Monday, December 9, 2024 – Edition: #7852
Ah, Some BS You Actually Look Forward To In the Morning!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Barry Keoghan is trying to quiet the noise. After the “Saltburn” star deactivated his Instagram account, leading to online chatter that he did so after being accused of cheating on his now ex-Sabrina Carpenter, he has issued a statement. In a lengthy statement post on X, the Irish movie star said he deactivated his IG because it had become a distraction to his family and his work. He wrote that he doesn’t usually let gossip and trolling get to him, but “too many lines” had been “crossed”, and he is done with the social media outlet. He said all that matters to him is his son, whom he wants to look up to him and not be ensnared in the dark side of social media. He ended his message with, “Thank u x.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3fct5act
-PageSix, TMZ
★ After shattering the US Thanksgiving box office record last weekend, “Moana 2” is now lifting the post-Thanksgiving weekend far above its usual lull period with an estimated record $51 million second weekend. The previous best for a post-Thanksgiving weekend was held by “Frozen II” with $35.2 million in 2019. Historically, the first weekend of December slow for theaters, with people usually Christmas shopping rather than moviegoing. “Wicked” was second, taking in $33 million, and passed $300 million in domestic grosses. “Gladiator II” was third with $13 million.
-TheWrap
★ A pair of the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” sold for an astounding $28 million at auction Saturday. The price far outstripped Heritage Auctions estimate that the shoes would sell for around $3 million. Bidding for the fabled shoes far outpaced the initially estimated amount within seconds of the auction’s start, and tripled within minutes. Including the auction house’s fee, the unknown buyer will pay $32.5 million. In 2005, the slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum by ex-mobster Terry Martin. Because they had been insured for $1 million, he had falsely assumed they were made from real rubies.
-TheWrap, Variety
★ “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His family revealed the patriarch’s health struggles on Friday’s episode of their “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast. Jase opened the episode, telling listeners that the 78-year-old’s health has been in decline in recent years due to what doctors believe is a blood disease. And now, “It’s accelerated and causing a lot of problems with his entire body and he has early stages of Alzheimer’s”. At this point, Jase said, his father is “literally unable to…just sit down and have a conversation.”
-PageSix
★ Thanks to Martin Lawrence, father of 10 Eddie Murphy has one less wedding to pay for. It seems Lawrence has to pick up the tab for the nuptials of his daughter Jasmin Lawrence and Murphy’s son Eric Murphy, the “Bad Boys” movies star revealed in an interview. Quote: “Well, Eddie said I gotta pay for it…’cause he paid for his last daughter’s wedding — like the last 6 weddings — but he said it’s my turn now.” Lawrence, the father of 3 daughters, added that he doesn’t mind the traditional approach of the bride’s family paying. The 2 have known each other for decades. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3pvz344w
-EW
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Jason Bateman, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 50 Cent
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Keira Knightley, Christian Slater, Dean Edwards
• “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Billy Crystal, Arooj Aftab
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Michael Urie, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie
• “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Taron Egerton, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Chase Lemacks, Cloyce Martin
• “The Daily Show” (COM): Host Jon Stewart
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): U.S. Senator-elect Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)
• “The Talk” (CBS): David Alan Grier, Micheal Urie
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Julianne Moore, Sofia Carson, Sara Evans
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Keith Urban
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Amy Adams and Marielle Heller, Jurnee Smollett
• “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Anthony Anderson, Tyler Posey, Taye Diggs, and James Van Der Beek
• “The Voice” (NBC): Live Finale, Part 1
• “The Real Full Monty” (Fox): A daring group of male celebs bare all to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer research. Starring Anthony Anderson, Tyler Posey, Taye Diggs, and James Van Der Beek
• “NCIS” (CBS): NCIS investigates a murder related to a car that begins driving on its own; Parker continues to see visions of Lily.
