Monday, January 6, 2020 – Edition: #6605
Tomorrow’s Show Prep Today!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Jennifer Lopez says that she considered stripping in the early days of her career. She stars as a stripper named Ramona in “Hustlers”, but she very nearly followed that career path in real life, because her early days as a dancer left her desperate for cash. Lopez says that she had friends who were dancers who would tell her about making thousands of dollars at clubs in New Jersey. JLo says that “sounded awfully good when I was broke and eating pizza every day”, but she never did it.
-ContactMusic
★ Brad Pitt wanted to be a ”rockstar”. But he admits he can’t sing and jokes that he had to change his career path to compensate. When asked by “W” magazine if he has a karaoke song, Pitt said: ”No. I sing very badly. Animals flee. I can start stampedes. As a kid, I had the rock star fantasy, but I couldn’t sing or play any instruments, so I had to go to the next best thing.” On a more serious note, he revealed that he plans to make ”fewer” movies in the future and plans to step behind the camera to work with his production company Plan B, as well as on his hobbies including sculpting and landscaping.
-ContactMusic
★ Adam Sandler’s Twitter account was hacked last week, and was quickly filled with a slew of racist, sexist and anti-Semitic messages. Many of the tweets included the N-word, and while they were all removed from Sandler’s page when he regained control of his account, several retweets remained on the weekend — including one which refers to former U.S. president Barack Obama as a “monkey.”
-Canoe
★ “The Grudge” has now joined an infamous list of movies by becoming the 20th film to receive an ‘F’ in the CinemaScore audience poll. The film is an attempt to revive Takashi Shimizu’s famed horror series about the vengeful ghost of a woman who kills anyone who enters the home where she was murdered, and spreads her curse to the various murder scenes. The last film to achieve the dubious honor was 2017’s “mother!”, which starred Jennifer Lawrence.
-TheWrap
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/Global): Tiffany Haddish, “The Bachelor” Peter Weber, Pharrell Williams
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Shaquille O’Neal, Jacqueline Novak, Lil Baby
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Jane Fonda, Tan France, Miranda Lambert
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Sen. Elizabeth Warren, David Byrne, H.E.R., Caitlin Kalafus
• ” The Late Late Show with James Corden” (CBS/CTV): John Travolta, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sam Taylor-Johnson (R)
• “Conan” (TBS): Deon Cole (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): “Below Deck” 100th Episode Celebration
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Judge Judy Sheindlin
• “The Talk” (CBS): Kevin Frazier
• “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (ABC/CTV): Rose Byrne, James Holzhauer, Dr. Jen Ashton
• “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (NBC/CTV): Awkwafina, Mario Lopez, Dua Lipa
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS): Andy Grammer, Lisa Vanderpump, “The Voice” winner Jake Hoot
• “The Bachelor” (ABC): Season 24 premiere. Airline pilot Peter Weber begins his search for love; Hannah Brown returns to host the second group date.
• “Manifest” (NBC): Season 2 premiere
• “America’s Got Talent” (NBC): Ten of the most memorable acts from around the globe perform; four advance — two chosen by a panel of superfans, one Judges’ Choice and one who receives a Golden Buzzer
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Billie Eilish — has launched her sustainable fashion line with H&M. It includes oversized t-shirts, sweaters, and bucket hats. She’s also created her own Eco-Village, which will feature refill stations for fans who bring their own reusable bottles to her gigs and educate them on climate change.
• Pink – says she is “devastated” over the horrific Australian wildfires and is pledging $500k to local fire service throughout the country.
• Miley Cyrus – and Jamaican composer Michael May, aka Flourgon, have settled a $300 million lawsuit. May claimed Cyrus’ 2013 song ‘We Can’t Stop’ replicated a reggae song he wrote in 1988 called ‘We Run Things’, which hit #1 in Jamaica.
• Justin Bieber – After he boasted about his hockey skills in a video, St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington posted: “10 breakaways me vs you. You score one on me I’ll dye my hair platinum blond.” Bieber offered an alternative: “How bout 10 thousand dollars to charity I score and you donate to a charity of my choice and we film it.”
