Friday, October 3, 2008        Edition: #3871
Ah, the Sweet Smell of BS!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
Bret Michaels has requested production on his upcoming reality show “Rock Of Love Bus” (VH1) be temporarily suspended in order to ‘to reach out to the families’ of the 2 women killed in that recent accident involving a crew member who fell asleep at the wheel of a truck (BS translation: We’re waiting to see if we have any money left to finish shooting after the survivors sue our ass) . . . A contemporary single-camera take on the classic sitcom “The Partridge Family” (which made David Cassidy a star in the 1970s) has been picked up by NBC-TV (haven’t seen it but already “I Think I Hate You”) . . . If that sounds like a bad idea, how about this one: “The Graysons”, from the producers of “Smallville”, will center on the life of ‘Robin’ (as in “Batman & Robin”) in his pre-sidekick days as an ‘earnest little boy without any superpowers’ . . . The shock of Adam ‘DJ AM’ Goldstein’s near-death in the SEPTEMBER 19th plane crash that killed 4 and also injured rocker Travis Barker has reportedly rekindled his relationship with his actress/singer ex-girlfriend Mandy Moore (now they’ve both been burned once) . . . New TV series “90210” has just been axed from Australia’s Channel 10 network due to poor ratings (it’s an omen from Oz) . . . House Peters Jr, the actor who played the original ‘Mr Clean’ in TV ads, has gone to the big sanitized house in the sky at age 92 (died of ammonia … er, make that pneumonia) . . . And word has it self-possessed music & fashion mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs stepped in a steaming fresh pile of dog doo while recently strutting down a sidewalk in the Big Apple (that’s not earth-shaking news, but somehow it makes us feel all smiley inside).

WEEKEND SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “The Ex-List” (CBS/Global) – TONIGHT in the series premiere, we meet a 30ish single woman who visits a psychic who tells her she’s already had a relationship with the man she’s meant to be with. Though skeptical, she sets out to revisit the men in her life in an attempt to find ‘Mr Right’. No-name cast.
• “The Express” – SATURDAY this bio-film about football legend Ernie Davis gets a sneak preview in select theaters. Opens wide OCTOBER 10th.
NET: http://www.theexpressmovie.com
• “Hockey Night in Canada: Premiere Weekend” (CBC) – “HNIC” kicks off the NHL season with 3 games played in Europe, starting at noon EDT. (Wouldn’t that make it “HAIC”?)
• Jay-Z – He’s playing free concerts THIS WEEKEND in support of voter registration and the Barack Obama campaign: SATURDAY at Detroit’s Cobo Hall, and SUNDAY at Miami’s Bayfront Park Amphitheater.
• “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share the Celebration” – SUNDAY the “Hannah Montana” star shuts down Disneyland in Anaheim CA to throw a private bash for fans … in return for a $250 charity donation. Her actual 16th birthday isn’t until NOVEMBER 23rd.
NET: http://tinyurl.com/42f9ed
• “Rock Band Live” – SUNDAY this unique tour kicks off in San Diego CA. The interactive rock concert mimics the phenomenally successful videogame as fans compete head-to-head for the chance to play on the main stage between sets by the likes of Panic At the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, and Plain White T’s.
NET: http://www.rockbandlivetour.com
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC/Global) – TOMORROW movie actress Anne Hathaway (“Rachel Getting Married”) hosts; The Killers are musical guests.
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/A Channel) – TONIGHT chart-topper TI (“Whatever You Like”) performs.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• The Game – A judge has ruled he can avoid jail time for attacking his cousin at a family funeral if he attends 36 anger management sessions over the next 5 months. The “My Life” rapper fought his cuz over funeral costs at a JULY burial.
• Grateful Dead – Soon-to-be-61 guitarist Bob Weir has suffered broken ribs while riding on the band’s tour bus. It seems Weir was standing when the driver had to slam on the brakes, causing him to take a nasty tumble. (Now he’s fallen and he can’t get up!)
• Melissa Etheridge – The 47-year-old classic rocker & her 33-year-old long-time GF Tammy Lynn Michaels have confirmed plans to wed in the near future now that gay marriage is legal in California.
• Nirvana – Kurt Cobain’s ashes were reportedly stolen from Courtney Love’s bedroom back in JUNE; now Australian artist Natascha Stellmach claims to have ‘acquired’ the remains and plans to smoke them in a joint to ‘release Cobain into the ether from the media circus’. The ash pile is currently on display at Gallerie Wagner & Partner in Berlin, Germany as part of Stellmach’s “Set Me Free” exhibition. However, the entire story is being refuted by Love’s publicist, who says the ashes were never stolen in the first place. (BS translation: Mrs Cobain would like her cut of the action, please.)
NET: http://tinyurl.com/3gaevf
• Rick Astley – The now 50-year-old 1980s pop singer is nominated for ‘Best Act Ever’ at this year’s “MTV Europe Music Awards” NOVEMBER 6th in Liverpool UK. The winner will be chosen by music fans online meaning … this could be the biggest ‘Rickroll’ of all.

