BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ A 5th installment of the hit animated film franchise “Ice Age” will hit cinemas in 2016. Last year’s “Ice Age: Continental Drift” raked in $875 million in global box office and actor John Leguizamo, who voices talkative sloth ‘Sid’, has previously said he’d be stoked to reprise his character in yet another sequel. Seems Leguizamo’s wish has been granted as Fox Animation Studios has set a July 2016 release date for “Ice Age 5”. All the films to date have also featured the voices of Ray Romano and Denis Leary.
– ContactMusic.com
★ 56-year-old comedian and “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey has been cleared of child abuse allegations after being accused by his ex, Mary Harvey, of hitting his 11-year-old son for lying about schoolwork. But after review, Texas Department of Family & Protective Services has decided the boy is not at risk and the case has since been closed without further investigation. However, in a strange turn of events, his ex has now been charged with contempt of court for leaking the info to the media, and been sentenced to 30 days in the slammer.
– TMZ.com”
★ After appearing in books that have sold 450 million copies and in 8 hit movies, ‘Harry Potter’ is set to make his stage debut in London’s West End in a new play to be created in collaboration with author JK Rowling. The theatrical production will explore the previously untold story of the boy wizard’s early years as an outcast and orphan. Rowling will not write the script but will serve as a co-producer of the production that’s expected to open sometime in 2015.
– Reuters.com
★ And acting legend Peter O’Toole has been laid to rest at a funeral in London. The “Lawrence Of Arabia” star passed away December 14th at age 81. The memorial at north London’s Golders Green Crematorium on Saturday was attended by his ex-wife, Welsh actress Sian Phillips, classic rocker Sting, and by O’Toole’s daughter Kate, who offered up the eulogy. Quote: “The world has lost a great actor, but I’m not concerned with that. I simply have lost a great dad and the best friend I ever had.”
– WENN.com

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “The iHeartradio Jingle Ball 2013” (CW) – Performers at NYC’s Madison Square Garden include Fall Out Boy, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Paramore, Pitbull, Robin Thicke, and Selena Gomez. Rerun.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Wild Feathers (“Wild Feathers”). Rerun.
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Letlive (“The Blackest Beautiful”). Rerun.
• “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Jack Johnson (“From Here to Now to You”). Rerun.
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/NTV/Omni1) – J Roddy Walston & The Business (“Essential Tremors”).
• “Live With Kelly & Michael” (ABC/CTV) – American Authors (“American Authors”).
• “The Sing-Off” (NBC) – Season finalé; performances by Neil Giraldo, 98 Degrees, Pat Benatar, and Pentatonix; the winning group is declared.
• “Tavis Smiley” (PBS) – Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins.
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/CTV2) – Chris Young (“AM”). Rerun.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Adele – The 25-year-old’s musical achievements have been recognized with the presentation of an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Britain’s Prince Charles at a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony.
• Arcade Fire – They’re confirmed for a headline appearance at next year’s mammoth Glastonbury 2014 festival in the UK. They’re the 2nd act to announce their participation. Last month Brit artist Lily Allen revealed she’d be appearing.
• Beyoncé – She surprised shoppers at a Walmart store in the small town of Tewksbury, Massachusetts on Friday by handing out $50-gift cards to everyone on-site. The store manager tells “Us Weekly” that Queen Bey bought a total of 750 cards, costing a total of $37,500.
• Cole Swindell – “Chillin’ It” has sold more than 500,000 copies, making it the top-selling debut single by a solo male country artist in 2013. His self-titled debut album is due out February 18th.
• Daft Punk – The French electronic duo (“Random Access Memories”) will perform at the Grammys on January 26th (CBS). It will be their first televised performance since they played alongside Kanye West at the 2008 awards.
• Florida Georgia Line – Their single “Stay” has stayed atop the ‘Billboard Country Songs’ chart this week.
• Rihanna – She’s made “Vogue” magazine’s list of ‘Best Dressed Women of 2013’, joining Cara Delevingne, Cate Blanchett, Kerry Washington, Lily Collins, Miranda Kerr, and Stella McCartney.
• Rodney Atkins – He’ll help ring in 2014 from NYC’s Times Square by appearing on “All-American New Year”, a FOX News Channel New Year’s Eve special.