• Rod Stewart — has a court date after being charged with simple battery. A security guard claims he was punched when Stewart and his son were part of a group that “began to get loud and cause a scene” when they were denied access to a private party at a Palm Beach, Florida resort on New Year’s Eve.
• Dave Matthews Band — With voting set to end on Friday, they have a commanding lead in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s fan vote. They’ve received over 900,000 votes, nearly 100,000 more than second-place Pat Benatar. Also in the top 5, in order, are: the Doobie Brothers, Soundgarden and Judas Priest. Latest results here: https://vote.rockhall.com/results/
• Meat Loaf – has gone vegan, but he’s not changing his name. In a video for the Frankie & Benny restaurant chain in the UK, he declined to change its name to “Veg Loaf” or “Vegan Meatloaf”, but he says he has changed his eating habits for Veganuary.
• Jake Owen – says he broke his wrist while warning his daughter, Pearl, “what not to do.” He posted a video where he shows his cast and says that he “was riding a skateboard in my driveway…And I showed her what not to do, all right … don’t break your wrist, Pearl.” He says he’ll be OK for some important events booked for 2020.
• Lady Antebellum — have announced a new run of tour dates. Their “Ocean 2020 Tour” will kick off May 21 in Albuquerque, N.M., and wrap with a hometown Nashville show on Sept. 12. Jake Owen and Maddie & Tae will open.
THIS YEAR’S SCAM:
It looks like those “2020” warnings that you may have seen pop up in your Facebook or Twitter feed could be legit. As you try to remember to write the correct year on official forms and documents, the National Association of Consumer Advocates in the US is warning you to be diligent in writing the full year, rather than simply putting “20” to signify the year 2020. Why? When 2020 is abbreviated, those looking to exploit unsuspecting people can easily manipulate those numbers and leave people potentially vulnerable to fraud. For example, a document dated 1/4/20 can easily be changed to 1/4/2021 by adding two numbers at the end. That method could be used to make a dated check appear current, or to nefariously change the terms of a credit agreement, making it appear as if you still own money. There’s no evidence yet that anyone has been scammed in this manner. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to wrote out the full four digits of the year.
(I’ll be sure to remember that BOTH times I write a check this year!)
(Don’t worry. If it’s going to happen to anyone, it’ll happen to me. I’ll let you know!)
-CNN
JOLLY GOOD IDEAS:
Britain’s Prince William is offering a multi-million-pound prize to people who can find answers to Earth’s biggest environmental problems. He has announced “The Earthshot Prize”, described as “the most prestigious environmental prize in history”, which will be awarded to five winners a year over the next decade with the goal of finding at least 50 solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. As the Prince put it, “The earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve.” So far, no details have been given on the size of the prizes or how they’ll be funded, but the project is “supported by a global coalition of philanthropists and organizations.” The Earthshot Prize will be formally launched later this year with challenges announced at events around the world.
(That I hope hundreds of scientists and celebs won’t be flown in to attend!)
(Wouldn’t you hope that whomever comes up with a way to save the earth is going to get filthy rich from it anyway?)
(I’m happy to see him putting his royal money where his royal mouth is…)
-HuffingtonPost
THIS DIET – TRY IT!
For the third year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been named #1 in US News and World Report’s ranking of best diets. Each year, a number of diets are ranked on balance, maintainability, palatability, family-friendliness, sustainability and healthfulness. And once again, the Mediterranean diet has checked all the boxes. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes simple, plant-based cooking, also captured first place in best diet for healthy eating, easiest diet to follow, best plant-based diet and best diet for diabetes. And its little wonder it has come out on top again. Meals from the sunny Mediterranean have been linked to stronger bones, a healthier heart, a lower risk of dementia and breast cancer, and longer life, along with a reduced risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. Coming in second this year was the DASH diet, followed by Flexitarian, WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and MIND diets. By the way, the keto diet came in next-to-last in the ranking of 35 diets.
