAI. It is able to answer complex questions, write poetry and mimic some human emotions
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2004 [19] After amassing $2.52 million on “Jeopardy!”, Ken Jennings is finally knocked off by Nancy Zerg on a question about taxes (during his record 75-game run, he gives correct responses to over 2,700 clues, and was the winner of TV’s all-time biggest game-show haul; he currently hosts the show)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ The average speed of a PGA Tour golf ball in flight is 160 mph (257 kph).
✓ The human nose can remember 50,000 different scents.
✓ The human brain is composed of 60% fat, making it our fattiest organ.
✓ If it happened before the year 476 A.D., it’s ‘ancient’. After 476 A.D., it’s ‘medieval’.
✓ There are more car accidents during winter, but they are generally less severe than accidents occurring in other seasons, because most happen at lower speeds.
✓ At -90°F (-68°C), your breath will freeze in mid-air – and drop to the ground.
-DidYouKnow, BathroomReadersInstitute, FastFacts
Best of BS . . .
BS BENEFITS OF WINTER WEIGHT GAIN:
• Makes a good “before” picture
• Harder to kidnap
• No longer need to ask the question, “Does my butt look big in these jeans?”
• Big savings on home heating
• Friends all want to come to visit because they know that you have pizza, cookies and pie
• The only running you have to do is to get in the front of the line at Krispy Kreme
• Make extra cash by selling your skinny jeans on eBay
• Thinner friends want you in all their pictures
• Hides your summer body, which was also last year’s winter body
• You can still say your stomach is flat…but the “L” is silent
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018
BS WHYZITS:
• Whyzit women can’t put on mascara with their mouths closed?
• Whyzit you never see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”?
• Whyzit Noah didn’t swat that pair of mosquitoes?
• If flying is so safe, whyzit they call an airport a ‘terminal’?
• Whyzit books have a bunch of blank pages at the very end?
• Whyzit a guy is called a ‘running back’ in football when he is running forward?
• Whyzit they are called ‘stairs’ inside but ‘steps’ outside?
• Whyzit there’s a light in the fridge but not in the freezer?
• If croutons are made from stale bread, whyzit they come in airtight packages?
• Whyzit toasters have a setting that burns toast to a horrible crisp which no human being would eat?
-First published in BS in 2016
BS WEB GOODIE:
True (sound up): https://tinyurl.com/bdfxjh9j
BS RANDOM JOKE:
I live by the mantra that there’s no limit to what I can do…especially when I’m supposed to be doing something else!
BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s the most awkward thing that happens to you on a regular basis?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: Only 1 in 8 people will NOT do this between now and the end of the year. What is it?
Answer: Gain weight
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
