May 22 2017

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Monday, May 22, 2017        Edition: #5979

Accept No Substitutes, Ask For 100% Pure BS!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Bill Pullman was the commencement speaker at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC Saturday, and gave the graduates a blast of nostalgia by opening with a line from of his famous “Independence Day” speech … with a slight revision. “You will not go quietly into that good night because today is your graduation day!” said Pullman, who played the President of the U.S. in the classic 90s film and last year’s sequel.  As for why Pullman was chosen to speak at WWC … his sons are alumni.
-TMZ
★ After playing Wolverine in nine movies, Hugh Jackman arguably knows more about the superhero than anyone. But that wasn’t always the case. He recalls researching the animal when he first got the role and being shocked to discover that a wolverine is a real creature. After doing about 2 weeks’ worth of research on ‘wolves’, Jackman came to the realization that a wolverine is a different thing entirely.  A wolverine resembles a small bear but is actually the largest member of the weasel family.
-Toronto Sun
★ She made it!  After there was no sign of Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle as members of the Royal Family arrived for Pippa Middleton’s wedding on Saturday, royal-watchers report that  Harry and Markle were both in attendance at the private evening reception, marking a major milestone in the couple’s relationship.   The service took place at St Mark’s church in Berkshire and saw the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister marry the city financier and former racing driver James Matthews.  The American actress, 35, has been in a relationship with 32-year-old Royal since last year.  The relationship has been a source of controversy given her nationality and the fact she is a divorcee.
-PageSix
★ The major TV networks are fighting over an exclusive interview with the four Duggar sisters following their lawsuit against a tabloid magazine and Arkansas authorities who allowed their names to be revealed as alleged victims of sexual molestation by their older brother Josh Duggar. A source says that the sisters are hoping for a settlement in the range of $10 million to $15 million.”
-PageSix
★ Universal has announced plans for a sequel to the smash hit big screen musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ Almost exactly a decade after the original, which earned almost $610 million after its 2008 release, ‘Here We Go Again!’ is dancing into theaters on July 20, 2018.
-EW

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/Global): Jim Carrey, Rachel Lindsay, Bush
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Chelsea Handler, Mo Rocca, Cheat Codes featuring Demi Lovato
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Rachel Maddow, Ben Platt
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Kyle Chandler, Michaela Watkins, a performance by the Broadway cast of “Come From Away”, Matt Frazier
• “Late Late Show with James Corden” (CBS/CTV): Lionel Richie, Jenna Dewan Tatum
• “Last Call with Carson Daly” (NBC/CTV): Ludacris, the Menzingers, Troian Bellisario
• “Conan” (TBS/Comedy): Justin Theroux, Don Lemon, Seaton Smith
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo):  Hilary Swank, Kate Mara
• “The View” (ABC/CTV):  Chelsea Handler, Gretta Monahan
• “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (ABC/CTV): Zac Efron, Rachel Lindsay
• “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (NBC/CTV): Jessica Simpson
• “Wendy Williams” (FOX): Bevy Smith, Robert Verdi, Lloyd Boston, Melissa Garcia
• “Harry” (NBC/CTV): Milo Ventimiglia, Nico Tortorella, Shemar Moore, Josh Holloway
• “The Real” (FOX): Tichina Arnold, guest co-host Kym Whitley
• “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC): The three finalists each perform a redemption style dance and a freestyle dance.
• “The Bachelorette” (ABC): Rachel meets the bachelors, trying to make time to talk to each one.
• “The Voice” (NBC): The final four artists perform for the judges.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Chris Cornell – his widow, Vicky, has issued her first public statement since the sudden death of her husband following a Soundgarden show Detroit. In it, she questions whether his use of prescription meds clouded his judgement and made him suicidal.  She says in the statement that she spoke to him on the phone after the show and noticed he was slurring his words. Cornell explained that he may have taken an extra Ativan or two.  Ativan is commonly used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders, with side effects that include an increased risk of suicide among those who suffer with issues of depression.
• Eddie Vedder – The Pearl Jam frontman was trending on Twitter late last week, but don’t worry, he’s still alive — and his fans are rallying to keep him that way.  In wake of the sudden death of Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, grunge fans are calling to ‘protect’ Vedder, the last remaining mainstream grunge icon.  Other losses to the genre over the years have included Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, Alice in Chains lead vocalist Layne Staley and, more recently, Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland.
• Selena Gomez – has released her highly anticipated new single “Bad Liar.” If you think you hear a little bit of the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” on the new track, you’d be correct.  David Byrne gets a songwriting credit.
• A$AP Rocky – Three robbers stole $1.5 million in jewelry and other items from the rapper’s L.A. home last week.   A woman who was staying at the residence was outside when someone  pulled out a gun, held it to her head, and forced her back into the home.
• Carrie Underwood – Joined The New Kids on the Block onstage at their Total Package Tour stop in Nashville. She serenaded Jordan Knight for his birthday.  Also joining in on the fun: Big & Rich.  Carrie tweeted: “And I’m instantly back in 6th grade”.
• Miranda Lambert – will host the inaugural MuttNation March June 8 to raise money and awareness for shelter pet adoption.  MuttNation events this year will take place during the 2017 CMA Music Festival in Nashville.
• Brantley Gilbert – is going to be a dad. Gilbert says that he and his wife Amber have been trying to have a baby since they married in 2015.  After seeing a fertility specialist, the couple were told  it would be “close to a miracle” if they were able to conceive. Gilbert says that the news is an answer to “many, many, many prayers”.

