Monday, November 13, 2023 — Edition: #7595
Thanks a Sheetload for Choosing “BS”!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Gordon Ramsay has become a dad for the 6th time. The TV chef – who has been married to Tana Ramsay since 1996 and celebrated his 57th birthday last week, took to social media on Saturday to announce the birth of his new son – and, it would seem, his last child. He shared pics, and wrote on Instagram: “What an amazing birthday present please welcome Jesse James Ramsay, 7lbs 10oz whopper!! One more bundle of love to the Ramsay brigade!! 3 boys, 3 girls…. Done”. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3ahmm253
-Bang!
★ “The Marvels” has set a new record for the worst opening weekend in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to the latest projections. The sequel to 2019’s “Captain Marvel” posted an anemic $21.3 million Friday total, for an estimated $48 million domestic launch. For comparison, The Marvels has fallen below even the $55 million opening earned in the summer by DC’s “The Flash,” which went on to gross just $270 million, and is regarded as one of — if not THE biggest box office bomb of 2023.
-TheWrap
★ The SAG-AFTRA national board approved its new contract with the major studios with an 86% ‘yes’ vote, sending it to membership for ratification. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and members of the union’s contract negotiating committee were present at union headquarters to announce the new terms, with full details of the contract to be distributed today. The ratification vote will conclude on Dec. 5.
-Variety
★ Twenty years after the release of “Freaky Friday”, Jamie Lee Curtis has reunited with her onscreen daughter Lindsay Lohan — to tease a sequel. On Friday, the Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram to post a selfie with her former co-star. Tagging Lohan and Disney, Curtis: “Too late. YOU GREW UP and SO BEAUTIFULLY!…the strike is over so hopefully, we can switch places again in the near future”. The pair famously switched places as a mother and daughter who swap bodies in Disney’s 2003 comedy Freaky Friday.
-Messenger
★ With the SAG-AFTRA strike officially gone like the wind, it’s time for the studios to get back to work. The 118-day interruption has caused the delay of some movie’s release dates, including Marvel’s “Deadpool 3”, which will now open on July 26, 2024, instead of May 3rd. The 4th “Captain America” flick, “Brave New World,” will now debut on Feb. 14, 2025 — not in July 2024, as previously planned. And superhero film “Thunderbolts” was set to fly into cinemas on Dec. 20, 2024, but it has been pushed to July 25, 2025.
-NYPost
★ CBS has moved the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony — which was initially set to air on June 16 — to Dec. 15. This will be the first major awards show since the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA launched their strikes, and the now-ended labor stoppages are what prompted CBS and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to postpone the event. “Entertainment Tonight’s” Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner will host the ceremony, which will take place at Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, and will air on CBS and Paramount+.
-TheWrap
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Paul Dano, Nick Offerman, Seth Rogen, 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Dwayne Johnson, Colman Domingo, Cat Power
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Barbra Streisand
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Barry Keoghan, Teddy Swims
• “The Daily Show (COM): Guest Host Leslie Jones
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Luka Brunton, Lara Du Preez
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Hannah Waddingham, Gladys Knight
• “The Talk” (CBS): Lisa Ling
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Jeannie Mai, Michael C. Hall
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Leslie Jones, Ian Somerhalder
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Michael Urie
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Gabriel Iglesias, Ariana Madix
• “The Voice” (NBC): The Knockouts Part 3; Wynonna Judd serves as mega mentor.
• “Blackberry” (AMC): Miniseries premiere. Mike Lazaridis and Doug Fregin pitch their idea of combining a computer with a cellphone to Jim Balsillie. He comes on board, and they try to sell their idea.
• “NFL Football” (Check local listings): Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• SZA – leads the pack of Grammy nominees in a big year for women. The ‘Kill Bill’ singer received the most nods (9). And Taylor Swift broke a record by becoming the first person to have 7 tunes nominated for song of the year. Phoebe Bridgers, R&B star Victoria Monét, indie group boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo all also received nominations. Grammys will be handed out Feb. 4.
