July 22, 2014

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014        Edition: #5267


Thanks For Being a Bull Market!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ The world’s top-earning fashion model, 33-year-old Gisele Bundchen, has accumulated an estimated total of $386 million over her 2-decade career according to new estimates. She earned $47 million of that impressive sum in just the past year, which means she makes $128,000 per day. How did Bundchen achieve this? Profitable contracts with Carolina Herrera, Chanel, H&M, Louis Vuitton and, most recently, Balenciaga and Emilio Pucci. She’s also a spokesmodel for Chanel No 5, soon to star in a new commercial directed by Baz Luhrmann.
– Forbes.com
★ A NYC judge has greenlighted a lawsuit by 37-year-old Theodore Schroeder who says his former business partner stole the idea for Pinterest out from under him. He can now proceed with his claim that Brian Cohen misappropriated his idea for a virtual bulletin-board social network. In what seems similar to the Facebook fight between the Winklevoss twins and Mark Zuckerberg that inspired the movie “The Social Network”, Schroeder says he spent thousands of hours developing what became Pinterest, and never got paid a dime. The court ruling comes as Pinterest, with its estimated worth of $5 billion, is considering an initial public offering.
– Techcrunch.com
★ And production on Season 8 of “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) has yet to begin as contract negotiations remain stalled. The major issue dragging down a new deal is thought to be the stars’ pay-per-episode. Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting earned $350,000 for each show last season; but now they’d each like $1 million to appear in 22 minutes of televisual viewing. The situation is similar to that of “Friends” (NBC), which finally agreed to pay its stars a million-per-episode to return for a 9th and 10th season in 2003-04.
– Deadline.com

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “America’s Got Talent” (NBC/CityTV) – The acts compete for a spot in the live shows.
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – The Hold Steady (“Teeth Dreams”).
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CTV2) – 2 Chainz (“Based On A TRU Story”). Rerun.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – OK Go (“Hungry Ghosts”).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Midlake (“Bamnan & Slivercork”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/Omni1) – Eli Young Band (“10,000 Towns”).
• “Live With Kelly & Michael” (syndicated/CTV) – Sarah McLachlan (“Shine On”).
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Chronixx (“Dread & Terrible”).

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Aaliyah – 23-year-old actress Alexandra Shipp is stepping in to fill the lead role in the upcoming Lifetime channel biopic about the late singer after Zendaya Coleman dropped out. Shipp is a regular on the Nickelodeon mystery series “House of Anubis”.
• Avril Lavigne – She’s suing live streaming company 2VLive, claiming it agreed to pay her $500,000 in 3 installments to perform a NYC gig last year and do promotional appearances. So far, the suit alleges, she’s received only $125,000. She wants to recoup the rest of the cash.
• Beyoncé – Today the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils a new exhibit celebrating her fashion history. It features her black leotard from the iconic “Single Ladies” video and her outfit from last year’s Super Bowl halftime show among other items.
• Bruno Mars – He’s received his 1st Emmy nominations for his performance at the 2014 Super Bowl halftime show. It’s nominated for ‘Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program’ and also for ‘Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special’.
• Lady Antebellum – They’ve announced that their 5th studio album, “747”, will be released on September 30th. The lead single “Bartender” is one of 11 tracks on the album.
• Maroon 5 – Guitarist James Valentine tells “Billboard” their upcoming album “V” (September 2nd) features an appearance by Gwen Stefani on a track co-written with Sia. Due to Adam Levine’s taping schedule for “The Voice”, they don’t plan to begin touring until early 2015.
• Shakira – She’s become the most popular person ever on Facebook with just over 100 million ‘likes’ on the social network. That’s well ahead of Eminem (91.9 million), Rihanna (89.1 million), and Katy Perry (72.5 million).

THIS WEEK’S VIDEO RELEASES:
Out today on DVD, Netflix, Google Play and/or other video providers …
• “Cesar Chavez” ( PG-13 Docu-Drama ): The story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband & father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Stars Michael Pena, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera.
• “Heaven is For Real” ( PG Drama ): Based on the best-seller, the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son’s extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world. Stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Haden Church.
• “Made in America” ( NR Music Documentary): This doc serves as an all-access backstage pass to the Philadelphia PA festival created in 2012 by Jay Z. Features performances and backstage interviews with many of today’s biggest music stars. Directed by Ron Howard.
• “Sabotage” ( R-Rated Crime Thriller ): In this action-heavy spin on the classic Agatha Christie story, an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one-by-one after they rob a drug cartel safe house. Stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard.
• “Transcendence” ( PG-13 Sci-Fi Thriller ): Johnny Depp stars as a scientist developing computers that can transcend the abilities of the human brain. His plans are stalled when a radical anti-tech organization stands in his way. Co-stars Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman.
• Also released today: “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys – Season 5” (TV); “Justin & The Knights of Valor (Animation); “Mumfie’s Quest: The Movie” (Animation); “Shark Collection” (Documentary); “The Wahlburgers” (Reality TV); “WWI Centennial Commemoration Collection” (Compilation); “Xena: Warrior Princess – Season 5” (Vintage TV); and “ZZ Top: Live at Montreaux 2013” (Music Concert).

