Friday, October 18, 2024 — Edition: #7816

Good Morning, Sheetheads!

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Simon Cowell decided to postpone auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent” yesterday following the death of Liam Payne. ApplauseStore, which manages tickets for the show, said on X that auditions in Blackpool, England had been postponed due to “the tragic passing of Liam Payne,” adding: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.” This isn’t surprising, given Cowell’s long history with Payne and his band, One Direction. Cowell formed the popular boy band on “The X Factor (UK)”. He also mentored the group to 3rd place on the series, and they eventually signed with the music mogul’s record company. Payne was declared dead at his hotel in Buenos Aires, after traveling to Argentina to attend former bandmate Niall Horan’s show.
-Deadline, TMZ
★ Ariana Grande’s “SNL” episode delivered the biggest audience the show has seen in years. The Oct. 12 episode, which featured Grande as host and Stevie Nicks as musical guest, brought in 5.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen. The pop star’s episode scored the biggest audience “Saturday Night Live” has seen since May 8, 2021, when Elon Musk hosted the show with musical guest Miley Cyrus. Grande’s appearance was also a big deal on social media, with the episode scoring more than 516 million views across SNL’s social platforms.
-TheWrap
★ Angelina Jolie will receive the Maltin Modern Master Award at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The Maltin Modern Master Award is named after film critic Leonard Maltin, who has been a moderator at Santa Barbara film fest for many years. It recognizes an “individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry.” In a statement, Maltin said that Jolie “makes bold choices, both as an actress and as a director”, and “sets the bar high in both disciplines and always comes through.” Her latest film, “Maria,” in which she plays opera singer Maria Callas, will debut on Netflix Dec. 11.
-TheWrap
★ Sophia Bush is headed back to the small screen. The “One Tree Hill” star confirmed she’s joining the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” in a cheeky Instagram video. In it, Bush adjusts her tank top and jeans in a trailer before covering the camera and flipping it around, and smiling as she reveals herself in a set of blue medical scrubs. She’ll appear in a recurring role as ‘Dr. Cass Beckman’, a trauma surgeon whose husband is also a physician at Grey Sloan. Bush will make her debut in the Nov. 7 episode.
-E!
★ There’s no escaping the creepy smiles from the “Smile” franchise. Before the new horror film “Smile 2” scares its way into theaters today, people sporting haunting grimaces started popping up at Major League Baseball games to promote the film. On Monday, 2 people sat behind home plate at a playoff game between the Dodgers and Mets in L.A. An X post from Fox Sports shows both wearing neon green shirts as they maintain the disturbing smiles made famous in the 2022 horror movie original. The sports networks caption was: “That’s fine, I wasn’t planning to sleep tonight anyway.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2pfnr72v
-People