GIFTING TRICKS THAT ARE PROVEN POSITIVE:
A few tips on giving gifts that are tops …
• People value nicely-wrapped gifts more than poorly-prepped presents … even if the box contains the same thing.
• People don’t appreciate pricier presents any more than humble gifts. You should aim to drop the same amount that your recipient would spend if she bought the item for herself.
• Studies show people place the most value on gifts they explicitly asked for.
• Recipients especially like gifts that require some participation, ie: cooking classes, language software, or anything else that calls for a little effort.
• Give experiences, not stuff. New adventures provide more lasting satisfaction than items like jewelry or clothes. Why? They generate memories that can be relived over and over again.
– MensHealth.com

MORNING-AFTER MOBILITY:
In early December, British company Kabuto Noodles launched a pre-Christmas cab service for hung-over Londoners struggling to get to the office. The Kab-U-To Work hangover taxi not only offers door-to-door transportation but also gives users a care package of hangover essentials including sunglasses, pain killers, orange juice, breath mints, and – of course – hot noodles. Perhaps the best part for Londoners is that it’s free … at least until midday tomorrow. (Now there’s a promotional idea to file away for next year.)
– NYDailyNews.com

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS EXPLAINED:
• Caroling – The tradition dates back to the 8th or 9th century. In feudal times, visits from carolers may have been tenants taking their harvest to their lord, expecting something in return.
• Christmas Tree – This German tradition goes back to the Middle Ages when the ‘Feast Day of Adam & Eve’ was celebrated on December 24th with ‘paradise trees’ decorated with apples.
• Eggnog – The beverage has its roots as a wintertime drink for British aristocracy. Only they could afford milk & eggs and expensive liquors like brandy to keep the drink from spoiling.
• Mistletoe – The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe dates back to 16th century England, and is possibly related to belief in the plant’s ability to affect fertility and conception.
– Condensed from “USA Today”

FAUX IS THE WAY TO GO:
Fake fur and ‘vegan leather’ are popular holiday gifts this year. Fashion designers have found the materials are not only animal-friendly but cheaper than their authentic counterparts. Technology is also making faux fur and leather look and feel more like the real thing, so that means no more of the plastic-looking ‘pleather’ of the 1980s. It used to be that ‘faux’ meant less expensive and quality less than desirable, but not any longer. Faux is now becoming part of the next evolution of fashion ‘must-haves’. (But isn’t it cruel to harvest the faux just for their fur?)
– AP

BEST SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS:
✓ A fresh pine tree right before you put it in your car.
✓ The aroma and first sip of rich, creamy eggnog.
✓ Chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven for Santa.
✓ A cozy fire crackling in the fireplace.
✓ Snuggling up with a cinnamon-spiced mulled wine.
✓ Freshly frosted gingerbread cookies.
✓ Scotch tape as you carefully wrap each gift.
✓ Turkey with sage stuffing or honey-glazed ham roasting in the oven all afternoon.
✓ Crisp, cold, Winter air on Christmas morning.
– Buzzfeed.com

BIGGER TVS ON THE WAY:
LG Electronics and Samsung have each announced new 105-inch Ultra HD TVs, which the Korean TV makers plan to officially unveil at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 5th. Both feature curved screens that deliver increased immersion and higher resolution than standard HD. And their rectangular 21:9 aspect ratio, a shape similar to that of a CinemaScope theater screen, is wider than current 16:9 widescreen HDTVs. No word on pricing yet, but Samsung’s currently available 85-inch Ultra HD is tagged at $40,000. (That 60-inch TV you bought on sale a month back? Piece of crap.)
– USAToday.com

FOR THE RECORD:
The ‘World’s Most Expensive Christmas Pudding’ costs $38,500. The decadent dessert is soaked in 200-year-old Cognac, comes with a gold coin, and is topped with organic Ajwa dates and rare Mamra almonds from Iran. It is being prepared by Martin Chiffers, former pastry chef of the Savoy Hotel London. It can serve up to 12 people. (Just a little over $3,200 a head.)
– RelaxNews.com

DID YOU KNOW?
Quantas Airlines’ Sydney-to-Dallas service is the world’s longest commercial flight at 8,568 miles (13,790 km).
– “The Economist”

BS SUBSCRIBER NOTE:
“The Bull Sheet” is on holiday hiatus from December 25th through January 3rd inclusive. Subscribers will receive credits for missed service days. If you’ve received an expiry notice, be sure to get your renewal in to ensure “BS” service in the new year.