DATING SCIENCE:
Miffed with Match.com? In a tiff with Tinder? Maybe it’s time to let your genes help you find a date online. SingldOut.com claims to be the 1st dating site that links people by DNA. You join via LinkedIn and get started by building a profile. You then receive a DNA testing kit, spit in the enclosed tube, and mail it off. SingldOut.com contends there is science behind attraction, so it uses your genes to find your perfect romantic match. Research suggests that women are most attracted to guys whose DNA sequences are opposite to theirs. That likely developed as an evolutionary tool to better ensure healthy offspring. The cost of finding this ‘biological compatibility’? $199 for a 3-month membership, $300 for a year. (“Hi, you’re gonna love me … sure as spit!”)
– USA Today Network

INSTANTLY INTERESTING:
North Americans don’t like instant coffee much, which is actually kind of weird. Turns out nearly half the world prefers the stuff, at least as far as retail sales go. Australians and New Zealanders, for instance, are crazy for it: More than 75% of retail brewed coffee sipped there is instant. In Eastern Europe, it’s more than 50%. And sales are booming in India, Russia, and especially in China, where legions of newbie coffee drinkers are using the instant version as an entry point. Like China, the UK has traditionally been a tea-drinking nation, but it too is seeing large numbers of people switch to coffee, with instant being a popular choice. While the worldwide market has been expanding at up to 10% a year, just 10% of retail coffee in North America is instant. (North Americans are focused on cramming landfills with Keurig cups.)
– Newser.com

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD TO …?
• Have waist-length hair? [41, according to celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. Quote: “You never want to look younger from the back than you do from the front.”]
• Wear a belly button ring? [33, says pop culture expert Brian Balthazar. Unless you’re a guy, that is. Then, every age is too old.]
• Have roommates (other than a domestic partner or kids)? [Comedian Nikki Glaser says it depends. Anywhere outside of NYC, the limit is 35. In NYC where rents are skyhigh … 113.]
• Wear a slutty Halloween costume? [The limit for that is 34, according to a poll on the subject.]
• Go clubbing? [37. You’re too old when you might run into your daughter, says former “Real Housewives of NYC” star Jill Zarin.]
• Wear a baseball cap backwards? [The survey says 39, maybe because actor Bradley Cooper gets away with it at that age.]
• Go to a Miley Cyrus concert? [33 seems to be the popular limit. But wouldn’t that only be if you’re escorting your kid?]
• Go to a multi-day music festival? [47 is the limit. Over 30 you shouldn’t be showering in common showers with a bunch of hippies, according to Carly Aquilino of MTV’s “Girl Code”.]
• Take selfies? [45 is most popular among polled people. We say everybody should just stop it. Now. How self-obsessed can you be?]
– NYDailyNews.com

PRUDENT OR PROVOCATIVE PICS?
Young women who post revealing pictures are seen as less competent, and less physically and socially attractive by their female peers according to a new study. Oregon State University research finds that women may lose ‘social rewards’, such as the attention of boys and men, if they post more wholesome pictures. However, if they do use sexy photos, they risk being harshly judged by their peers. The study suggests this disparity puts young women in a no-win situation. But researchers also contend whether or not to use a sultry selfie is a minor issue compared to the bigger question of why we focus so heavily on girls’ appearance and what that tells us about gender. (If a guy posses shirtless what do you think?)
– “Washington Post”

FOR THE RECORD:
The ‘Oldest Cured Ham in the World’ has just celebrated its 112th birthday. It might look like a piece of old leather but its curators at the Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield, Virginia says it’s apparently still edible. The ham is one of 3 exhibited side-by-side in cases that block out bugs and mold while silica trays keep things dry. The ham has long been an attraction; as far back as the 1920s it was appearing in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not”. (We thought Al Pacino was the world’s oldest ham.)
– BBC News

BS AMAZING FACT:
A Dutch cyclist has cheated death twice after switching his tickets for both of the recent Malaysia Airline flights that ended in disaster. 29-year-old Maarten de Jonge was supposed to fly on both Flight MH370, which has yet to be found after disappearing over the Indian Ocean in March; and MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine last week. Fortunately for him, he changed his ticket for each flight at the last minute. (Phew!)
– RTV Oost

