Monday, February 19, 2024 — Edition: #7659
Tomorrow’s Show Prep Today!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Former Republican Rep. George Santos is suing Jimmy Kimmel and Disney, the parent company of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” network ABC, for fraud and copyright infringement after Kimmel paid $400 each for a series of Cameo videos from Santos for fake people. The suit alleges “the deliberate deception and wrongful appropriation of the Plaintiff’s digital content”. Under an assumed name, Kimmel paid for a video of Santos congratulating a fictitious friend for winning the Clearwater Florida Beef Eating Contest. He also paid for a video of Santos congratulating a fake mom for cloning “beloved schnauzer Adolf”, and 12 other clips. They were broadcast on Kimmel’s show, in a feature called “Will Santos Say it?”. Santos is seeking at least $750,000.
-Deadline, TheWrap
★ “American Idol” bosses are considering replacing Katy Perry with Miley Cyrus on the judges’ panel. An insider said that executives are afraid, however, that Cyrus is not “family-friendly” enough. The Sun reports that a consultant claims they are also looking at other options, including Jennifer Lopez and Shania Twain, both of whom have worked on the show in the past, and are considered “safe” – but there is still a “push” for Cyrus. The ‘Flowers’ singer might be “perfect” because she “is a younger star with an audience that has grown up with her as Hannah Montana and is a celebrated pop star in her own right.”
-PopCulture
★ The biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” is shaping up to be the first bit of good news the box office has enjoyed in nearly a month. It rode strong word-of-mouth to an estimated 6-day opening of $46 million domestically. That’s way beyond pre-release projections, which topped out at $35 million. “Madame Web” was rejected by critics and audiences alike en route to a $24 million 6-day opening.
-TheWrap
★ Prince Harry would reportedly consider mending the royal rift and returning to his royal duties if King Charles asked him to, amid the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, famously stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020. He remains a counsellor of state — and 5th in line for the crown — but is not expected to be called upon to stand in for the King now that he’s made California his home. A royal insider was quoted on Friday as saying: “I have a hard time believing if his dad asks for his help that Harry would say no, I think he would try.” However, the source noted it is not “something that Harry would ask [to do] on his own.”
-PageSix
★ Kelly Rowland dramatically walked out of NBC’s “Today” show on Thursday morning after she felt her dressing room was not up to snuff. The R&B singer and actress was a guest on the 8am hour of “Today,” and was expected to fill in for Jenna Bush Hager in the 10am hour as guest host of “Today with Hoda & Jenna.” Rowland, however, dropped out at the 11th hour because her dressing room wasn’t up to par, and she left Hoda Kotb scurrying to find a replacement. Singer Rita Ora was enlisted to fulfil guest hosting duties “with 2 minutes to prepare”, according to an Instagram post she later shared. LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3a5a2ItwHB/?img_index=1
-PageSix
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Katy Perry, Mecole Hardman, Charles Wesley Godwin (R)
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Justin Timberlake, Molly Ringwald, Flo Milli (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Joy-Ann Reid, A’ja Wilson (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Larry David, Katy Tur, Colleen Clark (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Douglas Emhoff, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
• “The Daily Show” (COM): Guest host Jon Stewart
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Tyler James Williams, performance from Broadway’s “Spamalot”
• “The Talk” (CBS): Rob Lowe, Carla Hall
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Jenna Dewan
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Jennifer Lopez, Jeremiah Brent; Jamie Lee Curtis, Vince Staples; Mau y Ricky
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Amanda Gordon, Camila Mendes
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): will.i.am, Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt
• “TMZ Investigates” (Fox): A deep dive into Kevin Costner’s divorce from Christine Baumgartner.
• “The Bachelor” (ABC): Joey and the 10 remaining women head to Montreal; Joey goes on 2 one-on-one dates; the remaining women push through their insecurities on a group date.
