Friday, May 5, 2023 — Edition: #7468
Bullseye!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Taylor Swift may have a new muse for her songs. Following her reported breakup from Joe Alwyn, the pop star is said to be romantically involved with yet another “London Boy,” with a source saying that Swift is dating The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Reportedly, the 2 musicians first “dated, very briefly, almost 10 years ago,” but “timing just didn’t work out.” Romance recently rekindled following Swift’s split from long-time boyfriend Joe Alwyn.
-PopCulture
★ Emilio Estevez says that Laurence Fishburne saved him from drowning in quicksand when they were both 14 years old. The 2 were on location in the Philippines for “Apocalypse Now”. Estevez was not in the film, but his father, Martin Sheen, was. On The Jennifer Hudson Show”, Estevez said the 2 had only known each other for a few days, and quote: “We were out on this boat together, and we started getting too close to the shore, and I said, ‘Well, let me jump out, I’ll push us offshore.’ I jumped out, and it was like quicksand mud.” He continued: “I was just sinking, and I just saw Fishburne just looking at me going, ‘Grab my hand!’ and he pulled me back onto the boat. We were bonded ever since.”
-HollywoodReporter
★ Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ talk show employees won’t be left high and dry during the writers’ strike — as one of Fallon’s staffers claimed, because the network will cover their pay — for the time being, at least. NBC now says it’ll be paying staffers through the end of next week — 1 more than originally reported. And both talk show hosts have decided to foot the bill one week further, too. Employees for both shows will also reportedly have their healthcare benefits extended through September.
-TMZ
★ Audiences were definitely eager to see Mark Consuelos in the hosts’ seat. He joined wife Kelly Ripa as co-host of “Live with Kelly and Mark” on April 17, taking over for Ryan Seacrest. And the debut week for Live with Kelly and Mark managed the talk show’s strongest ratings and largest audience in 3 months. Neilson data says the show averaged about 2.4M viewers and a 1.7 Household rating, which is Nielsen’s key syndicated measure. That’s the show’s highest for both since January 16.
-Deadline
★ Kevin Costner was left “stunned” after his wife Christine Baumgartner filed to end their 18-year marriage this week, sources say. Although the “Yellowstone” star’s first marriage ended in an $80 million divorce amid a swirl of allegations about his serial cheating, one longtime friend said that, this time, “There was no issue of cheating at all.” The couple were last seen together smiling for the cameras at the Oscars in March, and the friend added: “Kevin was very surprised by Christine’s actions, he obviously doesn’t want the divorce and he would take her back.” A separate report says that Costner will not return to “Yellowstone” after Season 5, which is currently on midseason break.
-PageSix, TheWrap
★ Michael Douglas, the star “Fatal Attraction,” “Wall Street,” “Basic Instinct” and more recently, “Ant-Man”, will be recognized with the Cannes Film Festival’s honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement. The festival has announced that the 78-year-old will be subject of an opening ceremony tribute on May 16. The Oscar-winner made his Cannes debut in 1979 alongside Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon and director James Bridges for the “The China Syndrome” premiere. The tribute to Douglas will be also be commemorated with the premiere of the documentary “Michael Douglas, The Prodigal Son.”
-TheWrap
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/Global): Carol Burnett, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Metallica (R)
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Vargas, Maisie Peters (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Jodie Comer (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Nathan Lane, Rep. Katie Porter, a performance by the Broadway cast of “& Juliet”, Anup Sastry (R)
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Golda Rosheuvel, Arsema Thomas, Karen Gillan
• “The Talk” (CBS): Terry Crews, Bill Nye, Taccara “Ling” Holmes Lawanson & Yinka “Lamb” Lamboginny
• “Live with Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Jennifer Lopez, Lilly Singh, Pati Jinich
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Ryan Seacrest, Taylor Hicks, India Amarteifio, Corey Mylchreest, Arsema Thomas
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Jesse Williams (R)
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Christina Ricci, Ms. Pat
• “S.W.A.T.” (CBS): Following a string of violent home robberies, the team rushes to stop a crew targeting elderly victims; Hondo’s longtime friend turns to Hondo when his daughter goes missing.