DID YOU KNOW?
Actress Dakota Fanning (“The Twilight Saga”) is a 21st cousin of Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Both are descended from King Edward III. (Proving yet again that if you go back far enough, we’re all related.)
– PopBitch.com

BS CHRONOMETER 07.22.14


TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1940 [74] Alex Trebek, Sudbury ON, TV game show host (“Jeopardy!” since 1984)

1946 [68] Danny Glover, San Francisco CA, movie actor (“Dreamgirls”, “Lethal Weapon” films)

1947 [67] Albert Brooks (Einstein), Beverly Hills CA, movie actor (“Finding Nemo”, “Broadcast News”)

1947 [67] Don Henley, Linden TX, classic rock musician (“Boys of Summer”, The Eagles-“Hotel California”)

1955 [59] Willem Dafoe, Appleton WI, movie actor (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”, “Platoon”)

1964 [50] David Spade, Birmingham MI, TV actor (“Rules of Engagement” 2007-13, “8 Simple Rules” 2004-05)/movie actor (“Grown Ups” movies, “Jack & Jill”)

1989 [25] Keegan Allen, Gold Hill OR, TV actor (‘Toby Cavanaugh’ on “Pretty Little Liars” since 2010)

1992 [22] Selena Gomez, Grand Prairie TX, pop singer (“Come & Get It”, & The Scene-“Who Says”)/movie actress (“Spring Breakers”, “The Muppets”)/TV actress (“Wizards of Waverly Place” 2007-12)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Hammock Day”, honoring the most relaxing thing you can swing between 2 trees. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down and loaf during the ‘Dog Days of Summer’.

• “Rat-Catchers Day”, observed on the anniversary of the fabled ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’ (Germany) piping the town’s rats into the Weser River back in 1376.

• “Spooner’s Day”, honoring the 1844 birth of William Archibald Spooner in London UK, who accidentally invented ‘spoonerisms’ – slips of the tongue like ‘queer old dean’ instead of ‘dear old queen’ or ‘blushing crow’ for ‘crushing blow’. (Sounds odd but it’s tucking frue.)

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2013 [01] Prince George of Cambridge is born, son of Britain’s Prince William & Catherine (Kate Middleton) and 3rd in line to succeed his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1979 [35] 1st pro golfer to shoot below his age (legendary 67-year-old pro Slammin’ Sam Snead shoots an 18-hole total of 66)

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1989 [25] Youngest pilot to fly around-the-world (11-year-old Tony Aliengena of San Juan Capistrano, California)

COMING UP . . .
[Wed] Hot Enough For Ya Day
[Thurs] Tequila Day
[Thurs] MTV Fan Fest (San Diego CA)
[Thurs] Comic-Con International begins (San Diego CA)
[Thurs] Cousins Day
This Week Is … Zookeeper Week
This Month Is … Ice Cream Month

BULL’S BITS


BS HORRIBLESCOPES:
Use ’em all at once or one-at-a-time as the zodiac reading of the day …
• Aries – It’s simply not true that most people think you’re an anonymous loser. In fact, most people have never heard of you.
• Taurus – You’ll finally discover what you were born to do when you turn out to be the only person at Gorilla Taco who fits in the combination gorilla/taco suit.
• Gemini – You will finally meet the man of your dreams, which sounds like good news until you remember some of your dreams.
• Cancer – Kindly strangers will do you a favor this week by removing your blindfold, taking away the stick, and explaining exactly what is meant by the word ‘piñata’.
• Leo – A good day to remember that it’s always best to say ‘yes’ to people carrying a baseball bat … while not at a ball park.
• Virgo – This week will see a waning of your libido after your partner decides to shave their hair and start wearing dungarees and army boots to bed.
• Libra – The future holds many fantastic and wonderful things. Unfortunately, many if not all exclude you.
• Scorpio – The randomness of the universe may affect you today as you search for meaning in a cornflake that looks like your nose.
• Sagittarius – You will soon come into a great deal of money, resulting in your arrest and immediate dismissal from your job as a bank teller.
• Capricorn – Temperatures will rise today as you find yourself locked in a cupboard with a close friend … who likes their beans.
• Aquarius – They say it’s never to late to do something meaningful with your life, which is a nice idea, but you actually have about 9 days.
• Pisces – Earth and Water magics are very strong in your sign this week, indicating that this is a good time to do mud-related activities.

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ If you were to write a letter to your future self, what would you say?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
OK, everyone who hates speeding tickets raise your right foot.

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: Your hearing is less sharp after doing THIS.
Answer: Eating.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The toughest thing in business is minding your own.

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