CROCS: THE SEQUEL
10 years ago, you couldn’t leave the house without seeing someone wearing those charmingly simple slip-on plastic shoes known as Crocs.  No one ever accused them of being stylish, much less attractive, but they certainly did have their purpose.  Easy to put on, easy to clean, inexpensive, comfortable.  But they soon fell out of favor and before long they were more or less relegated to yardwork-only.  But it appears that Crocs may be back.  Big-time.  A new product lineup as well as a marketing campaign featuring Drew Barrymore and John Cena both point toward what could be a huge resurgence for the brand this summer.  But it isn’t all about NEW Crocs.  Used ones are selling like mad too.  According to resale website thredUP, used Crocs are one of the hottest items of the season.  ThredUP says that Crocs are currently flying off the shelves 58 percent faster than any other product listed on the site.
(The only thing worse than new Crocs: Used Crocs)
(Can I buy used ‘Jibbitz’ too?)
(Crocs may be cheap, but not as cheap as me.  I’m waiting for the 2017 knock-offs!)
(I shudder at the thought of putting my feet where some of the people that I’ve seen wearing Crocs have put theirs!)
-Cosmo, Business Insider

THE 10 WORST MONEY MISTAKES:
According to a dude who retired at 52 with a net worth of $3 million:

10. Not having an emergency fund:  An emergency fund is your first line of defence against unexpected financial problems.  If you don’t have one, you will likely have to borrow money when an emergency pops up. (Pop?  My Dad IS my emergency fund!)

9. Neglecting to make a will:  Without a will, guess who decides what happens with your finances and your kids? The state! Do you really want to let the government decide these issues for you?  And be sure to update it as your life situation changes.  (Yeah, I’m just waiting for it to actually change…)

8. Not having enough insurance: Think of insurance as a very big emergency fund that supplements your cash emergency fund. It covers the things you couldn’t save up to cover in advance.  (And if you don’t yet have life insurance, just say so out loud.  A life insurance salesman will appear.)

7.  Marrying the wrong person:  There are actually two major financial mistakes related to marriage: marrying a spendthrift and getting divorced.  Couples where both spouses know and apply financial basics do much better than ones where one or both spouses have bad financial habits.  (Marry the RIGHT person: Oprah)

6. Not saving: The formula for financial prosperity is pretty simple:
• Spend less than you earn
• Do this for a long time
(I did:  Monday-Friday.)

5.  Buying too much house: Never purchase a home that requires a mortgage that is more than twice your household’s annual income.  (Or repairs that are more than twice your household’s income…)

4. Waiting to invest:  Most of what we see in the press deals with getting the best return on your money.  But actually, the factor that most influences the value of your investments is the time you have it invested.  (Does it help that I made a whole bunch of bad investments a long time ago?)

3. Being deep in debt: The average person will now pay over $600,000 in interest over their lifetime.
The solution is simple:
• If you’re in debt, start taking steps to get out of debt.
• If you’re not in debt, don’t get into debt.
(Then how the heck am I supposed to invest?  Save????)

2.  Not working to maximize your career:  Your career is your most important financial asset.
This is because the average person can reasonably expect to earn in the neighborhood of $2 million during his lifetime. But if that person works hard and grows his income at 8% per year, he could have more than $3 million more than that. If he doesn’t, his $2 million can dry up to a bit over $1 million (or even less). So not working to make the most of your income can cost you millions of dollars.  Develop and execute a plan to make the most of your career.
(Can I just take the million now?)

