Thursday, July 3, 2025 — Edition: #7986

It’s Another Running of The Bull!

 

BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life. The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.
-AP
★ “Squid Game” may be over, but its legacy will live on. In its first 3 days, the third season of the thriller made it onto Netflix’s Most Popular non-English language shows list, securing 60.1 million views and breaking the record for most views for a show in that time frame. Squid Game remains the only show to appear on that list within its first week. Additionally, the third season of the dystopian drama was ranked #1 in all countries where Netflix reports its top 10, a first for any show in the streamer’s history.
-TheWrap
★ Jennette McCurdy’s acclaimed memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” will receive a series adaptation from Apple TV+. The 10-episode dramedy will star Jennifer Aniston in a role modeled after McCurdy’s mother. In the book, the former “iCarly” actress shares the story of the emotional and psychological trauma she endured as a result of her mother, Debra McCurdy, and a figure she refers to only as “The Creator” — widely believed to be Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider. McCurdy also details her battles with eating disorders and underage alcohol use.
-TheWrap
★ There’s a new game show in play this fall. “Scrambled Up” will premiere September 8 in national syndication, hosted by comic and actor Michael Yo. In Scrambled Up, 4 contestants solve jumbled-up words and phrases that unscramble before their eyes. As the tiles unscramble, the clues get easier. The first player to buzz in with the right answer has a shot at walking away with the $10,000 grand prize. (Couldn’t they just call this what it is – “Autocorrect”?)
-Deadline
★ The Cat is back where he belongs: in animation. A new trailer has dropped for next year’s animated film “The Cat in the Hat”. Starring Bill Hader, the movie introduces new characters into Dr. Seuss’s world via different styles of animation, and “the cat has been reimagined in a way that’s hilarious and unlike anything you’ve seen before,” Hader says in the clip. For Audrey Stone Geisel, the widow of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the new adaptation based on the children’s book of the same name, would have been a welcome one, as she was less than pleased with 2003’s live-action “The Cat in the Hat” movie starring Mike Myers. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2z7ws3m9
-People

TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/Global): Steve Martin, Zach Cherry, Alison Brown, Tim O’Brien (R)
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Shaquille O’Neal, Hayley Atwell, Dasha (R)
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): Natalie Portman, Dawn Staley, Wednesday (R)
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Joel McHale, Nico Parker, Atsuko Okatsuka (R)
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Sandy Honig, Mitra Jouhari, Alyssa Stonoha (R)
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Laurence Fishburne,  Audra McDonald
• “Today” (NBC): Venus Williams, guest co-host Brooke Shields
• “GMA3” (ABC): Rob Lowe
• “Live with Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Nicholas Hoult
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): John Larroquette, Kane Brown
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Ben Stiller (R)
• “Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Randall Park (R)
• “Transplant” (NBC): Bash and Mags support each other through new challenges while treating an older couple who show up at the hospital glued together; Theo is called out about his inability to follow rules.
• “Ancient Aliens: Declassified” (HISTORY): In 1947 the US military collected the debris of what they claimed was a crashed weather balloon outside of Roswell, New Mexico.
• “Secret Life of the Dean’s Wife” (LMN): A woman is thrust into a web of lies and betrayal when she discovers her husband’s secret life, and must take matters into her own hands to protect herself and her daughter.

BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Lizzo – told Women’s Health that Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour saved her from a very dark place. Even though she was terrified of being booed at the show, she went anyway, and was flooded with love and support, which sparked her fight to take her power back. This was around the time of the bombshell lawsuit from her former dancers, and her ex-stylist’s claims that she was forced to work 20-hour shifts.
• Taylor Swift — recently spent $13,000 on a sentimental item from her Eras Tour. She purchased a 140-foot-long inflatable friendship bracelet that was draped over the New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome during a 3-date run there in October 2024. The gigantic swag reads “Taylor Swift The Eras Tour”.
• Katy Perry — had an emotional moment on stage in Adelaide, Australia, days after news broke that she and Orlando Bloom had split after 9 years together. A clip shows her hold up a hand heart before tearfully saying to fans: “Thank you for always being there for me, Australia. It means the world.” LINK: https://tinyurl.com/y34vwxt3
• Green Day – For years, the group has been inviting a fan onstage to strum the evening’s final song, ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’. But on Monday in Luxembourg, the person welcomed to the stage began playing the iconic chords of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’. Frontman Billy Joe Armstrong promptly had the fan led offstage – but it made for an interesting video. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/samvsb66
• Foo Fighters — have dropped a cover of ‘I Don’t Wanna Hear It’ by hardcore band Minor Threat. The Foos recorded their take on the 80-second 1981 song over 30 years, with the instruments being tracked in 1995, and vocals done earlier this year. The release is part of their 30th-anniversary celebrations, and comes with a video featuring pics from across their 3-decade history. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/ywj9j4ur
• Lynyrd Skynyrd – has released “Celebrating 50 Years – Live at The Ryman”, capturing the band’s final show with last original founding member Gary Rossington before his passing in 2023 at 71. The performance features guests Jelly Roll, Brent Smith (Shinedown), John Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Marcus King, Donnie Van Zant (38 Special), and more.
• Dustin Lynch – has announced tomorrow’s surprise-release of an EP of reimagined songs. “Club Set Remixes” takes country to the dance floor with amped-up new versions of ‘Small Town Boy’, ‘Seein’ Red’, ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ and ‘Stars Like Confetti’, plus the new single ‘Easy to Love’. Dustin quote: “These remixes are built for the party and I can’t wait for y’all to turn them up.”
• Jelly Roll — After nearly a decade of friendship, he and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally got to meet in person. Both stars posted vid of the 2 meeting on the set of “American Idol”, on which Jelly served as artist in residence. In their emotional conversation, Johnson explains how he struggled through different life crises, but was able to power through after discovering Jelly’s music. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2ev2pnzb
• Jason Aldean – has given himself 6 months to get better at golf — or he might quit all together. When asked why he still struggles with the game, which is a mainstay of country music culture, this was his answer: “I hit the ball far, but don’t know where it’s going.”

SHOOTING THE BULL

NOT-SO SWEET DREAMS:
Having weird dreams lately? Your late-night snack might be to blame — especially if it’s dairy. A new Canadian study from MacEwan University looked at over 1,000 students, and found that those with food sensitivities, especially lactose intolerance, were more likely to report nightmares and poor sleep. Dr. Tore Nielsen, lead researcher and director of the Dream and Nightmare Lab in Montreal, said the worse one’s lactose intolerance, the worse the nightmares. In addition, students with unhealthy eating habits — like fast food, skipping meals, or late-night snacking — also had more emotionally intense or negative dreams. Dairy, spicy foods, and sweets were found to be the top dream disruptors, with desserts getting double blame (since they often contain dairy). While many participants didn’t think food affected their dreams, the study suggests there’s a real connection.
(I know! For me, if I have milk before bed, I might as well invite Freddy Krueger over!)
(Apparently, ice cream is scarier than my student loans now!)
-CTV

STARBUCKS REDUX:
⇒ Starbucks is trying to win back customers by making its stores cozy again. After removing 30,000 comfy seats nationally, blocking outlets, and turning stores into grab-and-go zones, many bailed — opting for local cafés or just brewing at home. Now, Starbucks is renovating 1,000 US locations this year, and plans to refresh all company-owned stores within 3 years. The new vibe is all soft lighting, plants, digital menus, and a mix of armchairs, booths, and laptop-friendly tables. Even COO Mike Grams admits this is a reaction to the company’s recent downturn, saying: “Maybe we lost our way a little bit”. Translation: Bring your laptop – and feel free to plug in again. (Free Wi-Fi, soft chairs, and caffeine. My 3 love languages!)
⇒ With the Fourth of July around the corner, Starbucks has jumped into the patriotic spirit with a limited-edition drink: the Firework Frappuccino – now available. The red, white, and blue creation blends Summer Berry Refresher, coconut milk, and strawberry purée, topped with vanilla sweet cream cold foam and raspberry pearls. And baristas are already hyped. On TikTok, @brycefortier99 shared the drink-making process, calling it “aesthetic” and surprisingly delicious — especially with the cold foam. On the other hand, @vondutchmaster joked she’s the only one at her store excited about it. (Brain freeze for freedom?) LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yvk4encn
-CNN, DailyDot

