BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ 41-year-old TV personality/actress Jenny McCarthy has announced she’s engaged to boyfriend, singer/actor Donnie Wahlberg on “The View”, sending her co-hosts and the studio audience into shrieks of excitement. McCarthy has been married once before and was also a long-term partner to actor/comedian Jim Carrey. A date for the wedding has not yet been set. (To avoid being overshadowed, they’re looking for an open date not taken by the A-List.)
– “Chicago Sun-Times”
★ “Forbes” magazine has released its latest list of the wealthiest rappers, and Sean ‘Diddy aka Puff Daddy’ Combs is #1, with $700 million. The magazine suggests that his ‘Revolt TV’ project could boost Combs to becoming hip-hop’s first-ever billionaire one day. Dr Dre was ranked 2nd with $550 million, while Jay Z is valued at $520 million, in 3rd place. Cash Money co-founder Birdman is worth $160 million and ranked 4th, followed by 50 Cent at #5, worth $140 million. (We still don’t get it … how does Diddy get so rich doing diddly?)
– FMQB.com
★ And 24-year-old Mike Amess from Exeter UK has a severe allergy to … the Kardashian family. Well, at least a severe phobia. Amess breaks out into a cold sweat whenever he sees a Kardashian, though his fear seems especially focused on Kim. Just the sight of a semi-naked Kim makes him ‘vomit with disgust’. Even the sound of the Kardashians’ nasal voices causes him to feel nauseous and shaky. Amess insists his allergy/phobia is real, and that it stems from seeing Kim’s infamous sex tape when he was 17 and trying to repress his gay sexuality. (We aren’t medical experts, but we’re fairly sure this malady is contagious.)
– “Daily Mail”

WEEKEND SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CTV2) – Today Needtobreathe (“Rivers In the Wasteland”).
• “Glen Campbell … I’ll Be Me” – Tonight this new documentary about the veteran country music singer has its world premiere at the 2014 Nashville Film Festival. The movie was produced and directed by James Keach (“Walk the Line”).
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Tonight Bird Of Tokyo (“March Fires”). Rerun.
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Tonight Jake Bugg (“Shangri La”). Rerun.
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/Omni1) – Tonight Le1f (“Hey”). Rerun.
• “Orphan Black” (Space/BBC America) – Saturday Tatiana Maslany returns in the sci-fi series’ Season 2 premiere.
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC/Global) – Imagine Dragons (“Night Visions”). Rerun.
• “The Talk” (CBS) – Today oldies singer Olivia Newton-John.
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Tonight Justin Timberlake (“The 20/20 Experience”). Rerun.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• “Frozen” – The seemingly unstoppable Disney movie soundtrack is still rock solid in sales, earning its 10th non-consecutive week at #1 on the all-genre album chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It’s cumulative sales have now passed 2 million units.
• Jay Z – He’s bringing his ‘Made in America’ music festival to Los Angeles, to be held simultaneously Labor Day weekend with the original in Philadelphia. The lineup is yet to be set. Rumors have also begun to circulate that Jay Z & Beyoncé will hit the road together for a Summer stadium tour.
• Martina McBride – Her new album of R&B song covers, “Everlasting”, is atop the new ‘Country Albums’ chart in “Billboard” magazine. Country music sales in general got a big boost from exposure on the “Academy of Country Music Awards” April 6th.
• Seether – Tonight they kick off a month-long headlining tour in Huntington NY, with openers Black Stone Cherry and Skindred. The tour includes stops at major rock festivals, including Fort Rock, Carolina Rebellion, and Rock On the Range.
• The Who – The aging classic rock duo of Roger Daltrey (70) and Pete Townshend (68) will embark on a tour later this year to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. The trek will begin around Christmastime in the UK before heading to North America in 2015.

TODAY’S MOVIE OPENINGS:
• “Bears” ( G-Rated Documentary ): Nature-documentary veterans Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey bring Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure to the bigscreen for families just in time for Earth Day (Tuesday). The film follows an Alaskan bear family as its young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Narrated by actor John C Reilly.
NET: http://nature.disney.com/bears
• “A Haunted House 2” ( R-Rated Horror Spoof ): Having exorcized the demons of his ex, ‘Malcolm’ (Marlon Wayans) is starting afresh with a new girlfriend. But after moving into their dream home, he’s once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. Co-stars Jaime Pressly, Essence Atkins. The original 2013 film earned back its entire budget on opening weekend.
NET: http://www.ahauntedhousemovie.com
• “Trailer Park Boys: Don’t Legalize It” ( 18A Canadian Comedy Release ): In this 3rd feature film spawned by the defunct TV series, ‘Julian’ plans to get rich after recently being released from jail; ‘Ricky’ fights a government plan to legalize marijuana; ‘Bubbles’ tries to track an inheritance from his long-lost parents. Stars John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith.
NET: http://www.trailerparkboys.org
• “Transcendence” ( PG-13 Sci-Fi Thriller ): Johnny Depp stars as ‘Dr Will Caster’, a scientist  working toward the goal of a world where computers can transcend the abilities of the human brain. His plan is stalled when a radical anti-tech organization stands in his way. Co-stars Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy. Shot in Albuquerque NM,
NET: http://www.transcendencemovie.com
• Opening in limited release: “Fading Gigolo” (Comedy); “The Final Member” (Documentary); “Make Your Move” (Musical); and “Tasting Menu” (Comedy).

