Friday, February 2, 2024 – Edition: #7648
We’ve Gone Whole-(Ground) Hog on Giving You the Bull!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Netflix has unveiled its first look at “Squid Game” Season 2 as part of its series and film preview for 2024. After teasing 27 other upcoming movies, shows and live events, the 3-minute video ends with short clip from the South Korean mega-hit. In it, an unknown voice says over the phone: “You’re going to regret the choice you made.” Now spoting bright-red hair, ‘Seong Gi-hum’ replies: “I will find you no matter what it takes.” Netflix has yet to announce a release date for Squid Game Season 2, but has confirmed that it’ll be this year. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/yj2au7bu
-TheWrap
★ Yada, yada, yada, Larry David is so over “Seinfeld.” His show about nothing lasted for 9 seasons until 1998 — and that’s where he’d like to leave it. He opened up about the sitcom — and denied reunion rumors — while attending the Season 12 premiere of his hit show “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. He joked to ET: “What do I have to do [to convince people]?…I’m tired of people thinking I’m lying…We’re done, it’s over.” Co-creator Jerry Seinfeld hinted at a possible Seinfeld reunion last October. The final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” drops Sunday on HBO.
-NYPost
★ Adam Sandler will be honored with the People’s Icon Award at 2024 People’s Choice Awards, NBC, E! and Peacock have announced. A statement reads: “Adam Sandler has been a fixture in the industry for decades, entertaining us since he got his start on Saturday Night Live more than 30 years ago. From Billy Madison to Mr. Deeds, his unforgettable characters have endured the test of time and left their mark on audiences for generations.” The 2024 People’s Choice Awards, hosted by Simu Liu, will air live on Feb. 18.
-E!
★ While “Barbie” star Margot Robbie didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, she doesn’t feel that’s a bad thing. During a SAG panel, Robbie said: “There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed.” It was her first comment on what fans are calling an egregious snub. Regarding Greta Gerwig, who was also overlooked, Robbie said: “Obviously, I think Greta should be nominated as a director, because what she did is a once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime thing, what she pulled off.” Robbie said she’s “beyond ecstatic” that the film received 8 Academy Award nominations in total.
-TheWrap
★ Will Idris Elba get stuck on another fateful plane ride? The details aren’t available just yet, but Apple TV+ has given the go-ahead for a 2nd season of “Hijack”. The first season became one of the top dramas on the streamer, landing on the Nielsen Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Elba stars as ‘Sam Nelson’, an accomplished business negotiator forced to use his skills to save the lives of passengers onboard a hijacked plane headed for London.
-Deadline
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Snoop Dogg, Tom Segura, Mammoth WVH
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Larry David, Cole Sprouse, Rob Haze
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Trevor Noah, Ruby Bridges
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Reneé Rapp, Ian McShane, Black Pumas (R)
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Jack Whitehall
• “The Talk” (CBS): Pablo Schreiber, Lauren Ash
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Sam Rockwell
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Pink, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Chef Mario Carbone
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Kylie Minogue
• “20/20” (ABC): Three women – one missing, one murdered, one kidnapped – and the clues leading to a killer.
• “Groundhog Day (AMC): February 2nd keeps repeating for a cynical TV weatherman (Bill Murray) sent to watch the groundhog in Punxsutawney PA.
• “2024 NHL All-Star Skills” (SN, ESPN): 12 NHL All-Stars compete in 8 events; the player with the most points takes home a prize of $1 million.
SATURDAY-
• “2024 NHL All-Star Game” (SN, CBC, ABC, ESPN): The brightest stars in the NHL face off in the All-Star game from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
• “Jeff Dunham: I’m With Cupid” (COM): Ventriloquist and stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham performs an all-Valentine’s Day-themed special.
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC): Host Ayo Edebiri; Jennifer Lopez performs
SUNDAY-
• “2024 Pro Bowl Games” (ABC, ESPN): Peyton and Eli Manning return as head coaches of the AFC and NFC in the flag football game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando FL.
• “The 66th Annual Grammy Awards” (CBS): Performances by Joni Mitchell, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Burna Boy, Luke Combs, Travis Scott and SZA; Trevor Noah hosts.
