Monday, November 23, 2020 – Edition: #6856

Sheet Happens!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ A male contestant on the obstacle course game show “Wipeout” has died after completing a course on the show. The contestant, who has not been named, went into apparent cardiac arrest, and died after being taken to hospital. Producers say that all contestants on the show are expected to complete medical exams before being cleared to participate, and other safety precautions are in use, including on-site paramedics, doctors, and a safety producer. Production on Wipeout was halted on Thursday and Friday following the incident.
-EW
★ Janet Hubert, the actress who originated the character of ‘Aunt Vivian’ on “The Fresh of Bel-Air”, says she is “glad” she sat down with star Will Smith for the show’s reunion. She left the show before Season 4 and was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid. Smith has been vocal about how he and Hubert clashed while working together, while Hubert maintained a decidedly negative opinion of her former co-stars. Smith blamed his youth — he was 21 at the time — and being “driven by fear” for the way he treated Hubert. He apologized and told her that he “could not do a 30-year celebration without celebrating you.” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion” is currently airing on HBO Max.
-TheWrap
★ Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Charles Spencer, is the latest to warn people that “The Crown” is “fiction.” He said that there are scenes that make him uncomfortable to watch, and his main worry is “that people see a program like that and they forget that it is fiction.” Spencer says some people tell him they have watched The Crown as if they have taken a history lesson, and, in his words, “They haven’t”.
-MSN
★ Joaquin Phoenix attended a vigil Friday morning in Burlington ON for an animal rights activist who was killed when she was hit by a truck while protesting. He joined local activists at Fearman’s Pork slaughterhouse to pay his respects to Regan Russell. On June 19, the 65-year-old was feeding water to pigs that were in a truck en route to the slaughterhouse when she was struck and killed. At the vigil, Phoenix said: “I am here to honor Regan and to all the activists that dedicated their lives to ending this injustice.”
-CP24

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Emma Stone, Ben Falcone, Josh Groban
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Glenn Close, Kane Brown featuring Swae Lee & Khalid
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Mandy Moore, Jeff Tweedy
• ” The Late Late Show with James Corden” (CBS/CTV): Michael J. Fox
• “Conan” (TBS): Conan in Armenia (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Kim Zolciak-Biermann, Capt. Lee Rosbach
• “Live with Kelly and Ryan” (ABC/CTV): Josh Groban
• “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (NBC/CTV): Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Ben Falcone
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS): Dua Lipa, Mario Lopez, Dr. Phil McGraw, Jewel
• “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC): Season 29 finale
• “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” (CW): Season premiere. Rory visits the Stars Hollow Gazette; Emily copes with Richard’s death; Lorelai ponders her future while keeping busy at the inn.
• “Black Narcissus” (F/X):  Miniseries adapted from the novel by Rumer Godden focusing on a group of nuns in the Himalayas toward the end of British rule in India.
• “Heart of the Holidays” (HALLMARK)”: A career-driven woman reunites with her high school boyfriend after returning home for the holidays.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Demi Lovato – Her new ‘do was “inspired by her personal growth”, according to her colorist. On Wednesday, Lovato shocked her 93.3 million Instagram followers by posting a pic of her partially shaved head, with a blonde pixie cut. Amber Bolt says “Her hair is a direct reflection of who she is” (Whatever that means…).
• Justin Bieber — has asked the media to make better choices in the photos they publish of him. He shared a Google search of his most popular pictures on Instagram Stories, saying it’s frustrating the photos that come up are from “a time where I was really unhealthy. I was battling Lyme disease, right?” He says he has done a lot of photo shoots since then, and wishes the media would use those.
• Robbie Williams – his new festive song ‘Can’t Stop Christmas’, has a number of cheeky references to the pandemic. Sample lyrics: “Santa’s on his sleigh, but now he’s two meters away, the people gonna need something to believe in, after a year of being in” and “We’ve got our wish list, you can’t stop Christmas time. If you’re wondering what I’d like, socks and sanitizer will do fine.”
• John Lennon — The album that he signed for Mark Chapman hours before the man murdered him goes up for auction today. Chapman asked Lennon to sign a copy of “Double Fantasy” outside The Dakota apartment building in New York on December 8, 1980. Five hours later, he shot the Beatle as he returned to his home. Bidding starts at $400,000.
• KISS – will to close out 2020 with “the biggest & baddest concert event and pyrotechnics show of the year.” They have announced the “KISS 2020 Goodbye” livestreamed concert from Dubai for Dec. 31, with tickets ranging from $40-$1,000 for deluxe tickets which include Kiss merchandise.
• AC/DC – Their new album “Power Up” currently sits at #1 in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the UK, is expected to hit the top in Australia, and has a solid shot of reaching #1 in the US. It has become the fastest-selling album of 2020 in the UK.
• Florida Georgia Line — After breakup rumors swirled when Tyler Hubbard unfollowed bandmate Brian Kelley on Instagram, Hubbard has explained. He says he did so “for a few days…in the middle of this election” amid their political differences, although they remain “brothers”.
• Dan + Shay – have released their second-ever original holiday song ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas’. Shay Mooney says they wrote it “with our families in mind…Christmas really isn’t Christmas if you don’t have the people that you love around you.”
• Sara Evans — will be perform a series of virtual concerts Dec. 10-12. Each date will have its own theme. The first show will include her biggest hits. The second will feature all of the cover songs from her latest album, “Copy That.” The last will feature a virtual version of her annual Christmas tour. Each show will also include surprise performers.

