BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Actor Matthew McConaughey’s cowboy hat from his Oscar-winning role in “Dallas Buyers Club” is up for auction through March 27th, with a reserve bid of $3,000. It’s a size 7-and-3/8, has a 4-inch brim, and was – of course – made in Texas. The Resistol brand hat comes with a certificate of authenticity and features a signature under the brim reading: ”Just keep living, Matthew McConaughey.” There’s no word if any proceeds will go to charity. (Pharrell Williams’ famous Vivienne Westwood hat that he wore at the Grammys recently sold for $44,100.)
NET: http://tinyurl.com/kyc9pru
– Associated Press
★ Will you buy wine branded with your favorite TV show? “Downton Abbey” wines, a white and a red (circa $16.99) come from the famous French wine region of Bordeaux. “Star Trek” wines are based on the original series. The first (around $25) is a red blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and other grapes from California’s Sonoma County. And even “Duck Dynasty” is getting into the biz, with ‘Duck Commander’ wines, a red blend, a Chardonnay, and a pink Moscato, all from California’s Napa Valley and priced at about $10. Wine too snooty for you? Then how about “Game of Thrones” beer? (Must drink TV?)
NET: http://tinyurl.com/kffjwov
– TheStar.com
★ Actor Charlie Sheen is said to be angering his co-stars by missing work on his TV comedy “Anger Management”. Sheen has skipped several days in the past few weeks, a stand-in actor having to be used in some scenes. Production company Lionsgate has now had to push back the wrap date for this season’s shooting, and that’s not making Sheen popular with the cast & crew; some threatening to boycott if the absences continue. Sheen’s rep denies all this, claiming the reason the show didn’t film last week was because another actor was ill. (Sounds like a juvenile sibling spat … “It wasn’t me, it was you.”)
– RadarOnline.com
★ And a sex tape that late “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson made in the 1970s is reportedly being shopped around. The tape’s owner apparently approached the Carson estate back in September offering up the footage for a price, but the estate declined and threatened to sue if the footage was ever sold. But that hasn’t deterred the owner who is now reportedly offering the tape to private collectors. Word has it the video co-stars a ‘woman with a bouffant hairdo’. (Like your grandparents hooking up … you know they did it – or you wouldn’t be here – but you sure as hell don’t wanna watch!)
– TMZ.com

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – Goo Goo Dolls (“Magnetic”).
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CTV2) – Toni Braxton w/Babyface (“Love, Marriage & Divorce”).
• iTunes Festival – A longtime annual event in London, this concert series opens today in conjunction with the SXSW conference in Austin TX. Tonight’s performers include Coldplay (streaming worldwide via iTunes), Imagine Dragons, and London Grammar.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Aloe Blacc (“Lift Your Spirit”, out today).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Vanish Valley (“Get Good”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/Omni1) – Gary Allan (“Set You Free”).
• Tibet House Benefit Concert – Tonight’s 24th annual at NYC’s Carnegie Hall has an eclectic lineup: Iggy Pop, Joe Walsh, New Order, and Patti Smith, as well as Phillip Glass & Bryce Dessner of The National.
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Juanes (“Loco De Amor”, out today).
• “The Voice” (NBC/CTV) – More vocalists take part in blind auditions.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Blake Shelton – His 20-plus date “Ten Times Crazier Tour 2014” kicks off in June. He’s already sold out shows scheduled for NYC’s Madison Square Garden and LA’s Hollywood Bowl, his 1st time headlining both venues.
• Capital Cities – Today they’re releasing a new single and a deluxe album. The single, “One Minute More”, is available on the deluxe version of “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery”. The deluxe edition also contains some remixes and a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U”.
• “Catch the Throne” – Wale, Common, Daddy Yankee, and Big Boi are among the artists who appear on this new mixtape inspired by the HBO series “Game Of Thrones”. The free compilation is available for download today via SoundCloud.
• Christina Perri – Today her new album “Head Or Heart” is slated for release. She’ll support the release with a North American headline tour starting April 4th in Denver CO and running through May 26th in Vancouver BC.
• David Bowie – Today Parlophone Records is marking the 40th anniversary of his single “Rebel Rebel” by reissuing the recording as a limited-edition 7” picture disc. The A-side features the original mix, the B-side a remixed version that was released in North America in 1974.
• 50 Cent – Tonight he headlines a SXSW show in Austin TX on the final night of the interactive portion of the festival, just before the kick-off of the music portion. The concert is being live-streamed using the HangWith iPhone app in which Fiddy is an investor.
• Justin Bieber – He’s been subpoenaed to testify in court today in a wrongful dismissal suit filed by his former housekeeper. The maid, who worked at his former home in Calabasas CA, was let go unexpectedly last Summer. Think the Biebs will show up for this one?
• Ke$ha – She’s completed her 2-month rehab stay and returned home. She entered treatment just after New Years Day to get help for an eating disorder.
• Luke Bryan – Today he releases his latest Spring Break-themed digital EP. “Spring Break 6 … Like We Ain’t Ever” contains 6 original songs, all co-written by Bryan.
• Pharrell Williams – He’s announced a partnership with the United Nations Foundation to celebrate “International Day of Happiness” on March 20th. In addition to a 24-hour event on YouTube, he’s inviting fans worldwide to take action and raise money for humanitarian efforts.