• “The Neighborhood” (CBS): Marty and Courtney navigate the pregnancy news and what it means for their future. Followed by new episodes of “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “NCIS”.
• “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League” (NBC): Season 1 finale. Terry Crews reveals who America has chosen as the AGT: Fantasy League winner; special guest performers.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Taylor Swift – A Kansas City Chiefs jersey signed by her and Travis Kelce was auctioned for $21,000 in support of a children’s charity in Guelph, ON on Sat. The #87 jersey was donated to the Linamar Curling for Kids event in support of the Guelph Wish Fund – which grants wishes to children suffering from serious illnesses and injuries. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/4mkbmxwn
• Usher – recently explained why his protégé Justin Bieber didn’t join him for his Super Bowl halftime performance – even though Bieber was invited, and was present at the stadium in Las Vegas. Usher said to iHeartRadio: “I think that it might’ve been the fact that he’s just wanting to tell a different story right now. And I understand that.” The 2 plan to “do something else” together in the future.
• Beyoncé and Joan Jett – are 2 of the artists who will be saluted in the Roll Hall of Fame’s newest exhibit “Revolutionary Women In Music: Left of Center,” set to open on March 8. Also being feted for their careers, which “empowered women to realize and embrace their authentic selves”, will be Siouxsie Sioux, Queen Latifah, Liz Phair, Christina Aguilera, and more. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/sw7uzvk7
• Nickelback – “Hate to Love: Nickelback”, the feature documentary about the group that premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, will play for 2 nights only in theaters around the world on March 27 and 30. Tickets go on sale Thursday.
• Bee Gees – Director Ridley Scott, best known for such films as “Thelma & Louise” and “Gladiator”, is in talks to oversee the upcoming Paramount Pictures biopic about the group. Scott recently completed directing a sequel to Gladiator, which is set for release this November.
• Beach Boys — visionary Brian Wilson is suffering from dementia, and is unable to care for himself after the death of his wife and manager, his family claims. His team has applied to place him under a conservatorship, with the promise that the 81-year-old will remain free to do anything he wants.
• Luke Combs – has been working with Post Malone. The rapper shared a clip of an unreleased song Thursday, after hinting for some time that he’s “going country”. The vid shows Malone jamming out while mouthing the lyrics. No details yet, but Malone did tag Combs in the caption, alongside the ‘clinking beer mugs’ emoji. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/53dztx5w
• Vince Gill – has been added to the bill for Blake Shelton’s “All for the Hall” concert on March 30. The Tulsa OK show will feature a star-studded lineup including fellow Okies Ronnie Dunn, Wade Hayes and The Swon Brothers. Proceeds go to the Country Music Hall of Fame museum’s education initiatives.
• Darius Rucker – will release his memoir “Life’s Too Short” on May 28. In it, he promises to tell “the story of his life through the lens of the music that made him, including songs by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder to R.E.M., KISS, Prince and, of course, his own music with Hootie (and the Blowfish) and as a solo artist. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/5n8rwex7
SHOOTING THE BULL
NEW BREW BREAKTHROUGH:
It’s the news that you needed to hear on a Monday morning: Eating grapefruit with your coffee might prolong the effects of caffeine — and ward off that afternoon slump. Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College, says her studies have found that: “If you eat a lot of grapefruit, you can increase the time the caffeine remains in the system.” She made the comment during a Chemistry World webinar last week. She’s the same chemist who enraged tea purists last month by suggesting that adding a pinch of salt to a cup of tea makes it “better.” Oh, and just so you know, Francl also says that cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts could help caffeine clear from your system quicker.
(They clear a lot more out of your system than just caffeine…)
(No problem. I rarely have cabbage and brussels sprouts for breakfast!)
