Thursday, April 11, 2024 — Edition: #7696
Brand New Sheets!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ The Clown Prince of Crime and his co-conspirator ‘Harley Quinn’ want you to know that what the world needs now is… love. That’s the message of the first trailer for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” which sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as ‘Arthur Fleck’ (who later becomes Batman’s notorious foe) and Lady Gaga as the equally twisted Harley Quinn. Director Todd Phillips debuted the clip at CinemaCon. Little is known about the sequel, other than it features a lot of music, but in the teaser, we see romance spark between the 2 lead characters while in an asylum, and next they take their act on the road, leaving mayhem in their wake. “Joker 2” hits theaters on Oct. 4. LINK: https://youtu.be/xy8aJw1vYHo
-Variety
★ Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant will reprise their roles in a 4th installment of the “Bridget Jones” franchise. Grant is returning as ‘Daniel Cleaver’ while Emma Thompson, who was in the 2016 sequel “Bridget Jones’s Baby” will also return. “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” sees Zellweger’s ‘Jones’ navigating life, work, family and love as a 51-year-old single mom and widow who is in a relationship with a 30-year-old man. While the new film will be released in theaters internationally, in the U.S., it will go straight to the streaming service Peacock, with a release date of Feb. 14, 2025.
-TheWrap
★ Kit Harington announced in a new interview with ScreenRant that his “Games of Thrones” spinoff centered around ‘Jon Show’ is “off the table” and no longer in development at HBO. The actor indicated that the team “couldn’t find the right story to tell,” so the project, which was first announced in 2022, has been suspended indefinitely. The network declined to comment.
-Variety
★ George Lucas, the iconic filmmaker behind the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises, will receive the Honorary Palme d’Or on May 25 during the closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. In announcing the award, Cannes praised Lucas for building “a Hollywood empire through the 9 episodes of the saga — 4 of which he directed himself,” and for his “unflagging passion for technology” which has made him “one of the pioneers of the visual effects industry.”
-Variety
★ Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman had quite an odd tradition on the “Parks and Recreation” set. During a 15th anniversary cast reunion interview with The Independent UK, Pohler revealed that she would lock lips with Offerman annually, just to freak out their fellow cast and crew members. Quote: “Nick and I used to do a thing every year for the blooper reel where we would end a scene by making out…Everybody hated it and it really made us laugh.” Pohler said it was “like watching your aunt and uncle making out or something.”
-People
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Tom Hiddleston, Joey King, Phosphorescent
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Ryan Gosling, Johnny Knoxville, girl in red
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Paul Rudd, Cecilia Vega, Jon Hamm, Amy Sedaris (R)
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Doug Benson, Diona Reasonover, Echo Kellum
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Liev Schreiber, Busy Philipps
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Kyle Cooke, West Wilson
• “The Daily Show” (COM): Hanif Abdurraqib, host Michael Kosta
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Wayne Brady
• “The Talk” (CBS): Kiefer Sutherland, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Tracy Morgan, Josh Duhamel, Tiffani Thiessen
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Kirsten Dunst, Rudy Mancuso
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Wendy Naugle, Chef Eric Ripert
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Sheryl Lee Ralph and Chris Perfetti
• “Young Sheldon” (CBS): Georgie and Mandy get married.
• “Law & Order” (NBC): When a congressman’s aide is found dead after testifying in a corruption case, Shaw and Riley discover the suspect may be someone close to home. Followed by new eps of “SVU” and “Organized Crime”.
• “2024 Masters Tournament” (Check local listings): First Round, from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta GA
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Sabrina Carpenter — has revealed what she was teasing when she asked people to click on a link that said “Brewing.” It’s a new song called ‘Espresso’, that drops at 8pm ET tonight. She wrote on Instagram: “just wanted to put out a little song before Coachella.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/56ev8s6n
• Lady Gaga – has sparked engagement rumors after fans noticed a massive diamond ring on her left ring finger. She has been dating Michael Polansky since 2019, and was spotted with the bling while walking in West Hollywood on Sunday. Polansky runs Facebook co-founder Sean Parker’s charities and businesses.
• Twisted Sister — Dee Snider claims that offers for the band to reunite have become close to impossible to reject. He said light-heartedly that band members have begun “very general discussions…involving personal trainers, diets, hair extensions.” They last toured in 2016.