• Taylor Swift – was forced to postponed her Fri. show in Buenos Aires, hours before her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce touched down in the city to support her at her concert. The outdoor show was rescheduled for last night due to bad weather.
• Bon Jovi – In announcing the kickoff of its 40th anniversary celebrations, the group has announced the release of the official Bon Jovi Monopoly Game. It is available for pre-order now. (You know you’ve officially jumped the shark when…) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2p8b55bj
• Kiss – has announced a pay-per-view event for its supposed final concert. They will reach the end of their “End of the Road Tour” on Dec. 2 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and fans will be able to livestream the show exclusively at https://www.ppv.com. It’ll cost US $39.99 in Canada and the USA, and $14.99 elsewhere.
• Rush — Geddy Lee now says he’d be open to performing with Alex Lifeson again as Rush. The band called it quits in 2020, after the death of drummer Neil Peart. The 2 played together for the first time since Peart passed at the 2 Taylor Hawkins tribute shows last year, and Lee says that up until then, performing “with a third person was the elephant in the room, and that kind of disappeared.”
• Walker Hayes – parodies himself in his new release ‘Fancy Like Christmas’. He took his hit ‘Fancy Like’, and re-imagined it as a Christmas song. In the holiday release, he shouts out matching pajama sets and watching “Home Alone”, along with eggnog and fruit cakes….and of course, Applebee’s. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2duxhvb3
• BRELAND—Friday, he released his cover of Nat King Cole‘s ‘The Christmas Song’. He wrote on X: “Tis the Bre-son? It’s almost the 25th of Bre-cember? HapBRE Holidays?? My version of The Christmas Song is out on all platforms, I hope y’all enjoy it.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/bddfu858
• Garth Brooks – His new collab with Ronnie Dunn, ‘Rodeo Man’, has debuted at #26 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, with 6.6 million audience impressions in 4 days. It’s the lead single from Brooks’ new album “Time Traveler” the latest part of his “Limited Series”. Dunn is, of course, half of Brooks & Dunn – featuring another notable Brooks, Kix.
SHOOTING THE BULL
WHO LEFT THEIR TOYS IN THE HALL?
Well, despite the fact that he starred in the biggest movie of the year, the ‘Ken” doll didn’t make the cut. But the Fisher-Price Corn Popper HAS been voted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, alongside baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids and NERF foam toys. The Toy Hall of Fame, in Rochester NY, announced Friday that the Fisher-Price popper, a push toy that encourages babies to walk, was chosen by fans who were invited to celebrate the Hall’s 25th anniversary by voting for one of 5 toys that had made it to the finals more than once, but were passed over. The rest of the so-called “Forgotten Five” included the pogo stick, My Little Pony, PEZ dispensers and Transformers. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yckur62f
(I really hope the “Barrel of Monkeys” is in the hall of fame, because it kinda set the standard. There’s nothing more fun than that!)
(I’m sorry, but I want no part of any ‘Toy Hall of Fame’ that doesn’t include Spirograph!)
-AP
“VICE” SQUAD:
❑ Safety Shot, a new blood alcohol detox drink set to launch next month (in the US), supposedly reduces blood alcohol content in less than an hour, and makes hangovers a thing of the past. Using “scientifically proven ingredients”, Safety Shot is said to work by enhancing metabolic pathways that break down blood alcohol levels and creating a protective layer around the stomach, to prevent residual alcohol absorption into the body. Ingredients include a “tailored selection of all-natural vitamins and minerals and nootropics” to lower blood alcohol levels faster than any other hangover cure — while enhancing mental clarity. Safety Shot will be available at pharmacies in a 12-ounce can, selling for $4.99. (Shouldn’t they sell ‘em at bars?)