WAGING WAR ON AGING:
It looks as though scientists may finally have uncovered the fountain of youth. Israeli researchers have found a way to “reverse aging” in two key biological clocks in humans, by giving patients oxygen therapy in a pressurized chamber. (Science talk alert!) As we age, and cells continue to divide, sequences of DNA at the end of chromosomes, called telomeres, gradually become shorter. Once they become too short, the cell can no longer replicate and eventually dies. Telomere shortening can prevent rogue cancerous cells from multiplying, but unfortunately, this comes with the cost of genetic aging. The geriatric cells that can no longer divide are also known as senescent cells, and are believed to be one of the leading causes of aging. In a trial of seniors undergoing oxygen therapy, their blood work showed significant increases in the telomere length of their cells and a decrease in the number of their senescent cells. The therapy could be an inexpensive alternative to more intrusive treatments using pharmaceuticals. But the idea of spending many hours per day in a pressurized chamber may dissuade some patients.
(Of course, it’s better than the alternative…)
(I’m not sure if it’s possible to reverse aging but I have been told I have an “infantile disposition”, so that’s gotta be close. Right?)
(Now we know where Rob Lowe has been spending most of his time for the past 35 years…)
-YahooFinance

HOUND ROUNDUP:
⇒ Danish company Go Dogo says it is possible to train our pets virtually. They have developed a computerized, non-touch dog training system which they believe can help stimulate dogs while they are on their own at home. The automated dog-training prototype, using machine learning and game logic, connects to a TV, showing videos of the owner giving verbal commands. When the dog performs what they are instructed to do, they’re rewarded with a “good boy” video snippet and a treat from an automatic treat dispenser. An app enables the owner to set a training schedule and monitor the dog’s progress remotely. Go Dogo is in its trial phase with volunteers, and it is expected the software will cost about $10 per month when it becomes available next year. (If Zoom had a treat dispenser, I bet we’d all be a lot more enthusiastic about it!)
⇒ The first-ever Christmas song made entirely for dogs has just been released. Titled ‘Raise the Woof’, the two-minute tune was created by scientists, vets and animal behaviorists to make dogs feel happy and content. With a reggae beat, it features positive noises and sounds, such as high frequencies, squeaky toys and phrases like “good boy”. The single took two months to compose at London’s Abbey Road Studios. To determine what would get dogs’ tails wagging, music producers played over 500 sounds in a focus group of 25 dogs. As well as providing some muttley merriment, the song will raise money for the men’s mental health organization “Dudes With Dogs”. (Just needs a treat dispenser!)
LINK:  https://tinyurl.com/y36864vu
-Sifted, CountryLiving