• Ozzy Osbourne – He and Billy Morrison (of Billy Idol’s band) have announced their new internet TV show, “The Madhouse Chronicles”. Launching this month, Morrison said on Osbourne’s podcast that the pair will “sit back in the Osbourne madhouse, reacting to the wildest Internet clips and diving into topics like aliens, drugs, conspiracies, and rock and roll.” LINK: www.osbournemediahouse.com
• Deep Purple and Yes – have joined forces for a North American run, starting Aug. 14, a part of Purple’s “One More Time” tour. Both acts will visit material from all eras of their 50-plus years together, as well their most recent albums. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/bdfd5prn
• Beyoncé – “Cowboy Carter” has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. She’s the first Black woman to top the chart in its 60-year history. The album is also at #1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Americana/Folk Albums. On the Hot Country Songs chart, the record has 8 top 10s, including ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ at #1.
• Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen — are among the most-nominated artists for the 2024 ACM Music Awards. Combs leads with 8, including for Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Moroney and Wallen both have 6 nods. The ACMs take place in Frisco, Texas on May 16.
• Morgan Wallen — John Rich has some advice, following his Sunday night arrest. Rich wrote on X: “I can’t help but recall all the destructive, crazy things I did early on in my career…Thank God I had great mentors who helped guide me out of that mindset, and I hope Morgan has some people around him who care about him enough to help him find a new approach to life.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4dyx2evk
SHOOTING THE BULL
ECLIPSE GLASSES FOR THE MASSES:
Now that the hoopla surrounding the Great Eclipse of 2024 has died down (finally!), you’re probably wondering what to do with your very slightly-used viewing glasses. Well, you could recycle them (remove the protective film first). But a much better idea is to donate them. One of several organizations that collects used safety glasses is Astronomers Without Borders. It has a list of drop-off locations listed on its website. That organization, and others, are collecting eclipse viewing glasses to give to children in Latin American nations for an annular October eclipse in the southern hemisphere. Millions of glasses were donated after the 2017 eclipse, including for underserved communities in places like Chile, Argentina, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/55xpev7x
(Of course, your other option is to hang onto them until the next eclipse in North America…in 2044!)
(…so you’re telling me I can’t use those things to watch a 3-D movie?)
-AstronomersWithoutBorders, NYPost
PLANE PROBLEM:
There’s no rest in the armrest debate, apparently. A United Airlines flight attendant has given her 2 cents’ worth in the ongoing question of “Who is entitled to the 2 armrests in a row of 3 airplane seats?” A passenger posted on Reddit last week that the flight attendant “made an announcement right after boarding to clarify who gets to use which armrest on the flight.” The person wrote: “To my surprise, he was very emphatic that no person gets 2 armrests.” OK. And how, then, are the armrests divided up? “He explained every person is supposed to use the armrest on their right (and the left for the other side of the plane) and keep the armrest on the aisle clear for carts and people walking down the plane.” He also apparently was adamant that “no armrest drama would be tolerated”. Of course, that’s one professional’s opinion. Etiquette experts have suggested that because riding in the middle seat is “torture”, perhaps that person should be give priority when it comes to the use of armrests. And travel expert Chris Elliott feels that once you board that plane, it’s survival of the fittest. Quote: “Anyone who says that the armrest belongs to anyone is blowing smoke.”
(The way I look at it this: With all the “plane problems” that have been in the news lately, if traveling without the use of an armrest is the worst thing that goes wrong, you’re doing pretty well!)
(Or maybe we could all just share?)
-NYPost
ALL IN A DAY’S WORK:
❑ Working the late shift as a young adult seems great. After all, it gives you all day to have fun. But a new study has found that a steady diet of night shifts and irregular schedules can affect your health decades later. New York University research determined that “volatile work schedules” in your 20s can lead to sleep issues and poor physical and mental health by age 50. The same study found the traditional 9-5 to be the most protective health-wise over the course of someone’s life. Those working other schedules had poorer sleep quality and quantity – and were also more likely to report feelings of depression almost 30 years later. (Probably mostly because they never got to watch “Seinfeld” and “Friends” until streaming came along!)
❑ Occasionally falling asleep at work is par for the course, according to a new survey by sleep wellness company Sleep Doctor. 46% of respondents said they nap during the workday at least a few times a year. 33% nap weekly. That breaks down like this: 9% nap at work once per week, 18% several times per week – and 6% daily. The most popular place for an employee siesta was found to be their vehicle (50%), followed by their desk (33%), a company-designated napping place (20%), returning home (14%), and the bathroom (9%).