• “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (BRAVO): Wendy’s husband, Eddie, throws a launch party for his new marijuana business; several long-running feuds threaten to disrupt the festivities.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Usher – This year’s Super Bowl halftime entertainer has unveiled the full list of songs that will appear on his forthcoming album “Coming Home”, out Feb. 9. It includes previously released songs like ‘Good Good’ and ‘Risk It All’, plus fresh collabs with Latto, The-Dream, Pheelz and Burna Boy. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/msk9usnv
• Bebe Rexha — has joined The Chainsmokers and Kygo as a headliner for Sports Illustrated’s “SI The Party” on Feb. 10 at the Wynn Las Vegas’ XS Nightclub. She collaborated with The Chainsmokers on 2019’s ‘Call You Mine’.
• Miley Cyrus, Lorde and Paramore – are some of the acts that will pay homage to Talking Heads. A new album will feature 16 artists covering the band’s setlist from their 1984 live album/video “Stop Making Sense.” In a teaser clip, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams receives a box in the mail containing a replica of the jacket David Byrne wears on the original cover. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/ymehcy3b
• Britney Spears – has a new project coming. She shared a sultry video on Instagram, where she’s seen prancing around in a skimpy bodysuit. The caption: “Tease for new project coming up soon!!! SEX N DIAMONDS”. No word on what exactly the project is. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/3mjbx2k2
• Pink Floyd – continue to (flog) celebrate the “Dark Side of The Moon” album with a new Collector’s Edition on crystal clear vinyl. It will be released as a 2 x 180g single sided LP set, featuring UV artwork on the non-playing side, which features the prism spectrum seen through the playable side of the vinyl, plus other goodies. The group dropped a 50th anniversary box of the record last March. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/yckdfeu4
• Chris Young – posted pics of the bruises he sustained in his run-in with Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission officers before his recent arrest. Soundtracked to The Police hit ‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’, the photos show large, dark bruises one the inside of his arm and on his lower back. His caption: “Waaaaaay too close to my spine”. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/tmfbacmn
• Keith Urban – has shared a taste of a new song called ‘Straight Line’, which is set for release today. A video shows him seated in the studio, while the song plays in the background. In a second video, it becomes apparent he is singing of a man and his lover driving off into the sunset, happy as long as they have each other. LINK: http://tinyurl.com/5n74d9fr
• Blake Shelton – Gwen Stefani has already discussed Super Bowl snacks with him ahead of the big game. She told her hubby: “Why are we even having this conversation? You know that I’m going to blow it in the first 15 minutes. I’m going to blow through the 7-layer dip and I’m not going to be able to fit anything else in my stomach, and I’m going to be so mad the rest of the day.” LINK: http://tinyurl.com/yc657eu7
SHOOTING THE BULL
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK:
• “Argylle” (PG-13, Action/Comedy): Elly Conway is a famous spy novelist who prefers to stay home with her cat, Alfie. But when her story about secret agent Argylle closely mirrors real-life events, she finds herself caught up in her own story, and racing to stay ahead of a global spy syndicate. (Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dua Lipa) Tomatometer: 37%
• “Scrambled” (R, Comedy): PG-13, Drama, limited): Eternal bridesmaid Nellie feels like the clock is ticking, so she decides to freeze her eggs — setting her on an empowering journey where she ultimately discovers “the one” she’s looking for…might be herself. (Leah McKendrick, Ego Nwodim, Andrew Santino) Tomatometer: 87%
UN-HOLEY BAGELS:
If there’s one thing you need to know about Montrealers, it’s this: Don’t mess with their bagels. But someone has done exactly that. Beloved baker maker St-Viateur Bagel is offering them up without a hole these days, igniting something of a ‘holey war’ in the city. Manager Saul Restrepo isn’t sure what the fuss is about. After all, he said, “It’s the same thing, (same) hand-made same process that we do but… no hole!” The “bagelution” is actually a promotion with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, being conducted in 5 North American cities. The idea is that a bagel with no hole provides more surface for you to spread your favourite schmear. But the idea has proven to be so controversial that some people won’t accept one, even when offered as a free sample.
(Not just more schmear – there’s more bagel too!)
(We understand you can still get a classic bagel at “Hole Foods”!)
