Thursday, June 15, 2023 — Edition: #7496
Here, Have Another Sheetload!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ The race to replace Pat Sajak as host of “Wheel of Fortune” is on — and the first candidate who’s said to be in talks is none other than — Ryan Seacrest. Known for hosting “American Idol” and “Live With Kelly and Ryan”, he is reportedly in contact with the game show’s producers — and some sources say he’s the frontrunner. Seacrest joins a few others who’ve expressed interest in the gig, including Whoopi Goldberg and broadcaster Jon Alba. And fans have also looked to letter-turner Vanna White as a possible replacement, after she previously guest-hosted the show.
-PopCulture
★ If you build it … she won’t leave. Kevin Costner has reportedly asked for a court to help get his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, out of their shared home amid their divorce. Documents show the “Yellowstone” star claims the former model is refusing to leave their house — despite their long-standing prenup giving her 30 days to vacate their home after she filed for divorce on May 1. Costner also alleges that Baumgartner is using her position as leverage to make him agree to “various financial demands.” Costner has allegedly already given Baumgartner over $1.2 million for his prenuptial obligations.
-PageSix
★ After winning the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for “Women Talking”, Sarah Polley is on to the most epic undertaking of her filmmaking career. Deadline reports she’s in talks to helm a live-action take on “Bambi”, which is in early development at Disney. Sources say the project is a musical, and will feature music from 6-time Grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves.
-Deadline
★ The King of Late Night isn’t going anywhere: Stephen Colbert will remain at “The Late Show” through 2026. While speaking at the Banff TV Festival on Tuesday, CBS CEO George Cheeks revealed the network has reached a contract extension with the comedian to continue as host of its top-rated show for another 3 years. He added that The Late Show is “absolutely crushing it” and “firing on all cylinders”.
-Deadline
★ The “Star Wars” movie drought will soon be over. Lucasfilm and Disney has announced that 2 new Star Wars movies will be released in 2026 — one on May 22nd and one on Dec. 18. That date will mark 7 years since the release of the last Star Wars film in theaters, the trilogy-capper “The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019. No word yet on exactly which Star Wars movies will make their debuts in 2026, but odds are that one will feature the return of Daisy Ridley’s ‘Rey’, which was announced at Star Wars Celebration in April. Disney also announced it is delaying the release dates of the next 3 “Avatar” films, all by a year. Avatar 3 will now drop in Dec. 2025.
-The Wrap
★ ‘Carl Fredricksen’ from Pixar’s “Up” movie is floating back to the big screen in a new theatrical short called “Carl’s Date.” The trailer for the Disney/Pixar short was released on Monday — and catches up with widower Carl – who reflected on his life with his dearly departed love Ellie in a sob-worthy montage in “Up”. The new adventure also features his lovable dog ‘Dug’ as they embark on a new adventure in the name of love — but Carl admittedly has no idea how dating works these days.” “Carl’s Date,” featuring the voice of the late Ed Asner, will debut in theaters tomorrow, showing prior to the animated Disney Pixar feature “Elemental.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yc54yc3k
-CNN
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/Global): George Clooney, Snoop Dogg, Coldplay (R)
• “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Aaron Judge, Josh Duhamel, Freddie Gibbs featuring Anderson .Paak (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Heidi Klum, Ibram X. Kendi (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Alex Wagner, Bowen Yang (R)
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Gabrielle Union, Eva Longoria
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Hannah Waddingham
• “The Talk” (CBS): Harry Hamlin, Maurice Ashley, guest co-hosts Lisa Rinna & Morris Chestnut (R)
• “Live with Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Bryan Cranston, Idina Menzel
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Kate Mara, Dr. Jane Goodall, Ava Louise Murchison (R)
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Gwen Stefani (R)
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Tamera Mowry-Housley, Gabby Samone (R)
• “2023 U.S. Open Golf Championship” (NBC): The world’s best descend on Los Angeles Country Club for the opening round of the 2023 U.S. Open.
• “60 Days In” (A&E): Season 8 premiere
• “Booked: First Day In” (A&E): Premiere. Every day, tens of thousands of people are booked into jails for crimes, both big and small. This is their side of the story.
• “Outchef’d” (FOOD): Season 2 premiere
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Camila Cabello – People reports that she’s dating again, a few months after she and her ex-Shawn Mendes sparked rumors of a romantic reconciliation. They first split in 2021 after 2 years of dating. Last week, Mendes released the new song ‘What the Hell Are We Dying For?’, which contained lyrics that many fans thought hinted at a breakup.