TODAY’S VIDEO RELEASES:
Out today on Netflix and/or other video providers …
• “The Book Thief” ( PG-13 War Drama ): Amid the horrors of World War II Germany, a young girl finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Even more dangerously, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents under the stairs in their home. Stars Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson. Directed by Brian Percival (“Downton Abbey”).
• “Homefront” ( R-Rated Crime Thriller ): Jason Statham stars as a former DEA agent who moves his family to a quiet town where he soon tangles with a local meth drug lord (James Franco). Co-stars Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth. Sylvester Stallone adapted the screenplay from the  Chuck Logan novel.
• “Inside Llewyn Davis” ( R-Rated Drama ): The latest from the Coen Bros follows a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene in 1961, struggling to make it as a musician against all odds. Stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and Garrett Hedlund.
• “Out Of the Furnace” ( R-Rated Crime Thriller ): When a young man mysteriously disappears and law enforcement fails to follow through, his imprisoned older brother has a tough decision to make. Once released, he must choose between his own freedom or risking it all to seek justice for his brother. Stars Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson.
• Also released today: “Barbie: The Pearl Princess” (Family Animation); “The Hungover Games” (Comedic Parody); and “Nova: Great Cathedral Mystery” (Documentary).

BLIND DATING:
A new voice-based dating app has users listen to matches before they see them. ‘Revealr’ plays a recording of a potential match introducing himself or herself first. A pixelated photo is shown during the 20-second verbal introduction, as well as name, age, and location. Then, if the users decide they like what they hear, the participants’ photos are revealed. As with fellow dating app ‘Tinder’, users must log in through Facebook. Its described by its London-based developers as ‘fun and addictive’ and meant to encourage people to like each other for who they really are rather than making judgements based solely on profile pics. (Radio personalities know better than anyone … what you hear is not necessarily what you get.)
– TheNextWeb.com

THE GUACAMOLE CRISIS:
An avocado shortage is wreaking havoc on restaurant menus in North America, sparking price hikes and shortages. The problem is the long-term drought in California has cut avocado production by 40%. Prices are up to $26-a-case and headed to nearly twice that by Summer, observers say. That means a plate of nachos & guacamole at your favorite eatery may cost at least 25% more than last month. Guacamole dip at your supermarket is likely to see similar price increases. The shortage has even shaken up the ‘sport’ of competitive eating. It’s been decided it would be unconscionable to allow participants to inhale mass quantities of what is ostensibly becoming an endangered entrée. (If you ask us, one source for replacing expensive guac’ is … your flu-infected baby’s diaper.)
– NYDailyNews.com

NEW BS GIZMOS & GADGETS:
✓Chocolate Chip Cookie Milk Shots – NYC chef and croissant-doughnut hybrid ‘Cronut’ inventor Dominique Ansel is debuting his latest creation this week at SXSW in Austin TX. His new ‘Chocolate Chip Cookie Milk Shots’ are inspired by the first time the famed pastry chef tried an Oreo cookie and was informed he should eat it with a glass of milk. His creation is basically a shot of milk in a drinking cup made entirely of chocolate chip cookies.
NET: http://tinyurl.com/mqlr6pt
– Eater.com
✓ Lean Machine Beer – British Columbia-based beverage company Vampt is touting its new beer as a post-workout ‘recovery ale’. The low-alcohol, protein-packed ‘fitness’ beer called Lean Machine has nutrients, anti-oxidants, and proteins to replenish the body after a workout. And at only 77 calories a pop, it may be the perfect option for drinkers who also belly up to a barbell. It will be sold in slender 12 oz cans, each with 3.2% alcohol by volume. The so-called ‘sports drink’ will first be available in select Canadian markets beginning in April.
– AFP
✓ Spritz Speed Reader – A novel in 90 minutes? It’s possible with this new speed-reading technology. Spritz lets users read without moving their eyes, digesting up to 1,000 words per minute. It’s said to be a simple concept whereby each word is positioned in a digital display where your eye can recognize it without moving. By focusing only on that point, users can breeze through words blinking in rapid succession onscreen, rather than scanning a string of words across a page. The company claims only 20% of the time we spend reading is actually processing content, the rest spent moving our eyes across the page. ‘Spritzers’ can read up to 1,000 words per minute. The app will first be available on Samsung devices this Spring.
– @nydailynews.com