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): TBA
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Lainey Wilson (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): TBA
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Bob the Drag Queen, Caitlin Reilly, Rickey Thompson (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Seth Meyers: Mariska Hargitay, Method Man (R)
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Eddie Redmayne
• “The Talk” (CBS): Morgan Freeman, Ron Funches, John Heffron
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Caitríona Balfe, Emily Osment
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Chris Martin, David Boreanaz, Warren Zeiders
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Naomi Scott, Trevor Noah
• “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Tichina Arnold, Terry Crews
• “S.W.A.T.” (CBS): Season 8 premiere. Followed by “Fire Country” season premiere.
• “Happy’s Place” (NBC): Series premiere. When Bobbie inherits her late father’s tavern, she’s shocked to learn that she also has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew existed.
• “MLB Baseball” (Check local listings): NLCS game #5: LA Dodgers @ NY Mets; ALCS game #4: NY Yankees @ Cleveland
SATURDAY:
• “MLB Baseball” (TBS, SN): ALCS game #5: New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians (if necessary)
• “Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story” (Life): As a teen, Alyssa has a relationship with abusive Steven, but their path takes a dark turn after she has his child, and gives her daughter up for adoption.
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC): Host Michael Keaton; Billie Eilish performs
SUNDAY:
• “The Equalizer” (CBS): Season 5 premiere. McCall races to rescue 2 siblings who run into trouble after stealing a grocery truck carrying firearms; Harry and Delilah help Mel through her trauma.
• “The Simpsons” (Fox): Lisa has a misadventure in the dark world of Capital City’s downtown art scene.
• “NFL Football” (NBC): New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Gracie Abrams – The deluxe version of her album “The Secret of Us” drops today. The new edition has 7 additional songs, and includes all 3 of her live Vevo recordings: ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’, ‘I Knew It, I Know You’, and ‘Free Now’.
• Megan Thee Stallion – The first trailer is out for the documentary about her rise “as she tenaciously navigates fame, grief, pressure, and success”, according to the description. Directed by Emmy winner Nneka Onuorah, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words” arrives on Prime Video on October 31. LINK: https://youtu.be/VxQHsx7d_nU
• Britney Spears – is writing a novel. After announcing in 2021 that she’s  writing a book about a ghost who is stuck in limbo, she posted this week that she’s “away writing my novel and learning about myself!!!” She also mentioned her “crazy girl crushes…who…inspire me.” Those include Pamela Lee Anderson, Natalie Portman, Camila Cabello, Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez, and Drew Barrymore. LINK:  https://tinyurl.com/39p562fh
• Van Halen – In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Alex Van Halen said he’s considering finishing some unreleased Van Halen material, by using AI to generate new guitar solos and asking Robert Plant to provide vocals. The drummer said there’s plenty of unused material in the band’s archives.
• Talking Heads – All 4 members appeared on Tuesday’s episode of “Jeopardy!”. David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz and Jerry Harrison read the questions from the category of ‘Talking Heads’. They also managed to slip in a plug for their latest project, a 40th anniversary rerelease of their concert film “Stop Making Sense”. LINK: https://youtu.be/zZp7QoSlrpE
• Eagles – Their Sphere Las Vegas residency, originally scheduled to wrap tomorrow, has now been extended again. Wednesday, it was announced it will stretch into March 2025, with 4 new dates added. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2ebkymhk
• Riley Green and Post Malone – showed up unexpectedly Loser’s Bar & Grill in downtown Nashville recently – but not for the reason you’d expect. Rather than hop on stage and sing, they put on aprons and jumped behind the bar, slinging drinks for star-struck patrons. One fan said that Posty made screwdrivers for her and her friends, and Green used her phone to take a selfie with patrons. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3na6c69r
• Hardy – He and his wife, Caleigh, are expecting their first child. The couple created a joint post on Instagram featuring a carousel of photos showcasing Caleigh’s baby bump, with the words: “You have been our favorite little secret to keep. Baby Hardy coming February 2025.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/bdef4r7b
• The Avett Brothers, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice and Parmalee – have all been added to the “Concert for Carolina” on Oct. 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte NC. Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings and James Taylor are also performing at the show, which will be livestreamed to Veeps. LINK: https://www.concertforcarolina.com/

SHOOTING THE BULL

NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK:
• “Smile 2” (R, Horror/Thriller): About to embark on a tour, pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, she is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life. (Naomi Scott, Kyle Gallner, Drew Barrymore) Tomatometer: 81%
• “We Live in Time” (R, Romance/Drama): Almut and Tobias are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. But a difficult truth is revealed that rocks the foundation of their relationship. (Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield) Tomatometer: 79%
• “Goodrich” (R, Comedy/Drama): Andy Goodrich’s life is upended when his wife and mother of their twins enters a rehab program. He leans on Grace, his daughter from his first marriage, and ultimately evolves into the father Grace never had. (Michael Keaton, Mila Kunis, Andie MacDowell) No Tomatometer rating

A COUPLE THINGS ABOUT COUPLES:
❑ Many Gen Z and Millennial couples are inviting their wedding guests to help them pay for a home, instead of giving a traditional gift. Wedding resource websites like The Knot and Zillow Home Loans report that 55% more couples are adding a “home fund” to their wedding registry this year than did in 2018. Couples are adding the once-controversial request to their wishlists with the hope that they will be able to start their new chapter as husband and wife – and as homeowners. A recent survey showed that nearly 87% of couples planned on adding a cash fund to their registry — with more than 37% planning to put the money toward a new home. (Next, couples will be asking us to commit to a monthly payment plan!)
❑ If you saw someone hitting on your partner, how would you feel? While you might expect to feel a surge of jealousy — or desire for your partner, a new study says the opposite could happen. A team at Reichman University in Israel found that witnessing a partner being hit on tends to trigger a self-protective response that results in decreased attraction to your partner and less relationship investment. But please don’t take this to mean that your relationship is doomed if this happens in your relationship. The researchers emphasized that these effects vary based on factors like relationship security, self-esteem, and attachment style. (My wife has nothing to worry about. I’m only ever hit on by bots trying to scam me out of the little money that I have!)
-NYPost, StudyFinds