-NYPost
NEW GOOD NEWS:
➢ A Chinese trucking company paid $30,000 to transport thousands of pounds of snow from the frozen northern city of Harbin to a special needs school in the tropical southern metropolis of Guangzhou. Officially, it was Beijing Truck Home Information Technology’s demonstration run of their refrigerated trucks, but for the drivers and staff, it was all about bringing joy to the children. The convoy drove 1,960 miles (3,300km) over 5 days, arriving at Xingzhi Children’s Growth Center on Feb. The trucks then dumped out the snow and gave almost 2,000 children with autism and other special needs the chance to experience snow for the first time ever. One observer said: “The snow may be cold, but everyone’s heart has completely melted.”
➢ A Louisville KY school bus driver known for going above and beyond has had his act of kindness go viral. Larry Farrish Jr. recently noticed a little boy was having a rough morning. He said that normally, when he picks Levi up, the child is waiting “with a big smile”, but this day, he was sitting with a jacket over his head”. The first-grader explained through tears that he didn’t have pajamas for “Pajama Day” at school. The bus driver said his first thought was: “I gotta fix this.” After Farrish finished his morning route, he headed to a Family Dollar store and purchased 2 pairs of jammies for Levi, and headed back to the school to present them to the boy. Quote: “He was so excited — you should’ve seen how his face lit up.” When asked about it by a local reporter, young Levi said: “When he got me the pajamas, I did a happy cry.” (I’m not crying…YOU’RE crying!)
-GoodNewsNetwork, Today
NEW BAD NEWS:
I’m not sure you really want to hear this, but a top researcher is warning that uncontrollable artificial intelligence may eventually lead to the extinction of the human race. Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy, an AI safety expert and an associate professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Louisville, was responding to a new survey that found there isn’t much evidence to suggest that AI can be managed safely. He said in a media release: “We are facing an almost guaranteed event with potential to cause an existential catastrophe. No wonder many consider this to be the most important problem humanity has ever faced. The outcome could be prosperity or extinction, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.” The main problem, as Dr. Yampolskiy sees it, is the complexity and unpredictability of AI systems, which can learn, adapt, and make decisions in ways that humans cannot foresee or understand. This makes ensuring their safety very complex…and potentially unachievable. He suggests that the pursuit of advanced AI should also involve demonstrating that it can be controlled, and is asking for a significant ramp-up in AI safety research.
(Fortunately, it’ll never replace corporate managers – because AI isn’t designed to be useless!)
(Well, “I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords…”. Don’t get too uptight – it’s a “Simpsons” quote!)
-StudyFinds
THE BEST SODAS, IN ORDER (Or best ‘pops’, depending on where you are…):
According to a ranking by 8 “expert sources”, taking into account flavor, popularity, and cultural significance…
1. Coca-Cola: An obvious choice for #1, unless you’re a Pepsi nut. Coca-Cola is so “iconic” that in some areas, the term “coke” is used to describe all sodas.
2. Pepsi: It comes #2 in the ranking, but many would argue that Pepsi actually has a sweeter, more citrusy, and even a better taste than Coke. Also iconic, nonetheless.
3. Diet Coke: A popular choice for those who are trying to avoid sugar, one expert site calls Diet Coke “the world’s most in-demand low-calorie soft drink”. It also offers an array of flavor options, including cherry, vanilla and lime.
4. Dr. Pepper: Introduced in the 1880s, its unique blend of flavors creates a refreshing and distinct taste (which supposedly blends 23 fruit flavors) that sets it apart from other sodas. (He’s my favorite medical professional!)
5. Mountain Dew: Known for its vibrant green color, Mountain Dew has become a staple beverage for those seeking an energizing and refreshing experience. (Actually, it’s kind of a cult, if you ask me…)
6. Sprite: This lemon-lime flavored soft drink offers a “zesty twist” to your taste buds. It is also available in other flavors, such as tropical, orange, ginger, cherry, grape, and cranberry.
7. Diet Pepsi: Many agree with the slogan “Nothing refreshes like a Diet Pepsi”. Released in 1964, it has continued to evolve with various flavor options, including lemon, lime, and wild cherry.