BS AMAZING FACT:
There is just one international zipline ride in the world, between Spain and Portugal.
– “Financial Times”

BS CHRONOMETER 03.11.14

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1931 [83] Rupert Murdoch, Melbourne, Australia, media magnate (FOX-TV, News Corp)/estimated net worth $13.4 billion (2013)

1968 [46] Lisa Loeb, Bethesda MD, pop singer (“I Do”, “Stay [I Missed You]”)

1969 [45] Terrence Howard, Chicago IL, movie actor (“The Butler”, “Iron Man”)

1971 [43] Johnny Knoxville (Phillip Clapp), Knoxville TN, movie actor (“Movie 43”, “Jackass” movies)/TV personality (“Jackass” 2000-02)

1979 [35] Benji & Joel Madden, Waldorf MD, twin brother pop-rock musicians (Good Charlotte-“Girls &  Boys”, “Lifestyles Of the Rich & Famous”)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Organize Your Home Office Day”, an annual observance on the 2nd Tuesday in March. Get people with home offices to call in, then ask “What are you wearing right now?” Studies show an inordinate number of those who work at home still dress in office attire every day in order to ‘get into work mode’.

• “World Plumbing Day”, initiated by the World Plumbing Council to celebrate the important role plumbing plays in the health & safety of modern society. (To celebrate, wear your pants at half-mast … just like a plumber.)
NET: http://www.worldplumbingday.org

• Worship of Tools Day” (aka “Tool Appreciation Day”), celebrating men’s inexplicable fascination with high-priced gizmos. What tool have you bought, then never used?

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1964 [50] Gene Roddenberry proposes the “Star Trek” TV series to MGM Studios, describing it as “Wagon Train” to the stars

1989 [25] “COPS”, the documentary-style TV series that follows law enforcement on-the-job, debuts on FOX-TV (goes on to become one of the longest-running shows in TV history)

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENT . . .
1997 [17] 54-year-old (Sir) Paul McCartney is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for ‘services to music’

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2002 [12] England’s Plymouth University becomes the 1st school to offer a degree in ‘surfing’

TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
1999 [15] Los Angeles Clippers finally snap their 17-game losing streak, tied for longest in NBA history (beat Sacramento Kings106-92)

2011 [03] A massive earthquake measuring 9.0 in magnitude strikes Japan, triggering a tsunami killing thousands and the 2nd-largest nuclear accident in history

AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] Registered Dietitian Day
[Wed] World Maths Day
[Thurs] Smart & Sexy Day
[Thurs] World Kidney Day
[Fri] “Need for Speed”; “Veronica Mars” open in movie theaters
This Week Is … Universal Women’s Week
This Month Is … Employee Spirit Month

BULL’S BITS

TOP 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
According to an actual Grade 2 pupil …
✓ Listen to your teachers.
✓ Listen the first time.
✓ Concentrate on your work.
✓ Make good choices.
✓ Don’t show your ‘privite’ parts.
(Seems this 2nd grader has nailed it!)
– CafeMom.com

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ Which song is shaping up as 2014’s huge hit?
– American Authors, “Best Day of My Life”.
– Florida Georgia Line f/Luke Bryan, “This Is How We Roll”.
– John Legend, “All of Me”.
– Pharrell Williams, “Happy”.
– Shakira & Rihanna, “Can’t Remember to Forget You”.
– Tegan & Sara, “Everything is Awesome!!!”.

BS RANDOM JOKE:
My butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
In the 18th-century tradition of sending flowers as messages, what did a rose say?
a. “I am attracted to you.”
b. “I love you passionately.” [CORRECT]
c. “That’ll be 10 dollars, please.”

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: A poll of both men & women finds THIS is the #1 pet peeve about family members.
Answer: Not replacing an empty roll of bathroom tissue.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.