BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Yesterday’s scheduled shoot of “Fast & Furious 7” in Atlanta GA was canceled as producers and studio execs struggle with the sudden death of Paul Walker. Production was more than halfway done when Walker was killed in a fiery car wreck Saturday. While Universal Pictures has announced no changes to the 7th “F&F” installment (due July 2014), analysts say the survival of the franchise may rest in how gracefully the tragedy is handled and how producer-star-spokesman Vin Diesel personally deals with the loss. It’s thought the film will have to follow the fine line of recognizing the tragedy without exploiting it. One insider suggests the only thing that would stop the franchise is if Vin decides he’s done.
– USAToday.com
★ Actress Lindsay Lohan may sue the makers of “Grand Theft Auto V” as she’s reportedly unhappy the videogame uses her likeness. Although her name isn’t mentioned, there are several scenes in which a look-alike may be seen, including one where she asks the player to take her home and escape the paparazzi, and another at a hotel resembling the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, a infamous Lohan hangout. If a successful lawsuit does go forward, Rockstar Games should have no probs paying up. “GTA V” quickly became the fastest-selling videogame of all-time, making $1 billion after only 3 days on the market.
– TMZ.com
★ Actress Renée Zellweger is reportedly being sought to appear on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC). Producers are said to be pulling out all the stops for the next season by choosing only celebs who have won Academy Awards. It’s thought that signing Zellweger, who took home an Oscar for “Cold Mountain” in 2003, will encourage others to participate. Producers are said to be fixated on her in part because she hasn’t done much dancing since “Chicago” over 10 years ago. The “DWTS” masterminds think the theme of Oscar-winners will be a sure ratings-grabber.
– RadarOnline.com
★ Actress and advocate Angelina Jolie is set to co-chair a global summit on ending sexual violence in war zones. Jolie, along with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, will lead 3 days of talks in London next year, when representatives from 137 countries, including judges, doctors, and police who have worked in war zones, will discuss their experiences in attempting to safeguard women. Jolie quote: “The goal must be an end to impunity (exemption from punishment), and justice and respect for the survivors of these horrendous crimes”.
– “London Evening Standard”
★ And, as usual, show biz has had a significant influence on the selection of baby names in 2013. Thanks to the wildly-popular, just-completed AMC-TV drama “Breaking Bad”, ‘Skyler’ and ‘Jesse’ have enjoyed an increase of 70% and 13% respectively this year. ‘Brody’, the surname of “Homeland” co-star Damien Lewis’ character, has entered the top 100 for the first time; and ‘Carrie’ and ‘Dana’ are up 200% and 66% respectively. From HBO’s fantasy drama “Game of Thrones”, ‘Arya’ is another new entry in the top 100, and the first-ever baby named ‘Sansa’ was registered earlier this year. Pity the kid.
– ContactMusic.com

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Arsenio Hall” (syndicated) – Daughtry (“Baptized”); The Game (“Jesus Piece”).
• “Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas” (PBS) – The all-female Irish musical ensemble performs with a 36-piece orchestra and a 40-member philharmonic choir.
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – Dawes (“Stories Don’t End”).
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CTV2) – Britney Spears (“Britney Jean”, out today); John Legend (“Love In the Future”).
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Toro Y Moi (“Anything In Return”).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – The Naked & Famous (“In Rolling Waves”). Rerun.
• “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Blake Shelton (“The Voice”); Kings of Leon (“Mechanical Bull”). Rerun.
• “Live With Kelly & Michael” (ABC/CTV) – Goo Goo Dolls (“Magnetic”).
• “Tavis Smiley” (PBS) – India.Arie (“Songversation”).
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/CTV2) – The Rides f/Stephen Stills & Kenny Wayne Shepherd (“Can’t Get Enough: The Rides”). Rerun.
• “The View” (ABC/CTV) – Guest co-host Toni Braxton; Babyface (“Grown & Sexy”); Trisha Yearwood (“The Sweetest Gift”).
• “The Voice” (NBC/CTV) – The artists face elimination.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Beyoncé – She’s been named ‘Most-Searched Celebrity of 2013′ by search engine Bing. She had an eventful year, performing at the Super Bowl, winning a Grammy, kicking off a world tour. The runners-up: Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Madonna. Clearly, women rule!
• Britney Spears – will.i.am, who executive produced her new “Britney Jean” album, says that while other acts he has recorded with waste time hanging out in the studio with their entourage, Britney is the total opposite and has a great work ethic.
• Demi Lovato – She’s become a “NY Times” best-selling author thanks to her new book, “Staying Strong”. She assembled the collection of 365 inspirational quotes & meditations to follow throughout the year after her battle with drug addiction, depression, and a stint in rehab.
• Jake Owen – Today he releases the new album “Days of Gold”. Target stores’ exclusive ‘Deluxe Edition’ includes 4 bonus tracks.
• Katy Perry – “Roar”, which has become the biggest-selling single of her career thus far, is being used by NBC-TV in its promos for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
• Metallica – Today contest winners embark on a 10-day cruise to Antarctica, where the band performs near the heliport of Carlini Argentine Base on December 8th. The concert will stream online.
• Muse – Today they release the CD/DVD/Blu-ray package “Live at Rome Olympic Stadium”. There the trio played a 20-song concert for an audience of more than 60,000 Roman fans in July, and it was captured in ultra-high definition for these releases.
• One Direction – Niall Horan has been spotted on a night out with Hungarian lingerie model Barbara Palvin. What did they do? Took in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” at a movie theater … apparently like everyone else.
• Robbie Williams – The Brit pop star has just purchased late film director Michael Winner’s 46-room London mansion for £17 million ($27.8 million) … and that’s a steal! The property was listed for £60 million ($98 million) just 2 years ago. It boasts palatial reception rooms, an indoor pool, a movie cinema, and a ballroom-sized master bedroom.

