Thursday, March 22, 2007 Edition: #3493
Have Another Sheetload!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
39-year-old actress Pamela Anderson has confirmed that she’s ‘come full circle’ and will re-team with “Baywatch” producers to make another beachfront TV show to be called “Malibu” (allowing her to work close to home and make use of her natural talents – both of them) . . . Sources say new-released Britney Spears has made an amazing turnaround while in rehab (despite all the negative reports) and has agreed with her soon-to-be ex- Kevin Federline on a 50/50 custody split of their 2 children (but they’ll continue with the 99/1 split of her money) . . . Paula Abdul claims fellow “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell has a nickname – ‘Small Ben’ (and it’s not because he has so little time available) . . . TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has a new deal with American Greetings to develop a signature line of ‘Ellen’-branded greeting cards which will debut in stores THIS SUMMER (“GLAAD to hear you’re feeling better …”) . . . Wannabe California immigrants David & Victoria Beckham have reportedly found the Beverly Hills mansion they’d like to purchase as their dream home (said to be listed at close to $40 million) but are keeping negotiations under wraps (it’s thought their much-talked-about househunting has encouraged locals to push up prices on high-end properties) . . . After being bombarded with complaints, After Dark Films has promised to remove offensive billboards & taxi ads for its upcoming horror flick, “Captivity” (opening MAY 18th), which depict gruesome images of the film’s star, Calgary-born actress Elisha Cuthbert, being confined, tortured & killed (seems the short-lived ploy worked – no one had even heard of this film a couple of days ago) . . . “Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows”, the 7th installment in JK Rowling’s wildly popular series that’s due JULY 21st, will reportedly be the ‘greenest book ever printed’, using a mix of recycled and other eco-friendly paper (good thing, because otherwise the expected 8 bazillion copies could denude the entire planet!).
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Hilary Duff – TONIGHT she appears on “Live@Much” (MuchMusic).
• Jason Aldean – TONIGHT his new Vegas-shot video for “Johnny Cash”, the first single from his upcoming album “Relentless” (due MAY 29th), premieres on “Top 20 Countdown” (CMT).
• Lindsay Buckingham – TONIGHT the former Fleetwood Mac member guests on “Late Night With Conan O’ Brien” (NBC).
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – THIS WEEK they’ve been forced to postpone concerts in Tokyo & Osaka, Japan because frontman Anthony Kiedis is suffering from bronchial pneumonia. Meantime, in a contest collaboration with YouTube, the band is offering fans the chance to make a promotional video clip for the new “Charlie” single and qualify to win $5,000 plus a trip to an RHCP concert JULY 6th in Paris, France.
• Rolling Stones – TODAY Mick Jagger is expected to conduct a live webcast on the band’s website, likely regarding European concerts for THIS SUMMER, including make-ups for dates canceled in 2006. It’s already been announced they’ll headline the JUNE 10th “Isle of Wight Festival”.
NET: http://www.rollingstones.com/home.php
• Ryan Malcolm – The original “Canadian Idol” winner (2003) from Kingston ON has dumped his old image and formed a new rock band called Low Level Flight which releases its debut album NEXT WEEK on Malcolm’s own record label. With a Mohawk ‘do and no glasses, he’s looking a lot less like a waiter.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
A BS selection of movies in the making …
• “The Hurt Locker” – Irish actor Colin Farrell has signed to star in a new movie about the war in Iraq. He’ll appear alongside Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes & Willem Dafoe in the story of an ill-fated bomb disposal unit. Cameras are set to roll late THIS SPRING.
• “Indiana Jones IV” – 37-year-old actress Cate Blanchett has agreed to star opposite 64-year-old Harrison Ford in the much-talked-about 4th instalment of this series but there are no details yet on what her role will be. Natalie Portman has also been rumored to have some sort of role. Filming starts in JUNE for a release date of MAY 22, 2008.
• “Iron Lady” – The producers behind the award-winning movie “The Queen” are next developing a bio-film about Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and the run-up to the 1982 Falklands War. No casting has been announced, but you can bet Helen Mirren’s phone has been ringing.
• “27 Dresses” – “Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl (‘Izzie Stevens’) will play a perennial bridesmaid in this upcoming romantic comedy. She’s ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ no less than 27 times, but the 28th proves the toughest because she’s in love with the groom and the bride is … her sister. Filming is set to begin in MAY, once “Grey’s“ goes on hiatus.
• “Wanted” – Looks like Angelina Jolie’s stint as a stay-at-home mom will be short-lived. She’s just signed to star opposite Morgan Freeman in this upcoming action film that’s due to start shooting in MAY. It’s scheduled to be in theaters a year from now.
