BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Terrence Howard’s 3rd ex-wife has filed a subpoena to gain access to his contract for the new FOX-TV series “Empire” in a bid to force him to pay up. Michelle Ghent claims the actor owes her $500,000 for missed spousal support payments and late fees after failing to keep up with his responsibilities outlined in their acrimonious divorce settlement last year. Ghent alleges Howard earns $125,000 per episode on the hip-hop drama that has filmed 3 episodes so far. “Empire” debuts January 7th after the season premiere of “American Idol”.
– TMZ.com
★ The first pictures from the set of the new ‘James Bond’ movie, “Spectre”, show Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear (who plays MI6 chief ‘Bill Tanner’) filming on the Thames in London. Wearing a black suit and clinging onto a speedboat, Craig appears to be flanked by a couple of security officers. Filming began on Sam Mendes’s movie last week, with Monica Belluci, Christoph Waltz, and Lea Seydoux joining the cast. Waltz plays a shadowy character named ‘Oberhauser’, whom reports suggest will be revealed as ‘Blofeld’, the evil genius behind the nefarious organization “Spectre”.
– “Daily Mail”
★ And 63-year-old designer Tommy Hilfiger is renovating a hotel in Miami FL in a bid to create a luxurious space for the rich & famous. The fashion mogul bought The Raleigh on Miami Beach for an estimated $56.6 million in April, with the intent of turning it into to a luxury hotel and private members club which he promises will be full of ‘grandeur’. Hilfiger is promising to maintain many of the original features of the building, built in 1940 by Art Deco-inspired architect L Murray Dixon. ‘The Raleigh’ name has now been trademarked in several countries, suggesting the concept may be turned into a chain.
– “New York Post”

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Colbert Report” (Comedy Central) – Kendrick Lamar (“Good Kid, MAAD City”).
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – Vance Joy (“Dream Your Life Away”).
• “Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central/CTV) – Paul McCartney (“Hope For the Future”, out January 13th).
• “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas” (NBC) – “Big Bang Theory” actor Jim Parsons voices the lead role in this animated special based on Will Ferrell’s 2003 movie “Elf”. Voice cast also includes Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Mark Hamill.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Garth Brooks (“Man Against Machine”).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Broods (“Evergreen”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/Omni1) – Charli XCX (“Sucker”).
• “MasterChef Junior” (FOX/CTV2) – Season 2 finalé. After the 2 finalists compete to prepare a 3-course menu, the winner receives a trophy and $100,000.
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Nicki Minaj (“The Pinkprint”).
• “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (CW) – An encore of the December 2nd event taped in London. Performers include Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Hozier, and Taylor Swift.
• “The View” (ABC/CTV) – Idina Menzel (“Frozen”).
• “The Voice” (NBC/CTV2) – After performances by Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Mark Ronson; this season’s winner is announced.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Band Aid 30 – Bob Geldof has written a newspaper piece encouraging the public to ignore criticism of the “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” charity single and to keep on buying the track to raise money to tackle the Ebola crisis. Geldof’s article in “The Independent” urges readers to ‘ignore the cynicism and focus on the cause’.
• Coldplay – Chris Martin performed a short solo set at a party to celebrate Angelina Jolie’s new movie “Unbroken” at Universal Pictures in California. He performed 3 songs, “Viva la Vida”, a version of “White Christmas”, and his track “Miracles”, which plays over the closing credits of the film. Jolie was forced to sit out the party after being diagnosed with chicken pox last week.
• Madonna – The 56-year-old is planning a world tour in 2015, to mark 30 years since her groundbreaking “Like a Virgin” tour in 1985. She hopes to schedule a string of shows across the globe in support of a planned new album. Despite already having 9 huge tours under her belt, it’s said she wants to ‘push boundaries’ and offer something new in 2015.
• Sam Smith – The “Money On My Mind” hitmaker released his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour”, earlier this year but is already well on the way to completing his 2nd. He says he’s already settled on the title and cover art, as well as some of the tracks. He’s not sharing the details as yet.

THIS WEEK’S VIDEO RELEASES:
Out today on DVD, Netflix, Google Play and/or other video providers …
• “Magic In the Moonlight” ( PG-13 Romantic Comedy ): Prolific filmmaker Woody Allen’s latest is set in the 1920s on the opulent Riviera in the south of France. There, a master magician (Colin Firth) tries to expose a psychic medium (Emma Stone) as a fake. Co-stars Marcia Gay Harden, Hamish Linklater, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins.
• “The Maze Runner” ( PG-13 Sci-Fi Thriller ): In yet another Young Adult Fiction adaptation, a youth is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased. He soon learns that they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow ‘runners’ for a shot at escape. Stars Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” ( PG-13 Action Adventure ): The future of NYC looks grim until 4 outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny. Stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher. The latest incarnation of the comic-book franchise that 1st surfaced as a TV show in 1987 and in a string of films beginning in 1990.
• “This is Where I Leave You” ( R-Rated Comedy ): When their father passes away, 4 grown siblings return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes, and might-have-beens. Stars Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver.
• Also released today: “Broadchurch Season 1” (TV); “Extant: Season 1” (TV); “Hi-8: Horror Independent 8” (Horror Film Anthology); and “Mentor” (Documentary).