• “NFL Football” (ABC, ESPN, TSN): Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Taylor Swift – wrapped up her “Eras Tour” on Sunday night, playing the last of 3 concerts in Vancouver. The highest grossing tour of all time spanned 149 dates in 19 countries on 5 continents over 22 months, and took in $1.04 billion.
• BTS – V’s new single, a revamped collab with the late Bing Crosby on the holiday classic ‘White Christmas’, dropped on Friday. Billboard said: “V has made his own mark on a timeless recording, honoring its spirit while bringing “White Christmas” to a new generation.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/rsvfx6j6
• Pearl Jam — has announced tour dates for 2025. Ten shows have been scheduled starting April 24 in Hollywood FL. They play 2 shows in each city, also hitting Atlanta, Nashville and Raleigh, before wrapping up in Pittsburgh on May 16 and 18. Expect more dates to be announced later.
• Iron Maiden – After 42 years, drummer Nicko McBrain has announced his retirement from touring. Saturday’s show in Brazil was his final gig with the band. The 72-year-old, who suffered a stroke last year, indicated that he’ll “remain a part of the Iron Maiden family working on a variety of projects.” The band has a Netflix documentary coming in March to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
• Styx – has announced a Summer 2025 tour with Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon. 40 dates are planned, with former Eagles guitarist Don Felder as special guest. The “Brotherhood of Rock” tour kicks off May 28 in Greenville, SC and wraps Aug. 24 in Milwaukee. In addition, Styx’s Tommy Shaw says the band has a new album on the way, its first since 2021.
• Luke Bryan, Teddy Swims and rapper Quavo – have released their new collab – and they want you to know they’re real proud of their ‘Georgia Ways’. That’s the title of new song from the 3 Georgia natives, which paints a picture of life in the Peach State. The accompanying video has scenes of the 3 fishing, hanging out by bonfires and riding through the countryside, living their best Georgia boy lives. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/y5xbacde
• The War and Treaty — have announced their 4th album “Plus One” will arrive Feb. 14. Tanya Trotter quote: “It came from wanting to be the hope we believe people need right now, as well as the hope that we need for ourselves.” A new song from the project, ‘Carried Away’, was released with the announcement on Friday. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/bdf7chvx
• Keith Urban – As a boy, he and his family had an odd Christmas tradition – at least to those in North America: Going to the beach for the holidays. In an interview, he said: “We had great Christmases growing up (in Australia) …Mostly, we’d go to the beach, you know, ’cause there it’s summertime. Load up the station wagon and head off to the beach.”
SHOOTING THE BULL
WASH ME MACHINE:
A Japanese company claims it has invented the “washing machine of the future” – for people. Showerhead maker Science Co. says it is about “70% there” in its quest to offer people the ultimate bath. Named the “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki,” the cutting-edge shower capsule is completely enclosed, similar to a cryogenic chamber, and takes just 15 minutes to wash and dry the user. How does it work? After the user steps into the center seat, the transparent cockpit fills partway with water. Sensors then measure the person’s pulse and other biological metrics to make sure the user is bathed at the ideal temperature. The person is then blasted by highspeed water jets firing 3-micrometer-wide air bubbles. When those pop, they produce a small but powerful pressure wave that supposedly scours grime from the skin. Meanwhile, an AI system analyzes those biomarkers to determine if the bather is calm or excited, and then projects a specially chosen video onto the pod’s interior to help calm them. The company claims that as a result, the user receives a “psychological deep-clean to go with the physical one.” Science Co. hopes to make them available next year. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/mtp2hhnz
(The only way this could interest me is if I could take all my dirty pots and pans in there with me — and maybe the dog!)
(Yeah, I don’t care what they say, I’m not getting naked anywhere NEAR something that uses AI!)