TODAY’S VIDEO RELEASES:
• “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” ( PG-13 Action Adventure ): Lily Collins stars as ‘Clary Fray’, a girl who learns that she descends from a line of warriors who protect our world from demons. She joins forces with others like her and heads into a dangerous alternate NYC called ‘Downworld’. Based on Cassandra Clare’s 6-novel “Mortal Instruments” series.
• “The Smurfs 2” ( PG Animated Fantasy ): The followup to the 2011 film is set in Paris, where the Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue ‘Smurfette’, who has been kidnaped by ‘Gargamel’. Voice cast includes Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Katy Perry. Soundtrack includes “Ooh La La” by Britney Spears, “High Life” by Nelly Furtado.
• “The Wolverine” ( PG-13 Action Adventure ): Hugh Jackman returns in his 6th portrayal of ‘Logan/Wolverine’, but for the 1st time in a movie without “X-Men” in the title. This time around he’s summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance. Ken Harada co-stars as the no-so-bad guy ‘Silver Samurai’. Based on  Frank Miller’s fan-choice comic book.
• Also released today: “Angry Birds Toons: Season 1, Volume 1” (Animation); “Good Ol’ Freda” (Documentary); “Hawaii Five-O: The Complete Series” (Vintage TV); “Marvel Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United” (Animation); “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman: The Complete Series” (Vintage TV); “The Simpsons: The 16th Season” (TV); “Wings Of a Warrior: The Jimmy Doolittle Story” (Documentary); and “WWE: Raw 20th Anniversary Collection – The 20 Greatest Episodes Uncut & Unedited” (Pseudo-Sports TV).

ANOTHER EDGE FOR SEATTLE?
If you’re wagering on NFL night games, favor the team from the West Coast. A new study concludes that West Coast teams have a big advantage over East Coast teams in evening matchups. Sleep researchers analyzed more than 400 NFL games between East and West teams from 1970-to-2011. While neither side held an advantage in day games, there was a big difference in night-game results. On average, West Coast teams beat the point spread 66% of the time by 5.6 points. Why? Because of the 3-hour time difference, West Coast teams were closer to the human peak performance time of mid-afternoon. (Another reason the Jets suck.)
– DigitalJournal.com

GREEN CHRI$TMAS:
Highlights of the ‘Fantasy Gifts & Experiences’ available in the 87th edition of the “Christmas Book” catalogue from luxury retailer Neiman Marcus …
• A limited-edition Jeff Koons sculpture called “Dom Perignon’s Balloon Venus” … $20,000.
• An overnight stay for 2 at the famed ‘Glass House’ in New Canaan CT, designed by architect Philip Johnson … $30,000.
• A ‘Bespoke Global Falconry Companion’ kit, including a gold-plated perch, exotic-skin falcon hoods, outdoor furniture, lead crystal decanters, and cigars (no birds included) … $150,000.
• A 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, 1-of-10 such cars in the world … $344,500.
• A hand-built Indian Larry ‘Wild Child’ motorcycle … $750,000.
• A ‘His & Hers Outdoor Entertainment System’ that includes a giant-screen TV that emerges from underground, hi-tech sound system, and hundreds of movies … $1.5 million.
• The ‘Diamond Experience’, which includes a 25-carat rough diamond and a trip to London and Africa to trace the provenance of the stone … $1.85 million.
(What a deal! Shipping for gifts ordered online is free.)
– Reuters.com

