Friday, November 28, 2008        Edition: #3911
December Planning Calendar in Today’s Issue!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
19-year-old Toronto native-turned-“90210” star Shenae Grimes says people who wonder about rumors swirling around her – that she has an eating disorder, behaves badly on set, and is a party girl – should ask her before believing what they read (so she has a chance to say “no comment”) . . . 22-year-old once-in-a-while actress Lindsay Lohan has been caught on tape in a Washington DC club surreptitiously mixing booze & Red Bull and slamming ‘em back (seems that 3rd time in rehab wasn’t such a charm) . . . MTV has confirmed the ‘secret’ wedding of Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico will play a prominent role in the upcoming 5th season of “The Hills”, including their honeymoon – which is currently being filmed (in case you thought they couldn’t get any cheesier) . . . “Four Christmases” actress Reese Witherspoon says she wouldn’t mind being the next A-lister to guest on NBC-TV’s “30 Rock” (it’s untrue Tina Fey has responded they’ll call next time they need someone with an impossibly pointy chin) . . . After the last one was cancelled due to the writers’ strike, “Vanity Fair” magazine is bringing back its star-studded Oscar party next year but it will be ‘scaled down’ due to the economic crunch (only one diamond-studded shoe per guest) . . . Insiders say has-been pop star Whitney Houston & her loser ex-husband Bobby Brown may be getting back together – for the sake of their daughter (if that’s the worry, do her a favor and put her up for adoption!) . . . And FOX-TV has announced it’s dumping Saturday-morning cartoons and replacing them with – infomercials (great, now your 6-year-old will be waking you up demanding a Chia pet).

WEEKEND SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Black & White Ball” – SUNDAY rapper Nelly & music producer Jermaine Dupri host the 3rd annual formal attire gala in St Louis MO that draws oodles of celebs and this year will include the creation of a new scholarship program.
• “Britney: For the Record” (MTV) – SUNDAY this 90-minute exclusive documentary follows Brit during a 3-month period including sessions for her album, “Circus”, and preparations for her appearance on the “MTV Video Music Awards”. We learn all the exciting details of how the poor girls lost her way … then found the limelight again.
• “Gemini Awards” (E!/Showcase) – TONIGHT at a Toronto gala the leading contenders for Canada’s 2008 top television honors include “Murdoch Mysteries” (14 nominations), “Durham County” (13), “The Tudors” and “The Englishman’s Boy” (12 apiece).
• Jewel – TODAY she’s selling copies of her first country album, “Perfectly Clear”, on her website for a minimum $1 donation to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville.
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS) – TONIGHT country star Faith Hill performs.
• New Jersey Hall of Fame – SUNDAY 10 new inductees for the hall’s 2nd class will be announced. Actor Jack Nicholson, rocker Jon Bon Jovi, and NBA star Shaquille O’Neal are among the 30 nominees this year. (A real honor except … it’s New Jersey.)
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC/Global) – Movie actress Anne Hathaway hosts; The Killers (“Human”) are the musical guests.
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/A Channel) – TONIGHT Brit band Kaiser Chiefs are onstage.
• “24 Hour Plays Gala” – SUNDAY London’s Old Vic Theatre artistic director, actor Kevin Spacey, leads a stellar cast of performers, directors, and writers who tackle the task of writing, rehearsing, and performing 6 new plays in just 24 hours. Among those taking part in the annual fundraiser is Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Guns N’ Roses – Axl Rose’s attorney is accusing Dr Pepper of failing to deliver on its promise of free product for all if “Chinese Democracy” was released in ‘08. The lawyer claims the online redemption scheme is  an ‘unmitigated disaster’ that defrauds customers. He’s demanding the period for the free offer be extended and wants a full-page apology in major newspapers.
• Madonna – The just-wrapped North American leg of her “Sticky & Sweet” tour has grossed some $91.5 million on circa 550,000 tickets. Next up is Mexico & South America through December 21st.
• Miranda Lambert – The “Gunpowder & Lead” country singer has been named a ‘Hero Of the Year’ by “Field & Stream” magazine, cited for being a hunter who shares her love of hunting in her music and for donating game meat to the organization ‘Hunters For the Hungry’.