❑ So…now vaping is a sport. Although “cloud chase” contests date back a decade, now, the games are “blowing up” in popularity. Competitive vapers stand back-to-back as they inhale as much vapor as their modified device and lungs allow. Then, they exhale before crowds of “cloud gazers.” Wire gauge, battery and juice utilized all affect the size and density of the cloud. Enthusiasts travel the world to compete for cash prizes, endorsement deals and custom gear in the competitions, put on by vape companies. And blowing out the biggest cloud isn’t the only way to win. Some competitions focus on vaping tricks, like making the cloud of smoke into different shapes, or moving it in intriguing ways. (Sorry…the only thing I inhale competitively is Halloween candy – before my kids get to it!)
-OddityCentral, NYPost
NEW GOOD NEWS:
➢ Even though 2023 has been, for many, a tough year, “hope does remain.” That’s what Prince William said last week, as he announced the winners of the 2023 Earthshot Prize, a competition he launched to help find solutions to environmental problems. Five eco innovators were awarded 1 million pounds each to develop their ideas at a star-studded event in Singapore. Winners included a firm making batteries for electric vehicles using easier-to-recycle components, a community initiative protecting Andean forests, a scheme helping farmers to cut food waste, a non-profit with a plan to support the planet’s ocean conservation needs, and a team with a plan for removing emissions and boosting farmer profits and land restoration. Prince William called the recipients “architects of change towards a healthy and sustainable world.”
➢ A pony named Poppy is bringing smiles to nursing home residents in Swindon, England. Poppy is a therapy pony that makes the rounds with her owner, Sarah Woodland, and is allowed to visit with residents inside their rooms. Woodland says that Poppy is “very empathetic” and “incredibly kind,” and when it comes to interacting with the elderly, “she’s got…a 6th sense. She knows to be gentle and to be patient and to be kind.” When Poppy meets someone who is especially frail, she will “rest her head on their lap,” according to her owner, who says “It’s just beautiful.” The residents, many of whom are not able to get up and move around, get to enjoy petting Poppy, and chatting with Woodland. (The custodial staff? Not quite as happy!)
-GoodNewsNetwork, CNN, TheWeek
A BUNCH OF USES FOR BANANAS:
You know they’re a good source of potassium. And they’re essential for giving the ‘slip’ to cartoon bad guys. But bananas have many other uses, too. Here are some of them…
⇒ Make a face mask: No, not for Halloween. For skincare. Mash the fruit and apply directly to the face to brighten your complexion and hydrate skin. Rinse after 15 minutes.
⇒ Apply to warts: A home remedy for warts is to rub the inside of a banana peel over it. While there is no scientific evidence that proves this truly helps, it’s been practiced at for decades. And what have you got to lose? (Aside from a banana!)
⇒ Treat an insect bite: Bananas are known for relieving itchiness and swelling from bug bites. The peel consists of natural antihistamines, which will sooth the itch created by the saliva that the bug left under your skin. (Ugh. How un-a-’peel’-ing…)
⇒ Shine your silverware: Yes, they can be used to polish your utensils, but you’ll need to create a mixture first. Blend banana peels with water to create a paste. Then, use a cloth to rub the paste onto the silverware.
⇒ Loosen a splinter: Cover the splinter with the outside of a banana peel for a few hours or overnight. You should notice your splinter has started to loosen, making it easier to remove. (And how to you get a banana peel to stick to your skin? See “banana-paste”, above…!)
⇒ Brighten your smile: Before investing in a teeth-whitening treatment, try rubbing a banana peel on your teeth a few times a day, before brushing, to achieve a shiny new smile. (We call it the “monkey-grin”!)
(You know what? I’m starting to think that banana PEELS are the real heroes here!)
-Fox
DID YOU KNOW?
Would you deactivate your TikTok for a month if you were paid $59? What about Instagram? Would $47 cut it? In a study, the National Bureau of Economics Research found that social-media users would be willing to break their scrolling habits on these platforms – for a fee. The report says that users would “require (that) substantial compensation to stop using social media when others in their network keep using it.” Interestingly, the same study found that users would be willing to PAY $28 and $10 to have their friends, and themselves, all deactivate TikTok and Instagram, respectively. The researchers say that’s a sign that social media could be a “product market trap”.
