BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
45-year-old actor Nicolas Cage (“Knowing”) is unloading yet another multi-million-dollar chunk of real estate, this time his Manhattan pad on Fifth Avenue for a reported $9.75 million, amid reports he owes $6.2 million in unpaid taxes (seems he went to the Wesley Snipes School of Economics) . . . 51-year-old actor Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) is also liquidating his NYC digs, an apartment that takes up the entire 22nd floor of a building close to Central Park, which he’ll let go for $7.5 million (because it still smells like Basinger) . . . Former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul has reportedly stepped up talks to bring a revue-style show to Las Vegas, said to be a cheerleader-themed stage show pencilled in for late 2009 (couldn’t be any more embarrassing than her performances on “AI” – or could it?) . . . Famous person Paris Hilton has had life-size pictures of herself hung all over boyfriend Doug Reinhardt’s Hollywood home so he’ll constantly be reminded off her while she’s in Vancouver shooting a guest appearance on the CW TV show “Supernatural” (he doesn’t mind – at least they don’t speak) . . . The 1989 movie “Heathers” is being developed as a FOX-TV show 20 years after it became a cult hit, featuring all the original characters including Winona Ryder’s ‘Veronica Sawyer’, a popular girl who rebels against her clique of mean girls, all named ‘Heather’ (it’s “Gossip Girl” lite) . . . Bruce Willis & Demi Moore’s 21-year-old daughter Rumer Willis says she wants to star in a movie with her famous parents now that she’s grown up and gained some acting experience (yeah, remember her in that 2008 blockbuster “Whore”? – she played ‘smoking girl’).

WEEKEND SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Tonight the Dead Weather (“Horehound”).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Tonight Doves (“Kingdom of Rust”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS) – Tonight Imogen Heap (“Speak for Yourself”).
• “Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival” (San Francisco CA) – Today through Sunday the 2nd annual festival at Golden Gate Park is headlined by the Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Tenacious D. Also appearing: Black Eyed Peas, Incubus, Jason Mraz, and dozens more.
NET: http://www.sfoutsidelands.com
• “Street Scene Festival” (San Diego CA) – Today & tomorrow the 25th annual downtown music bash in San Diego’s East Village includes performances by Black Eyed Peas, Cake, the Dead Weather, MIA, Modest Mouse, and Silversun Pickups.
NET: http://www.street-scene.com
• “Today Show” (NBC) – This morning Miley Cyrus (“The Time Of Our Lives”).
• “Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (NBC/A Channel) – Tonight Colbie Caillat (“Breakthrough”).
“ Virgin Mobile FreeFest” (Columbia MD) – Sunday’s free event (spawn of last year’s “Virgin Festival”) is headlined by Blink-182 and Weezer. Also appearing: The Bravery, Franz Ferdinand, Jet and others. 35,000 tickets have been given away.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Avril Lavigne – ‘Insiders’ are telling “NY Daily News” a divorce from her rocker husband Deryck Whibley (Sum 41) is imminent after she’s been spotted partying in NYC with other guys.
• 50 Cent – NYPD has stepped up security at a schoolyard in Queens NY ahead of his ‘surprise’ performance on Sunday, the local “Family Day”. The event is expected to draw around 10,000 local residents to the Jamaica neighborhood where he grew up.
• KISS – Gene Simmons is now blaming Canadian media for ‘ruining a surprise concert’ in Oshawa ON, the city that beat all others in North America in a contest for fan demand. The ‘surprise’ is why it was left off the upcoming “KISS Alive 35 Tour” itinerary … according to Simmons. (The statement is likely as bogus as the contest.)
• Madonna – This week she was booed by thousands at her concert in Romania after she protested the treatment of the Roma people (gypsies). She wraps up her 2-year “Sticky & Sweet World Tour” in Tel Aviv, Israel on Tuesday.
• Michael Jackson – Saturday The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort is set to host a “Las Vegas Celebrates the Music of Michael Jackson” at 3 pm on what would have been his 51st birthday. No name acts are involved, just cast members from current shows playing on The Strip, but tickets are still priced as high as $500. (Another half-baked attempt to cash in.)
• Pet Shop Boys – Tonight they kick off a North American tour in support of their new album, “Yes”, in Montréal.
• Shania Twain – On her official website she promises fans ‘a gift’ on her 44th birthday today. We’re guessing it will be a new recording of some sort. Sunday & Monday she’ll serve as a guest judge at “American Idol” audition tapings in Chicago IL.