(My favorite soda? “Rum n’…”)
-StudyFinds
DID YOU KNOW?
As people continue to look for ways to minimize their use of single-use plastics, the question has come up: Can a Ziploc bag be reused? The company that makes them has chimed in, saying: “Because Ziploc brand bags are made with high-quality, recyclable material…our bags can be reused several times.” A spokesperson did caution, however, that the brand recommends cleaning the bags between uses by hand-washing them with soap and air drying them. And, as you might imagine, if the bag was used to hold raw meat, fish, eggs, or spoiled food, it should be tossed. (Tossed in the trash, or in recycle?)
-People
BS CHRONOMETER 02.19.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Family Day”, observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In Manitoba, it’s “Louis Riel Day”; “Heritage Day” in Nova Scotia; and “Islander Day” in Prince Edward Island. Family Day celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities.
• “Presidents’ Day”, also known as Washington’s Birthday, it’s a holiday to honor the first US president, George Washington, born Feb. 22, 1732. Depending on the state, the day may also officially celebrate Lincoln and Jefferson. It’s also an occasion to remember all presidents (or at least the ones you WANT to remember…).
• “Tug-of-War Day”, a celebration of the competitive sport in which 2 teams hold opposite ends of a large rope and attempt to pull the other towards them in order to win. The spectacle has a long history all over the world. (And works best if there is a giant mud pit in the middle!)
• “Chocolate Mint Day”, a celebration of one of the all-time great flavor pairings (and one of the all-time great Girl Guide cookie flavors!)
• “Lashes Day”, to appreciate both real and false eyelashes for the beauty they add to women (and men). Not only do they make our eyes “pop”, they also help keep foreign material from entering our eyes and prevent eye moisture from evaporating. (“I sentence you to two lashes…”)
• “Prevent Plagiarism Day”, to call attention to the rampant problem of high-tech theft of words, images and ideas that is all too easy in the internet age. (I may or may not have stolen this from Wikipedia…)
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Tues] Muffin Day
[Tues] Comfy Day
[Wed] Card Reading Day
[Thurs] Chili Day
This Week Is…Engineers Week
This Month Is…Fondue Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1940 [84] (William) “Smokey” Robinson, Detroit MI, pop-R&B singer (w/The Miracles: ‘The Tears of a Clown’, ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me’)/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1987)
1948 [76] Tony Iommi, Birmingham England, rock guitarist (Black Sabbath-‘Paranoid’, Iron Man’)
1955 [69] Jeff Daniels, Athens GA, movie actor (“Dumb & Dumber”, “Good Night, and Good Luck”)/TV actor (“The Newsroom” 2012-14, “American Rust” since 2021)
1960 [64] Prince Andrew (Andrew Albert Christian Edward Windsor), London England, British royal (Duke of York/#2 son of Queen Elizabeth II/8th in the line of succession to the British throne (he has “suspended public duties” due to allegations against him of sexual abuse)/married to Sarah Ferguson 1986-96
1963 [61] Seal (Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adelo Samuel), London England, pop singer (‘Kiss From a Rose’, ‘Crazy’)/married to Heidi Klum 2005-12
1967 [57] Benicio Del Toro, San Germán Puerto Rico, movie actor (“Guardians Of the Galaxy”, Oscar-“Traffic”, “Avengers: Infinity War”)
1970 [54] Bellamy Young, Asheville NC, TV actress (‘Mellie Grant’ on “Scandal” 2012-18, “Prodigal Son” 2019-21)
1975 [49] Daniel Adair, Vancouver BC, rock drummer (Nickelback-‘Photograph’, ex-3 Doors Down-‘Let Me Go’)
1993 [31] Victoria Justice, Hollywood FL, TV actress (‘Lola’ on “Zoey 101” 2005-08)/movie actress (“The Outcasts”)
2004 [20] Millie Bobby Brown, Marbella Spain, TV actress (“Stranger Things” since 2016)/movie actress (“Godzilla” movies”)/UNICEF goodwill ambassador. COMING UP… “Damsel”, 2024
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1995 [29] “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson marries Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee on a Cancun beach. The bride wears a white bikini, the groom…boardshorts. (They would divorce in 1998, 2 kids and one infamous video tape later…)
2008 [16] Toshiba announces the demise of its HD DVD video format, ending the format war between it and Sony’s Blu-Ray Disc, to become the next big thing in home video (until streaming came along…)
2021 [03] Kim Kardashian West files for divorce from her 3rd husband, Kanye West, after almost 7 years
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1980 [44] AC/DC singer Bon Scott dies at 33 after a night of heavy drinking. The coroner’s report lists “acute alcohol poisoning” as the cause of death, classified under “death by misadventure”
1985 [39] Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger releases his first solo album, “She’s the Boss” (That went well…)
TODAY IN SPORTS . . .