MUGGLES REJOICE!
‘Hogwarts’ is now offering online classes. Superfans of the book & film series have launched their own online version of ‘Harry Potter’s alma mater that offers a full schedule of classes for aspiring witches and wizards. Students are expected to complete homework assignments, essays, quizzes, and tests in subjects such as ‘Charms’ and ‘Potions’ as they progress through 7 years of wizard academics. Along with all that studying, students can chat with others in online common rooms, earn house points, and browse the library. It’s all offered free-of-charge. The fine print states the project is not supported by or associated with the books, movies, or games. (Someone’s making a huge effort for … what? There’s gotta be an angle.)
NET: http://www.hogwartsishere.com
– USAToday.com

ARE WE UP FOR ICE CREAM?
Who knew that eating ice cream could improve your sex life? A British company has released a flavor that’s ‘adults only’. That’s because it’s made with Viagra, and even has the ‘little blue pill’s signature color. Not unusual for inventor Charlie Harry Francis. He works for the inventive edibles company Lick Me I’m Delicious. Francis also created Glow-In-the-Dark Ice Cream and something called Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow (who knows what’s in that?). The makers of the new flavor wanted to make sure each scoop contains exactly 1 dosage, so a single 25 mg pill is being used in each 150ml of ice cream. (Be forewarned … it ‘melts’ after 5 minutes.)
NET: http://tinyurl.com/ms24bj6
– TheCelebrityCafe.com

WORDS & PHRASES TURNING 100-YEARS-OLD IN 2014:
1914 marks the earliest year lexicographers at the “Oxford English Dictionary” can document the following terms appearing in print …
✓ ‘Atomic Bomb’ – Sci-fi author HG Wells is credited with first using the term when writing about the possibility of such an awful weapon.
✓ ‘Advertorial’ – A contraction of ‘advertisement’ and ‘editorial’, first used in the publication “Rotarian”.
✓ ‘Big Screen’ – Even though there was no TV with its small screen to provide contrast, the ‘big screen’ was already being used to mean movies in 1914.
✓ ‘Chunnel’ – The tunnel under the English Channel wasn’t completed until 1994, but 80 years earlier writer K Howard declared, “Another word that will be stolen from me is … ‘Chunnel’.”
✓ ‘Doohickey’ – A blend of the words ‘doodad’ (as in gizmo) and ‘hickey’ (as in a small gadget or device).
✓ ‘Light Speed’ – A hundred years ago an editorial in the “Frederick Post” predicted, “Even in this speed-mad age we can never hope to equal the speed of light.”
✓ ‘Oy Vey’ – This Yiddish expression (literally, “Oh, woe”) first appeared in print in the “New York Evening Journal”.
– MentalFloss.com

IT’S ALL DOWNHILL AFTER 24:
According to a research team at British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University, your brain hits a major peak at age 24. Researchers have analyzed thousands-of-hours of play on the videogame “StarCraft 2”, measuring how long players aged 16-to-44 take to respond to opponents. The results: People older than 24 show a decline in response time. The good news is, those 25 and older rely more on experience and knowledge of nifty little shortcuts more often than younger folks, which allows them to stay in the game. So the lesson here is that even though we’re getting older, we’re not entirely doomed as long as we know what we’re good at and are willing to go with the flow. (You’re ancient … but you’re wily.)
– TheFrisky.com

BS AMAZING FACT:
The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks, and Romans, to all of whom the egg was a symbol of life.
– PA News

BS CHRONOMETER 04.18.14

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1963 [51] Conan O’Brien, Brookline MA, TV host (“Conan” since 2010”, “Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” 2009-10, “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” 1993-2009)

1974 [40] Mark Tremonti, Detroit MI, rock guitarist (Creed-“My Sacrifice”, “With Arms Wide Open”; Alter Bridge-“Isolation”, “Open Your Eyes”)

1979 [35] Kourtney Kardashian, LA CA, reality TV personality (“Kourtney & Kim Take NY” 2011, “Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami” 2009, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” since 2007)

1987 [27] Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Plymouth UK, fashion model/movie actress (“Transformers: Dark Of the Moon”)  COMING UP: “Mad Max: Fury Road”, 2015.

1992 [22] Chloe Bennet (Wang), Chicago IL, TV actress  (‘Skye’ on “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD” since 2013, ‘Scarlett O’Connor’ on “Nashville” 2012-13)

1993 [21] Nathan Sykes, Abbeydale UK, pop singer (The Wanted-“Chasing the Sun”, “Glad You Came”)

SATURDAY –
Movie actress Ashley Judd (“Kiss the Girls”) is 46; Movie actor James Franco (“Spring Breakers”) is 36; Movie actress Kate Hudson (“Almost Famous”) is 35; Movie actor Hayden Christensen (“Jumper”) is 33; Blues-rock drummer Steve Johnson (Alabama Shakes) is 29; Tennis player Maria Sharapova is 27.