FAILING PASSWORDS:
It’s hard to believe, but some people are still using computer passwords like “123456” and, well, “password”. The password manager software “Nerdpass” has released its annual survey, after analyzing a database of nearly 276 million passwords, and according to them, basic passwords like those can be cracked in less than a second. More than 2.5 million users were found to use the classic “123456”, which they say has been breached more than 23.5 million times. Nerdpass also points out that it is clear that not only are people still using rudimentary passwords, they are not changing them either. Of the top 200 most common passwords for 2020, only 78 were new to the list from 2019. Here are the top 5 most-commonly-used passwords:
1. 123456
2. 123456789 (that one can also cracked in less than a second, Einstein)
3. Picture1 (new this year)
4. password
5. 12345678
They suggest changing your password if it appears anywhere on the top 200 list. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/y66b4vr3
Some suggestions for strengthening your passwords:
☞ Use complex, long and unique passwords
☞ Store them in a password manager
☞ Use two-factor authentication when possible
☞ Delete old, unused accounts and check active ones regularly for suspicious activity
(I’m fortunate in that I’m such a poor speller that my passwords ARE long and unique…)
-CTV

BEST GUITAR RIFFS OF ALL-TIME:
1. My Girl – The Temptations (1965)
2. Mannish Boy – Muddy Waters (1965)
3. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple (1972)
4. You Really Got Me – The Kinks (1964)
5. Beat It – Michael Jackson (1982)
6. Back in Black – AC/DC (1980)
7. Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin (1969)
8. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones (1965)
9. Good Times – Chic (1979)
10. Layla – Derek & the Dominoes (1970)
(What song is missing? Besides ‘Johnny B Goode’…)
-TheIndependentUK

DID YOU KNOW?
While many use the terms ‘sweet potato’ and ‘yam’ interchangeably, they are completely different vegetables. Even though both are starchy tubers, they are not the same species or even in the same family. Yams are in the family ‘Dioscoreaceae’, which includes the Chinese yam and air potatoes, while sweet potatoes are in the family ‘Convolvulaceae’, which is the same family as morning glories. Yams are starchier than sweet potatoes and contain less sugar. White and yellow yams resemble a white potato when cooked.
-USAToday

BS CHRONOMETER 11.23.20

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1954 [66] Bruce Hornsby, Williamsburg VA, pop-rock-jazz keyboardist/singer (‘The Way It Is’, Mandolin Rain’)/former Grateful Dead touring member

1960 [60] Robin Roberts, Tuskeegee AL, TV host (“Good Morning America” since 2005, SportsCenter 1990-2005)

1971 [49] Lesley Fera, Los Angeles California, TV actress (“Pretty Little Liars” 2010-2017)

1971 [49] Chris Hardwick, Louisville KY, comedian (“@Midnight” 2013-17), TV host (“Talking Dead” since 2011)

1987 [33] Snooki (Nicole Polizzi), Santiago Chile, reality star (“Jersey Shore” 2009-2012, “Snooki & JWOWW” 2012-2015, “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” 2018)

1992 [28] Miley Cyrus (born Destiny Hope Cyrus), Nashville TN, pop singer (‘Wrecking Ball’, ‘The Climb’)/TV actress (“Hannah Montana” 2006-10)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Cashew Day”, celebrating the yummy nut that sounds like a sneeze. (ca-SHEEEWW!)

• “Espresso Day”, a good excuse to have a wake-me-up shot this morning.  Luigi Bezzera invented the espresso coffee machine in Italy in 1901. His objective was to decrease his employees’ coffee break time and increase their productivity. The small cup in which an espresso is served is called a demitasse.

• “Dr. Who Day”, marks the 57th anniversary of “An Unearthly Child,” the debut episode of Doctor Who and the origin point of an ever-expanding universe.  Originally airing on the BBC, William Hartnell’s Doctor Who hopped in his big blue police box and embarked on an adventure that has enamored millions of fans for more than a half-century. Happy birthday, Doctor. (***See “This Day in Show Biz”, below***)

• “Eat a Cranberry Day”, native to North America, cranberries are grown in bogs, primarily in New England. When the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they found Native Americans harvesting and eating them. Native Americans also used them as dyes for clothing, and for medicinal purposes.

• “Fibonacci Day”, November 23—or 11/23 is the date of Fibonacci Day because the first series of numbers in the Fibonacci sequence are 1, 1, 2, and 3. The sequence is created by adding the previous two numbers to get the third number, so it begins as follows: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, and 144.