EUROJOKING:
Norway’s national lottery has apologized after thousands of ticket-buyers were mistakenly told that they had won large sums in the Eurojackpot draw. Norsk Tipping receives the prize amounts from Germany in euros, then coverts them to Norwegian kroner. But during the conversion, an error occurred and winnings were multiplied by 100, rather than divided by 100, the company said. Norsk Tipping sent messages and push notifications to customers that showed the wrong, inflated winnings. Later, the company’s CEO issued an apology, saying: “I have received many messages from people who had managed to make plans for holidays, buying an apartment or renovating before they realized that the amount was wrong. To them I can only say: Sorry!”
(From jackpot to jack!)
(Yikes! Alexa, cancel the yacht!)
-CNN

BEST 10 MOVIES of 2025 – SO FAR:
1. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (Tom Cruise): Ethan Hunt faces his most personal mission yet as old enemies resurface. (Metascore: 7.4)
2. “F1: The Movie” (Brad Pitt): A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor a younger driver. (Metascore: 7.9)
3. “Sinners” (Michael B. Jordan): Twin brothers return home to start over but discover a greater evil waiting. (Metascore: 7.7)
4. “Ballerina” (Ana de Armas): An assassin trained in Ruska Roma traditions seeks revenge after her father’s death. (Metascore: 7.2)
5. “The Girl with the Needle” (Vic Carmen Sonne): In 1919 Copenhagen, a young worker finds an underground adoption agency with a shocking secret. (Metascore: 7.5)
6. “Companion” (Sophie Turner): A weekend getaway turns chaotic when one guest isn’t who they seem. (Metascore: 6.9)
7. “Black Bag” (Michael Fassbender): An agent’s suspected betrayal tests loyalty between marriage and country. (Metascore: 6.7)
8. “Mickey 17” (Robert Pattinson): On a space colonization mission, Mickey 17 explores an ice planet as an expendable employee. (Metascore: 6.8)
9. “28 Years Later” (Josie Comer): Survivors of a rage virus live on an island, but secrets and horrors await on the mainland. (Metascore: 7.2)
10. “How to Train Your Dragon” (Gerard Butler): Friendship between a Viking and a dragon becomes key to a new future. (Metascore: 8.1)
-IMDB

SLIGHTLY UNHINGED FOODS THAT AMERICANS LOVE:
(The 4th of July is coming… so let’s celebrate the stars, stripes, and strange snacks of the U.S.A.)
➢ Cheese in a Spray Can: Because who has time to slice cheese — when you can aerosol it straight onto a cracker?
➢ Jell-O Salad: It jiggles, it’s pastel, and sometimes… it contains shredded carrots or hot dogs. A dish that dares you to question your faith in texture.
➢ Deep-Fried Everything: Pickles. Twinkies. Butter. Oreos. If it fits in a fryer, it’s fair game at an American state fair.
➢ Casseroles That Include Canned Soup: Why add flavor when cream of mushroom is doing all the heavy lifting? Bonus points for a crushed chip topping.
➢ Pumpkin Spice World Domination: Starts in August. Ends… never. If it can be pumpkin-spiced, it WILL be. Including dog treats.
➢ Marshmallow Side Dishes: Sweet potatoes + marshmallows = Thanksgiving “vegetable.” That’s not dessert — it’s cultural heritage.
➢ Foot-Long Everything: Because in America, “normal size” means “barely fits on the plate.” Hot dogs, sub sandwiches, corn dogs — go long or go home.
[****Happy Independence Day to all U.S.B.S.’ers!!***]
-CountryAdventures, People