2008 TACKY TASTE AWARDS:
Syndicated Hollywood columnists Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith have just released the results of their 31st annual poll on the ‘Tackiest Celebrities Of the Year’ …
10. John Mayer … he kisses and tells – the entire media.
9. Lindsay Lohan … other than pitching snit-fits in public, what exactly is it that she does?
8. Russell Brand … the Brit comedian will say anything for a laugh, but it’s usually just crude.
7. Lynn Spears … exploiting her daughter’s personal life to sell a book is just one ‘TT’ example.
6. Mariah Carey … her addiction to excess is all the more disgusting during tough times.
5. Balthazar Getty & Sienna Miller … if you’re gonna cheat on your wife, at least get a room!
4. Miley Cyrus & Billy Ray Cyrus … what kind of dad puts his daughter into such icky photos?
3. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt … hearing about their lives minute-by-minute is becoming tired.
2. Madonna & Guy Ritchie … thank goodness the sniping’s over and the decree nisi on the way.
1. Sarah Palin … for 15 minutes she became the butt of jokes but didn’t even seem to realize it.
– Adapted from Creators.com

LESS LOOT FOR BOOTY CALL:
A new poll of the ultra-rich finds that the mistresses of multimillionaire males are about to feel the global economic pinch. While only 12% of those surveyed say they’ll stop seeing their lovers, over 80% confirm they’ll be cutting back on allowances, expensive gifts, flights, fine dining, and resort vacations. Things are looking better for the lovers of wealthy women, however. Only 20% of rich females say they plan to lower spending, while over 50% claim they’ll actually spend more on their lovers in this tough economic climate. Why? One theory is that, for wealthy women, lovers now matter more than ever because the rest of life is so dreary.
– “Wall Street Journal“

INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHO NEVER LIVED:
10. Rosie the Riveter … a WW2 icon who came to symbolize working women.
9. Daedalus & Icarus … responsible for our ongoing fascination with flight.
8. Cowboys … the flashy singing & gunslinging movie kind.
7. “The Little Engine That Could” … an inspiration to millions.
6. ‘Big Brother’ … single-handedly caused people worldwide to become skeptical of government.
5. The Marlboro Man … worst mass murderer of all time?.
4. Robin Hood … yet another movie about him is currently in production.
3. Romeo & Juliet … an inspiration for lovers everywhere.
2. Barbie … over 1 billion sold worldwide.
1. Santa Claus … what do you mean he never lived, you’re kidding, right?
– Extrapolated from ListUniverse.com

OH GOD, YES!
Sweden’s ‘The Madonna Of the Orgasm Church’ has taken a step closer to official recognition in that country after a court struck down a legal challenge from a group who sought to ban the church in their community. The comparatively new religion was founded by artist Carlos Bebeacua after his painting titled “The Madonna of Orgasm” sparked a violent protest during the 1992 World’s Fair in Spain. “The orgasm is God,” Bebeacua says. “It should be worshiped.”
– “Curious Times”

BS AMAZING FACT:
In 1973, Swedish confectionery salesman Roland Ohisson was buried in a coffin made entirely of chocolate.
– DidYouKnow.org

BS CHRONOMETER 11.28.08
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1949 [59] Paul Shaffer, Thunder Bay ON, TV bandleader (“Late Show With David Letterman” since 1993)/Letterman’s sidekick since 1982

1950 [58] Ed Harris, Tenafly NJ, movie actor (“A History of Violence”, “A Beautiful Mind”) with 4 Oscar nominations but no wins

1952 [56] S Epatha Merkerson, Saginaw MI, TV actress (‘Lt Anita Van Buren’ on “Law & Order” since 1991)/2005 Emmy Award  (“Lackawanna Blues”)

1962 [46] Jon Stewart (Leibowitz), NYC, TV personality (7 Emmy Awards-“The Daily Show”  since 1999)

1974 [34] apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo), Angeles City, Philippines, pop musician (Black Eyed Peas-“My Humps”, “Where Is the Love?”)

1979 [29] Chamillionaire (Hakeem Seriki), Houston TX, rapper (w/Ciara-“Get Up”, “Ridin’”)

SATURDAY –
Movie director Joel Coen (“No Country For Old Men”) is 54; TV personality Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal?”) is 53; Movie actor Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) is 44; Pop singer Jonathan Knight (New Kids On the Block) is 40; TV actor Brian Baumgartner (“The Office”) is 36; Movie actress Anna Faris (“The House Bunny”) is 32; Rapper The Game (“Hate It or Love It”) is 29.

SUNDAY –
TV producer Dick Clark (“American Music Awards”) is 79; Movie director Ridley Scott (“American Gangster”) is 71; Improv comedian Colin Mochrie (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) is 51; Movie actor Ben Stiller (“Tropic Thunder”) is 43; TV actress Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 37; Pop singer Clay Aiken (“Solitaire”) is 30; TV/movie actress Elisha Cuthbert (“24”) is 26.