NO DRINKING ALLOWED:
Facebook could be about to unveil its best update yet. The social network aims to make drunk selfies a thing of the past by introducing a feature that detects when you’re you’ve over-imbibed. Rather than an outright block, the company’s head of Artificial Intelligence Research says the idea would be to ask users attempting to post if they’re sure they want to put that embarrassing, booze-fueled photo out there for their parents/boss to see. Facebook is working on face recognition technology that can sense when you don’t look sober. It’s also looking to monitor user’s behavior so that more relevant posts appear on people’s timelines. The idea, they say, is to ‘mediate your interaction with friends and Facebook’. (“BS translation: Censorship.)
– “Wired”

UNEXPECTED STUDYING HACKS:
A few helpful tips to train your brain to retain information better …
✓ Spray an unfamiliar scent while you’re studying. Spray it again right as you’re about to take the test. The scent will jog your memory. A heavily flavored chewing gum works as well.
✓ Before taking a test, write down all the relevant info you can think of on an index card, as if it were a ‘cheat sheet’. It’s an extra writing exercise to help you remember the important things.
✓ Leave yourself a gummy bear trail when reading a boring text. Simply stick a candy at a specific point on each page. When you’ve read that far, you get your treat!
✓ Write down all the needed formulas at the beginning of an exam, while they’re still fresh in your mind.
✓ Use a program such as ‘Cold Turkey’ for PCs or ‘Self Control’ for Macs to block distracting websites on your computer for a set period of time while you study.
✓ Take better notes by pretending you’re taking them for someone else.
✓ While studying, do a short review session at each 20-minute interval of the newly learned material.
✓ Google “site:edu [subject] exam” to find many different exams featuring problems pertaining to that subject.
✓ Take notes using different colored pens. This will fire up your visual memory. It also looks pretty and makes taking notes more enjoyable.
✓ Set a timer and get serious about studying for 25 minutes. Then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. This is known as the ‘Pomodoro’ technique.
– Condensed from BuzzFeed.com

DRINKING FROM A CAN MAY BE DANGEROUS:
You might want to make your next 6-pack glass bottles. Why? Cans and plastic bottles are lined with a controversial chemical called BPA, and while all of its health effects are unclear, recent research on chronic exposure has linked it to high blood pressure and heart rate issues. South Korean researchers have found BPA levels up to 1,600% higher in those that drink from cans compared to those who drink from bottles. What’s more, both BPA and blood pressure rise significantly in can-drinkers within a matter of hours. The scientists hope the study encourages manufacturers to come up with healthier alternatives to BPA-lined cans. (BPA aside, imagine all the things that have touched the lid of that can you’re about to suck on!)
– “New York Times”

GADGET GIFTS FOR YOUR PETS:
Just about as many pets as people are getting gifts this holiday season. 85% of pet owners say their critter is at, or near, the very top of their list. A few suggestions …
• ‘CritterZone Air Purifier’ – Makes the air in your home fresher, capturing the pet odors that make guests run for cover … and without the use of nasty chemicals. $99.
• ‘DogVacay’ – It’s like AirBnB for your dog, with more than 20,000 approved pet sitters so that you can find the perfect temporary home while you’re away. Starts at around $20 per night.
• ‘GoPro Fetch’ – A comfortable, durable dog harness that secures the popular GoPro camera  to your canine so you can see the world from a doggy point-of-view. $59.99
• ‘Halo Mini’ – This rechargeable LED collar ensures everyone, including you, will be able to see your pet trotting along after dark, which is a safety bonus for all involved. $35.
• ‘PetziConnect’ – When paired up with your home wi-fi, you can talk to your dog remotely and even toss them a treat … all from your smartphone. $169.
• ‘Pet Umbrella’ – This magic little gadget keeps you both bone dry. Sure, maybe poochie loves running in the rain but once the smell of wet dog wafts into your home you won’t. $39.99
• ‘Whistle’ – A snap-on gadget that clings to dogs’ collars to keep tabs on them, sensing their movements and charting patterns which are sent directly to your smartphone. $99.
– Condensed from USAToday.com