NEWS OF THE WEIRD:
➢ An Ohio cop attempting to apprehend a runaway inflatable pumpkin on a residential road was “attacked” by the decoration. Dashboard cam video shared by the Bay Village Police Department shows an officer arriving at the scene to find the 20-foot tall “runaway pumpkin” in the middle of the road. The officer attempts to move the pumpkin, but instead ends up engulfed by the giant inflatable. The post says the cop was “attacked” by the Halloween display, but “Luckily, no officers (or pumpkins) were harmed during the event”, and “Once backup officers arrived, the pumpkin was returned to the homeowner.” (I’ve heard people say they “turn into a pumpkin at midnight”, but never believed it could actually happen!) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/mvt8atrh
➢ A baby born in the parking lot of a microbrewery was named after the business, which in turn created a special brew to honor the newborn. Aaron and Kyle Baker were on their way to hospital in Kalamazoo MI on their baby’s due date when they realized they wouldn’t make it in time. They called for an ambulance and pulled into the parking lot at One Well Brewing, which happens to be their favorite microbrewery, and baby Forrest Wells Baker was born moments later. To honor the occasion, and the baby’s brewery-inspired name, One Well Brewing came up with an orange blonde ale, which his parents were invited to help mix at the brewery. The beer, aptly named Special Delivery, will be tapped later this month. (…and young Forrest will have to wait 21 years to try it!) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3zek2bzp
-UPI

BEST-EVER “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” CAST MEMBERS:
According to a survey of “experts”…
1. Eddie Murphy: Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat…and James Brown in a hot tub. What more needs to be said?
2. Will Ferrell: George W. Bush, Neil Diamond – and of course, Alex Trebek.
3. Chris Farley: Matt Foley (“Down…by…the…River!”), Chippendales dancer, Lunch Lady, and the hapless interviewer on “The Chris Farley Show”.
4. Gilda Radner: An original 1975 cast member, she was known for characters such as Roseanne Roseannadanna, Barbara Walters (‘Baba Wawa’), and Emily Litella.
5. Phil Hartman: Known for his impressions of Bill Clinton, Phil Donahue, Ed McMahon, Frank Sinatra and others, he also played Frankenstein, Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, and The Anal-Retentive Chef.
-StudyFinds

DID YOU KNOW?
New research has found that taking breaks while exercising can help you burn more calories. A team from University of Milan conducted a study where they measured the oxygen and energy demands of test participants who walked on a treadmill and used a stair climber. Results showed that the body required more energy to warm up at the start of each walk, and less when it was already in motion. The study’s author compared the results to how a car “needs some fuel to start the engine or get the car out of the garage.” (Believe me — If I’m using a stair-climber, NOT taking breaks isn’t even an option!)
-NYPost

BS CHRONOMETER 10.18.24

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “No Beard Day”, an observance likely started by some guy’s extremely chafed partner. (And if today is No Beard Day, so is tomorrow, the next day, and at least a few days after that…)
• “Alaska Day”, commemorating the formal transfer of Alaska from Russian to USA control on this date in 1867, one of the sneakiest real estate deals ever. The US paid $7.2 million, less than 2 cents an acre. Alaska produces up to 600,000 barrels of oil per day. (And half that many reality shows…)
• “Chocolate Cupcake Day”. The first mention of a dessert with the qualities of a cupcake was in 1796, and the first time the term “cupcake” was used was in 1828. (Now, what to do today, what to do?)
• “Mammography Day”, observed on the 3rd Friday in October, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”. On this day, or sometime this month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment.
• “World Menopause Day”, a collaboration between the International Menopause Society and the World Health Organization for improving awareness on the subject. (Is it getting warm in here…?) LINK: https://www.imsociety.org/
• “Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day”. Difficulty learning, understanding, and using spoken language can be symptoms of developmental language disorder (DLD), a condition that has been known for hundreds of years but didn’t gain the name until 2017. There are a number of resources online to help those affected. LINK: https://radld.org/dld-awareness-day/

