Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Edition: #7718
Get Sheet-Faced Every Morning!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Ben Affleck, party of one. Amid breakup rumors surrounding him and J-Lo, Affleck was seen dining solo at a Santa Monica restaurant, while his wife was in Mexico City to promote her new film “Atlas”. His night out at the Italian eatery came amid reports the couple is currently living apart. In what may be seen as gppd news, both Ben and J-Lo were seen wearing their wedding rings during their most recent outings, and enjoyed a night out together as recently as May 20, at a steakhouse in West Hollywood.
-E!, PageSix
★ Katy Perry thinks a female should replace her on “American Idol”. The singer previously suggested that country singer Jelly Roll should be her replacement, but on reflection, Perry feels that there should always be a female voice on the Idol panel. Perry, who starred alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, said that if Jelly were to be next in her role, “That would be too many men, let’s be honest.” She also stressed that her replacement needs to be someone who is “honest and bold, not scared of negative comments”. She did point out, however that “we love Jelly Roll, and I’d love for him to be on this show whenever it’s appropriate.”
-Bang
★ Now, Matthew Perry’s death is mobilizing multiple federal agencies. TMZ says the DEA is now receiving assistance from the US Postal Inspection Service in its efforts to find the person who gave the actor the ketamine that killed him. It reports sources as saying that the USPS’ federal investigatory authorities are now involved in the probe, looking into whether Perry acquired any drugs through the mail. Earlier, it came to light that local police and the DEA have been investigating the circumstances surrounding Perry’s passing for months — after the toxicology report found he died from acute effects of ketamine.
-TMZ
★ Who said romance is dead? Season 3 of “Bridgerton,” Netflix’s romantic drama from Shonda Rhimes, topped the streamer’s Top 10 list of the most watched English-language shows in the US. In its first week, the third season secured 45.1 million views. The series also topped the Top 10 list in 78 countries and appeared on the Top 10 lists of 92 countries. In addition, Season 1 of the series jumped to 4th place on the English-language TV list with 4.5 million views. Season 2 is in 8th place.
-TheWrap
★ Steve Carell is headed to HBO. The former star of “The Office” will lead the cast of an untitled comedy from “Ted Lasso” co-creator Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses (an exec-producer of “Scrubs”). The show is set on a college campus and centers on an author’s complicated relationship with his daughter. HBO has handed out a straight-to-series order of 10 episodes for the series, which had been the focus of a multiple-platform bidding war.
-HollywoodReporter
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Chris Pratt, Erin Andrews, Charissa Thompson, Red Clay Strays
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Chris Hemsworth, James Dyson, Angie Swan & Lakecia Benjamin
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Marcella Arguello, Thomas Lennon, Sarah Tiana
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Joe Manganiello, Jonathan Lemire, Zarna Garg, Queen Cora Coleman (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Paul Scheer, Kyle Cooke
• “The Daily Show” (COM): John Legend, host Michael Kosta
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Jessica Lange, Scott Galloway
• “The Talk” (CBS): Akbar Gbajabiamila acts as a lifeguard.
• “Live with Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Jeremy Renner
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Glen Powell
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Gayle King
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Shonda Rhimes, Brenton Gieser
• “Elsbeth” (CBS): Season 1 finale
• “Red Nose Day: Cheers to Ten Years” (NBC): A star-studded look back at the last 10 years of Red Nose Day programming, including stories that highlight the impact of donations, and how they help children.
• “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” (FOX): Season 3 premiere
• “NHL Playoffs” (Check local listings): Edmonton @ Dallas
• “NBA Playoffs” (Check local listings): Indiana @ Boston
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Sabrina Carpenter – has a big fan in Adele. During her Saturday Vegas gig, Adele praised Carpenter’s hit ‘Espresso’, saying: “As I got into bed last night…I found myself singing, ‘I’m working late, cus I’m a singer,’ that Sabrina Carpenter song — that song is my jam!” Carpenter responded on X: “all i read was Adele thinks about me in bed.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/42rvdcwt
• Taylor Swift – ‘Cruel Summer’ is now her longest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It has now appeared on the list for 54 weeks, one better than another former #1 hit, ‘Anti-Hero’. Swift has a grand total of 263 career Hot 100 entries, the most among women in the chart’s history.