• “NHL Playoffs” (Check local listings): New Jersey @ Carolina
SATURDAY:
• “The King’s Coronation” (Check local listings): The Royal Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the coronation of King Charles III.
• “Abducted on Prom Night” (LIFE): A mother allows her troubled daughter to attend prom, but what was supposed to be the best night of their lives turns twisted when her daughter and friends are taken hostage by their limousine driver.
• “NBA Playoffs” (Check local listings): NY Knicks @ Miami; Golden State @ LA Lakers
• “NHL Playoffs” (Check local listings): Edmonton @ Las Vegas
SUNDAY:
• “American Idol” (ABC): The top 8 perform; Ed Sheeran guest judges, Alanis Morissette serves as mentor and judge.
• “Family Guy” (FOX): Season 21 finale
• “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (BRAVO): Season 15 premiere
• “NHL Playoffs” (Check local listings): Toronto @ Florida; Carolina @ New Jersey; Dallas @ Seattle
• “NBA Playoffs” (Check local listings): Boston @ Philadelphia; Denver @ Phoenix
• “2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards” (MTV): Dominique Fishback, Anthony Ramos, the “Yellowjackets” cast and Halle Bailey join host Drew Barrymore.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Drake – is unloading his Beverly Hills estate — and the asking price is a whopping $88million. The massive home has been described as a “masterpiece”, covering 25,000 sq. feet and featuring enormous walls that support some world-class art. The main house has 7 bedrooms, a library, a screening room, gym, games room and more. There’s also an 11-car garage, tennis court and orchard.
• SZA – is celebrating her first-ever Billboard Hot 100 #1. Even though ‘Kill Bill’ has since been overtaken by Morgan Wallen’s ‘Last Night’ at the top, she wrote on Twitter: “took me a over week to process cause I dreamt of this my entire career. didn’t feel real lol, still doesn’t…THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2p9fxkb
• Tom Petty – was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Florida, something Petty “dreamt of receiving throughout his lifetime.” His brother Bruce accepted the posthumous doctorate on his behalf at the university’s commencement ceremony yesterday. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2c5b5z6a
• Ozzy Osbourne – In a new interview, he says that while he may have retired from lengthy tours, he still plans to play shows every now and again, even if he has to be wheeled out to do them. Quote: “I mean, you can’t retire from this game. It’s not a job, it’s a (freaking) passion!”
• Neil Young, David Crosby and Ringo Starr – are among the guests on E-Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren’s new solo album “Mountains”, out July 21. Starr plays on the just-released first single ‘Ain’t the Truth Enough’, and sings on ‘We Better Find It’. Lofgren was an All-Starr Band member in 1989 and 1992. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2p98k2zf
(***CAUTION – language***) • Miranda Lambert – revealed that Morgan Wallen’s latest album is her favorite album of 2023 so far while on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen”. Quote: “I think Morgan Wallen. I mean, he’s out there kicking ass.”
• Dierks Bentley – His latest single ‘Gold’ has become his 22nd #1 hit. In a video that also features his kids, he says: “Just wanna thank country radio for my 22nd — not that I’m counting — #1. Amazing”. He then asks his 3 kids (ages 9-14) if they could name a handful of his hits. Let’s just say they could use a little more study time. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yycdb4ht
• Jameson Rodgers — ended his time on Hardy‘s “the mockingbird & THE CROW Tour” with an epic prank. Jameson’s bandmates dressed as deer; Rodgers played a Nerf gun-armed hunter. They went onstage and surprised Hardy while he was performing ‘KILL S(tuff) Till I Die’. Footage shows Rodgers pretending to shoot the animals down with his Nerf gun, while Hardy continues to rock out. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/y4yj45un
SHOOTING THE BULL
THIS WEEK’S MOVIE OPENINGS:
• “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (PG-13, Action/Adventure): Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own — A mission that, if not successful, could lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them. (Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista) Tomatometer: 80%
• “Love Again” (PG-13, Romance/Comedy): Dealing with the loss of her fiancé, Mira Ray sends a series of romantic texts to his old cell number, not realizing the number was reassigned to someone else. (Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heughan) No Tomatometer score.