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Black Friday”, the day after Thanksgiving that’s touted as the biggest single shopping day of the year in America though that’s statistically untrue. The ‘black’ refers to retailers finally turning a profit after spending much of the year ‘in the red’.
• “Buy Nothing Day”, a 24 hour moratorium on holiday shopping (today in North America; tomorrow internationally), created as a protest against outlandish consumption and commercialism, particularly during the holiday season.
NET: http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd
• “Decorate Your Dog Day” to help your pooch get into the holiday spirit. (Tomorrow is ‘Get Back at the Master By Leaving a Present in her Slipper Day’.)
• “French Toast Day”. Either bread dipped in egg and fried … or perhaps a big ol’ glass of Champagne?
• “National Flossing Day”, a day that truly has ‘strings attached’.
• “Sinkie Day”, the 17th annual celebration of the time-honored tradition of eating a snack (or an entire meal) over the kitchen sink. People prone to the practice are known as ‘sinkies’.
NET: http://www.sinkie.com

SATURDAY –
• “Electronic Greetings Day”, another excuse to junk up other people’s email, text messaging, voicemail, etc with useless chaff you’d never think of writing down on a piece of paper and buying a stamp to send. Great idea though!
• “Square Dance Day”, a chance to get out and ‘dosey-doe’ with your partner. So swing your partner ‘round and ‘round, pick ‘em on up and throw ‘em on the ground. Yee haw!

SUNDAY –
• “International Computer Security Day”, to remind us to protect our computers, programs, and data at home and work. Remember, always practise safe surfin’!
• “St Andrew’s Day”, honoring the patron saint of Scotland who hurled his last haggis in 60 AD. Be sure to dust off your sporran!
• “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. Hey, it’s Sunday. You likely already have the day off … unless you work retail.

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1925 [83] 1st radio broadcast of ‘Grand Ole Opry’ (WSM-Nashville)

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENT . . .
1997 [11] Danbert Nobacon [NO’-bay-kon] of one-hit-wonder group Chumbawamba (“Tubthumping”) is arrested in Florence, Italy for … wearing a skirt (later released when a cop recognizes the name Chumbawamba)

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1895 [113] 1st American auto race begins in Chicago (J Frank Duryea’s winning car averages 7.5 mph, using 3.5 gallons of gasoline … and 19 gallons of water!)

1979 [29] 1st NHL goaltender to score a goal (Billy Smith-NY Islanders)

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1985 [23] Errol Bird of Lisbon, Northern Ireland sets world record with 26 hours of continuous yodeling (but he’s never invited to a party again)

BS MONTHLY PLANNING CALENDAR . . .
[Dec 1] Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day / World AIDS Day / Day Without Art
[Dec 2] Special Education Day
[Dec 3] 51st Grammy Awards nominations announced / Grammy Nominations Concert (LA) / International Day of Disabled Persons / “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (CBS) / Roof-Over-Your-Head Day / Coats for Kids Day
[Dec 4] Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day / Cookie Day / Wear Brown Shoes Day
[Dec 5] International Volunteer Day / Bathtub Party Day / “Cadillac Records”; “Punisher: War Zone” open in movie theaters
[Dec 6] Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women / St Nicholas Day / Pawnbrokers Day
[Dec 7]  31st Kennedy Center Honors (Washington DC) / International Civil Aviation Day
[Dec 8] Bad Hair Day / Brownie Day / Take It In the Ear Day
[Dec 9] “Motown: The Complete #1s” released / “The Dark Knight”; “Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” released on DVD / Pastry Day / Eid al-adha (Muslim)
[Dec 10] International Human Rights Day / Dewey Decimal Day / Children’s Memorial Day
[Dec 11] Nobel Peace Concert (Oslo, Norway)
[Dec 12] Poinsettia Day / Ding-A-Ling Day / “The Day the Earth Stood Still”; “Delgo”; “Nothing Like the Holidays” open in movie theaters / Full ‘Cold’ Moon
[Dec 13] “The Nutcracker” simulcast in movie theaters across Canada
[Dec 14] “Shrek the Musical” opens on Broadway / Bouillabaisse Day
[Dec 16] Chocolate Covered Anything Day / Las Posadas begins (Mexico)
[Dec 17] Maple Syrup Day / Underdog Day
[Dec 18] Bake Cookies Day
[Dec 19] “Seven Pounds”; “The Tale of Despereaux”; “Yes Man” open in movie theaters
[Dec 21] Humbug Day / Look at the Bright Side Day / Flashlight Day / Winter begins
[Dec 22] Hanukkah begins / Abilities Day
[Dec 24] Christmas Eve / Egg Nog Day
[Dec 25] Christmas Day / “Bedtime Stories”; “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”; “Last Chance Harvey”; “Marley & Me”; “The Spirit” open in movie theaters
[Dec 26] Kwanzaa begins / Whiner’s Day / Recyclable Packaging Day / Awful Tie Day / “Revolutionary Road”; “Valkyrie” open in movie theaters
[Dec 27] Fruitcake Day
[Dec 28] Card Playing Day
[Dec 31] New Year’s Eve / Make Up Your Mind Day / World Peace Meditation
[Jan 1] New Year’s Day
[Jan 5] “The Nirvana Reader: 1988-1992“ is published
[Jan 7] 35th People’s Choice Awards (CBS)