• Doja Cat – finally has announced new music it on the way. She took to social media to say that her new single will drop tomorrow. While she didn’t reveal the name of the song, she posted the cover art, featuring a bloody, upside-down letter “A.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/37zr3eys
• Guns N’ Roses – Slash has teamed up with “Paranormal Activity” producer Steven Schneider to provide “musical expertise and oversight” for the upcoming film “Janus.” It’s about 3 band members seeking refuge in an old farmhouse, where they encounter a woman harboring an unspeakable secret.
• Queens of the Stone Age – frontman Josh Homme has revealed that he was treated for cancer last year. He shared few details, other than to say he underwent surgery, and that it was successful. He indicated he’s “extremely thankful that I’ll get through this…(it) will have made me better.
• The Beatles — Paul McCartney says he has used AI to help create what he calls “the final Beatles record”. He told BBC Radio the technology has been used to “extricate” John Lennon’s voice from an old demo, in order to complete an unnamed song. Experts say it’s likely to be a 1978 Lennon composition called ‘Now and Then’. McCartney said it’ll be released this year.
• ‘We Are the World’ – Plans are in gear for a reimagining of the blockbuster 1985 charity single, which will culminate in a multi-country televised event. The project, helmed by producer Jeffrey Weber, will update the song by recording separate versions in countries including Korea, China, Japan, Australia, England, Italy, France, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and one or more African countries.
• Tim McGraw – His youngest daughter Audrey has uploaded a tender cover of Emmylou Harris’ 1980 hit ‘Beneath Still Waters’, which has left social media begging for more. She labelled the video: “Gool ‘ole dramatic country music”. LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsrpqShAMLI/
• Jimmie Allen — Broken Bow Records has dropped him, after a second charge of sexual assault was lodged against him on Friday. The label said in a statement: “BBR Music Group has dissolved its relationship with Jimmie Allen. He is no longer an active artist on its roster.”
• Jelly Roll – has made his first-ever appearance on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, as “Whitsitt Chapel” debuts at #2. On the all-genre Billboard 200, it entered at #3.
SHOOTING THE BULL
SELLING A CELL PHONE BAN:
Some schools in Canada are experimenting with cellphone bans. And as you can imagine, some students, and their parents, have a problem with it. While Ontario is the only province with an active ban on cellphones in the classroom, some schools across the country are implementing rules that require students to lock up their phones at the beginning of the day or keep them turned off during lessons. Educators who are against a ban say phones can be included in teaching, and others say phones are an important link between school and home — especially for those at risk of violence. Chatelech Secondary School in BC banned mobile phones 6 months ago, and according to counsellor Tulani Pierce, the outcome was remarkable. Quote: “We are seeing improved mental health, we’re seeing decreased bullying, we’re seeing more engagement in class, we’re seeing more social interaction.” Pierce also noticed: “Kids are playing again…and we’re seeing increased academic success.”
(But no one has addressed the most important issue here: If a kid’s phone is locked up, and they forget their lunch, how do they get mom or dad to bring it to school for them?)
(They have to “lock up” their phones? I guess someone took the word “cell” phone literally!)
-CBC
CHECKING CHINA:
⇒ A Chinese surveillance system publicly shames people who are spotted jaywalking in the street. A TikToker uploaded video showing how crossing the street at the wrong time can mean that your name and face are plastered on a LED screen for everyone to see. A reporter discovered how CCTV cameras are fitted with AI that can recognize offenders who breach the rules of the road. Police say that after the city of Shenzhen started using the cameras in 2017, within 10 months they had displayed the 13,939 jaywalking offenders on one screen at a busy intersection. Authorities also launched a public website to name and shame offenders. And, the reporter said: “Once they identify your face, all your information (like mobile phone number) is linked.” (With my luck, if I ever go viral, THIS’LL be how!) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2zxuwydz
⇒ There’s a new trend in China where people make and eat spiceless meals, known as “white people lunch”, as a form of self torture. Cruel? Seems that way for some, apparently. Some influencers say it has become a trend because of its “minimalist” design, (super simple lunches for busy work days). But others describe it as “torture” or even a “lunch of suffering.” A user of the microblogging site Weibo wrote: “The point of the white people’s meal is to learn what it feels like to be dead, but I’ve taken 2 bites and it was so bad it made me realize how alive I am.” (The good news for her? She won’t be hungry again in a half-hour!) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/ywvpdckc
-Buzzfeed, LADBible
RISKY BUSINESSPEOPLE:
According to the old saying, a fool and his money are soon parted, but according to a new study, you’re less likely to part with that cash if you had to work hard for it. University of Notre Dame researchers found that, generally, the harder a person works for an amount of money, the less willing they are to risk those earnings on investments or other purchases. They say that while there’s a sizable amount of research suggesting that those who are careful with their money are more likely to prosper, a different relationship appears to be at play on the individual level. They say that when we assess an individual, that singular person will be less tolerant of risk when they work hard and more tolerant of risk when they don’t work hard. Why? As you can imagine, we tend to feel greater psychological ownership over our earnings when we had to work hard for them, as opposed to if we happened across a windfall, such as a lottery win, or an inheritance. So, naturally, if you toiled and sweated for your savings, you tend to choose less risky investments.