SATURDAY:
• “Dress Like a Dork Day”. All you need to do is slick back your hair, get out the plaid polyester pants, hideous shirt, suspenders, white knee socks, and your favorite dickey. Add horn-rimmed glasses fixed with masking tape, a fanny pack, and a pocket protector — and you’re good to go! (Just another day at the office for me…)
• “Evaluate Your Life Day”, a time to “sit back and reflect on your contribution to humanity, and see if you’re really heading toward where you want to be”. (I WOULD make a joke here about my life, but my life beat me to it…)
• “New Friends Day”. Iit’s all about making room for new connections in your life, and celebrating the potential for friendship everywhere you go. Research shows that strong social support is a key to living your happiest, most fulfilled life. So, get out there and add some new friends…and I don’t mean on Facebook!
• “Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day”. A part of “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”, today, we wear purple to raise awareness about domestic, spousal, and teen dating violence.
• “Seafood Bisque Day”, celebrating the smooth, creamy, and highly-seasoned soup of French origin. Based on a strained broth of crustaceans, it’s made with lobster, crab, or shrimp.
• “Gin and Tonic Day”. Substantially a British drink for the longest time, a G&T is a staple cocktail with a high level of bitterness, but it dies down with lime and sugar to make it palatable for most people.

SUNDAY:
• “Brandied Fruit Day”, a day to celebrate booze with a pit.
• “Suspenders Day”. If you prefer suspenders instead of a belt (how snappy!), this would be your day to celebrate. (We think the inventor of suspenders deserves the “No belt” prize!)
• “Chicken and Waffles Day”, only celebrated since 2021, but definitely worth celebrating! Chicken and waffles generally consist of a waffle that is served with fried chicken and covered with butter and syrup. Variations date as far back as the 17th century.
• “International Day of the Air Traffic Controller”, recognizing the attentive people who keep flight passengers safe by acting as an eye in the sky. (It’s considered one of the most stressful jobs, but it’s the pilot who gets the applause when the plane lands safely!)
• “World Osteoporosis Day”, focusing awareness on a major cause of bone fractures in older persons. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone is reduced, increasing the risk of fracture.
• “International Chefs Day”. Since 2004, to celebrate the profession, and to remember that it is also a chef’s duty to pass on knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation. LINK: https://worldchefs.org/internationalchefsday/
• “Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day”, observed on the 3rd Sunday of October to say thank-you to the teachers who work without pay to give children spiritual knowledge.

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1951 [73] Pam Dawber, Detroit MI, TV actress (“Mork & Mindy” 1978-82, “My Sister Sam” 1986-88)/married to Mark Harmon since 1987

1952 [72] Chuck Lorre (“King of Sitcoms”), Long Island NY, TV producer (“The Big Bang Theory”, “Two and a Half Men”, “Young Sheldon”, Mike & Molly”, “Mom”…)

1956 [68] Martina Navratilova, Prague Czech Republic, retired pro tennis player (18 Grand Slam singles titles, 59 major titles, the most in the Open Era)

1960 [64] Jean-Claude Van Damme (Van Varenberg), Brussels Belgium, martial artist-movie actor (“The Expendables 2″, “Timecop”) COMING UP… “Frenchy”

1979 [45] Ne-Yo (Shaffer Smith), Camden AR, pop-R&B singer-songwriter (‘Let Me Love You’, ‘Miss Independent’)/TV personality (“World of Dance” judge 2017-2020)

1984 [40] Lindsey Vonn, Saint Paul MN, retired alpine ski racer (first American woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing)/2-time World Champion/4-time World Cup winner

1984 [40] Freida Pinto, Mumbai India, movie actress (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, “Slumdog Millionaire”) COMING UP… “Surface” TV series

1987 [37] Zac Efron, San Luis Obispo CA, movie actor (“Baywatch”, “High School Musical” movies)/TV host (“Down to Earth with Zac Efron” 2020-22)