GOOGLE TO GO:
Google is set to launch a mobile phone that will allow users to browse the Internet using the search engine’s software. The Google-branded handset will come with a color wide-screen and use a major network for connection. The company hopes its ePhone will generate even more money from advertisers, aa well as provide some stiff competition for Apple’s iPhone. (Will the ePhone have an ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ button?)
– “GQ”
HOT JOB PROSPECTS:
Thanks to the Baby Boomer generation, the average age of the population is slipping ever older and a new study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests job opportunities will reflect that fact. Over the next decade, 7 of the 10 fastest-growing jobs will be in the healthcare field. Here are the fastest-growing gigs (and the expected increase in the number of jobs in that field) …
5. Computer Software Engineers (48%)
4. Physician Assistants (50%)
3. Medical Assistants (52%)
2. Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts (55%)
1. Home Healthcare Aides (56%)
– “Forbes Magazine”
THE 2007 GM MOSQUITO:
No, it’s not a new car model, it’s a genetically modified (GM) strain of malaria-resistant mosquito that’s recently been created. The super-insect carries a gene that prevents infection by the malaria parasite. The idea is to introduce the GM insects into wild populations in the hope that they will take over and wipe out the dangerous disease worldwide. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore MD say the GM mosquitoes can be identified by their green fluorescent eyes. We’re guessing the horror movie is already in the works. (Why do we need mosquitoes at all? Why not alter them so they can’t reproduce?)
– BBC News
SCIENTISTS SAY:
A BS compendium of recent ‘discoveries’ …
• Scientists say … women who eat at least 1 serving a day of high-fat dairy food (including ice cream and full-fat milk) reduce their risk of infertility by more than 25% compared with women who eat 1 serving or less a week, according to a study in “New Scientist”. (Finally, a legit excuse to pig out on Haagen-Dazs!)
• Scientists say … losing your temper can kill you. But only if you’re a guy. A 10-year study has found that hot-headed men have a 20% higher risk of developing an irregular heartbeat that can lead to sudden death. For some unknown reason, the risk does not affect women. (That’s cuz they’re the cause!)
• Scientists say … sex doesn’t sell after all. A new report from University College London finds that TV viewers watching risque shows tend to remember less about ads that appear in them than viewers watching family-type shows. Bottom line, says lead researcher Adrian Furnham, is it may be unwise to try to sell your product during a sexy program. (Unless the ad’s even hotter than the show.)
• Scientists say … it’s worse to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, at least in terms of long-term happiness. Michigan State University psychologist Richard Lucas has found that marriage picks up your spirits for only about 2 years on average, while divorce can plunge you into the emotional dumps … permanently. But then, so can losing your job. (Ohmygawd, pass the Prozac!)
BS AMAZING FACTS:
• After water, concrete is the product most consumed by humans on Earth. That’s one reason the cement industry is responsible for 7% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
– “Spectator Magazine”
• The average North American TV viewer now has 104 channels to choose from versus 61 in 2000 and 33 in 1990, according to new figures.
– Nielsen Media Research
• It’s estimated that as many as 20% of all adults in the world take some sort of vitamin supplement.
– “Hartford Courant”
• 10,000 pieces of luggage are lost by US airlines every day.
– AskMen.com
SHE SAID IT:
“I’m down to 3. I have a ‘flat foot’ leg, a ‘high-heel’ leg and a leg I use for skiing in the Winter and switch over to use for roller-blading in the Summer.”
– Paul McCartney’s estranged wife Heather Mills on her arsenal of prosthetic limbs. We’re guessing for “Dancing With the Stars” she’s using her #2 leg.
THE BULL SHEET 03.22.07
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1931 [76] William Shatner, Montréal QC, TV actor (‘Denny Crane’ on “Boston Legal” since 2004, ‘Capt Kirk’ on “Star Trek” 1966-1969)/movie actor (“Miss Congeniality”, “Dodgeball”)
1948 [59] Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, London UK, composer/producer (Tony Awards for “Phantom of the Opera” & “Cats”, Tony & Academy Awards for “Evita”)
1948 [59] Wolf Blitzer, Buffalo NY, CNN news anchor since 1990 (“The Situation Room”)
1952 [55] Bob Costas, Queens NY, NBC-TV sports anchor since 1980 (“Football Night in America”, Olympic Games)/17-time “Emmy Award” winner
1972 [35] Elvis Stojko, Richmond Hill ON, 5′-7” former Canadian Men’s Figure Skating Champ (4 world titles, 2 Olympic silvers)
1976 [31] Reese Witherspoon, New Orleans LA, movie actress (2006 Oscar-“Walk the Line”, “Legally Blonde”)/estranged wife of actor Ryan Phillippe (1999-2006) UP NEXT: Co-stars with Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep & Alan Arkin in the thriller, “Rendition”, due NOVEMBER 30th.