-Yahoo
“NAME” THAT TREND:
⇒ Dog-walking company Rover released its 12th annual “Top Pet Names Report”, revealing some of the unique names given to dogs and cats in the US by their – apparently hungry – owners. While the top dog names include Charlie, Milo, Luna and Bella, and top cat names include Oliver, Leo, Luna and Lily, a growing trend seems to be naming pets after food and drink. Topping the list of dog names trending upward were Calzone, Chive and Provolone, as well as Tortilla, Cauliflower and Pork Chop. Provolone was a trending name for cats, too, and so were these delicious, if sometimes cheesy names: Casserole, Burger, Burrito, Goat, Maple Syrup, Dumpling, Loaf, and Pepperoni. (If the saying “You are what you eat” is true for our pets too, we’re going to see a lot of well-fed animals in 2025!)
⇒ Apparently, using dog names to name human babies is a rising trend, says baby name consultant Colleen Slagen. She shared in a TikTok video that one of the most common insults she sees in comments is that a name given to a kid is a dog’s name, not a human’s. But according to Slagen, “Dog names are in”, and giving your child a name inspired by what is commonly though of as a dog name is considered “a compliment now.” To give some examples, a few approaches come to mind: The first is “cutesy nickname” names, for example, Charlie, Daisy, Sophie, Ruby, Sadie and Archie. Next, are the “short and sweet” names, like Leo, Max, Chloe and Luna. And another trend is “true” dog names, like Bear, Banjo and Blue — names which “against your best instincts,” people start to consider for their children. There are also “cool, edgy” names inspired by canines, including Cooper, Maverick and Duke. (Thanks, lady — from someone who just named his puppy “Colleen”!)
-NYPost
FLIGHT OF FANCY:
Here’s one of those seasonal stories that might bring a tear to your eye: United Airlines is showing the spirit of the season by offering children in need “Fantasy Flights” to the “North Pole.” Planes will depart from 13 cities around the world during December, carrying kids and their caretakers. The planes will briefly take to the skies and circle around before landing at a gate decorated to look like Santa’s workshop. One flight happened in Honolulu last week, with the pilot announcing over the intercom: “Santa has invited us to Christmas Island and all his elves are waiting there on the ground for us.” The 125 travelers, typically families that have children with cancer or those who are grieving, landed on “Christmas Island”, where they were taken to a festive hangar made to look like the North Pole, where they received a present from their wish list, played games, and enjoyed a meal with their families. This month, other fantasy flights will depart from Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Houston, Virginia, Tokyo, Guam, and London.
(Faith in humanity: restored!)
(But, being an airline, they’re still charging extra for carry-ons…)
-USAToday
COLD “CURES”:
Natural remedies to help fight off a cold, and recover faster…
☞ Elderberries: The tart, dark purple berries from the Sambucus nigra tree are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies show that taking them within the first 48 hours of infection can reduce the length and severity of symptoms. (And Monty Python had the nerve to make fun of them!)
☞ Chicken soup: By now, you’ve probably heard that grandma was right. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and the steam helps to loosen nasal mucus. (How appetizing!) Plus, it’s packed with nutrients. (And it’s a comfort food, which you really need when you’re sick!)
☞ Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water can definitely help with a sore throat. Salt water can kill bacteria, loosen mucus and soothe the pain and swelling that come with a sore throat. (Definitely NOT a comfort food, though!)
☞ Honey: It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Studies show its thick texture coats the throat, calming irritation and soothing the urge to cough – and it helps improve sleep for children. (And what radio person with a scratchy voice hasn’t stirred it into their tea or hot water?)
☞ Hydration: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to support your body when you’re battling a cold. Fluids help thin out mucus, making it easier to clear congestion and breathe comfortably.
☞ Sleep: It is one of the best — and most overlooked tools for staying healthy. Getting less than 6 hours of sleep can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of catching a cold. Once you’re sick, sleep becomes even more important, to activate your immune cells and fight infection.
(And remember: Follow all of these tips, and your cold will be gone in 7 days. Do none, and it’ll take 7 days!)
-YahooLife!
DID YOU KNOW?