1992 [32] Barry Keoghan, Dublin Ireland, movie actor (“Eternals”, “Dunkirk”)/TV actor (“Chernobyl”)/2 Golden Globes. COMING UP… “The Immortal Man”

SATURDAY- John Lithgow (“3rd Rock From the Sun”) is 79; Patrick Simmons (Doobie Brothers) is 76; Evander Holyfield (retired boxer) is 62; Jon Favreau (“Iron Man” movies) is 58; Trey Parker (“South Park” co-creator) is 55; Chris Kattan (“Saturday Night Live”) is 54; Jason Reitman (director-“Ghostbusters: Afterlife”) Gillian Jacobs (“Community”) is 43; Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission Impossible” films) is 41; Zac Barnett (American Authors) is 38

SUNDAY- Viggo Mortensen (“Green Book”) is 66; Kamala Harris (US Vice President) is 60; William Zabka (“Karate Kid”)is 59; Jimi Westbrook (Little Big Town) is 53; Snoop Dogg (f/Pharrell-‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’) is 53; Paul Wilson (Snow Patrol) is 46; John Krasinski (“The Office”) is 45

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ …
1988 [36] “Roseanne”, starring Roseanne Barr, John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, premieres. (The spinoff show “The Conners” premieres Oct. 16, 2018)

2000 [24] Demi Moore divorces Bruce Willis due to irreconcilable differences, after 13 years of marriage.

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2001 [23] The stage musical “Mamma Mia!”, featuring the songs of ABBA, opens on Broadway; it runs for 5,733 performances.

2005 [19] An image of a naked John Lennon curled around Yoko Ono, taken on the last day of his life, is named top magazine cover of the past 40 years (The “Rolling Stone” cover shot is by Annie Leibovitz.)

2021 [03] Kanye West legally changes his name to ‘Ye’, his longtime nickname.

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1977 [47] In Game 6 of the World Series vs LA Dodgers, NY Yankee Reggie Jackson (‘Mr. October’) hits 3 home runs off 3 consecutive pitches from 3 different pitchers (Yankees win the game and the series, the team’s first since 1962).

TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1776 [248] In a bar decorated with bird tailfeathers in Elmsford NY, a customer requests a glassful of “those cock tails”, and the name for a mixed alcoholic drink is born.

BULL’S BITS

BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than people.
✓ Costco sells 700% more hot dogs annually than all Major League Baseball stadiums combined.
✓ The volume of the Earth’s moon is the same as the volume of the Pacific Ocean.
✓ The average person spends a total of 2 years talking on the phone during their lifetime.
✓ Eating garlic improves your body odour.
✓ Dead people can get goosebumps.
-BathroomReadersInstitute, NotCommonFacts

Best of BS . . .
WORST BS SELF-HELP BOOKS:
• “So, You Make Too Much Money”
• “Abs of Flab”
• “I’ll Bet You Can Conquer Your Gambling Problem”
• “Lie Your Sweet Ass Off And Become a Millionaire!”
• “If You Want to Lose Weight, Just Stop Eating, You Fat Cow”
• “I’m OK, You’re Starting to Get on My Nerves Bigtime”
• “5 Days to Thicker Ankles”
• “The One-Minute Lover”
-First published in “BS” in 2000

BS DEEP THOUGHTS FROM LOTTERY WINNERS:
• “Can you imagine how many lottery tickets I could buy with all this money?”
• “Just because I’m rich, it doesn’t mean I’ll change. Ha!”
• “Prenup.”
• “Should I flush this $100 bill now that I’ve wiped with it?”
• “Wow. Five dollars.”
• “Finally, my wife and kids’ birthdays are paid off.”
• “I suppose I’m going to need a will now.”
• “That’s a ‘lotto’ money!”
• “I’m going to buy a dinosaur.”
• “How ‘bout that! My pockets are deeper than my thoughts!”
• Now, where did I put that thing?”
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2019

BS WEB GOODIE:
Friday happy dance:  https://tinyurl.com/nnxr2ft3

BS RANDOM JOKE:
If I say “I’m hungry”, we’ve got about 27 minutes until I’m a different person…

BS PHONE STARTER:
If you had an extra $100 to spend on yourself every week, what would you do with it?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
68% of women say they would break up with a man if he wore THIS. What is it?
Answer:  Tighty-whities

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.