-Insider
BS CHRONOMETER 11.13.23
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “World Kindness Day”, when we’re encouraged to perform acts of kindness for others. A few suggestions just in case you can’t think of any …
✓ Randomly place boxes of condoms in people’s shopping carts when they aren’t looking.
✓ Walk into a bar and offer to buy a round for everyone. Leave.
✓ Take the parking ticket off some poor driver’s windshield. Put it on someone else’s windshield.
(And remember…whenever you do a good deed, get a receipt, in case heaven is like the tax man!)
• “Sadie Hawkins Day”, named after the “Li’l Abner” comic strip character ‘Sadie Hawkins, the homeliest gal in the hills’. The tradition that girls can ask boys out on this day was born in the “Li’l Abner” strip published on November 15, 1937.
• “Actors Day”, dedicated to all the talents who have acted or auditioned for even a small role in any film, TV, or theater project. (My only acting experience is when I’ve said: “No, officer, I DON’T know how fast I was going….)
• “Moms & Dads Day”, because apparently “Mother’s Day” and Father’s Day” celebrations just aren’t enough pressure for kids to deal with … thanks a lot! (Do I have to buy a card for this one too?)
• “World Orphans Day”, raising awareness about children who are orphaned and displaced around the world, with the goal of strengthening humanitarian aid towards them. Organizations, groups, and individuals in more than 50 countries observe the day.
• “Start a Rumor Day”, there isn’t much information available about this day, so there’s a good chance it got started by a rumor.
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Tues] Pickle Appreciation Day
[Tues] Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day
[Wed] Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
[Thurs] Check Your Wipers Day
This Week is…International Education Week
This Month is…Adoption Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1953 [70] Frances Conroy, Monroe GA, TV actress (“Six Feet Under” 2001-1005, “American Horror Story” 2011-21)/movie actress (“Joker”)
1954 [69] Chris Noth, Madison WI, TV actor (‘Peter Florrick’ on “The Good Wife” 2009-16, “Sex & The City” 1998-2004, “Law & Order” 1990-95)/movie actor (“Sex & The City” films)
1955 [68] Whoopi Goldberg (Caryn Johnson), NYC, TV personality (“The View” since 2007, “Hollywood Squares” 1998-2002)/movie actress (“Sister Act”, “The Color Purple”)
1956 [67] Aldo Nova (Caporuscio), Montreal QC, rock singer-guitarist (‘Fantasy’, ‘Foolin’ Yourself’)/producer (Celine Dion)/songwriter (Jon Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Faith Hill)
1960 [63] Neil Flynn, Chicago IL, TV actor (‘Mike Heck’ on “The Middle” 2009-18, “Scrubs” 2001-09)/movie actor (“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”)
1967 [56] Jimmy Kimmel, Brooklyn NY, TV host (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003, “The Man Show” 1999-2003, “Win Ben Stein’s Money” 1997-2001)
1967 [56] Steve Zahn, Marshall MN, movie actor (“Dallas Buyers Club”, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” franchise)/TV actor (“The White Lotus” 2021)
1969 [54] Gerard Butler, Paisley Scotland, movie actor (“The Phantom of the Opera”, “300″) COMING UP… “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera”, 2024
1978 [45] Nikolai Fraiture, NYC, rock bassist (The Strokes- ‘Last Nite’, ‘Juicebox’)
1993 [30] Julia Michaels (Cavazos), Davenport IA, pop singer (‘Issues’)/songwriter (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani…)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2020 [03] Harry Styles appears on the cover of Vogue, the first man to get the cover solo
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2005 [18] Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are awakened by Paul McCartney singing ‘Good Day Sunshine’ live from his concert in Anaheim, California
2010 [13] Taylor Swift sets a record by becoming the first female artist to place 11 songs on the Hot 100 at the same time (Last October, she claimed every slot on the top 10 at once)
TODAY IN TECH . . .