TODAY’S MOVIE OPENINGS:
• “The Final Destination” ( R-Rated Horror Thriller ): After a teen’s premonition of a deadly race-car crash helps saves the lives of his peers, ‘Death’ sets out to collect those who evaded their end. Stars Nick Zano, Krista Allen, and Andrew Fiscella. The first film in the series presented in 3D. Sequel to “Final Destination 3” (2006). How can a film called ‘Final’ Destination be made 4 times?
NET: http://thefinaldestinationmovie.com
• “Halloween II” ( R-Rated Horror Thriller ): In Rob Zombie’s horror sequel to his 2007 film, ‘Michael Myers’ prepares for another reunion with his sister. Stars Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, and Malcolm McDowell. Soundtrack includes a spectrum of classic rock from the Moody Blues classic “Nights in White Satin” to “Kick out the Jams” by the MC5. Shot in Atlanta GA.
NET: http://www.halloween2-movie.com
• “Taking Woodstock” ( R-Rated Musical Comedy ): Director Ang Lee turns the clock back to the Summer of 1969 and the lead-up to the landmark music festival in upstate New York. Demetri Martin stars as the young guy who helps the event find a venue (Max Yasgur’s farm) and land a permit. To put the passing of 40 years in perspective – the cost of a ticket to the festival was $8.
NET: http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/taking_woodstock/

WE’RE A RUDE BUNCH:
Over the past decade, a popular exhibition called “Grossology: The Impolite Science Of the Human Body” has visited museums all over the world. An accompanying survey has found these intriguing facts …
• 34% of respondents admit they pick their nose more than 5 times a day.
• 34% have no shame about burping loudly in public.
• 29% don’t mind passing wind indiscreetly.
– PA News

GET A CAT, QUIT SNEEZING:
A long-term study has found that children who grow up living with cats and dogs are LESS susceptible to common allergies. Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia say the results go against the traditional belief that pets are bad for conditions like asthma and contribute to mounting evidence that the things allergists have believed for years may be dead wrong. (Yeah right, and pass the ragweed would ya? Ah-CHOOO!)
– CBS News

CHANGING CHINGLISH:
The city of Shanghai, China has kicked off a campaign to spot and correct badly phrased English on its signs. ‘Chinglish’, as its called, has long been a source of amusement for foreigners but also a source of embarrassment for the city. A few examples …
• “Keep valuables snugly … beware the people press close to you designedly.”
• “If you are stolen, call the police at once.”
• In a hotel elevator: “Please leave your values at the front desk.”
• In a department store stairwell: “Please bump your head carefully.”
– BBC News

PB&J POLL:
A few facts about everybody’s favorite sandwich …
• 96% of adults leave the crusts on their peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, while 27% of kids want the crusts cut off. (The whiners!)
• 73% of men do NOT cut their sandwiches in half, compared to just 40% of women. (They’re quicker to inhale if they’re whole.)
• 38% of adults prefer crunchy peanut butter, compared to just 12% of kids. (Who don’t like finding mysterious hard things in anything they’re chewing.)
– Smuckers.com

BS AMAZING FACT:
According to a Water Pik survey, the average shower in the morning takes 12 minutes. (Unless someone flushes).

BS CHRONOMETER 08.28.09

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TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1938 [71] Paul Martin, Windsor ON, 21st Canadian Prime Minister (2003-06)

1965 [44] Shania Twain (Eilleen Edwards), Windsor ON (raised in Timmins & Sudbury ON), pop/country singer (“Party For Two”, “You’re Still The One”)/ex-wife of music producer Mutt Lange/Officer of the Order of Canada (2005)/Canada’s Walk of Fame (2003)/CMA Entertainer of the Year (1999)

1969 [40] Jack Black, Hermosa Beach CA, movie actor (“Kung Fu Panda”, “School of Rock”)/sorta rock singer (Tenacious D)

1969 [40] Jason Priestley, Vancouver BC, TV actor (“Side Order of Life” 2007, “Beverly Hills 90210″ 1990-98)

1982 [27] LeAnn Rimes, Pearl MS, country singer (“Something’s Gotta Give”, “How Do I Live”) who started singing at age 3 and has sold well over 20 million records

SATURDAY –
Country musician Dan Truman (Diamond Rio) is 53; Movie actress Carla Gugino (“Night At the Museum”) is 38; Rock guitarist/vocalist Kyle Cook (matchbox twenty) is 34; TV actor John Hensley (“Nip/Tuck”) is 32; Rock bassist David Desrosiers (Simple Plan) is 29.

SUNDAY –
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway) is 79; Comedian Lewis Black (“The Daily Show”) is 61; Movie actress Cameron Diaz (“What Happens in Vegas”) is 37; Tennis player Andy Roddick is 26; Rock guitarist/vocalist Ryan Ross (Panic At the Disco) is 23.