SUNDAY –
Movie actress Carmen Electra (“Scary Movie”) is 42; Country musician Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band) is 36; Fashion model Miranda Kerr (Victoria’s Secret) is 31.

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Columnists Day”, sponsored by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists to increase awareness of the importance and contribution made by columnists and journalists worldwide.
• “Easter Egg Hunt For Dogs”, the 17th annual hosted by National Service Dogs in various cities. The concept of having pooches search for Milk-Bones began in Oakville ON in 1998.
NET: http://www.nsd.on.ca/events/easter-egg-hunt-for-dogs/
• “Good Friday”, observed since about 100 AD. There are few explanations as to why it’s known as ‘Good’ Friday since it commemorates a sorrowful time in Christianity. It’s a national holiday in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, but not in the USA where it varies state-by-state.
• “Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day”, an annual event begun as a promotion for a pajama-maker that’s evolved into another fun excuse for office hijinks.
• “World Amateur Radio Day”, honoring the worldwide hobby of ‘ham radio’. It’s observed on the anniversary of the 1925 founding of the International Amateur Radio Union.

SATURDAY –
• “Auctioneers Day”, observed annually on the 3rd Saturday of April (do we hear 4?) to honor the traditional profession of auctioneering. Charity auctions are held to celebrate the observance.
• “Garlic Day”, saluting the ‘stinking rose’ that has been cultivated as long as history has been recorded. A few indulgent ways to celebrate the day …
– Garlic Parmesan Salad Dressing
– Roasted Garlic Baby Potatoes
– Baked Ricotta Garlic Dip
– Roasted Garlic & Sweet Red Pepper Soup
– Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce
• “Hanging Out Day”, an initiative of Project Laundry List promoting energy conservation by using a clothesline instead of an electric dryer.
NET: http://www.laundrylist.org
• “Husband Appreciation Day”, observed annually on the 3rd Saturday of April as a day to appreciate your mate for all that he is. “Wife Appreciation Day” is coming up in September.
• “Record Store Day”, an annual celebration on the 3rd Saturday in April of the old-fashioned indie disc shops where people used to hang out and listen to the latest music. Many artists are offering exclusive releases for the occasion, including Bruce Springsteen, Cage the Elephant, Dave Matthews Band, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Green Day, Katy Perry, and Paramore.
NET: http://recordstoreday.com/Home

SUNDAY –
• “Easter Sunday”, the most important holiday in Christianity. The ‘moveable feast’ falls on the Sunday following the Full Moon on or after the Vernal Equinox. Since 326 AD, it’s been marked on one of the 35 dates between March 22 and April 25. Before that, it was celebrated on the Sunday closest to the first day of the Jewish “Passover”.
• “420” or “Pot Smokers Day”, the unofficial holiday of potheads. ‘Four-twenty’ became an emblematic number for dopers in the 1970s. It comes from the time 4:20 pm, the secret ‘burn time’ originated by a group of pot-smoking students at California’s San Rafael High School.

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2012 [02] TV personality-producer Dick Clark, former host of “American Bandstand” (1957-89) and “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” (1974-2011), dies of heart attack at age 82 in Santa Monica CA

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1997 [17] Roger Pavlik of Texas becomes the 1st American League pitcher to walk the first 4 batters in a baseball game (Rangers lose to Toronto Blue Jays 6-5)

TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
1991 [23] Charlie Kovacs of Seymour, Australia sets ‘World Camper Speed Record’ by towing his Roadster camper at a speed of 126.76 mph or 204 km/hr (his wife inside is not pleased)

1999 [15] Brad Hauter begins a 4,500 mile-plus trip across America at 10 mph on a Yard-Man riding lawnmower (he enjoys it so much, he does it again in 2003)

COMING UP . . .
[Mon] Boston Marathon
[Mon] Bulldogs are Beautiful Day
[Tues] Earth Day
[Tues] Teach Your Children to Save Day
This Week Is … Karaoke Week
This Month Is … Defeat Diabetes Month

BULL’S BITS

MORE BS QUESTIONS PLAGUING HUMANITY:
• If you lose your hearing, is it ear replaceable?
• How do you know when you’ve run out of ‘invisible ink’?
• What do atheists say when someone sneezes?
• Do bald people ever have ‘bad head days’?
• How come when you see a married couple walking down the street, the one that’s a few steps ahead is the one that’s angry?

BS RANDOM JOKE:
Sometimes your mouth is like a zipper … by the time you realize it’s open, it has already embarrassed you.

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What’s the absolute worst behavior you’ve experienced in a movie theater?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: The average woman has spent $500 on THIS.
Answer: Clothes she’s never worn.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.