• “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” (PG-13, Romance/Comedy, limited): An award-winning filmmaker documents her best friend’s journey into an arranged marriage according to his family’s Pakistani heritage. In the process, she challenges her own attitude towards relationships. (Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson) Tomatometer: 74%
WORK FROM BED:
When you work remotely, where are you when you actually do the work? For a third of us, the answer is – bed! A survey of 2,000 people who work mostly or entirely remotely found that 35% spend an average of an hour a day working from bed. It’s not all jammies and comforters, through. 63% of respondents said they work primarily from a dedicated home office. That’s in stark contrast to a similar poll conducted before the pandemic, when remote workers reported they were most likely to do their offsite work from a hotel, a friend or family member’s home, or a coffee shop. And what are the biggest perks of being able to work away from the office? According to the OnePoll survey, being able to dress comfortably is #1 (57%), followed by having no commute (54%) and working on their own schedule (53%).
(Hey! What about working from bed? That’s quite a perk!)
(Based on what I’ve seen, most remote workers also put in at least an hour a day at Starbucks…)
-SWNS
NEWS OF THE WEIRD:
➢ A sailboat crew jumped into action to save 2 tourists from their sinking van after they drove into Honokohau Harbor, in Hawaii. Why? They were following their GPS. Video shows the quick-thinking crew swimming up to the driver and passenger and helping them out of the vehicle through the front windows. Meanwhile, another pair of men tied a rope to the back of the van, attempting to pull onto the boat ramp, but ultimately failed, as it quickly became fully submerged. The videographer can be heard saying from behind the camera: “Pretty sure THAT wasn’t supposed to happen.” (You have NOT reached your destination…!)
➢ A hotel guest blamed his feet for an overpowering stench in his room – but discovered later there was a corpse was under his bed. The man — identified only as Mr. Zhang — checked into the Guzang Shuhua Inn, a popular Tibetan hotel, and promptly took a 3-hour nap in the room, where he detected a foul odor he assumed came from his feet. He then went out and returned to change for dinner, when he was hit by a stronger stench — so he requested another room. That night, he was awakened by hotel staff, and asked him to go to his first room, where police told him a body was discovered under the bed. They took a statement from him, but indicated they had had already arrested someone in the murder. After the hotel denied the whole thing to the media, Zhang decided to post a review of his macabre experience online, where it went viral on social media. (And now everyone knows he has stinky feet!)
-NYPost
DID YOU KNOW?
Researchers at the University of Texas Austin have successfully created an artificial intelligence system that “can translate a person’s brain activity” into plain, readable language. Yup. It can read your mind.
The device, known as a semantic decoder, can do so by utilizing similar technology implemented by ChatGPT – and no surgery or special implant is required. A test subject is instructed to listen to podcasts while inside a scanner, before having their “thoughts decoded” by either telling a story in their heads or imagining it. This “allows the machine to generate corresponding text from brain activity alone”, the researchers said. (If it read my mind, I’d probably bore it to death…)
-NYPost
BS CHRONOMETER 05.05.23
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Cinco de Mayo”, a Mexican holiday commemorating the 1862 victory over French troops at the Battle of Puebla. Mexicans (and honorary Mexicans) everywhere celebrate with parades and fiestas. (The only downside to Cinco de Mayo is “Seis de Hangover”!) Today is also called . . .
• “Totally Chipotle Day”, a celebration of the smoked jalapeño pepper.
• “Revenge of the Fifth”, the day after the Star Wars-themed “May the Fourth Be With You”, a play on “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”, celebrating the Sith Lords and other villainous characters from the Star Wars series.
• “Cartoonists Day”, kicking off “Cartoon Art Appreciation Week”, to create greater public awareness of and appreciation for the cartoon. Why today? “The Yellow Kid”, the first newspaper comic strip, was first published on this day 128 years ago (1895). What’s your favorite? Least favorite?