DID YOU KNOW?
NHL players will have Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews to thank for some big changes to their pre- and post-game dress code requirement. With a new collective bargaining agreement expected soon, one big change will see the league finally relaxing its strict dress code. For years, players had to wear suits to and from games, but under the new rules, that’s only required if a coach or GM says so. It’s a win for players like Matthews, who’s known not just for his skills, but for pushing hockey culture toward more personality and self-expression. (Don Cherry is turning over in his grave – and he’s not even dead yet!)
-TOI

BS CHRONOMETER 07.03.25

TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Dog Days of Summer” begin, according to “The Old Farmer’s Almanac”. Traditionally the hottest 40 days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the name comes from ancient Rome, when it was noticed that the star ‘Sirius’, the Dog Star, was in conjunction with the sun in late July. They believed the Dog Star’s brightness made things hotter on Earth, so they named this period “days of the dog star,” later shortened to “dog days.” (I always thought it was an ‘anti-dog’ smear campaign created by cats!)
• “Stay Out of the Sun Day”, encouraging us to give our skin a much-needed break from the sweltering heat. (At least they decided not to have this on a ‘Sun’day!)
• “Compliment Your Mirror Day”. Participation involves complimenting your mirror on having such a wonderful owner, and keeping track of whether other mirrors you meet during the day smile at you. (Why should I compliment the mirror. It definitely doesn’t do ME any favors!)
• “International Plastic Bag-Free Day”, a day to pick paper over plastic or, even better, a bag that’s reusable. “Disposable” plastic bags are one of the world’s worst environmental problems. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/mr399mhr
• “Disobedience Day”. Today is dedicated to civil or social disobedience, also commonly known as civil or passive resistance. It is a day for learning about civil disobedience, and for participating in it — if you so choose. Civil disobedience is a type of nonviolent protest.
• “Eat Your Beans Day”, celebrating beans of all sizes, shapes and colors. Beans (legumes) are one of the longest-cultivated plants, dating back to around 7,000 BC. They are also an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron and complex carbohydrates (not to mention fart jokes…)
• “American Redneck Day”. Remember, you might be a redneck if:
☞ You mow your lawn and find a car.
☞ You can spit without opening your mouth.
☞ Your brother-in-law is your uncle.
☞ You have flowers planted in a bathroom appliance in your front yard.
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Fri] Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
[Fri] Barbecue Day
[Sat] Graham Cracker Day
[Sun] Kissing Day
This Week is…Unassisted Homebirth Week
This Month is…Cell Phone Courtesy Month

TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1943 [82] Kurtwood Smith, New Lisbon WI, TV actor (‘Red Forman’ on “That 70’s Show” 1998-2006 and “That ’90s Show” 2023-2024, “The Ranch” 2017-19)

1957 [68] Stephen Pearcy, San Diego CA, rock singer (Ratt-‘Round and Round’)

1958 [67] Aaron Tippin, Pensacola FL, country singer (‘There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio’, ‘That’s as Close as I’ll Get to Lovin’ You’)

1962 [63] Tom Cruise (Thomas Mapother IV), Syracuse NY, movie star (“Risky Business”, “Top Gun” films, “Mission Impossible” films…)/married to Katie Holmes 2006-12. COMING UP…”The Gauntlet”

1962 [63] Thomas Gibson, Charleston SC, TV actor (“Criminal Minds” 2005-16, “Dharma & Greg” 1997-2002) COMING UP… “The Writer’s Bible”

1964 [61] Yeardley Smith, Paris France, TV voice actress (‘Lisa Simpson’ on “The Simpsons” since 1989)

1971 [54] Julian Assange, Townsville Australia, editor-publisher-entrepreneur (founder of WikiLeaks, released from British prison in June 2024 after reaching a plea deal with US prosecutors

1973 [52] Patrick Wilson, Norfolk VA, movie actor (“Insidious”, “The Conjuring”) COMING UP…”Jay Kelly”, 2025

1980 [45] Olivia Munn, Oklahoma City OK, movie actress (“Magic Mike”, “Iron Man 2”)/TV actress (“The Newsroom” 2012-14, “The Daily Show” 2010-19)/married to John Mulaney since 2021. COMING UP… “Your Friends and Neighbors”, 2026