DID YOU KNOW?
Diabetes can age your memory by as much as 5 years.
– AARP.org

BS CHRONOMETER 12.16.14

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1941 [73] Lesley Stahl, Lynn MA, extremely well-preserved (renovated?) TV journalist (“60 Minutes” since 1991)

1946 [68] Benny Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden, oldies singer (ABBA-“Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”)

1949 [65] Billy Gibbons, Houston TX, classic rock guitarist-singer (ZZ Top-“Legs”, “Tush”)

1963 [51] Benjamin Bratt, San Francisco CA, TV actor (“Private Practice” 2011-13, “Law & Order” 1990-99)/movie actor (“Despicable Me 2”, “Miss Congeniality”)

1975 [39] Benjamin Kowalewicz, Montréal QC, rock singer (Billy Talent-“Stand Up and Run”, “Rusted From the Rain”)

1981 [33] Krysten Ritter, Shickshinny PA, TV actress (“Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23” 2012-13)/movie actress (“Veronica Mars”)  UP NEXT: “Big Eyes”, opening December 25th.

1982 [32] Zoe Jarman, Nashville TV, TV actress (‘Betsy Putch’ on “The Mindy Project” since 2012)

1986 [28] Dave Rublin, Maplewood NJ, rock bassist-keyboardist (American Authors-“”Best Day Of My Life”, “Believer”)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Chanukah” begins at sunset, the 8-day Jewish celebration also known as “Festival of Lights”. Traditions include the lighting of candles placed in the menorah and the exchange of gifts.

• “Chocolate Covered Anything Day”. What unusual food enveloped in chocolate have you eaten? Chocolate-covered coffee beans … mmm!

• “Las Posadas” begins, the traditional 9-day Mexican Christmas celebration that includes breaking open a piñata. Similarly, “Simbang Gabi” in the Philippines runs today through January 6th, said to be the world’s longest Christmas celebration.

• “Stupid Toy Day”, a half-hearted salute to some of the bad inventions marketed for kids. How about these real but really dumb ideas: ‘Inflatable 6-Foot Alien’, and … ‘Pick Your Nose Cups’.
NET: http://tinyurl.com/knmqz25

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2010 [04] “Larry King Live” ends after 25 years on CNN as the 77-year-old host retires

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1994 [20] Farrelly Bros’ comedy “Dumb & Dumber” opens in movie theaters, starring Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels (the sequel “Dumb & Dumber To” opened November 14, 2014)

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1998 [16] Kevin Cole of Carlsbad, New Mexico sets a new world record by blowing 7 inches of spaghetti out of his nose, beating the previous record of 5 inches (mom must be so proud)

AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] “The Gambler”; “The Hobbit: The Battle Of the Five Armies” open in movie theaters
[Wed] “Michael Bublé’s Christmas In New York” (NBC)
[Thurs] “The Colbert Report” series finalé (Comedy Central)
[Thurs] Free Shipping Day
[Thurs] Re-Gifting Day
[Fri] “Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson” series finalé (CBS)
[Fri] “Canada’s Walk of Fame Gala 2014” (Global)
This Week Is … Christmas Bird Count Week
This Month Is … Universal Human Rights Month

BULL’S BITS

LEAST POPULAR HOLIDAY TV SPECIALS:
Don’t fail to miss these …
✗ “Rudolph Roasting On an Open Fire: A MasterChef Special”
✗ “Frothy the Runny-Nosed Snow Monkey”
✗ “The Mini Workout: Sweatin’ With the Elves”
✗ “Lester the Neutered Donkey’s Christmas Wish”
✗ “The Assassination of Saint Nicholas: A History Channel Special”
✗ “Mrs Claus & The Heimlich Manoeuver that Saved Christmas”
✗ “Santa Claus Sells the Children’s Toys For Beer Money”
✗ “Baste This, Charlie Brown”
✗ “How the Grinch Stole My Identity”
✗ “The Elf on Kim Kardashian’s ‘Shelf'”

BS RANDOM JOKE:
These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart is labeled ‘For Fast Relief’.

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
Which did the crew of a British submarine have aboard their boat for 6 weeks during WW2?
a. A crewman dressed as Santa Claus.
b. An honest-to-goodness snowman.
c. A real live reindeer. [CORRECT. ‘HMS Trident’ had a fully-grown reindeer called ‘Pollyanna’ aboard. It was a gift from the Russians.]
– Sourced from BuzzFeed.com

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What newfangled techno innovation have you never tried or are no good at?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: Canada is the #1 country for THIS.
Answer: Most doughnut shops per capita.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
We literally have the world at our feet.