USA
[Dec 1] Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day / World AIDS Day / Day Without Art
[Dec 2] Special Education Day
[Dec 3] 51st Grammy Awards nominations announced / Grammy Nominations Concert (LA) / International Day of Disabled Persons / “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (CBS) / Roof-Over-Your-Head Day / Coats for Kids Day
[Dec 4] Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day / Cookie Day / Wear Brown Shoes Day
[Dec 5] International Volunteer Day / Bathtub Party Day / Christmas Pageant of Peace opening (Washington DC) / “Cadillac Records”; “Punisher: War Zone” open in movie theaters
[Dec 6] Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women / St Nicholas Day / Pawnbrokers Day
[Dec 7]  31st Kennedy Center Honors (Washington DC) / International Civil Aviation Day / Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
[Dec 8] Bad Hair Day / Brownie Day / Take It In the Ear Day
[Dec 9] “Motown: The Complete #1s” released / “The Dark Knight”; “Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!” released on DVD / Pastry Day / Eid al-adha (Muslim)
[Dec 10] International Human Rights Day / Dewey Decimal Day / Children’s Memorial Day
[Dec 11] Nobel Peace Concert (Oslo, Norway)
[Dec 12] Poinsettia Day / Ding-A-Ling Day / “The Day the Earth Stood Still”; “Delgo”; “Nothing Like the Holidays” open in movie theaters / Full ‘Cold’ Moon
[Dec 14] “Shrek the Musical” opens on Broadway / Bouillabaisse Day
[Dec 15] US Bill of Rights Day
[Dec 16] Chocolate Covered Anything Day / Las Posadas begins (Mexico)
[Dec 17] Maple Syrup Day / Underdog Day
[Dec 18] Bake Cookies Day
[Dec 19] “Seven Pounds”; “The Tale of Despereaux”; “Yes Man” open in movie theaters
[Dec 21] Humbug Day / Look at the Bright Side Day / Flashlight Day / Winter begins
[Dec 22] Hanukkah begins / Abilities Day
[Dec 24] Christmas Eve / Egg Nog Day
[Dec 25] Christmas Day / “Bedtime Stories”; “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”; “Last Chance Harvey”; “Marley & Me”; “The Spirit” open in movie theaters
[Dec 26] Kwanzaa begins / Whiner’s Day / Recyclable Packaging Day / Awful Tie Day / “Revolutionary Road”; “Valkyrie” open in movie theaters
[Dec 27] Fruitcake Day
[Dec 28] Card Playing Day
[Dec 31] New Year’s Eve / Make Up Your Mind Day / World Peace Meditation
[Jan 1] New Year’s Day
[Jan 5] “The Nirvana Reader: 1988-1992“ is published
[Jan 7] 35th People’s Choice Awards (CBS)

BULL’S BITS
LOST IN TRANSLATION:
‘BlahblahFish’ is an online application that takes your English text and translates it into another language, then translates it back into English. The results can be pretty strange. Check out what happens to the phrase, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” …
• To Japanese and back to English: It heats heart truly and physical weakness does.
• Italian: The spirit is arranged, but the meat is weak person.
• Greek: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is impossible.
• Spanish: The alcohol is prepared, but the meat is weak.
• Korean: The spirit puts out the flag and does, the flesh omits but.
• Chinese: Having more desire than energy.
• Hungarian: The genius there is willing, but the meat there is weak.
• Norwegian: Breath am willing, but carnal am breakable.
• Romanian: The spirit is William, but the flesh is loose.
• Latin: Ghost is voluntary, notwithstanding viscera is pale.
(Try the exercise with a station slogan and see what happens.)
NET: http://www.blahblahfish.com

BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s the all-time best TV theme? Can you hum it?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
Some day we’ll look back on this, laugh nervously and change the subject.

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Today’s Question: Single women have more of THESE than single men.
Answer to Give Out Next Show: Mirrors.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.