Sheet Rocks!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ ‘Han Solo’ is getting some wife TLC. Calista Flockhart has flown across the Atlantic to visit her injured husband Harrison Ford after he suffered a severe ankle injury on the set of “Star Wars: Episode VII” at England’s Pinewood Studios. 71-year-old Ford has been hospitalized with a broken ankle after reportedly being hit by a falling door off the ‘Millennium Falcon’, the famed ‘bucket of bolts’ spacecraft from the original “Star Wars”. Reports suggest Ford will need weeks to recuperate and could require a plate and screws in his injured ankle.
– “The Telegraph”
★ Is George Clooney planning to run for Governor of California in 2018? The 53-year-old actor is rumored to be considering a new career in politics, according to numerous sources. Clooney has long been politically active and involved in numerous campaigns for human rights. He and fiancée Amal Alamuddin were recently guests of president Obama at the White House for a screening of his film “Monuments Men”. The couple are set to be married in September and sources suggest Clooney may launch his political career soon afterward.
– ContactMusic.com
★ Melanie Griffith is anxious to retain custody of the 3 dogs she shared with Antonio Banderas in their divorce agreement. The 56-year-old actress filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage last week, citing irreconcilable differences. While custody of their daughter Stella is unlikely to be an issue as she turns 18 in September, Melanie does think she’s the better dog owner and their adopted pooches are said to ‘mean the world’ to her. Friends of the former couple are shocked by the split as they always seemed to work through their problems in the past.
– Bang Showbiz
★ And it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may not have been acting while playing a high-living party animal in “The Wolf of Wall Street”. The 39-year-old, who’s in Brazil to watch the World Cup, reportedly hired out an entire nightclub in the resort town of Buzios, where he was joined by 50 local ladies as well as 30 further females flown in at his expense. After the club closed, Leo took some of the group, including “Playboy” model Mari Silvestre, back to his $600-million borrowed yacht (8 decks, 3 pools, 2 helipads), where festivities continued … until the following evening.
– “Daily Mirror”
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “America’s Got Talent” (NBC/CityTV) – Auditions continue.
• “Arsenio Hall” (syndicated) – Kendrick Lamar (“Good Kid, MAAD City”). Rerun.
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – Bernhoft (“Islander”, out June 24th).
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CTV2) – Elton John (“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition”). Rerun.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Brad Paisley (“Moonshine In the Trunk”, out August 26th); Josh Groban (“All That Echoes”); Kesha (“Warrior”); Ludacris (“Ludaversal”, due this Fall).
• “Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson” (CBS) – LP (“Into The Wild”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/Omni1) – Empires (“Orphan”).
• “Live With Kelly & Michael” (syndicated/CTV) – Jennifer Lopez (“A.K.A.”).
• “Today” (NBC) – The Summer Concert Series continues with a performance by Little Mix (“Salute”).
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Jimmy Buffet (“Songs from St Somewhere”).
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Coldplay – They’ve invited Australian fans to appear in the video for “A Sky Full Of Stars”, the latest single from “Ghost Stories”. A Twitter post invites 250 fans to do cameos when shooting gets underway today in Sydney. The band performs at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Thursday.
• David Gray – His 10th studio album, “Mutineers”, is out today. He’ll support the release with a 23-city North American tour that kicks off in Boston MA on August 1st and runs until September 3rd in Los Angeles CA.
• Ed Sheeran – Today the “iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Ed Sheeran” is being taped in LA, giving fans a first listen to his new album “x” (pronounced ‘multiply’), set for release on Monday. Mario Lopez hosts the event, which will air online as a 60-minute streaming special.
• Jennifer Lopez – Today she releases her latest album, “A.K.A.”, which includes the single “I Luh Ya Papi”. The set features collaborations with French Montana, Iggy Azalea, and TI. J-Lo also has a book coming out later this year; “True Love” is due October 28th.
• Kanye West – Music producer Rick Rubin has confirmed he and Kanye have started work on a sequel to the “Yeezus” album. In a new BBC interview, the in-demand producer reveals they are developing ‘vocal ideas for things for the next album’.
• Kelly Clarkson – New mom Kelly and her husband Brandon Blackstock have given their baby daughter the name ‘River Rose’. She was born last Thursday, reports E! Online.
• Lana Del Rey – Her new album “Ultraviolence” is out today. Its song titles promise more of the sultry, noir-ish vibe we’ve come to expect: “Sad Girl”, “The Other Woman”, and “Pretty When You Cry”. The 1st single, “West Coast”, was produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
• Linkin Park – The California nu-metal pioneers decided to break out the guitars and get heavy again for their 6th album, “The Hunting Party”, out today. Guest artists include guitar virtuoso Tom Morello, Helmet’s Page Hamilton, System of a Down’s Daron Malakian, and rapper Rakim.