-Global
NEWS OF THE WEIRD (Home Furnishings Edition…):
➢ A viral video of a Costco customer returning a couch purchased over 2 years ago has sparked online discussion about the retailer’s return policy – and what exactly constitutes abuse. A woman named Jackie shared she bought a couch from Costco in mid-2022, in a clip posted last week to TikTok that’s attracted nearly 3 million views. She admits she was nervous to return the item to the warehouse store and felt intimidated by other shoppers staring at her while waiting in line. But, she tells her followers: “Who cares?…They have an awesome return policy. Buy your furniture from Costco, girl. You can return it when you don’t like it anymore.” The store’s policy does not say that items must be returned within a certain time frame or in a certain condition, with some exceptions. One commenter wrote: “I work for Costco. Don’t get me started.” (I know! Last January, I saw a story about someone returning a Christmas tree. A REAL, used Christmas tree!) LINK: http://tinyurl.com/3b9h5t3f
➢ Police in Britain stopped man running with a refrigerator strapped to his back, only to find he wasn’t fleeing from a crime — he was training for a marathon! Daniel Fairbrother said he was practicing running with a fridge in Stevenage, when cops “put their blue lights on, held up the traffic and stopped me to find out what on earth was going on. Understandably they had not seen anything like it before,” Fairbrother told a reporter that one officer said to him: “You understand we’ve got to stop you.” Fairbrother explained the fridge, was helping him train for the London Marathon, where he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon carrying a major household appliance. The current record is 2 hours, 4 minutes and 13 seconds. (Funny enough, I’ve also been told I run like I have a fridge strapped to my back…!)
-Fox, UPI
DID YOU KNOW?
PETA wants to replace Punxsutawney Phil, the beloved weather-forecasting groundhog, with a gold coin. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote an open letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in Pennsylvania, in which they encouraged the organization to remove the animal from the celebration. Should he be formally retired and taken to a sanctuary, PETA promises to present the group with “a giant coin”. Why? The letter says: “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, a groundhog’s weather prediction is no more accurate than flipping a coin”, and “Should kindness prevail, the huge coin could easily replace (Phil) as the Pennsylvania town’s gimmick to draw in tourists.” (Why do I get the strange feeling they do this every year?)
-Fox
BS CHRONOMETER 02.02.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Groundhog Day”, an annual tradition that perpetuates the folk tale that a hibernating groundhog prodded from its burrow can forecast 6 more weeks of Winter by seeing its shadow. This annual oddity stems from the Christian celebration of “Candlemas”. An old Scottish poem proclaims, “If Candlemas is fair and clear, there’ll be 2 winters in the year.” (***See “Did You Know?”, above***)
– Canada’s best known groundhog forecaster is ‘Wiarton Willie’. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/hyhjc36v
– ‘Punxsutawney Phil’ is America’s original prognosticator, and most famous hog. LINK: http://www.groundhog.org
• “Crêpe Day” (aka “La Chandelier”) in France, when the traditional thin pancakes are served, filled with either sweet or savory goodies. Today, it’s customary to hold a coin in one hand and the crêpe pan in the other as you flip the crêpe into the air. If you manage to catch it in the pan, it’s said that your family will be prosperous for the rest of the year.
• “Sled Dog Day”, honoring those tenacious teams of canines that pull together to provide transportation in the snowy North. (A good day to enjoy some ‘mush’!)
• “Tater Tots Day”, The name “tater tots” is trademarked, but is also generically applied to any similar brands of potato products. “Tater” is an abbreviation for potato, and “tots” refers to their small size. In some places they are simply called “tots.” Tater Tots were invented in 1953.
• “Change Your Windshield Wipers Day”, Just like you change your smoke alarm batteries when it’s time to spring forward or fall back, Groundhog Day is a reminder to replace our windshield wipers. One study found that nearly ¼ of auto accidents happen when it’s raining, and most of us neglect to change our wipers until our vision is already impaired.
• “Bubblegum Day”, when those who donate 50 cents or more get to chew gum in school, with proceeds going to charity. Some creative teachers even incorporate bubble gum into their lessons today!
• “World Play Your Ukulele Day”, offering uke players a chance to ‘change the world 4 strings at a time’ by playing, sharing, and teaching others to play the mini-guitar.
• “World Wetlands Day”, observed since 1997 to raise awareness of the ecological value and benefit of the world’s wetlands. (Formerly known as ‘swamps’.)
• “Winterlude”, the annual celebration of the season in Canada’s capital region of Ottawa-Gatineau. This is the 46th edition, lasting through Feb. 19. The national celebration includes fun activities such as the live ice-carving championships, light art, the Snowflake Kingdom, Indigenous Experiences, the Aurora Festive Winter Experience…and beaver tails! LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2z8zsp5n
• “Self Renewal Day”, try these tips to recharge, renew and rejuvenate:
-Smile when you first wake up, no matter how you feel.