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Crackers Over the Keyboard Day”, honoring the time-honored tradition of snacking and surfing. What’s the worst thing you’ve spilled on your computer keyboard? And the strangest thing you’ve ever found in it?

SATURDAY –
• “According to Hoyle Day”, honoring Britain’s Edmond Hoyle on the anniversary of his death in 1769. He’s the guy who took the time to formalize rules to many popular games. Thus the expression ‘according to Hoyle’ has come to mean ‘playing by the rules’.
• “More Herbs, Less Salt Day”, because it’s ‘healthier, zestier and lustier!’ So go ahead, spice up your life! What’s the world’s most-used spice? Black pepper.

SUNDAY –
• “Holistic Pet Day”, a salute to natural, holistic pet care & remedies. This approach involves developing a healthy diet and minimizing vaccines & toxins. This is extremely important so that … companies in the field can sell you expensive vitamins and nutritional supplements.
NET: http://www.holisticpetinfo.com
• “Ironman Canada” in Penticton BC, including a 3.8K swim, 180K cycle, and 42.2K run.
NET: http://www.ironman.ca
• “Little League Baseball World Series Championship” (ABC), 3 pm ET in Williamsport PA.
NET: http://www.littleleague.org
• “Toasted Marshmallow Day”, celebrating that great summer treat on a stick. So how do you like yours done?

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2003 [06] During her performance at the 20th “MTV Video Music Awards”, Madonna infamously plants open-mouth kisses on both Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera (how come hardly anyone remembers Christina being involved in this stunt?)

TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
1837 [172] 1st ‘Worcestershire Sauce’ (WOOST-a-shur) marketed by pharmacists John Lea & William Perrins in, where else?, Worcester UK

1907 [102] 19-year-old Seattle teen Jim Casey borrows $100 from a friend to start local delivery service that eventually becomes … UPS (nowadays it’s about a hundred bucks per pickup)

1922 [87] 1st ‘Radio Commercial’ ($100 for 10 minutes on WEAF, NYC)

1996 [13] 1st MLB team to invite ball fans to ‘Bring Your Pooch to the Park’ (Chicago White Sox)

AND REMEMBER . . .
[Mon] MuchMusic 25th anniversary
[Mon] Love Litigating Lawyers Day
[Tues] Building Code Staff Appreciation Day
[Tues] “Guitar Hero 5” released
[Wed] Blueberry Popsicle Day
[Thurs] Michael Jackson’s most recent burial date
This Week Is … Safe at Home Week
This Month Is … Literacy Month

BULL’S BITS

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BS WHICH IS BETTER?
You run down the list while a caller/studio guest/crew member decides which of each pair they like best …
• Sunrise or sunset?
• TV or Internet?
• Coffee or cola?
• Business suit or sweatsuit?
• Pickup or hybrid?
• Nightmares or insomnia?
• Food or shelter?
• Intelligence or beauty?
• Summer or Autumn?
• Veggie burgers or boeuf bourguignon?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
He’s not feeling well … he has a small piece of brain lodged in his skull.

BULL’S EAR:
As the fawning nostalgia and ongoing hysteria over Michael Jackson reaches a crescendo with his birth anniversary tomorrow and his burial next Thursday (maybe), let’s take a moment to give our collective heads a shake and face some facts …
• For well over a decade his music was rarely heard. The last time he had a bona fide hit was 1995. For years afterward it was an embarrassment to play his music or admit you liked it. Now we hear “Billie Jean” blasting out of speakers everywhere we go.
• The guy was a complete freak. There is nothing admirable about his drug abuse, his abuse of cosmetic surgery, or his alleged abuse of young boys (he himself admitted to sleeping with them in the literal sense at least). Similarly his complete waste of wealth on extreme excess is nothing to be admired.
• Indeed he sold a lot of records, but not nearly as many as claimed. The sales figures have been so skewed for so long it would be difficult at this point to come up with a legit number.
• Much of the current spike in popularity is being fueled by well-orchestrated hype churned out by those interested in making a buck from his death, including his family, his former management team, and concert promoter AEG Live. The reason the public is buying into all of this is largely the fault of us, the media, who continue to fan the flames … or perhaps inflame the fans.
• The reason his death has struck such a chord with so many just may be that the passing of someone who’s been in the public consciousness for 40 years reminds us of our own mortality.

BS PHONE STARTER:
You can cast any actor to play you in a film about your life. Whom would you pick?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Today’s Question: A newborn baby can recognize THIS about its mother within the first week.
Answer to Give Out Tomorrow: Her scent, particularly if she wears perfume.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The difference between intelligence and stupidity is that intelligence has a limit.