(Moral of the story: When choosing rich friends, choose the slackers: They’re more likely to share their cash!)
(I’m not tight with my money because I worked particularly hard for it – I’m cheap out of necessity!)
-StudyFinds
THE BEST MOVIES SEQUELS:
Though sequels sometimes have a reputation for not living up to their original counterparts, that’s not always the case. Take last year, for example: With nearly 500 films released, a survey found that the majority of people selected “Top Gun: Maverick” as one of their favorites, the most popular choice among those polled. Never mind that fans of the original “Top Gun” had to wait 36 years to see its follow-up story…the point is that it was a sequel, and it still managed to become a fan favorite. Here are the top-5 follow-up films most recommended by film experts…
1. “The Godfather Part II” (1974): With a cast including greats like Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, and Diane Keaton, it’s no shock that this film made the top 3 of almost every list we could find.
2. “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980): Yes, technically it is the 5th installment of the “Star Wars” saga, but it was the 2nd movie released. This one not only introduced special characters such as ‘Yoda’ and ‘Lando Calrissian’, it also contains one of the most shocking twists in film history. (Ask your nerd brother…)
3. “The Dark Knight” (2008): Following the success of Christian Bale’s turn as the caped crusader in “Batman Begins”, Christopher Nolan delivered a sequel held in high regard not only for its story, but for its incredible performances, especially by Heath Ledger as the ‘Joker’.
4. “Aliens” (1986): Sure, it’s true that in space, no one can hear you scream, but plenty of us squealed in the theater, as ‘Ellen Ripley’, played by Sigourney Weaver, faces off against not one, not 2, but more Xenomorphs than you can count, in this terrifying sequel.
5. “Paddington 2” (2018): I know what you’re thinking, the movie about the bear who eats marmalade sandwiches? Yep, that one. This sequel to the 2015 film follows the Brown family as their adopted son (who happens to be a bear) finds himself in another sticky situation, and it’s not just jam on his paw.
(OK. Now, which sequel was the WORST? “Kindergarten Cop 2”? “Grease 2”? “Police Academy 6”? Whatever they called the second “Blair Witch” movie?)
-StudyFinds
DID YOU KNOW?
A California-based startup is on a mission to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs — in space. Varda Space Industries argues that medicine may be better produced in microgravity. Manufacturing pharmaceuticals in microgravity builds on experiments carried out on the International Space Station. If the firm is successful, analysts say some of this work may lead to changes in the drugs that people on Earth take today. Varda launched its first test mission Monday aboard a SpaceX rocket. (Oh yeah? My hippie uncle claims they has “out of this world” drugs as far back as the ‘60s!)
-CNN
BS CHRONOMETER 06.15.23
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Fly a Kite Day”, on the anniversary of the date in 1752 when Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm, with the intent of proving that lightning was caused by a discharge of electricity. It’s handy that today is also . . .
• “Global Wind Day”, a day for promoting wind, its power, and the possibilities it holds to change our world. (Keep your ‘wind’ jokes to yourself!)
• “Worldwide Day of Giving”, when you’re encouraged to do one of 3 simple activities: Give a stranger $10, volunteer, or donate $10. Then, share your story and inspire others to do the same!
• “Lobster Day”. In the past 100 years, lobsters have gone from being ‘peasant food’ to a delicacy. There are many ways to enjoy lobster, but the most popular cooking methods are boiling, baking, steaming, and grilling. (No wonder they have “shellfish steamed issues”!)
• “Nature Photography Day”, started in 2005 by the North American Photography Association, to salute a favorite hobby of camera buffs. (There is a big difference between photographing someone in ‘nature’ and ‘au naturel’. Be careful.)
• “Smile Power Day”, recognizing the 2nd-best thing you can do with your lips. (After whistling.)
• “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day”, the 18th annual, when we’re encouraged to show the world we care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2z8nsw8c
• “Justice for Janitors Day”, They’ve always faced an uphill battle to be recognized for the important work they do for public health and safety, and many are paid close to minimum wage. Today is to help them win better working conditions, respect at work, and to raise industry standards for all cleaners.