1.  Over-spending:  The first step to gaining wealth is spending less than you earn — it’s vital to making any financial progress. So when you over-spend, you’re doing the most damage possible to your finances.  (There is always a catch!)
(Financial mistakes: I’m batting about .800 here!)
-Yahoo Business

BS BUZZWORDS:
Cutting-edge vocab…
• ‘Airbnb-able’ – Having qualities that make a room, house or apartment attractive to rent on Airbnb.
• ‘Racecation’- A trip that combines participating in a race, such as a marathon or triathlon, and a vacation.
• ‘Granny nanny’ – A grandmother who cares for her grandchildren while their parents are working.
• ‘Text neck’ – Neck and upper back pain caused by an excessive and prolonged forward head tilt, such as when texting or performing other mobile device tasks. (Not to mention the wrinkles developing in the FRONT of the neck…)
-WordSpy

BS AMAZING FACTS:
• The word millionaire was first used by Benjamin Disraeli in his 1826 novel Vivian Grey.
• If you stack one million US$1 bills, it would be 110m (361 ft) high and weight exactly 1 ton.
• A million dollars’ worth of $100 bills weighs only 10 kg (22 lb).
• One million dollars’ worth of one-cent coins (100 million coins) weigh 246 tons.
• TIP is the acronym for “To Insure Promptness.”
-DidYouKnow.org

BS CHRONOMETER 05.22.17

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1950 [67] Bernie Taupin, Sleaford UK, lyricist (Elton John’s songwriting partner-”Candle In the Wind”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”)

1959 [58] (Steven) Morrissey, Manchester UK, alt-rock singer (“All You Need Is Me”, ex-The Smiths-”This Charming Man”)

1968 [49] Michael Kelly, Philadelphia PA, TV actor (‘Doug Stamper’ on “House of Cards” since 2013)

1970 [47] Naomi Campbell, London UK, fashion model, actress, activist (‘Empire’ 2015-16, ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ 2015

1978 [39] Ginnifer Goodwin, Memphis TN, TV actress (‘Mary Margaret Blanchard/Snow White’ on “Once Upon a Time” since 2011)

1979 [38] Maggie Q (Margaret Quigley), Honolulu HI, TV actress (‘Lt Beth Davis’ on Stalker” 2014-15, “Nikita” 2010-13)/movie actress (“Divergent” films, “Mission: Impossible III”)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Victoria Day”, observed annually on the Monday preceding May 25th, and commemorating the birth date of Britain’s Queen Victoria on May 24, 1819. It’s a holiday that’s only celebrated in Canada, originating in 1845.  Queen Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 until her death in 1901.  Her reign of 63 years and seven months was longer than that of any of her predecessors and is known as the Victorian era.
• “Canadian Immigrants Day”, celebrating the many contributions made by immigrants to Canada. Hey, if you go back far enough … we’re all immigrants.
• “Maritime Day”, an annual observance to recognize the maritime industry. Har, hoist that bilge, matey!
•  “World Goth Day”, celebrating the goth scene and exposing it to the rest of the world. The subculture of music & fashion is often associated with dark attire, makeup, and hair.
• “Buy-A-Musical-Instrument Day”. But respect your neighbors … don’t make it drums! (Can you believe my neighbor pounded on my wall until 3am last night?  Fortunately I was up late playing my drums….)
• “International Day for Biological Diversity”, created by the UN to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2004 [13] Michael Moore’s controversial documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11″ wins the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival (sequel “Fahrenheit 11/9″ about the Trump administration coming soon…)

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2003 [14] Golfer Annika Sorenstam becomes the 1st woman to play in a PGA men’s tour event in 58 years (Fort Worth TX)

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2012 [05] Japan’s Tokyo Skytree is opened to the public, the tallest tower in the world (634 m/2,080 ft) and the 2nd-tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa (829.8 m/2,722 ft)

BULL’S BITS

BS SIGNS YOU’RE TOO DAMN HONEST:
• When everyone in the elevator starts to wince you announce, “It was me!”
• When you’re late for work and the boss asks “Heavy traffic?”, you answer “No, I hate you, I hate this job and I wait until the last possible minute to leave the house each morning.”
• When someone asks why you’re selling a particular item at your garage sale you say “Because it’s a piece of crap that I don’t want anymore but rather than junk it I thought some idiot might give me money for it.”
• When a potential buyer asks why you’re selling your car you say “Because it’s a piece of crap that I don’t want anymore but rather than junk it I thought some moron might give me money for it.”
• Every time your wife asks you if you think she needs to lose some weight you end up sleeping on the couch.

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
Which of the following is a true news story from the past week?
a. Climate change is turning Antarctica pink.
b. We may finally be getting an ‘emo’ emoji.
c. A London private school may let boys wear skirts. [CORRECT]
-BBC.com

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What’s the best ‘Song of the Summer’ ever?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
I’m getting faster as I get older.  After I hit a tee-shot, it doesn’t take me nearly as long to walk to the ball.

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: Just over 70% of married men say they never let their wife near THIS
Answer: The Grill

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

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