TODAY’S MOVIE OPENINGS:
What possible chance do 7 films have when opening on the same day? Geez, spread out!
• “An American Carol” ( PG-13 Comedy ): In this spoof of documentary-maker Michael Moore, an anti-American filmmaker who’s out to abolish the 4th of July is visited Dickens-fashion by 3 ghosts who try to change his perception of the country. Stars Kelsey Grammer, Leslie Nielsen, Dennis Hopper, James Woods, Jon Voight, and country singer Trace Adkins.
NET: http://www.americancarol.com
• “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” ( PG Family Adventure ): While on vacation in Mexico, a pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua named ‘Chloe’ (voiced by Drew Barrymore) gets lost and needs help to find her way home. Coming to her aid is a macho chihuahua named ‘Papi’ (George Lopez). Other dog voices: Andy Garcia, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez, and Placido Domingo.
NET: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua
• “Blindness” ( R-Rated Thriller ): Almost a decade in the works, Brazilian director Fernando  Meirelles’ adaptation of the novel by Nobel Prize winner José Saramago stars Julianne Moore as the only person still able to see in a city that is suffering from an epidemic of sudden blindness. Co-stars Mark Ruffalo & Gael García Bernal. Screenplay by Toronto’s Don McKellar.
NET: http://www.blindness-themovie.com
• “Flash of Genius“ ( PG-13 Drama ): Based on the true story of an inventor who sued the US automotive industry after he discovers new cars were coming out equipped with intermittent windshield wipers, a technology he created, patented, and unsuccessfully tried to sell. Stars Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, and Alan Alda. Shot in Toronto and Hamilton ON.
NET: http://flashofgenius.net
• “How to Lose Friends & Alienate People” ( R-Rated Comedy ): Simon Pegg (“Hot Fuzz”) plays a British journalist who crosses the pond for a new job with a high-profile NYC magazine. But he soon learns the bridges he burned on his way to the top can only lead to his downfall. Co-stars Kirsten Dunst & hottie “Transformers” actress Megan Fox.
NET: http://how2losefriends.com
• “Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” ( PG-13 Romantic Comedy ): Michael Cera (“Juno”) & Kat Dennings (“The House Bunny”) star in this quirky story about a dude in a band who’s insecure about seeing his ex-GF, so he asks a complete stranger to pose as his new squeeze for a few minutes. While the plot sounds familiar, there’s a twist … ‘Nick’ plays in a gay punk band.
NET: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/nickandnorah
• “Religulous” ( R-Rated Documentary ): Acid-tongued TV comic Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher”) & “Borat” director Larry Charles use the guerilla-filmmaking approach to document and question the beliefs of devotees to various world religions.
NET: http://lionsgate.com/religulous

NEVER GREEN:
Pollsters say they’ve identified a new consumer demographic that’s been overlooked by marketers as they rush to tout their carbon offsets, recycled content, and eco-friendly manufacturing. Tagged as ‘Never Greens’, it’s the segment of the population that either doesn’t care or simply isn’t interested in the new passion for sustainable, green products. About 10% of the population falls into the category, according to a recent survey by a research firm Mintel International. The ‘Never Greens’ don’t buy green products, don’t remember green advertising when they see it, and are irritated when they do. (For more info, visit your Hummer dealer.)
– BrandWeek.com

YOUR CHEATIN’ HEART:
A Russian enterprise called ‘Alibi’ is doing brisk biz creating elaborate charades for people who want to cover up indiscretions. The company arranges a wide variety of intricate plots to help clients, from helping a spouse camouflage an affair to creating fake weddings for people trying to appease their families. Perhaps surprisingly, the majority of clients are women who need to cover up an illicit relationship. And it’s usually not a one-night stand they’re trying to hide … more likely a romantic week-long vacation. The firm charges $500-to-$1,000 per alibi. (Then really rakes it in when it blackmails you later.)
– “Curious Times”

BS AMAZING CHINA FACTS:
• THIS WEEK about 4,000 Latin dance fans from across China are attending the 3rd annual “China Salsa Congress” in Beijing. Salsa fever is so hot, more than a dozen Latin dance studios have opened in the capital in the past 4 years.
– “International Herald Tribune”
• China has overtaken Japan as the home of the highest number of ‘super-rich’ in the Asia-Pacific region. A new survey shows China now has 6,000 super-rich citizens, people possessing at least $30-million in investable assets.
– “Globe & Mail”

BS CHRONOMETER 10.03.08
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1962 [46] Tommy Lee (Bass), Athens, Greece, rock drummer (Motley Crue-“If I Die Tomorrow”)/TV personality (“Battleground Earth“, “Rock Star: Supernova”)/ex-Mr Pam Anderson (1995-98)/ex-Mr Heather Locklear (1986-93)

1969 [39] Gwen Stefani, Anaheim CA, pop singer (“The Sweet Escape”, No Doubt-“Underneath It All”)/fashion designer-marketer (LAMB)/movie actress (“The Aviator”, “Zoolander”)/Mrs Gavin Rossdale since 2002