• One Direction – 20-year-old Niall Horan is said to be ‘pretty taken’ with 19-year-old Irish model Thalia Heffernan. Word has it they’re constantly in touch, but have a problem getting together: Niall’s never in one place long and Thalia travels the world modeling.
• Sam Smith – Today the UK pop crooner releases his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour”. Along with upcoming dates in Britain, Europe, and Australia, he’ll travel to North America in mid-September for a 15-city trek. He played Tennessee’s Bonnaroo Festival over the weekend.
THIS WEEK’S VIDEO RELEASES:
Out today on DVD, Netflix, Google Play and/or other video providers …
• “The Grand Budapest Hotel” ( R-Rated Comedy ): Director Wes Anderson recounts the adventures of ‘Gustave H’, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the World Wars. Ensemble cast includes Ralph Fiennes, F Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson.
• “The LEGO Movie” ( PG Family Animation ): In this Warner Bros fantasy, an ordinary LEGO mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary ‘MasterBuilder’, is recruited in a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together. Voice cast includes Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Berry. Cameos from Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Jonah Hill.
• “Walk of Shame” ( R-Rated Romantic Comedy ) – Elizabeth Banks plays an aspiring TV news anchor who wakes up in a stranger’s bed with no money, no car, and no memory after a night of partying following an audition. When her agent calls to tell her she got the gig, she’s forced to embark on a ‘walk of shame’ across hostile neighborhoods in order to be on-air by 5 pm.
• Also released today: “Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of the VHS Collector” (Documentary); “The Final Member” (Documentary); “Hearts and Minds” (War Documentary); “House of Cards: The Complete 2nd Season” (TV); “Invasion Of the Scream Queens” (Documentary); “Masterpiece Mystery!: The Escape Artist” (Documentary); “NOVA: Why Sharks Attack” (Documentary); “Sinbad: Make Me Wanna Holla” (Standup Comedy); “Teen Wolf: Season 3” (TV); and “This is America, Charlie Brown” (Animation).
BS REASONS YOU SHOULD UNPLUG THIS SUMMER:
Between smartphones, laptops, tablets, and apps, technology influences almost every aspect of our lives. But using these devices too much can take a toll on our well-being. A few reasons why temporarily cutting the cord is a good idea this Summer …
• You’ll give your brain a much-needed break. 67% of cellphone owners continually check their phone … even when it isn’t buzzing.
• You’ll be a better employee. Distancing yourself from work after clocking out is important for rejuvenation and overall health, according to the “Journal of Occupational Health Psychology”.
• You’ll feel less stressed. Treat yourself to some peace and quiet and it will help get rid of the feeling that you’re ‘on call’ 24/7.
• You’ll have time to build relationships face-to-face. What’s the point of setting time aside to spend a quality evening with family & friends when you’re constantly checking your devices?
• You’ll sleep better. 44% of cellphone owners admit they sleep with their phone next to the bed to make sure they don’t miss out on any calls, texts, or other updates overnight.
• You’ll be able to experience Summer to its fullest. When you’re busy hiking, biking, camping, swimming and soaking up the sun, your gadgets are safer and better off sitting at home.
– Adapted from Mashable.com
DRONING ON:
Most of us have become accustomed to the amazing imagery of the world available on Google’s ‘Street View’; now a new site promises the same kind of virtual tourism from the aerial perspective of drones. Launched by Switzerland-based Jan Hiersemenzel, TravelByDrone harnesses the power of YouTube and Google Maps to allow you to explore the planet via recorded drone footage. By clicking on one of the map pins, you’re immediately shown footage of the geographic area shot by a flying drone. You can search for specific cities and even individual landmarks. (Maybe even check out the state of your own roof shingles.)
NET: http://www.travelbydrone.com
– TheGuardian.com
FOR THE RECORD:
“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek has achieved a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most Game Show Episodes Hosted by the Same Person’. The 73-year-old has emceed the show since 1984, a total of 6,796 episodes (as of today). “Jeopardy!” is in its 30th season; its 31st will begin in September with Trebek continuing to host, thereby increasing his record. But he’s looking over his shoulder, saying “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak (67) may someday beat his record.
– LATimes.com
DID YOU KNOW?
• Honey does not spoil. You could feasibly eat 5,000-year-old honey.
– SeriousFacts.com
• Dead people can get goosebumps.