WORKING HARD OF HARDLY WORKING?
A new study claims the typical full-time office worker is actually toiling less than 3 hours-a-day. The UK poll of nearly 2,000 office workers concludes that, on average, employees only concentrate on their duties for 2 hours and 53 minutes out of each 8-hour work shift. So how do their days fly by? The average worker spends 44 minutes-a-day on social media sites, 1.5 hours tracking news stories online, 40 minutes chatting, 17 minutes making coffee, and up to 45 minutes having lunch. The rest of the time goes to snacking, food preparation, texting, and calling home. (Oh, and most office workers spend 26 minutes each day … looking for another job.)
– “Daily Mirror”

HEAT TREATMENT:
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds this Winter, try cranking up the thermostat. People who reside in warmer-than-average domiciles are less apt to be obese than people scrimping on central heating, according to a new study from Scotland’s University of Stirling. After factoring in lifestyle and calorie intake, and measuring levels of body fat, researchers noticed that people in well-heated homes have lower BMI levels, while those who use heating sparingly, or not at all, tend to be heavier. Why? At temperatures above 23 C (73 F), we expend more energy and eat less because our appetite is suppressed. (Wrong! Fat guys sweat. So they turn the heat down.)
– Mail Online

BS AMAZING ANIMAL FACT:
The offspring of a polar bear and a grizzly bear is called a ‘pizzly bear’. Or sometimes a ‘grolar bear’.
– “1,339 QI Facts to Make Your Jaw Drop”

BS CHRONOMETER 12.03.13

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1948 [65] Ozzy (John) Osbourne, Birmingham UK, rock singer (“Let Me Hear You Scream”, Black Sabbath-“Paranoid”)/former reality TV star (“The Osbournes” 2002-05)

1960 [53] Julianne Moore, Fayetteville NC, movie actress (“The Kids Are All Right”, “The Hours”)

1968 [45] Brendan Fraser, Indianapolis IN, movie actor (“The Mummy” films, “Crash”)

1983 [30] Andy Grammar, LA CA, pop singer-songwriter (“Miss Me”, “Keep Your Head Up”)

1985 [28] Amanda Seyfried, Allentown PA, movie actress (“Les Misérables”, “Mamma Mia!”)

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “International Day of Disabled Persons”, sponsored by the United Nations.

• “Roof Over Your Head Day”, an annual observance to draw attention to the plight of the homeless.

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1964 [49] 1st broadcast of the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” TV special (wow, that claymation looks almost real, doesn’t it?)

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1948 [65] “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry enters the Top 40 pop chart

1980 [33] Photographer Annie Leibovitz takes the last known photos of John Lennon & Yoko Ono together at their apartment in NYC’s Dakota building

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1967 [46] Surgeon Dr Christiaan Barnard performs the 1st-ever heart transplant on 53-year-old Lewis Washkansky at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa

TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
1984 [29] Oldest-known bridegroom (103-year-old cradle-robber Harry Stevens weds 83-year-old Thelma Lucas in Wisconsin)

1999 [14] Tori Murden becomes 1st woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean solo (Canary Islands to Guadeloupe in 81 days)

AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] Cookie Day
[Wed] World Wildlife Conservation Day
[Thurs] Hanukkah ends (Jewish)
[Thurs] “The Sound of Music Live!” (NBC)
[Fri] “Inside Llewyn Davis”; “Out Of the Furnace” open in movie theaters
[Fri] “Grammy Nominations Concert Live!” (CBS)
This Week Is … Handwashing Awareness Week
This Month Is … Safe Toys & Gifts Month

BULL’S BITS

BS HOLIDAY TV SPECIALS WE’RE NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO:
“The Island of Mis-fitting Clothing, a What Not to Wear Holiday Special”
• “Santa Claus Sells the Children’s Toys For Beer Money”
• “I Want Another Dog For Christmas”, ‘The Family Guy’ Christmas Special. Sorry Bryan. Too Soon?”
• “Gordon Ramsay Spit-Roasts Blitzen Live!”
• “The Grinch Who Nailed Mrs Claus”
• “Christmas in Prison: It’s A Wonderful 10-Years-to-Life”
• “Ranting In My Winter Underwear with Toronto mayor Rob Ford”
• The politically correct, non-denominational, generic, “Festive Winter Special”.
• “Baste This, Charlie Brown”
• “Robin & Miley’s Happy Twerkmas!”
• “It’s January 5th and Our Deadbeat Relatives Haven’t Left Yet”
– Adapted from BennyDesk.com

BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
In which country would you find the world’s ‘highest’ town?
a. Nepal.
b. Peru. [CORRECT. Cerro de Pasco has the honor, with an altitude of about 14,000 feet.]
c. The Netherlands.
– “Coffee News”

BS RANDOM JOKE:
When I was 10, my pa told me to never talk to strangers … we haven’t spoken since.

BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ Which currently hot movie star will be a ‘has-been’ within 5 years?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: The record for doing THIS is just under 19 days.
Answer: Going without sleep.

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The difference between art and science is that if something works in art, you don’t have to explain why.