(What came in last? My teenager’s?)
(I don’t even know where Mediterrania is!)
(How much do suppose it would cost to get an Uber Eats delivery from the Mediterranean?)
-CNN
MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES IN 2019:
• Boys: • Girls:
1. Liam 1. Sophia
2. Jackson 2. Olivia
3. Noah 3. Emma
4. Aiden 4. Ava
5. Grayson 5. Aria
6. Caden 6. Isabella
7. Lucas 7. Amelia
8. Elijah 8. Mia
9. Oliver 9. Riley
10. Muhammad 10. Aaliyah
Also of note:
•Actor Keanu Reeves had a banner year — appearing in four big movies in 2019 — and the name ‘Keanu’ saw a 24 per cent increase in use over 2018.
• On another list compiled by Babynames.com, the most popular girl name was ‘Charlotte’. Inspired by Princess Charlotte of the royal family, perhaps?
-BabyCenter, Global
DID YOU KNOW?
Jonathan Goldstein of Montreal has parlayed this skill — some would call it a gift — into a paid gig: In his spare time, he assembles IKEA furniture for people who don’t have the patience or ability. He charges 10 per cent of the price of the piece. Jonathan is 9-years-old.
-MontrealGazette
BS CHRONOMETER 01.06.20
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1955 [65] Rowan Atkinson, Consett UK, movie actor (“Bean”, “Four Weddings & A Funeral”)/former TV comic (“Mr. Bean”, “Blackadder”)/Order Of the British Empire (2013)
1960 [60] Nigella Lawson, London UK, celebrity chef (“Simply Nigella” since 2015, “The Taste” 2013-14, “Nigella Bites” 1999-2001)
1960 [60] Howie Long, Charlestown MA, TV football analyst (“FOX NFL Sunday” since 1994)/former NFL DE (Raiders 1981-93)/Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000)
1969 [51] Norman Reedus, Hollywood FL, TV actor (‘Daryl Dixon’ on “The Walking Dead” since 2010)
1969 [51] Ree Drummond, Bartlesville OK, chef (“The Pioneer Woman” since 2011)
1970 [50] Julie Chen, Queens NY, TV host (“The Talk” 2010-18, “Big Brother” since 2000)/wed to CBS-TV president-CEO Leslie Moonves since 2004
1982 [39] Eddie Redmayne, London UK, movie actor (“Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them”, “The Theory of Everything”) COMING UP…”The Trial of the Chicago 7″, 2020
1984 [36] Kate McKinnon, Sea Cliff NY, comedian (“Saturday Night Live” since 2012)/movie actress (“Ghostbusters”)
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Cuddle Up Day”, an opportunity to snuggle up to someone or something on a cold Winter’s day.
• “Take Down the Christmas Tree Day”, as the official holiday season ends today with Epiphany.
• “Epiphany” (aka “Three Kings Day”), a Christian celebration and public holiday in Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Puerto Rico. In Ireland it’s known as “Little Christmas”; in Italy the kindly witch ‘La Befana’ slides down chimneys on her broom to bring toys & goodies for kids; in Mexico, where it’s known as “Dia de los Santos Reyes”, kids leave shoes out to be filled with toys by ‘Los Tres Reyes’ (The Three Kings), who tote gifts while riding camel-back.
• “Carnival Season” begins, which runs from today (“Epiphany”) until February 25th (“Shrove Tuesday”). Although some people use Carnival and Mardi Gras interchangeably, they are actually different things. Carnival is a time to eat, drink and be merry before the rigorous fasting and sacrifice during Lent.
• “Smith Day”, celebrating the most-common surname in the English-speaking world.
• “Thank God It’s Monday Day”, but don’t mention that to anyone or you’re liable to get slapped upside the head. Research confirms what you already know – MONDAY is the most stressful day of the week.
COMING UP . . .