(This explains so much about what I heard coming from the end stall this morning!)
(For me, how often I nap depends on how often the boss is “out on a call”!)
-StudyFinds, FortuneWell
THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER POST ONLINE:
According to digital expert Vincent Iachetta Jr., president of digital marketing agency Peppermonkey Media…
☞ Your romantic situation: Revealing too much about your romantic life can make you vulnerable to unwanted attention and harassment. (I thought it was because everyone would laugh at me!)
☞ Your Nightlife: Sharing details about your partying habits can have severe repercussions. Beyond damaging your reputation, posting TMI about your drinking habits or possible drug use can jeopardize future job opportunities. (Especially if you plan to be a cop!)
☞ Your location: Telling the world your real-time location makes you susceptible to physical harm, stalking, or burglary. It also may reveal sensitive information about your daily routines or habits. (I guess someone could be checking out where you’re “Checking in”…)
☞ Your home address and contact info: Refrain from giving out this info in public forums. Doing so could make you vulnerable to physical harm, harassment, spam, and unwanted solicitations.
☞ Your birthdate: Like some other info, your birthdate can give criminals an open window to your life…possibly allowing them to impersonate you or access your accounts. (Believe me: I go to great lengths not to give this one out…!)
☞ Your tickets: Don’t upload pics or details about your tickets to events or travel plans. This can invite counterfeiters or thieves to target you. It could also lead to identity theft.
☞ Confidential work info: Use extra caution, in order to prevent data breaches, which could lead to all kinds of problems. Post as little as possible about the day-to-day workings of your company and nothing about specific processes.
☞ Intimate photos: Well, duh! But you should even avoid sharing them in private messages – even if they’re encrypted. Someone could still access and distribute them. (Also: Zuckerberg and Musk probably sit at home ‘un-encrypting’ them!)
(What would you add to the list? I’d like people to stop posting pics of their lunch!)
-StudyFinds
DID YOU KNOW?
Should parents expose their kids to dirt, germs, and bacteria in hopes of developing a strong immune system, like the theory says? Well, no, say Swedish researchers. A team from the Karolinska Institute found that, in experiments with mice, animals with highly infectious exposures from birth showed the same, or worse, allergic immune responses compared to “clean” laboratory mice. Simply put, mice that encounter allergens when young had the same…or worse allergy problems as mice living in a clean environment. (I had never heard of exposing your kids to dirt and germs in hopes of building immunity. But that does explain why other parents always want their kids to play at OUR house!)
-StudyFinds
BS CHRONOMETER 04.11.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Poutine Day”, the Quebecois dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy is the perfect marriage of salty, meaty flavor and texture, and definitely worthy of its own day. (Feel free to make your own ‘Vladimir Poutine’ joke here – unless you’re in Russia!)
• “Cheese Fondue Day”, it began with Swiss cheeses like Emmenthaler and Gruyère Swiss, but its options have expanded to incorporate a variety of cheeses and flavors to make endless, mouthwatering combinations.
• “Louie Louie Day”, the birthday of Richard Berry, the man who composed ‘Louie Louie’. He and his band, the Pharoahs, recorded the song in 1957 as a calypso doo-wop B-side to ‘You Are My Sunshine’ (and we still don’t know what the words are…)
• “Barbershop Quartet Day”, commemorating 1938 date when the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America was founded (…founded…FOUNDED!!!)
• “Pet Day”, sponsored by the Animal Miracle Network as a reason to ‘paws’ and consider the plight of the many animals in shelters awaiting a home. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2vu8vcev
• “World Parkinson’s Disease Day”, to boost awareness of the disorder and to spur new research and treatment innovations. The red tulip is the official flower of “World PD Day”.
• “Eight Track Tape Day”, The 8-track tape, originally called the “Stereo 8”, was created in 1964, and was made popular by the inclusion of players in Ford vehicles in 1965. 8-tracks were being phased out by 1982, but were still available through record clubs as late as 1988. (…and she’s buy-ing…the stairway…CLICK!!!!!! … to hea-vennn)
• “Alcohol Screening Day,” an initiative of the National Institutes of Health in the US. The aim is to increase public awareness that alcohol abuse and alcoholism are recognized disorders which can be treated.