• Bleachers — have released “Bleachers (Deluxe)”, an extended version of their recently released 4th studio album. It features the singles ‘Me Before You’, ‘Tiny Moves’, ‘Alma Mater’ (ft. Lana Del Rey), and ‘Modern Girl’, plus 8 previously unheard tracks.
• Kelly Clarkson – has been named #1 on Billboard’s list of the “Best American Idol Alumni of All-Time”. The rest of the top-10, in order: Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Fantasia, Chris Daughtry, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, Gabby Barrett, and Katharine McPhee
• Doobie Brothers – Singer Michael McDonald’s autobiography was released this week. “What A Fool Believes: A Memoir” was co-written by McDonald and comedian/author Paul Reiser. The book’s blurb says it “finds McDonald reckoning with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him and the highs and lows of fame and popularity.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/e6un7vke
• Elton John — At a London event on Monday, his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin told the crowd that a new Elton album is on the way “soon”. According to him, “it will surprise a lot of people and hopefully excite a lot of people.” The record will be John’s first since 2021’s “The Lockdown Sessions”.
• Post Malone – His collab with Morgan Wallen ‘I had Some Help’ has blasted to #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in its second week. But the big news is that it has also debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, with over 76 million stream in the US alone.
• Chris Stapleton & Dua Lipa — have released their collab ‘Think I’m In Love With You (Live from the 59th ACM Awards)’. Recorded at last week’s event, the surprise pairing of Stapleton with the dance pop singer also features Stapleton’s band, The Honchos, as well as a 13-piece string section. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/sf6z75fy
• Carly Pearce – is getting workout tips from Tim McGraw. She shared an IG vid of McGraw teaching her how to complete a tire-flip, a functional training movement which left her exhausted. When he tells her how many times he typically flips the tire, she shakes her head, so they start pushing the tire back and forth. Pearce then remarks: “Oh I can do that. This is more my speed of a workout.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/6bpfnwta
SHOOTING THE BULL
EMOJINAL RESCUE:
If you’re sometimes not sure what certain emojis mean, you’re definitely not alone. A new report from Preply found that 81% of Americans have been confused by someone else’s use of an emoji. The language education platform has released its list of the most confusing emojis of 2024. They found that the ‘nail painting’ emoji, the ‘dashing away cloud’ emoji and the ‘upside-down smiley face’ are the ones that are raising the most eyebrows these days. The survey found that 40% of people interpret the ’nail painting’ emoji to mean “classy” or “posh/bougie.” Others think it means “just nail polish,” “Don’t mind me hehe” and “self-care.” The ‘cloud’ emoji meant “dashing away” or “fast” to 38% of respondents, while 34% felt it is a reference to “passing gas”. Others felt it means “exhaustion,” “out of breath” – or “smoking”. What about the ‘upside-down smiley face’? It was interpreted as “sarcasm” by 38%, and “smiling through pain” by 36%, while others feel it can mean “passive aggression”, or that it simply means the same as the regular ‘smiley face’.
(I’m really not sure what the ‘cloud’ emoji is supposed to mean, but after hearing that it can mean “passing gas”, I’ve just added it to my favorites!)
(The irony here, of course, is that emojis were actually created as a way to help people better communicate via text!)
***CAUTION*** (Let’s face it: An emoji can mean whatever you want it to mean. Hence the popularity of the “eggplant”!)
-NYPost
PRIME PINEAPPLE:
Just imagine spending $400 – on one pineapple. No, it’s not food inflation gone wild, it’s luxury fruit. Melissa’s Produce, a California-based seller of specialty fruit and veggies is selling the Rubyglow pineapple, which is bred for its distinctive red exterior and its sweetness, for $395.99. Word is that it took Del Monte a decade and a half to develop the red-hued fruit, which is grown in Costa Rica. It’s all part of a recently-renewed interest in premium fruit. As Cindy van Rijswick, a strategist for Rabobank puts it: “Consumers are willing to pay for something that’s special. (When it comes to specialty produce,) there’s always a small market for higher-end restaurants, or foodies, or certain online channels.” Melissa’s Produce, which sells everything from truffles to mangosteens to kumquats, describes the Rubyglow on its website as a “rare gem” and “the pinnacle of luxury fruit,” and says that “for the gourmand, it’s an unforgettable gift.”
(By “gourmand”, do they mean “sucker”?)
(I’m pretty sure that spending $400 on a pineapple is God’s way of telling you that you’ve got too darn much money…!)