2010 [14] In a televised news conference, the world’s #1 golfer Tiger Woods apologizes for his many, many extramarital affairs
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1985 [39] “Cherry Coke” is first sold in cans and bottles (after being available for decades at soda fountains and restaurants)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ On average, a 150-pound person burns 114 calories per hour while standing and doing nothing.
✓ To dig a hole to China, you’d need to start shoveling in Chile or Argentina.
✓ Nintendo trademarked the phrase “It’s on like Donkey Kong” in 2010.
✓ Males sweat 40% more than females.
✓ Believe it or not, Ripley’s creator Robert Ripley died on the TV set of “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!”
✓ Herring fish communicate through flatulence.
-TheFactSite, BathroomReadersInstitute
Today is Presidents Day in the U.S. So here are some…
BS FAKE PRESIDENTIAL FACTS:
• To qualify to be President, you first must graduate Electoral College.
• Donald Trump asked if his face could be on the bitcoin.
• Lincoln’s rapper name was 1 Cent.
• Warren G. Harding was his stripper name.
• James A. Garfield’s favorite food was lasagna.
• Prior to being elected, Grover Cleveland was a muppet.
• Andrew Jackson isn’t related to Samuel Jackson, but they both have done credit card commercials.
• The ‘W’ in George W. Bush’s name stands for ‘Mike’.
• Brian Williams covered Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
• Presidents use social media for productive and informative purposes exclusively.
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ A University of Iowa football player was arrested for public intoxication. (Wow! That Iowa program really DOES prepare players for all aspects of being an NFL pro!)
➠ William Post, the creator of Pop Tarts, passed away last week at 96. (Over the weekend, he was buried for 2½ minutes — before springing back up…!
➠ Def Leppard and Journey have teamed up for a co-headlining summer tour. (This, folks, will be a concert for the ages. And those ages are 57-82…)
➠ Heavy metal band Mötley Crüe is releasing a set of action figures based on their look in 1983. (Hepatitis C sold separately…)
➠ According to a study, drinking just 2 cups of coffee a day cuts the risk of liver disease in half. (Unless, of course, they’re IRISH coffees!)
BS WEB GOODIE:
How my weekend went: http://tinyurl.com/2byhb2kb
BS RANDOM JOKE:
If you ask me, we place too much emphasis on the early bird’s good luck and not enough on the early worm’s bad luck.
BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
• How can you tell the age of a horse?
a) The lines on its teeth [CORRECT]
b) The length of its tail
c) The wear on its hooves
d) Saddle sores
• In 2022, what was the most profitable company in the world?
a) Microsoft
b) Apple [CORRECT]
c) Amazon
d) Bed Bath & Beyond
• What European country is said to have invented hot dogs?
a) Belgium
b) Spain
c) Germany [CORRECT]
d) Lithuweinera
-SlidesWithFriends
BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s your (very specific) dream job?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: A survey found THIS is the best thing you can do to start your day. What is it?
Answer: Drink a glass of water
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is how high you raise your foot.