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] Licorice Day
[Fri] Walk on Your Wild Side Day
[Sat] Peach Cobbler Day
[Sun] Ex-Spouse Day
This Week Is…Medic Alert Week
This Month Is…Guitar Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1960 [64] Jeremy Clarkson, Doncaster England, journalist-TV host (“Top Gear” 1988-2015, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” (UK) since 2018
1966 [58] Lisa Stansfield, Manchester England, pop singer (‘All Around the World’)
1974 [50] David Banner (Lavell Crump), Brookhaven MS, rapper (w/Chris Brown – ‘Get Like Me’), movie actor (“Black Snake Moan”)/TV actor (“Saints & Sinners” 2017-22) [His stage name was inspired by “The Incredible Hulk” TV series]
1979 [45] Chris Gaylor, Stillwater OK, rock drummer (All-American Rejects-‘Gives You Hell’, ‘Dirty Little Secret’)
1981 [43] Alessandra Ambrosio, Rio Grande Do Sul Brazil, model (Victoria’s Secret, Christian Dior, Armani, Ralph Lauren…)/film actress (“Daddy’s Home 2”)
1986 [38] Stephanie Pratt, Los Angeles CA, reality star (“The Hills” 2007-2010, “The Hills: New Beginnings” 2019)/sister of Spencer Pratt
1987 [37] Joss Stone (Joscelyn Stoker), Dover England, pop-soul singer (‘You Had Me’, ‘Fell In Love With a Boy’)/TV actress (“The Tudors” 2009-10, “Empire” 2018-19)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2007 [17] “Dynasty” actress Heather Locklear divorces Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora after 11 years of marriage
2013 [11] Comedian/actor Jonathan Winters (inspiration to Billy Crystal, Jim Carrey, Jimmy Kimmel, Robin Williams, and Steve Martin…) dies at 87 in Montecito CA
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1964 [60] The Beatles set a record as 14 of their singles appear on the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ chart (from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ at #1 to ‘Love Me Do’ at #81). Morgan Wallen holds the current record, with 36.
2002 [22] Aretha Franklin and 7 Motown recording stars are honored with street names in Detroit’s new low-income housing project (“You can’t miss it, it’s at the corner of Aretha and Smokey …”)
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2004 [20] After 11 years as a pro, golfer Phil Mickelson wins his first major championship, The Masters
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ According to a 2015 study, less than half the world’s cultures kiss romantically.
✓ Typewriter keyboards were originally arranged alphabetically. Eventually, the keys were randomly positioned to slow down typing and prevent key jamming.
✓ Antarctica is the only continent without any reptiles or snakes.
✓ Scientists have found evidence of take-out restaurants in the remains of Pompeii.
✓ A study found that surgeons who play certain video games for 3 hours a week performed 27% faster, and made 37% fewer errors during surgery.
✓ The entire surface of your skin is replaced every month, which means you’ll have about 1,000 different sets of skin in your life.
-Penguin, Facts
Best of BS . . .
BS THINGS NOT TO SAY AT A FUNERAL:
• “Are we using a hashtag for this?”
• “Couldn’t have happened to a better person!”
• “Is it an open bar?”
• “Did you know that there’s a brief moment during the cremation process when the meat is perfectly cooked?”
• “She never looked better.”
• “I guess I’m never getting that 5 bucks back. Wait. I wonder if his widow has it…”
• “Pez?”
• “He said he wouldn’t be caught dead in a domestic car. Joke’s on him.”
• “No jokes please. This is a woke wake.”
• “Let’s get started. He ain’t gettin’ any deader!”
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2022
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ A Mega Millions player in New Jersey won the $1.13 billion lottery jackpot. (Of course, after taxes, you’re left with just those 6 little plastic balls…)
➠ A Mega Millions player in New Jersey won the $1.13 billion lottery jackpot. (I just love the thought of a yacht parked between a Camaro and a hot tub!)
➠ The 2024 Major League Baseball season is now well underway. (My team is gonna stink. I mean, their games are broadcast on Comedy Central!)
➠ The 2024 Major League Baseball season is now well underway. (My team is gonna stink. I mean, the only time they make it on “SportsCenter” is when they’re showing bloopers!)
➠ Taco Bell has picked a fight with McDonald’s over who offers a better breakfast. (No matter who comes out on top, I’m pretty sure the ultimate winner will be sweatpants…!)
BS WEB GOODIE:
I get anxiety just watching: https://tinyurl.com/ysw6um68
BS RANDOM JOKE:
I am a man of my word — and that word is “unreliable.”
BS PHONE STARTER:
What sound drives you right around the bend?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Stats show the average person owns 9 of THESE. What are they?
Answer: Pairs of shoes
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.