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] Fresh Veggies Day
[Fri] Fudge Day
[Sat] World Croc Day
[Sun] Father’s Day
This Week Is…Clay Week
This Month Is…Mango Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1954 [69] Jim Belushi, Chicago IL, TV actor (“According to Jim” 2001-2009, “Saturday Night Live” 1983-85)/movie actor (“Little Shop of Horrors”)/brother of the late John Belushi
1963 [60] Helen Hunt, Culver City CA, movie actress (“Twister”, “As Good as it Gets”), TV actress (“Mad About You” 1992-99)
1964 [59] Courteney Cox, Birmingham AL, TV actress (“Friends” 1994-2004), “Cougar Town” 2009-15)/movie actress (“Scream” movies)
1969 [54] Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson), LA CA, movie producer (“Straight Outta Compton”)/movie actor (“Are We There Yet?”, “Barbershop” movies)/rapper (NWA 1986-89)
1970 [53] Leah Remini, New York City NY, TV actress (“The King of Queens” 1998-2007, “Kevin Can Wait” 2017-18)/reality TV judge (“So You Think You Can Dance”, 2022)/TV producer-host (“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” 2016-19)
1971 [52] Bif Naked (Beth Torbert), New Delhi India (raised in Manitoba) rock singer-songwriter (Spaceman’)
1973 [50] Neil Patrick Harris, Albuquerque NM, movie actor (“Gone Girl”)/TV actor (“How I Met Your Mother” 2005-14)/Broadway actor (“Hedwig & The Angry Inch”)/former Tony, Emmy, and Academy Awards host
1976 [47] Gary Lightbody, Bangor Northern Ireland, alt-rock singer (Snow Patrol-‘Chasing Cars’)
1984 [39] Wayne ‘Wing’ Sermon, American Fork UT, rock guitarist (Imagine Dragons-‘Believer’, ‘Radioactive’)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1994 [29] Disney’s “The Lion King” hits theaters. It takes in over $300 million in 1994, second only to “Forrest Gump”. The soundtrack (featuring ‘Circle of Life’) sells over 10 million copies, and the film spawns a 2019 computer-animated remake
2014 [09] Syndicated radio personality, voice actor (‘Scooby-Doo’), and co-creator of “American Top 40″ Casey Kasem dies at age 82 in Gig Harbor WA
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1956 [67] 15-year-old John Lennon meets 13-year-old Paul McCartney (The Beatles ensue)
2017 [06] Jay-Z becomes the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
2004 [19] Tim Berners-Lee receives the $1.2-million ‘Millennium Technology Prize’ in Helsinki, for creating the World Wide Web in 1989 (So it wasn’t Al Gore?)
2012 [11] Nik Wallenda becomes the first person to successfully tightrope walk over Niagara Falls (ABC carries it live, but demands he be tethered to avoid potential disaster)
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ All people are born with 2 basic food preferences: We like sweet foods and dislike bitter foods.
✓ All Bran is only 87% bran.
✓ In 2001, a cow was discovered with a rare genetic mutation that caused it to produce low-fat milk.
✓ If you order “white tea” in China, you’ll be served boiled water.
✓ Eye of newt, toe of frog, and wool of bat are just archaic terms for mustard seed, buttercup, and holly leaves.
✓ No matter how cold it gets, gasoline will not freeze. (Neither will the price…)
-Did-You-Knows, Parade
Best of BS . . .
BS ODD COSTCO POLICIES:
• No labels on aisles, so you have to walk through every one to find tuna in the clothing area next to the booster cables.
• Hot dogs come in 240 packs, but hot dog buns come in 200 packs.
• Buy one 40-pound tub of mayo, get one free.
• If you can stand in the dairy section wearing nothing but cut-offs & a tube-top for an hour, you get free milk.
• One lifetime supply per customer.
• Must use the same toothpick for all free samples.
• If you find something you’ve never seen before, you must buy TWO, just in case it’s the best thing ever.
• Coffins are only sold in 3-packs.
• If your cart isn’t full, go back and try harder this time.
• No pants, no samples.
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2022
Best of BS . . .
BS LESS POPULAR FATHER’S DAY CARDS:
• “Dear Dad, thanks for teaching me what to say when I hit my thumb with the hammer.”
• “Your Father’s Day gift is another year of not having to pay for my wedding.”
• “Happy Father’s Day! I hope today is as much fun for you as your life was before you had kids.”
• “Dear Pops, no one can watch 4 sports at the same time like you can.”
• “Happy Father’s Day. Thanks for delaying the vasectomy until after I was born.”
• “I love how we don’t even have to say out loud that I’m your favorite child.”
• “Dad, I thought I’d give you this card in lieu of an awkward hug. You’re welcome.”
• “You must be good for something, despite what Mom says.”
• “Because of you, Dad, I think of home whenever I hear a belch.”
-First published in BS in 2018
BS WEB GOODIE:
True friends: https://tinyurl.com/47w8zz7h
BS RANDOM JOKE:
My saving grace is humor. If I fail, at least no one’s laughing at me…
BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s a little-know, but awesome thing about your town/city?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: When people were asked what they do to unwind at night, the #1 answer was “read”. But interestingly, 4% of people said they do THIS to unwind. What is it?
Answer: Clean house
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