• “Hoagie Day”, celebrating the super-sized sandwich also known as a sub, grinder, hero, Italian sandwich, po’ boy, wedge, zeppelin, or torpedo. What’s the best combo?
• “International Midwives Day”, observed since 1991 in over 50 nations to recognize and honor these healthcare professionals who are experts in women’s reproductive health.
• “No Pants Day”, when participants go about their normal routine — but, you guessed it, without wearing pants. Try to act as normal as possible, as if wearing only undergarments on your lower half is a normal thing to do… (Also known as “Dress Like Donald Duck Day”?)
• “International Roller Derby Day”, an unofficial worldwide holiday celebrating the unique sport. (***Find your roller derby name here… LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5m8zrxb5 ****)
• “Oyster Day”, celebrating the mollusk delicacy enjoyed by many. (What brave soul could have first decided to eat one of these things?)
• “International Space Day”, dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration of space. The goal is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education in young people, in hopes of inspiring them to pursue a career in science or space-related jobs.
SATURDAY:
• “International No Diet Day”, created in 1992 by UK advocacy group Diet Breakers to help people appreciate the body they have. (In my case, because no one else does…)
• “No Homework Day” … not sure why or who started it, but c’mon, teach’, be a sport! Make sure you pre-warn the teacher on Friday! (When’s “No Housework Day”?)
• “Tourist Appreciation Day”, a highlight of “Travel & Tourism Week”, when we’re encouraged to consider all the things tourism brings to our communities. (Let’s see … crowds, litter, traffic jams, people wearing sandals with socks …)
• “National Nurses Day”, raising awareness of the great contributions and commitment of nurses, and to acknowledge their vital role. National Nurses Week runs today through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820). Nurses are more likely to sustain a work-related back injury than construction workers, and they walk an average of 5 km (3 miles) per shift. (So, stop hitting the “nurse call” button so much!) [***Nurses Week is May 8-14 in Canada***)
• “Beverage Day”, a chance to kick back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the day. (I’ll try to have one of each…)
• “Free Comic Book Day”, the 1st Saturday in May each year, when participating comic book shops give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes in.
• “Kentucky Derby”, the first jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing, in Lexington KY. Carly Pearce will sing the anthem ahead of the 149th annual ‘Run for the Roses’. The purse for 2023 is US$3 million.
• “Beer Pong Day”, first organized at The University of Arizona in Tucson. A celebration of the most-popular game in college dorms everywhere.
SUNDAY:
• “National Cosmopolitan Day”, typically made with vodka, lime and cranberry juices, today there are many delicious variations of the Cosmo.
• “National Tourism Day”, part of “Travel & Tourism Week”. For municipalities to promote their area or region. Municipalities and entertainment venues big and small use today to let people know about activities and events in their area. (By the way, “World Tourism Day” happens every September.)
• “Lemonade Day”, is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business – a lemonade stand. Each year, in participating cities, youth have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship.