1989 [36] Elle King (Tanner Elle Schneider), Los Angeles CA, pop singer (‘Ex’s & Oh’s’, w/Miranda Lambert-‘Drunk [And I Don’t Wanna Go Home]’)/daughter of Rob Schneider

1997 [28] Mia McKenna-Bruce, London England, movie actress (“How to Have Sex”)/TV actress (“Vampire Academy” 2022)

THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1985 [40] “Back to the Future” opens in theaters, starring Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and a customized 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 sports car. (The first of a trilogy.)

2012 [13] “The Amazing Spider-Man”, starring Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone, opens in movie theaters. (It goes on to gross over $750 million worldwide.)

TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1971 [54] Jim Morrison of The Doors is found dead in a bathtub at age 27. No autopsy is performed, and while drugs are suspected, the official cause is listed as heart failure.

2018 [07] Cardi B becomes first female rapper to score two #1 US Billboard hits, with ‘I Like It’, featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin (her previous #1 was ‘Bodak Yellow’).

2021 [04] Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are married at his ranch in Oklahoma. They met in 2014 when they were judges on “The Voice”.

TODAY’S RECORD . . .
1988 [37] Rocky Kenover sets a world record by skydiving 403 times within 24 hours, averaging 1 jump every 3 minutes, using 7 planes, 10 pilots, and 50 parachute packers. (The record now? 640!)

BULL’S BITS

BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ Drinking wine before a meal makes you eat 25% more.
✓ Worker performance declines by about 1% for each degree that an office temperature varies (hotter or colder) from 22°C (72°F).
✓ If you nap after learning something new, you’ll better retain the information.
✓ Earth is farthest from the sun in July — and closest to the sun in January.
✓ Hippo milk is pink.
✓ The female equivalent of ‘dude’ is ‘dudine’.
-KickassFacts, Facts

BS WHACK U.S. FACTS (For Independence Day tomorrow):
✓The first 4th of July celebration included 13 cannon shots and 13 toasts (Philadelphia, 1777).
✓ The country’s Declaration of Independence was actually passed on July 2 – but was officially ratified on July 4.
✓ Americans typically eat 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day, enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than 5 times.
✓ The Square Dance is the official state dance of 24 US states.
✓ New York City’s Statue of Liberty is technically in Jersey City, New Jersey.
✓ Abraham Lincoln is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
-UberFacts, KickassFacts

Best of BS . . .
BS REALLY ROTTEN SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS:
• Roadkill Culinary Camp
• Camp Itchibug of Muskoka
• Lil’ Toiler Textile Mill & Summer Camp
• Incontinent Palomino Trail Riding Camp
• Bring-Your-Mommy Sissy-Kid Camp
• Skeeter Camp of the Canadian North
• Mr & Mrs Cranky’s Camp for Kids Whose Parents Don’t Love Them, Don’t Want Them Around, and Won’t Even Pay for a Halfway Decent Camp
• Learn-to-Swim — or Else Camp
-First published in BS in 2001

BS HOW DOGS WOULD CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY:
• A bark-B-Q
• Having drinks with friends & telling the story of how they almost got that darned mailman.
• Partying with no clothes on!
• Being grilled and eaten. Whoops. Wrong kind of dog…
• Following children and drunk people around, waiting for them to drop some food.
• Sleeping as much as possible, same as me.
• Lighting up some barklers.
• Pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of the brave people who helped form this great nati—SQUIRREL!!!
• Eating and pooping, same as any other day.
• Banning fireworks.
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018

BS WEB GOODIE:
They know no limits:  https://tinyurl.com/4pexkxvb

BS RANDOM JOKE:
We all have the power to change at least one thing a day. Please make it your underwear.

☎ BS PHONE STARTER:
What’s your favorite store or type of store to walk around in? Least favorite?

BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Researchers found that 18% of us have a favorite one of these. What is it?
Answer:  Pen

BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Be the type of person who leaves a mark, not a scar.