COMING UP . . .
[Tues] Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day
[Tues] Sardines Day
[Wed] Blasé Day
[Wed] Parfait Day
This Week Is…National Game & Puzzle Week
This Month Is…Gratitude Month

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2013 [07] A special episode of “Doctor Who” titled ‘The Day Of the Doctor’ airs simultaneously in 94 countries to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary (Guinness World Record for the largest-ever simulcast of a TV drama, the first episode to feature the 12th “Doctor”, Peter Capaldi)

2011 [09] Lady Gaga’s 90 minute “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving” special airs on ABC. She directed the program, which features her singing, eating, visiting her old school, and being interviewed by Katie Couric

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1979 [41] Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” is released. It sells 6 million copies in 2 weeks

2013 [07] One Direction hosts “1D Day”, a 7½ hour interactive live-stream on YouTube and Google+ Hangout that includes live band performances and celebrity guests (an unprecedented use of social media)

2018 [02] Justin Bieber confirms he has married model Hailey Baldwin

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2000 [20] Dot-com tycoon Jaakko Rytsola receives a $71,400 speeding ticket in Finland (where fines are linked to the offender’s income). This record has since been beaten…bigtime…by a Swiss driver who was ticketed to the tune of US$1million!

BULL’S BITS

BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ The marshmallows in Lucky Charms are technically known as “marbits”.
✓ J. R. R. Tolkien typed the entire 1,200-page manuscript of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy with two fingers.
✓ Owls cannot move their eyes. They’re forced to turn their heads.
✓ The role of ‘Dirty Harry’ was written for Frank Sinatra.
✓ The world seems quieter right after a snowfall because the blanket of fresh powder absorbs sound, making things seem “calmer.”
✓ The day after tomorrow is called “Overmorrow.”
-WhattheFFacts,

BS OVERHEARD AT THE DUDE RANCH:
• “They call it a Quarter Horse, but I’m pretty sure that’s all of it…”
• “Why the long face?”
• “We’re trying to find investors for our Stirrup Company.”
• “I thought they said ‘nude’ ranch.”
• “So, what does a rough n’ tough cowboy like me have to do to get a soy-latte around here?”
• “Where’s my car?”
• (***Caution***) “That’s a steer, sir. The milking barn is over there.”
• (***Caution***) “I thought you said I’d have my own whores.”
• “This IS my first rodeo!”
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018

TODAY’S SLICE OF BS:
➠ Some of the very best in music gathered last night at the “AMAs”. (And Machine Gun Kelly was there, too. )
➠ Michael B. Jordan was named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2020. (In “People’s” defense, they made their pick before Rudy Giuliani entered that hotel room…)
➠ The first Thanksgiving was held in October of 1621. (Some 400 years later, it remains an American institution. Just like Betty White and Larry King…)
➠ Snooki is 33 today. (It’s not too late to get a gift.  She’s registered at Bed, Hot-Bath & Beyond Crazy!)
➠ Miley Cyrus is 28 today. (If you’re still looking for a gift, you might as well get her something she’ll use: attention.)

BS WEB GOODIE:
He looks so proud of himself:  https://tinyurl.com/y5k35fua 

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
• In the television show “Roseanne”, which state did the Conner family live in?
a) Massachusetts
b) Illinois [CORRECT]
c) Wisconsin
d) Denial

• Which former model created the reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model?
a) Cindy Crawford
b) Tyra Banks [CORRECT]
c) Iman
d) Siri

• What comedian took over as host of “The Price is Right” after Bob Barker retired in 2007?
a) Steve Harvey
b) Tom Bergeron
c) Drew Carey [CORRECT]
d) Chuck Barris
-TriviaFYI

BS PHONE STARTER:
What was the last REALLY stupid thing you did?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.

BS WATER COOLER QUESTIONS:
Question:  12% of people say they plan to do THIS for the holiday shopping season. What is it?
Answer:  Get a new credit card

Question:  64% of children refuse to eat THIS at Thanksgiving dinner. What is it?
Answer:  Yams

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Change your thoughts and you change your world.