1971 [37] Kevin Richardson, Lexington KY, former pop singer (Backstreet Boys-“Incomplete”, “I Want It That Way”)/only original member not to join their reunion tour

1973 [35] Neve Campbell, Guelph ON, movie actress (“Scream I-III”, “Wild Things”)

1976 [32] Seann William Scott, Cottage Grove MN, movie actor (“The Dukes of Hazzard”, “American Pie”)

1984 [24] Ashlee Simpson-Went, Waco TX, pop singer (“Boyfriend”, “Pieces of Me”)/movie actress (“The Hot Chick”, “Undiscovered”)/wed to Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz (MAY 2008)

SATURDAY –
Movie actress Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking”) is 62; TV announcer John Melendez (“Tonight Show With Jay Leno”) Is 43; Movie actress Alicia Silverstone (“Clueless”) is 32; Rock singer-guitarist Marc Roberge (OAR) is 30.

SUNDAY –
Rock singer Brian Johnson (AC/DC) Is 61; Rocker/social activist Bob Geldof (“Live 8”) is 57; Movie actress Kate Winslet (“Titanic”) is 33; Pop guitarist James Valentine (Maroon 5) is 30; Pop-punk bassist Paul Thomas (Good Charlotte) is 28; Idle rich girl Nicky Hilton is 25.

TODAY’S BS REASON TO PARTY . . .
• “Diversity Day”, celebrating who we are, no matter what race, religion, gender, age, nationality, or disability. The official motto is, ‘Embrace diversity, embrace our world’.
NET: http://www.nationaldiversityday.com/
• “German Unification Day”, celebrating the 1990 reuniting of East & West Germany to once again become a single country. It was one of the benchmarks of the end of the ‘Cold War’.
• “National Denim Day”, the 14th annual promotion in which Lee Jeans asks companies to allow employees to wear denim to work in exchange for a donation to breast cancer research. Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) & Tim Daly (“Private Practice”) are the 2008 celebrity spokespeople as more than a million are expected to participate at close to 30,000 companies.
NET: http://www.denimday.com

SATURDAY –
• “Toot Your Flute Day”, to encourage the idea of selling yourself and telling others how good you are, while rejecting the idea that self-promotion is ‘bragging’.

SUNDAY –
• “Apple Betty Day”, honoring the dessert aka “Apple Brown Betty”, “Apple Crisp”, “Apple Crumble” or “Apple Cobbler”. Whatever you call it … nummers!
• “Techies Day”, the 9th annual observance to heighten the profile of IT careers and show appreciation for technology professionals. (Hurray, it’s “Geek Day”!)
• “World Teachers Day”, begun by UNESCO in 1994 as recognition for the vital contribution teachers make to education & development. Over 100 countries now observe the day.
NET: http://www.ei-ie.org/worldteachersday2008/

TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
1987 [21] France’s Michel Pruffer becomes ‘World’s Fastest Skier’ by clocking 135.26 mph at Portillo, Chile

1988 [20] ‘World’s Largest Cocktail’ is concocted … a 327-gallon pina colada

1997 [11] 69-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe skates with Detroit Vipers in their International Hockey League opener, becoming 1st ‘Hockey Pro to Compete in 6 Decades’

1997 [11] Japan’s Maglev bullet train breaks ‘World Train Speed Record’ at 280.3 mph

COMING UP . . .
[Mon] “Corner Gas” final season debut (CTV)
[Mon] Come & Take It Day
[Mon] Frugal Fun Day
[Mon] Physician Assistant Day
[Mon] Lawyers Day
[Tues] Diversity Day
[Tues] Sarah McLachlan releases compilation “Closer”
[Tues] 5th VH1 Hip Hop Honors
[Tues] Tim McGraw releases “Greatest Hits 3”
This Week Is … No Salt Week
This Month Is … Go On a Field Trip Month

BULL’S BITS
BS TOP SWAPS:
The week’s most requested music files online …
5. MIA – “Paper Planes”
4. Lil Wayne – “Got Money”
3. Rihanna – “Disturbia”
2. Katy Perry – “I Kissed a Girl”
1. TI – “Whatever You Like”
– BigChampagne online music measurement.

BS RANDOM JOKE:
The upside to being a bum is that you don’t get mugged very often.

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
In ancient Greece, throwing this to a girl was a way to propose marriage. If she caught it, that meant she accepted.
a. An apple. [CORRECT]
b. An armband.
c. An anvil.
– “Amazing Facts”

BS PHONE STARTER:
Are free ‘Ladies Nights’ in nightclubs sexist? (A recent lawsuit in NYC sought to put an end to guys ‘financially subsidizing girls to party at nightclubs’. But a judge tossed the case out, ruling clubs have the right to charge patrons as they please.)

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Today’s Question: The number of people who wear THESE has declined by 20% in the last 35 years.
Answer to Give Out Next Show: Eyeglasses.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
It is not the employer who pays wages. He only handles the money. It is the product that pays wages.
– Henry Ford