– ScientificAmerican.com
BS CHRONOMETER 06.17.14
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1943 [71] Barry Manilow (Pincus), Brooklyn NY, oldies singer who’s sold more than 80 million records worldwide (“I Write the Songs”, “Copacabana”)/Las Vegas entertainer
1960 [54] Thomas Haden Church (McMillen), Yolo CA, movie actor (“Easy A”, “Sideways”)
1963 [51] Greg Kinnear, Logansport IN, movie actor (“Anchorman: The Legend Continues”, “Little Miss Sunshine”)/TV actor (“Rake” 2014)
1980 [34] Venus Williams, Lynwood CA, former #1-ranked women’s tennis player (now #30) with fastest recorded serve in WTA history (127 mph)/45 career titles/older sister of tennis player Serena Williams
1987 [27] Kendrick Lamar, Compton CA, hip hop rapper-songwriter (f/Drake -“Poetic Justice”, “Swimming Pools [Drank]”)
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Bake Your Own Bread Day”. You might be surprised to find how relaxing it is to knead dough, to say nothing of the wonderful aroma bread makes as it bakes!
• “Eat Your Vegetables Day”, an observance likely begun by somebody’s mommy somewhere.
• “International Violin Day”, celebrating composer Igor Stravinsky’s birth anniversary in 1882. A good day to pluck your G-string.
• “World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought”, highfalutin UN terminology suggesting we may have a water shortage problem in many parts of the world.
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1994 [20] California Highway Patrol begins a 60-mile, low-speed pursuit of murder suspect OJ Simpson in a white Ford Bronco driven by his friend Al Cowlings (the entire chase is covered by cameras in helicopters and seen live by an estimated 95 million on TV)
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1989 [25] New Kids On the Block’s “I’ll Be Loving You Forever” reaches #1 on pop singles chart
2005 [09] Coldplay’s “X&Y” album achieves #1 status in 22 countries worldwide
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1994 [20] 1st World Cup to be held in the USA opens in Chicago (eventually won by Brazil)
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1990 [24] After 8 days, 12 students in Singapore complete a pyramid built from 263,810 bottle caps
COMING UP . . .
[Wed] International Sushi Day
[Thurs] Recess at Work Day
[Thurs] World Sauntering Day
[Fri] “Jersey Boys”; “Think Like a Man Too” open in movie theaters
[Fri] Take Your Dog to Work Day
[Fri] World Productivity Day
[Sat] Summer begins in Northern Hemisphere
This Week Is … Universal Fathers Week
This Month Is … Camping Month
BULL’S BITS
HONEST RÉSUMÉ OBJECTIVES:
What if you cut through the BS and actually told the truth on your CV? The outcome might be …
✓ “Creative and driven individual seeking a lunch break longer than the allotted 30 minutes.”
✓ “Willing to stroll in late everyday.”
✓ “Highly fertile, single female in her mid-20s not willing to connect her LinkedIn to her Facebook account. Please don’t look at either.”
✓ “Self-starter who did not seize the opportunity to intern anywhere and fears that everyone else his age (and younger) is more qualified and he’ll be doomed for all eternity.”
✓ “Honest, efficient applicant who strives to work to the best of her ability, with skills including limited movement or physical activity and a cold, dead stare.”
✓ “Multi-talented worker who wonders if her new co-workers will talk about her big nose when she’s not in the room.”
✓ “Self-starter who seized the opportunity to intern everywhere and now can handle up to 6+ coffee orders and refill toner on multiple printer models.”
– Thanks to Lauren Kirby
BS RANDOM JOKE:
I just installed strobe lights in the bedroom. It makes the wife look like she’s moving during sex.
BS WEB GOODIE:
‘You’re Getting Old’ is a nifty little widget for your website. You plug in your birth date and it spits out dozens of interesting facts. (For instance: The last time England won the World Cup was 17,489 days ago today.)
NET: http://you.regettingold.com/
BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What’s the best-ever road trip song? On our shortlist …
“Ways to Go” … Grouplove
“Highway to Hell” … AC/DC
“Life In the Fast Lane” … The Eagles
“Red Dirt Road” … Brooks & Dunn
“Born to Be Wild” … Steppenwolf
“Shut Up & Drive” … Rihanna
“Start Me Up” … Rolling Stones
“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” … Billy Ocean
“Mud On the Tires” … Brad Paisley
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” … The Proclaimers
“Interstate Love Song” … Stone Temple Pilots
“Chasing Cars” … Snow Patrol
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: According to a survey about driving, the thing other drivers do that annoys us most is ‘texting’, followed by THIS.
Answer: Tailgating.
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed they’re not it.