-CNN
SPRING SURVEY:
Yes, spring-cleaning is definitely a drag, but let’s not get carried away. Would you trade going on your yearly vacation to get out of spring-cleaning? One in 5 parents would, according to a new survey. 2,000 parent homeowners in the US with kids under 17 were asked about the tedious work that comes with the arrival of nicer weather, and it turns out that this season isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. 83% agreed that spring is the most difficult season to keep their homes clean. More than half (54%) said that they need to give up spending quality time with their kids because of their spring-cleaning commitments. And 43% said their child has complained because of the amount of time their parents are busy cleaning.
(The other 57%? They’re teens who are just happy their parents aren’t “all up in their face”!)
(I know! I hate spring cleaning so much, it becomes “summer cleaning” – and that’s in a good year!)
-SWNS
THE FIVE MOST-POPULAR DRINKS TO ORDER AT STARBUCKS:
The most-frequently recommended beverages from 10 expert reviews…
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Saw this coming from a mile away. This indulgent beverage, a cocktail of warm flavors like pumpkin, vanilla, and cinnamon, topped with Starbucks’ signature house-made whipped cream, is one of the first markers of autumn. (Even if they make it available when it’s still 95° outside…!)
2. Brown Sugar Oat milk Shaken Espresso: Relatively new, but it’s made a big impression. Made with creamy oat milk and the warm sweetness of brown sugar syrup, this iced beverage is also 100% vegan.
3. Pink Drink: It began as a fan creation, but became so popular that it earned an official spot on the Starbucks menu. Made with coconut milk, strawberries, and a strawberry açaí base, it’s definitely a summer must-try. (Great for those who don’t like coffee. But so is every other drink that’s loaded up with cream and foam and chocolate and whatever else they put on there…)
4. Caramel Frappuccino: You had me at caramel. This frozen beverage blends coffee flavor with an artful swirl of whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Also, very photo-friendly for the Gram… (And you have no idea how much I enjoy saying the word ‘frappuccino…!)
5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew: If you don’t mind your coffee paired with a hint of sweetness, this might be for you. The bold flavors of cold brew combined with vanilla sweet cream equals a strong hit of caffeine that goes down easy. (For fun, ask them to heat it up!)
(OK, Starbucks nuts…what did they miss?)
-StudyFinds
DID YOU KNOW?
France’s Post Office has released a scratch-and-sniff postage stamp to celebrate the baguette, once described by President Emmanuel Macron as “250 grams of magic and perfection”. The stamp, which costs €1.96 (US$1.41), depicts a baguette decorated with a red, white and blue ribbon. Upon scratching, users will detect what’s being called a “bakery scent”. It was launched on May 16, the day of Saint-Honoré, the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs.
-Guardian
BS CHRONOMETER 05.23.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Taffy Day”, celebrating the ooey-gooey soft candy that sticks to your dental fillings. Salt water taffy was originally produced in Atlantic City, NJ in 1883
• “Lucky Penny Day”. See a penny, pick it up…all day long, you’ll have good luck. When you’re out and about, look on the ground for pennies. It just might be your lucky day! (Canadians, Aussies and Kiwis, you’ll have to look for a lucky nickel…)
• “Turtle Day”, an opportunity to learn more about turtles and how to protect them and their shrinking habitats. (Scientists are now saying that the earliest turtles developed their shells not for protection, but for digging. Do you believe them?)