BS CHRONOMETER 12.23.13

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1943 [70] Harry Shearer, LA CA, comedian/TV voice-over actor (numerous voices on “The Simpsons”)/movie actor (“This Is Spinal Tap”)

1946 [67] Susan Lucci, Scarsdale NY, TV actress (“Devious Maids” 2013, “All My Children” 1970-2011)/reality TV personality (“Dancing With the Stars” 2008)

1964 [49] Eddie Vedder (Edward Louis Severson III), Evanston IL, alt-rock singer (“Hard Sun”, Pearl Jam-“Last Kiss”)

1978 [35] Estella Warren, Peterborough ON, movie actress (“Planet Of the Apes”, “The Cooler”)/fashion model (“Sports Illustrated”, “Vogue”, “Vanity Fair”)

TODAY’S BS REASON TO PARTY . . .
• “Festivus”, originally created in 1966 but little known until mentioned in a “Seinfeld” TV episode in 1997. It is dedicated to the idea of celebrating without the pressure and commercialism of the traditional holidays.

• “Noche de Rabano” (“Night Of the Radishes”) in Oaxaca (‘wah-HAH-kah’), Mexico, when figurines are cleverly carved … from radishes. How festive!
NET: http://academictoursoaxaca.com/4main_radish.htm

• “Roots Day”, a day to celebrate your heritage. Many of us are returning to our roots as we head home for Christmas, bringing us a cozy, comfortable feeling and a sense of belonging.

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1993 [20] “Philadelphia”, starring Tom Hanks, opens in theaters, the first major Hollywood movie to focus on the subject of AIDS

1997 [16] 62-year-old movie director Woody Allen & his 27-year-old stepdaughter Soon-Yi Previn quietly wed in Venice, Italy

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1823 [190] “Account Of a Visit from St Nicholas” (better known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) by Clement C Moore is first published in the “Troy (NY) Sentinel”

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1986 [27] Dick Rutan & Jeana Yeager complete 24,986-mile ‘Non-Stop Around-the-World Flight’ (“Are we flippin’ there yet?!”)

AND REMEMBER . . .
[Tues] Christmas Eve
[Wed] Christmas Day (Christian)
[Wed] “47 Ronin”; “Grudge Match”; “Justin Bieber’s Believe”; “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”; “The Wolf of Wall Street” open in movie theaters
[Thurs] Thank-you Note Day
[Thurs] Whiners Day
[Fri] “Britney Spears: Piece Of Me” debuts (Las Vegas)
This Week Is … It’s About Time Week
This Month Is … Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month

BULL’S BITS

BEST OF BS:
Highlight bits culled from 20 years of “Bull Sheet” back issues …
WORST BS TURKEY STUFFING INGREDIENTS:
• Asbestos
• Prison Garbage
• Burnt-Out Lightbulbs
• Krazy Glue
• Winning Lottery Tickets
• Feathers
• Mariah Carey’s Liposuction Leftovers
• Gasoline-Soaked Dynamite
• Healthy Feast Tofu Bluffin’ Stuffin’
– First published in “BS” 2003.

DOGS’ HOLIDAY SEASON TRADITIONS:
● Decorating tree with slobber-soaked tennis balls & festive ‘scent.’
● Remembering to tip the guy who gives flea baths.
● Leaving Santa a glass of milk & a mutilated squirrel.
● Gingerbread-flavored worm pills.
● Praying for peace on Earth and slightly larger hole in the fence to the Collie’s yard.
● Laying down by the fire with a nice brandy and licking themselves.
● Attending candlelight vigil in remembrance of neutered brothers.
● Drinking egg nog out of the toilet bowl.
– First published in “BS” 1997.
NET: http://www.FreeRadioPrep.com

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
What are the names of Santa’s #7 and #8 reindeer?
a. Donner and Blitzen.
b. Donder and Blixen. [CORRECT. When Clement C Moore’s “A Visit From St Nicholas” was first published in 1823, the names appeared that way. They have evolved over the years since.]
c. Max and Muffin.
– Wikipedia.org

BS RANDOM JOKE:
The trouble with children is that they are not returnable.

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What’s your all-time favorite holiday season movie? (In a new poll, it isn’t “Christmas Vacation” or “Love Actually” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas?”. 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” tops the list … even though it’s technically not a movie.)

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: 5% of women say their husbands do THIS during the holidays.
Answer: Give the worst gifts.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The best vitamin for making friends … B1.

NOW ON OUR SHEET LIST:
Wayne Clark @ 2NM Muswellbrook NSW, Australia; Robert Crabb @ Redstone FM [DAB 10C] Leatherhead UK; Todd Bryant @ Magic 95.1 [WUEZ] Carterville IL; Cassy Clarke @ TuksFM Pretoria, South Africa; Julie Reeves @ 93.7 The Dawg [WDGG] Huntington WV; Tony James @ 7 Waves 92.1 FM Leasowe UK; and Moses Stoep @ EK.FM 103.6 Tsakane, South Africa.