Pantone has named Mocha Mousse, an “evocative soft brown,” as its color of the year for 2025. The global color specialist said Mocha Mousse is: “a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth”, and “a warming rich brown hue” that “nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.” The color reveal continues a tradition that has run for more than a quarter of a century. (Translation for guys: “Light brown”.)
LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4ujparm2
-CNN
BS CHRONOMETER 12.09.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Christmas Card Day”, commemorating the first commercial Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London, England in 1843, which featured a cheery illustration depicting a family with glasses raised in a Christmas toast. It was widely denounced at the time as promoting drunkenness.
• “Green Monday”, an online shopping day similar to Cyber Monday, occurring on the last Monday when there are at least 10 days to go until Christmas. It is considered by many to be the last possible day to order gifts and expect they will arrive in time. (As if anyone in my household needs another excuse to order something online…)
• “Anna’s Day” in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, when it’s time to start the preparation process of the lutefisk to be consumed on Christmas Eve. Lutefisk is basically cod that gets soaked in lye, after being dried to the point of becoming firm and leathery. (Wow. I’ll stick with my traditional Christmas Eve eggnog!)
• “International Anti-Corruption Day”, to raise awareness of corruption and the role of the UN Convention Against Corruption in combating and preventing it. (Sounds like a scam to me…)
• “Pastry Day”, a fun day created to encourage you to make, and of course eat, your favorite pastries. (Initiated by the ‘Danish’?)
• “Day of Veterinary Medicine”, recognizing the field of medicine that protects animals, and the people who practice it. (Today, thank a ‘vet’!)
• “National Llama Day”, to appreciate this fuzzy animal that’s closely related to the alpaca — and can be trained as a therapy animal. Some fun llama facts:
-They can live as long as 30 years.
-They make great guards because they charge at coyotes or dogs — and often make high-pitched screams at intruders.
-Llamas communicate with each other mainly through humming. But when angry, they stick out their tongue.
• “World Techno Day”. Techno is a kind of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in Detroit in the late ‘80s. It is a fusion of dance music and the avant-garde, futuristic sounds from the likes of German electro-pop group Kraftwerk. It is regarded as intellectual and cerebral (but not by your parents!).
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Tues] Dewey Decimal System Day
[Tues] Nobel Prize Day
[Wed] Have a Bagel Day
[Thurs] Gingerbread House Day
This Week is…Computer Science Education Week
This Month is…Eggnog Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1934 [90] (Dame) Judi Dench, York England, movie actress (“Skyfall”, “Shakespeare in Love”)/stage actress (“Cabaret”)/winner of an Oscar, a Tony, 2 Golden Globes, 4 British Academy Television Awards, 6 British Academy Film Awards, 7 Olivier Awards
1953 [71] John Malkovich, Christopher IL, movie actor (“Being John Malkovich”, “RED” movies) COMING UP…“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” 2025
1957 [67] Donny Osmond, Ogden UT, pop singer (‘Puppy Love’, ‘Soldier of Love’, Donny & Marie-‘I’m Leaving It Up to You’/TV host (“Donny and Marie” show 1977-79, 1998-2000)/stage performer (“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”)/brother of Marie Osmond
1962 [62] Felicity Huffman, Bedford NY, TV actress (“Desperate Housewives” 2004-12)/married to William H. Macy since 1997/served 2 weeks in jail in connection to the college admissions scandal
1968 [56] Brian Bell, Knoxville TN, rock guitarist (Weezer-‘Buddy Holly’, ‘Beverly Hills’)
1969 [55] Jakob Dylan, New York NY, rock singer-guitarist (The Wallflowers-‘One Headlight’, ‘Heroes’)/son of Bob Dylan
1972 [52] Tré Cool (Frank Edwin Wright III), Frankfurt Germany, rock drummer (Green Day-‘Good Riddance [Time of Your Life]’, ‘When I Come Around’)
1978 [46] Jesse Metcalfe, Carmel Valley CA, TV actor (“Desperate Housewives” 2004-09, “Chesapeake Shores” 2016-21)
1980 [44] Simon Helberg, LA CA, TV actor (‘Howard Wolowitz’ on “The Big Bang Theory” 2007-19)/movie actor (“Old School”, “Evan Almighty”)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1960 [64] “Coronation Street” premieres on British TV (still in production).