2006 [17] After failing in their attempt at a video streaming service, Google buys YouTube for $1.65 billion, eventually growing it into the second-most-popular website worldwide (after Google.com)
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
2009 [14] NASA announces that water has been discovered on the Moon, thanks to data from the Lunar Crater Observation & Sensing Satellite
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1995 [28] The world’s only known ‘Green Cat’ is confirmed by a veterinary hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark, a condition vets say may be caused by a metabolism defect
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ The energy of a discharge of an electric eel could start 50 cars.
✓ The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head.
✓ In 1966, Mercedes invented a car controlled by joystick.
✓ Fall leaf colors are present year-round, but are only visible once chlorophyll — the chemical that makes leaves green — breaks down during autumn.
✓ Babies start dreaming even before they’re born.
✓ If your last name is closer to the end of the alphabet, you’re more likely to be an impulse spender.
-ReadersDigest, QuiteInteresting
Best of BS . . .
BS SQUARE DANCING DO’S AND DON’TS:
• Do: Swing with a group of dancers. Don’t: Dance with a group of swingers.
• Do: Swing your partner round and round. Don’t: Do it above your head.
• Do: Keep it square. Don’t: Pull out those fancy octagon moves.
• Do: Bow to your partner. Don’t: Tell your partner her skirt looks like a horse blanket.
• Do: Hold your partner close. Don’t: Be partners with your cousin.
• Do: Spin your partner round and round. Don’t: Spin your partner right round baby right round like a record baby right round round round.
• Do: Make fun of square dancers. Don’t: Stop
• And the #1 “don’t” about square dancing: You do NOT talk about square dancing.
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2019
TODAY’S SCOOP OF BS:
➠ A study shows that PG-13 movies from today are more violent than R movies from the ’80s. (But there’s also a lot less acid wash. So, take the good with the bad…)
➠ Retailers have already started their Black Friday sales. (My wife and I differ on gifts this year. She wants a diamond necklace. I want to get her something sensible like a bathrobe. So, we compromised, and I’m getting her a diamond necklace…)
➠ 35% of people admit they have used their cell phone to avoid talking to someone in person. (Forget that. I just start talking really loudly to myself . . . it works just as well!)
➠ Whoopi Goldberg is 68 today. (She’ll have a party with her 2 sisters to celebrate. You know, Yippie and Hooray!)
(***Caution***) ➠ A study says fear of the dentist may be linked to the sound of the dental tools, not the pain. (Meanwhile, MY fear of my dentist comes from his insisting that I remove my pants when I’m just getting a cleaning…!)
BS WEB GOODIE:
…and how’s YOUR Monday going? (sound up): https://tinyurl.com/mw2jrh8e
BS RANDOM JOKE:
I just checked my bank account. Anybody in need of a kidney?
BS KNOW-IT-ALL:
• George Clooney as ‘Dr. Doug Ross’ was a cast member of this TV series, that ran from 1994-2009. What is it?
Answer: “ER”
• The “Big Three” U.S. commercial broadcast television networks are CBS, NBC, and this Disney-owned network. What is it?
Answer: ABC
• Who sang the title song for the latest James Bond film, “No Time to Die”?
Answer: Billie Eilish
• Who directed the 2013 ‘Best Picture’ Oscar-winner “Argo”?
Answer: Ben Affleck
• Identify the band from its members – ‘Starchild’, ‘Demon’, ‘Spaceman’ & ‘Catman’?
Answer: Kiss
-Mentimeter, WaterCoolerTrivia
BS PHONE STARTER:
What widely accepted “fact” do you believe is wrong? (Cutting your hair makes it grow faster? Sugar makes kids hyper? You should stretch before exercising?)
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: 29% of us do THIS out of obligation — not because we want to. What is it?
Answer: Host relatives during the holidays
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Work hard in silence, and let success be your noise.