-At different times during the day, take 3 deep breaths.
-Instead picking up your phone or turning on the TV, sit quietly for a few minutes. Breathe slowly, and notice what you see and hear.
-Say “thanks” to some part of your body for what it does for you. If this makes you laugh, all the better.
-Gently place your hands on top of your head, with your fingers together and slightly cupped. Hold in a relaxed way for a few seconds.
-Go outside or sit beside an open window. Feel the fresh air on your face. Smile again.
SATURDAY-
• “Halfway point of Winter”, In the Northern Hemisphere, today is the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Many think the midpoint of winter is always Groundhog Day, but it varies. Winter is the shortest of the 4 seasons, lasting 88.99 days.
• “Carrot Cake Day”, saluting an idea hatched in the Middle Ages. At that time, sugar and other sweeteners were rare and very expensive, so people used sweet vegetables for flavor.
• “Ice Cream for Breakfast Day”, invented on a snowy winter day in the 1960s by Florence Rappaport in Rochester NY. To entertain her 6 kids on a day when her city experienced several feet of snow, shutting down schools, she decided…well, you know…
• “National Missing Persons Day” in America. Every day in the US, approximately 2,300 people are reported missing. We’re encouraged to be alert, share the names and pics of those who have gone missing, and help bring them home to their families.
• “American Painters Day”, Although this day honors all American painters, there is a special emphasis on Norman Rockwell, who was born in New York on this date in 1894. He is best-known for the covers he created for “The Saturday Evening Post”, beginning in 1916.
• “Doggy Date Night”. Scientists have consistently found that dogs provide social, physical, and emotional benefits for their owners . . . and vice-versa! Today, spend a little extra time with your dog: play games like fetch or frisbee, or go on a nice long hike with the friend who is always there for you.
SUNDAY-
• “Rosa Parks Day”, an American observance honoring the Black civil rights activist, known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. It’s a legal observance in California today, and in Ohio on December 1.
• “Thank a Letter Carrier Day”, your chance to say thanks to the person who delivers your junk mail.
• “USO Day”, honoring the 1941 creation of the United Service Organization, which continues to provide support for American troops and their families worldwide.
• “World Cancer Day”, to encourage prevention, detection, and treatment. It’s led by the International Union Against Cancer, a consortium of more than 280 cancer-fighting organizations in over 90 countries.
• “Dump Your Significant Jerk Day”, when you’re encouraged to terminate your jerk relationship before Valentine’s Day, thereby saving the money and awkwardness involved in faking romance.
• “Homemade Soup Day”, a day to chop and blend and simmer, creating yummy goodness in a bowl all on your own. AllRecipes.com has over 1,000 recipes for homemade soup.
• “National Hemp Day”, it has been an essential material in the innovation of several industries including shipping, construction, and textiles. More recently, the construction industry began using hemp in place of concrete (known as hempcrete) because it is windproof and offers a lower carbon footprint.
• “Liberace Day”, honoring the flamboyant pianist and entertainer. “Mr. Showmanship” is perhaps as well-known for his persona as his musical talent. From the 1950s to the 1970s, he was the highest-paid entertainer in the world. Today is the anniversary of his 1987 death at age 67.
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1942 [82] Graham Nash, Blackpool England, pop-folk singer/guitarist (The Hollies-‘On a Carousel’, Crosby, Stills Nash & Young-‘Our House’)
1948 [76] Ina Garten, Brooklyn NY, TV chef-actress (“Barefoot Contessa” 2002-21, “30 Rock” 2010-11)/author of 13 cookbooks which have sold more than 14 million
1953 [71] Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman, Denver CO, TV reality star (“Dog the Bounty Hunter” 2003-2012, “Dog and Beth: On the Hunt” 2013-15, “Dog’s Most Wanted” 2019)
1954 [70] Christie Brinkley, Monroe MI, model (“Sports Illustrated” swimsuit issues, the face of “CoverGirl” cosmetics for 25 years)/movie actress (“National Lampoon’s Vacation”, “Vegas Vacation”)/married to Billy Joel 1985-94
1966 [58] Robert DeLeo, Glen Ridge NJ, rock bassist (Stone Temple Pilots-‘Plush’, ‘Interstate Love Song’)
1977 [47] Shakira (Ripoll), Barranquilla Columbia, pop singer (f/Wyclef Jean-‘Hips Don’t Lie’, ‘Whenever, Wherever’) BS FUN FACT: Shakira is Arabic for ‘full of grace’.