• “World Crohn’s and Colitis Day”, to bring people affected by either disease together, as well as friends and family members, and even those who know nothing about either disease, in an effort to increase awareness of them. (Celebrated in some areas as “World IBD Day” on May 19) LINK: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
• “Chardonnay Day”, celebrating the “queen of white grapes”, the Burgundian. Chardonnay Day is celebrated on May 26 for this reason: In the northern hemisphere, Chardonnay grapes are picked in Fall, and spend about 6 months on oak barrels. This means that by May 26, most Chardonnay wine is bottled and on the shelves…ready for the taking. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yey2w9rv
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] Road Trip Day
[Fri] Escargot Day
[Sat] Plastic Free Day
[Sun] World Redhead Day
This Week Is…Public Works Week
This Month Is…Home Remodeling Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1933 [91] Joan Collins, London England, TV Actress (‘Alexis Carrington’ on “Dynasty” 1981-1999)
1958 [66] Drew Carey, Cleveland OH, comedian/TV host (“The Price is Right” since 2007)/TV producer (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” 1998-2006)/TV actor (“Drew Carey Show” 1995-2004)
1958 [66] Lea DeLaria, Belleville IL, TV actress (‘Big Boo’ on “Orange Is the New Black” 2013-18)
1965 [59] Melissa McBride, Lexington KY, TV actress (‘Carol’ on “The Walking Dead” 2010-2022; “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” since 2023)
1967 [57] Phil Selway, Abingdon England, alt-rock drummer (Radiohead-‘Creep’, ‘Karma Police’)
1970 [54] Matt Flynn, LA CA, pop drummer (Maroon 5-‘Moves Like Jagger’, ‘She Will Be Loved’)
1974 [50] Jewel (Kilcher), Payson UT, folk/pop singer (‘Foolish Games’, ‘Who Will Save Your Soul’)
1974 [50] Ken Jennings, Edmonds WA, TV host (“Jeopardy!” since 2021, “Celebrity Jeopardy!” since 2022, “Jeopardy! Masters” since 2023. Also broke the record for the longest winning streak as a contestant on Jeopardy! [74], winning over $4.5 million total)
1986 [38] Ryan Coogler, Oakland CA, movie director/screenwriter (“Creed”, “Black Panther” films)
1999 [25] James Charles (Dickinson), Bethlehem NY, influencer (makeup artist who became the first male spokesperson for CoverGirl)/internet host (the YouTube Originals reality competition “Instant Influencer”, 2020)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2005 [19] Tom Cruise infamously leaps on the couch and pumps his fist in the air to express his love for Katie Holmes during an appearance on “Oprah” (that seemed to help the relationship…)
2016 [08] Amber Heard files for divorce from Johnny Depp. They were married in 2015
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2007 [17] The US Library of Congress hands out its first ‘Gershwin Award’ to singer-songwriter Paul Simon
2012 [12] Adam Lambert becomes the first openly gay artist to debut at #1 on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, with his album “Trespassing”
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1785 [239] Benjamin Franklin announces his invention of bifocals (causing everyone of a certain age to tilt their head back and open their mouth, in order to read)
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1982 [42] Colin Wilson rides a surfboard a record 294 miles (473 km)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ In the 1600s, drinking coffee in Turkey was punishable by death.
✓ The youngest Pope ever elected was 11 years old.
✓ Apples are 25% air.
✓ The sting from a killer bee contains less venom than the sting from a regular bee.
✓ The Eiffel Tower leans away from the sun, because heat expands metal.
✓ Goats have accents, depending on the region they grow up in.
-RandomFactGenerator, Facts
Best of BS…
BS WEIRD JOB NEGOTIATION DEMANDS:
• In addition to 2 weeks vacation, I need 2 weeks worth of rolling in at 10am wearing my sweatpants.
• A bag of M&Ms with all the “W”s removed.
• I want to be paid less.
• A 15-minute nap every half-hour.
• A computer password that doesn’t require uppercase, lowercase, special characters, or numbers.
• I want a company credit card. Also, a company car. And a company Slap Chop. Those look cool.
• Take my wife…please.
• All I want is my two dollars.
• A service llama.
• Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ Scientists say they can create an invisibility cloak with a 3-D printer. (“I wonder if it’s anything like the one I’ve been wearing for the past 20 years,” sighed Steve Guttenberg.)
➠ A study finds that 75% of people use a different voice to talk to their pets. (It also found that 100% of cats don’t give a crap WHAT they say…)
➠ Stats show that 84% of Americans aren’t fond of hipsters. (The remaining 16% are in the business of selling skinny jeans!)
➠ According to a study, US cannabis sales have generated more than $20 billion in tax revenues. (Pot smokers vow to fight this money-grab with all their energy. Okay, they’re done. You can tax it…)
➠ According to a study in “Psychology Today” magazine, one of the best ways to get someone to go to bed with you is to make them laugh. (Coincidentally, for me, one of the best ways to make someone laugh is to go to bed with them…!)
BS WEB GOODIE:
It was bound to happen for real at some point: https://tinyurl.com/ykzhk9vy
BS RANDOM JOKE:
The trouble with having an open mind is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
BS PHONE STARTER:
What memorable mess did you have to clean up?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
In a poll, 60% of women said they wear THIS because they think it makes them appear friendly. What is it?
Answer: Bright lipstick
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
An opportunist is a person who goes ahead and does what you always intended to do.