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “As Young As You Feel Day”, a day to quit wallowing in worry about your chronological age and start feeling peppy!
• “Clutter Awareness Week”, a day to kick off your annual Spring cleaning purge of accumulated ‘stuff’. Ask listeners what is the most unusual ‘stuff’ they’ve never thrown away.
• “Goof-Off Day”, a day to relax, be yourself and generally just goof off. In other words … a regular day.
• “International Chocolate Week”. According to a poll, 52% of us pick ‘chocolate’ as our favorite flavor for desserts and sweet snacks, followed by ‘strawberry’ or ‘vanilla’ at 12%, and ‘cherry’ at 3%.
• “Sing-Out Day”, a time to let fly with a special tune to let someone know how you feel.
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1981 [26] RCA introduces the ‘Laser Disc Player’ (with discs the size of old LP records) but “Selectra Vision” fails to catch on (too far ahead of its time?)
TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
1894 [113] 1st Stanley Cup Championship Game as Montréal Amateur Athletic Association defeats Ottawa Capitals 3-1 (oldest championship in professional sports in North America)
1980 [27] People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is founded by animal rights activists Ingrid Newkirk & Alex Pacheco (based in Norfolk VA)
1994 [13] 1st NFL scoring change in 75 seasons as addition of ‘2-point conversion’ is announced
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1997 [10] USA’s Tara Lipinski becomes youngest-ever ‘Women’s World Figure Skating Champion’ at age 14 years and 10 months
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] World Meteorological Day
[Fri] No Homework Day
[Fri] “Hills Have Eyes 2”; “Last Mimzy”; “Pride”; “Reign Over Me”; ”TMNT” open in movie theaters
[Sun] 1st YouTube Video Awards announced
[Sun] Elton John’s 60th Birthday Celebration (NYC)
[Sun] Family Day
[Mon] Legal Assistants Day
[Mon] Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
This Week Is … Animal Poison Prevention Week
This Month Is … Financial Security Month
BULL’S BITS
BS ‘BEFORE FAME GAME’:
They weren’t always household names. See if you can match the celebrities with their former jobs …
• Before fame, which movie star once worked as a telemarketer?
a. Johnny Depp. [CORRECT. He was attempting to sell ballpoint pens.]
b. Jennifer Hudson.
c. Leonardo DiCaprio.
• All-time best ‘James Bond’ actor Sean Connery was once …
a. BBC-TV’s version of ‘Mr Rogers’.
b. Scotland’s ‘Mr Universe’. [CORRECT. He was a bodybuilder as a young man.]
c. Procter & Gamble’s ‘Mr Clean’.
• Which singer once had a job as a Christmas decoration maker?
a. Nelly Furtado.
b. Daughtry.
c. Jon Bon Jovi. [CORRECT. It was a seasonal job for 2 years.]
• “Dirt” actress & former “Friends” star Courteney Cox Arquette used to be a spokesperson for which product?
a. Tampax. [CORRECT. She was the first person to ever say the word ‘period’ on TV.]
b. Slim-Fast.
c. Oil of Olay.
• Former “Star Trek” star William Shatner (76 TODAY) briefly studied to be what?
a. An actor.
b. A rocket scientist.
c. A ballet dancer. [CORRECT. He studied dance at the National Ballet School of Canada.]
BS PHONE STARTER:
Does it help plastic plants if you talk phony to them?
TRUTH OR BS?
Some of these statements are true; some are total hogwash. You run down the list while a contestant/studio guest/crew member tries to decide which are which …
• Lonely parrots can go insane. [TRUE. No wonder they’re always squawking!]
• A fluorescent lamp uses more electricity when you turn it on than during 10 minutes of normal operation. [BS. It’s a commonly believed urban myth.]
• You can win on a gambling machine by putting a big magnet near it. [BS. A rabbit’s foot doesn’t work either.]
• Before 1850, most golf balls were stuffed with feathers. [TRUE. But it didn’t make them ‘fly’ any further.]
• The only manmade object visible from space is the Great Wall of China. [BS. You don’t have to go that far up to be in ‘space’. Lots of things are visible: (co-host’s) ego for example …]
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Today’s Question: 1 in 25 of THESE happen in the workplace.
Answer to Give Out Next Show: Homicides.
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Love of country is nice. Not as nice as love of world, but it’s a start.