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1959 [64] Brian Williams, Elmira NY, broadcast journalist/retired TV news anchor (MSNBC chief anchor 2015-21, “The 11th Hour with Brian Williams” 2016-21/“NBC Nightly News” 2004-15)
1981 [42] Craig David, Southampton England, pop/R&B singer-rapper (‘Fill Me In’, ft. Bastille: ‘I Know You’)
1983 [40] Henry Cavill, Saint Helier Jersey Channel Islands, movie actor (“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, “Man of Steel”) COMING UP…”Argylle”, 2023
1988 [35] Adele (Adkins), London England, pop/soul singer-songwriter (‘Hello’, ‘Rolling in the Deep’)/Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), 2013
1988 [35] Brooke Hogan (Bollea), Tampa FL, pop singer-actress-reality star (“Hogan Knows Best” 2005-07/“Brooke Knows Best” 2008-09)/daughter of Hulk Hogan
1989 [34] Chris Brown, Tappahannock VA, R&B/hip-hop singer (‘Forever’, ft. Drake: ‘No Guidance’)
SATURDAY — Bob Seger (‘Old Time Rock & Roll’) is 78; Tom Bergeron (“Dancing With the Stars”) is 68; George Clooney (“Ocean’s Eleven”) is 62; Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”) is 40; Meek Mill (ft. Drake-‘Amen’) is 36; Naomi Scott (“Aladdin”) is 30
SUNDAY — Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead) is 77; Eagle-Eye Cherry (‘Save Tonight’) is 55; Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys) is 37; Aidy Bryant (“Saturday Night Live”) is 36; Alexander Ludwig (“Vikings”) is 31
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2000 [23] Angelina Jolie marries Billy Bob Thornton at The Little Church of The West Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. They would divorce in 2003
2002 [21] “Spider-Man” becomes the first movie to top $100 million in its opening weekend
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1999 [24] Garth Brooks is named ‘Artist of the Decade’ at the “Academy of Country Music Awards”
2014 [09] Beyoncé’s sister Solange attacks Jay-Z in an elevator after the Met Gala in New York. Leaked footage shows Jay taking his whooping before a security guard restrains Solange. Beyoncé later mentions the incident in her song ‘Flawless’
TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
1904 [119] Cy Young pitches the first perfect game in “modern” baseball as the Boston Americans beat the Philadelphia Athletics, 3-0
2013 [10] The world’s first plastic gun is produced by Defense Distributed in Austin TX using a 3-D printer (security officials fear plastic weapons cannot be detected in airport screenings)
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2004 [19] Picasso’s 1905 painting “Boy With a Pipe” sells for $104 million at Sotheby’s in NYC, setting a record-to-date for an auctioned painting
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ Only a quarter of the Sahara Desert is sandy.
✓ Over the last 150 years, the average height of people in industrialized nations increased by 10 cm (4 inches).
✓ Stilts were invented by French shepherds who needed a way to get around in wet marshes.
✓ Cows don’t have upper front teeth.
✓ Thanks to 3D printing, NASA can basically ‘email’ tools to astronauts.
✓ Major league baseball umpires are required to wear black underwear in case their pants split.
-KickassFacts, ReadersDigest
Best of BS . . .
BS SIGNS IT’S TIME TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR PARENTS’ HOUSE:
• They keep scooping your “Star Trek Fan Club” newsletters before you get the chance to read them.
• You have to plan your dating schedule around Bingo Night.
• You find dentures laying around, and you’re not sure if they’re theirs or yours.
• You have to keep cancelling stockholder meetings because you’ve been grounded.
• They only allow you to watch TV if you’ve eaten everything on your plate.
• Your kids are just getting out of diapers and your parents are just getting into them.
• The new owners just can’t make cookies the way Mommy did.
-Adapted from Top5, first published in BS in 2009
BS BAD WAYS TO INITIATE YOUR SON INTO MANHOOD:
✗ Teach him the secret male rituals of leaving the toilet seat up and the toilet paper roll empty.
✗ Have a ceremony where you give him his own remote control.
✗ Lead him through an afternoon of rigorous physical training in the backyard while you sit in a lawn chair with a half-gallon of ice cream.
✗ Put cream on his face and let the cat shave him with its tongue.
✗ Eat until you’re about to burst, and then ride the Screamin’ Hurler roller coaster together.
✗ Walk behind him through his school halls yelling, “You da man!”
✗ Send him to the local discount store to buy mom’s ‘personal things’.
✗ Shotput catching.
BS WEB GOODIE:
It IS Cinco De Mayo, after all: https://tinyurl.com/2cyknyd9
BS RANDOM JOKE:
It may be Cinco De Mayo, but I don’t celebrate, because it promotes stereotypes. Plus, I can’t be trusted with alcohol since I’m Irish!
BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s the funniest or weirdest “ick” you’ve ever gotten?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: It can be embarrassing to be caught doing this, but 76% of people do it every day. What is it?
Answer: Sing in the car
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
The most wasted of days is one without laughter.