1965 [59] “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, the first animated ‘Peanuts’ TV special, airs for the first time.
2021 [03] Jussie Smollett is found guilty of falsely reporting a hate crime in 2019 in Chicago. He’s later sentenced to 150 days in jail along with 2½ years of probation. (The conviction was reversed in 2024 on the basis that he had fulfilled the plea agreement made in 2019.)
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2019 [05] Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dies from a brain tumor at 61.
2023 [01] Thanks to a new music video, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee, originally released in 1958, goes to #1 in the US, making the 78-year-old the oldest ever to top the chart. And at 65 years, it’s the longest a song has ever taken to reach #1.
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2018 [06] New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady breaks Peyton Manning’s record for most touchdown passes in NFL history; moves to 582 with a 3 TD effort (retired with 737, playoffs included).
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food. That’s the weight of about 6 elephants.
✓ Smelling bananas and/or green apples can help you lose weight.
✓ Cotton swabs cause more injuries than razor blades.
✓ There are more saunas in Finland than cars.
✓ In Germany, making the “shhhh” sound means “hurry up”.
✓ If you counted for 24 hours a day, it would take 31,688 years to reach one trillion.
-StrangeFacts, BathroomReadersInstitute
Best of BS . . .
BS SIGNS YOU ENJOYED THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY A LITTLE TOO MUCH:
• You woke up in court … with your pants on backwards.
• A champagne cork became lodged in your trachea … 6 times.
• You made the front page of the paper for interrupting the church choir practice next door … with your interpretative dancing … while naked.
• The boss was really impressed with your cannonball into the punchbowl.
• Your daily commute now involves a bus ride … to the employment office.
-First published in BS in 2019
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ Starbucks is applying for liquor licenses at multiple locations. (So, if you think baristas had trouble getting your name right before, just wait!)
➠ A study finds that over-petting cats stresses them out. (But they also found that that cats LOVE posing for pictures in sailor hats. So at least you’re doing something right, Shelly in accounting!)
➠ A study found that people who post inspirational quotes on Facebook are less intelligent. (By the way, I have a name for those people: ‘Blocked’!)
➠ NASA is planning to land the first man on Mars in the 2030s. (The identity of the man remains to be seen — so for now we’ll call him, “Mr. Deathwish.”)
➠ Fun Fact: Both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are on TikTok. (So, just in case you were wondering, you can apparently get TikTok on a rotary phone…)
BS WEB GOODIE:
Other than that, it’s been a great year: https://tinyurl.com/4ub3pusp
BS RANDOM JOKE:
It’s beginning to cost a lot like Christmas…
BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
• According to Wil Ferrell’s ‘Buddy the Elf’ character, the 4 main food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns, and WHAT?
a) Candy apples
b) Candy bars
c) Syrup [CORRECT]
d) Candied yams
• In the 19th century, what were the first “artificial Christmas trees” made from?
a) Wax
b) Feathers [CORRECT. Dyed goose & turkey feathers were attached to wire branches]
c) Wood
d) Polyurethane
• 40% of our yearly consumption of WHICH food item occurs between November and January?
a) Nuts [CORRECT. Close to 100% of eggnog consumption falls during that time.]
b) Eggnog
c) Fruitcake
d) Rum
-XmasTraditions
BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ If you found a surprise $100 in your pocket, how would you spend it? (In a poll, the top answers were: shopping, dining out, and filling the car with gas.)
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
A study found that the average women has $500 worth of THIS. What is it?
Answer: Unworn clothing
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Don’t worry about failures — worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.