1990 [34] Julia Fox, Milan Italy, model- movie actress (“Uncut Gems”)/ex of Kanye West. COMING UP… “The Trainer”
1988 [36] Zosia Mamet, Randolph VT, TV actress (‘Shoshanna Shapiro’ on “Girls” 2012-2017, “The Flight Attendant” 2020-22)
SATURDAY- Blythe Danner (“Meet the Parents”) is 81; Nathan Lane (“Guys & Dolls”) is 68; Maura Tierney, (“ER”) is 59; Warwick Davis (“Willow”) is 54; Isla Fisher (“Wedding Crashers”) is 48; Daddy Yankee [Ramón Rodríguez] (w/Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber-‘Despacito’) is 47; Amal Clooney (co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice) is 46; Sean Kingston (‘Beautiful Girls’) is 34
SUNDAY- Alice Cooper (‘School’s Out’) is 76; Clint Black (‘Nothin’ But the Taillights’) is 62; Ken ‘Noodles’ Wasserman (The Offspring) is 61; former pro boxer Óscar de la Hoya is 51; Natalie Imbruglia (‘Torn’) is 49; Rick Burch (Jimmy Eat World) is 49; Gavin DeGraw (‘I’m in Love With a Girl’) is 47; comedian Hannibal Buress is 41; Lauren Ash (“Superstore”) is 41
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2014 [10] 46-year-old Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”, “Hunger Games”) dies of an accidental heroin overdose
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1993 [31] Willie Nelson settles his $17 million tax debt with the US Internal Revenue Service by paying $9 million in cash, plus assets already seized
2011 [13] The White Stripes break up, “to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way”
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2014 [10] At Super Bowl 48 in East Rutherford NJ, Seattle Seahawks beat Denver Broncos 43-8, the first NFL championship for the Seahawks in their 40-year history
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2004 [20] Swiss tennis player Roger Federer becomes the #1 ranked men’s singles player, a position he holds for a record 237 weeks (He retired in 2022, with $131 million in career earnings)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ The word “February” comes from a Latin word meaning “to cleanse”.
✓ In a feeding frenzy, sharks sometimes eat parts of their own body.
✓ The T. Rex dinosaur likely had feathers.
✓ A horse can generally produce about 24 horsepower.
✓ Football (soccer) teams wearing red uniforms play better.
✓ Vanilla is mildly addictive.
-BathroomReadersInstitute, BBC
Best of BS . . .
BS METHODS, ASIDE FROM GROUNDHOGS, TO DETERMINE IF SPRING IS ON THE WAY:
• Wal-Mart re-labels bags of ‘tire-traction sand’ as ‘sandbox sand’.
• Detroit Pistons are mathematically eliminated from NBA playoffs.
• That pleasant Spring breeze … that’s blowing small cars across the parking lot.
• (***Local TV forecaster***) switches from tacky wool blazers to tacky polyester blazers.
• Garbage collectors start going topless.
• Look at a calendar, twit!
-First published in BS 1998
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ It’s Groundhog Day — The day when 6 more weeks of winter can be predicted by a rodent. (Punxsutawney Phil has been guessing the weather since 1887 and has been wrong 61% of the time …yet, he’s still front-page news. So, I guess “fake news” isn’t a recent phenomenon…)
➠ Groundhog Day is today. (It’s the one day when we put our faith into a rat…unless you count election day!)
➠ It’s Groundhog Day. (Truthfully, though…I don’t get my weather from a celebrity groundhog. I use that OTHER adorable weather predictor: Al Roker.)
➠ Chick-fil-A is again selling heart-shaped trays of chicken nuggets for Valentine’s Day. (It’s the perfect gift for that special someone who, now, is never going to speak to you again…)
➠ Did you know? The hormone that makes you grow is only produced when you sleep. (And THAT explains why my stepson is 11-feet tall!)
BS WEB GOODIE:
Friendly little dude: http://tinyurl.com/ymk2rvcm
BS RANDOM JOKE:
My wife says she’s just happy the groundhog can’t bring us 6 more weeks of football…
BS PHONE STARTER:
Aside from Fridays, what always cheers you up when you think about it?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: Phone chargers are the most common thing left behind in hotel room. THIS is second. What is it?
Answer: Dirty underwear
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness — and just be happy.