[Tues] Harlem Globetrotter’s Day
[Tues] National Tempura Day
[Wed] Argyle Day
[Wed] Bubble Bath Day
This Week Is…Diet Resolution Week
This Month Is…National Blood Donor Month
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2016 [04] “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” breaks the North American box office record, passing the $760.5m record set by “Avatar”
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2003 [17] Rocker Elvis Costello weds jazz singer Diana Krall in a ceremony at Elton John’s mansion in England
2012 [08] Wiz Khalifa is sued for $2.3 million over his hit song ‘Black & Yellow’, which rapper Maxamillion claims is a rip-off from his obscure 2007 track ‘Pink & Yellow’
2019 [01] Kanye West debuts his weekly Sunday Service series at his home in Calabasas, California. The event, teased on social media by wife Kim Kardashian, features gospel-soul takes of his hits with the rapper’s celebrity pals rounding out the congregation
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2016 [04] It’s reported that in the UK, more money has been spent on vinyl than downloaded albums for the first time since downloads became available
TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
2012 [08] Andy Coyne manages to wear 249 T-shirts at one time, weighing in at more than 200 pounds, at an industry trade show in Las Vegas – setting the new world record for the most t-shirts worn at once
2013 [07] The electric guitar played by Bob Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival is sold at auction in NYC for a record $965,000 (the Fender Stratocaster had been in the possession of a New Jersey family for 48 years after Dylan left it on a private plane)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ If you ran (literally) at a snail’s pace, it would take you 18 months to finish a marathon.
✓ Fluctuating hormones make it harder for a woman to sing when she is pregnant.
✓ The country with the most Olympic medals per capita is Liechtenstein.
✓ Incidences of déjà vu decrease with age.
✓ The woodland jumping mouse got its name because it lives in woodlands and can jump 6 feet high.
✓ 4% of the complaints received by British Rail are about how they handle complaints.
-BathroomReadersInstitute
Best of BS . . .
BS SIGNS YOU WORK IN A BAD OFFICE:
• You have a desk, but no chair.
• Every week a third of your pay is deducted for the ‘Prozac Fund’.
• To increase profitability, the conference room has been turned into a chinchilla farm.
• Only the vending machine makes less money than you.
• In your one-page performance report, the word ‘sucks’ appears 13 times.
• The company president casually asks you if you know anything about starting fires.
• When stressed, your boss compulsively licks his back.
• The guy who comes in once a week to change the water cooler is the new VP.
• When you say, “See you tomorrow,” the security guard laughs uncontrollably.
• Your office nickname … ‘Deadwood’.
-first published in BS in 2014
BS SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A BINGO ADDICTION:
• You brag to your friends that you’re down to just 2 boards-a-day.
• You’re banned on 3 seniors’ cruise lines.
• Every time you sit down to play, you belt out the words: “It’s time to kick some bingo booty!”
• You’ve had to join ‘Bing-A-Non’.
• You start twitching uncontrollably whenever you hear someone sing: “There was a farmer, who had a dog …”
• You have to use a fake name when visiting select Florida resorts.
• When you’re diagnosed with a brain tumor, all you can say is that you hope it’s B9.
-first published in BS in 2017
BS WEB GOODIE:
Resolution: So far…not so good: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2962236540474612
BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
• Which is the world’s highest waterfall?
a. Angel Falls [CORRECT, the highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 m/3,212 ft is in Venezuela.]
b. Victoria Falls
c. Niagara Falls
d. Autumn Falls
• What is the only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence?
a. Statue of Zeus
b. Great Pyramid of Giza [CORRECT]
c. Lighthouse of Alexandria
d. Empire State Building
-TriviaCrack, PubTimeTrivia
BS RANDOM JOKE:
Sundays are always a little sad, but the day before is a sadder day.
BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s the most unusual sleep-wear you’ve worn (or heard of someone wearing)?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: 40% of us say we’ve yelled out for help after THIS happened. What is it?
Answer: Ran out of toilet paper
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
No matter how many mistakes you make, or how slow you progress, you’re still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.
