BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
51-year-old movie actor Eddie Murphy has been showing off his new girlfriend around Lalaland, Australian model Paige Butcher who is only 33 (ever wonder if his “Shrek” role as a jackass was typecasting?) . . . “Rum Diary” co-stars and rumored lovers Johnny Depp & Amber Heard are apparently still on, the twosome spotted ‘looking flirty’ this week on a private patio at AV Nightclub in LA (he’s been linked to bisexual Heard since she split with girlfriend Tasya van Ree – or did she?) . . . A sequel to Tom Cruise’s classic 1986 film “Top Gun” has now been put on hold due to director Tony Scott’s suicide earlier this year (just as well, all the ‘top guns’ these days are drones) . . . Jermaine Jackson has filed legal papers in LA County Superior Court to change his surname from Jackson to Jacksun for ‘artistic reasons’, don’t you know (besides, it sounds better) . . . 47-year-old actor Charlie Sheen is being accused of sending a death threat to a former associate and police are currently investigating the allegation (“Anger Management” may not be working) . . . Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio has listed his 7-bedroom Cape Cod-inspired oceanfront property in Malibu, California for $23 million after renting it out for the Summer at $150,000-a-month (nice turnaround – he only paid $6 million in 2002) . . . Fashion designer Calvin Klein has lost his triplex Manhattan penthouse for up to 6 months after superstorm Sandy devastated the building, flooding the basement, disabling elevators, and knocking out the electrical system (maybe he should talk to Leo?) . . . And 27-year-old actress Scarlett Johansson (“Hitchcock”, opening November 23rd) has added yet more ink to her already picturesque bod’, reportedly having the words ‘Lucky You’ etched onto her rib cage though it’s unclear what it means (what it means is you’re ogling ScarJo’s naked rib cage – lucky you!).
WEEKEND SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Tonight Boys Like Girls (“Crazy World”, out December 11th).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Tonight White Arrows (“Dry Land Is Not a Myth”).
• “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Tonight Cody Chesnutt (“Landing On a Hundred”); The Wallflowers (“Glad All Over”).
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS/NTV/Omni1) – Tonight Divine Fits (“A Thing Called Divine Fits”).
• “MTV Europe Music Awards” (Frankfurt, Germany) – Sunday the 19th annual, hosted by Heidi Klum, airs live from Frankfurt’s historic Festhalle on MTV channels worldwide. Nominations are led by Rihanna (6), Taylor Swift (5), Justin Bieber and Katy Perry (4 apiece). Performers include Alicia Keys, Carly Rae Jepsen, fun., The Killers, Muse, No Doubt, Pitbull, PSY, and Taylor Swift.
• “Saturday Night Live” (NBC/Global) – Host Anne Hathaway (“Les Misérables”, opening December 25th); musical guest Rihanna (“Unapologetic”, out November 19th), making her 4th appearance.
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/CTV2) – Tonight Christina Perri (“A Very Merry Perri Christmas”).
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• The Civil Wars – They’ve just canceled all tour dates, citing discord between the duo. Joy Williams & John Paul White announced the fracas on Facebook. They recently finished recording “I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day” for their holiday album that’s out Tuesday.
• Jennifer Lopez – Despite reports to the contrary, she says she did NOT have a hotel maid fired in Germany for asking for an autograph. (She just beat her senseless.)
• Lil Wayne – His new album “I Am Not a Human Being 2” has been pushed back from its December 11th release date and is now expected sometime in 2013. It’s unclear if the delay is due to Weezy’s recent ‘health scare’. (Prediction: there’s a rehab center somewhere about to receive a new arrival.)
• Linkin Park – BBC News reports that 1 woman has died and 19 other people have been injured at their concert in Cape Town, South Africa this week. The band was unaware temporary scaffolding outside the stadium had collapsed causing the tragedy … and so they played on.
• MIA – The Brit singer-songwriter has confirmed she’s working with Italian fashion house Versace on an unspecified collaboration. (They agree to give her clothes; she agrees to start some rumors.)
• Paul McCartney – Sunday in St Louis, Missouri he kicks off a 4-date mini-tour of North America that will also play Houston, Texas; Vancouver BC; and Edmonton, Alberta.
• Soundgarden – Tonight they play a one-off show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire theater, their first appearance on that stage since 1994 when they were the first to play there. Their new album, “King Animal”, is out Tuesday.
• Taylor Swift – Sunday on “VH1 Storytellers” she performs an acoustic concert for a group of students who won a recent contest. Her album “Red” remains #1 despite a 72% drop in sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
TODAY’S MOVIE OPENINGS:
• “Skyfall” ( PG-13 Action Adventure ): Director Sam Mendes’ first ‘Bond’ flick cost a reported $200 million so expect plenty of FX-driven action scenes as Daniel Craig returns to play ‘007’ a 3rd time. The plot spins around ‘Bond’s complicated relationship with ‘M’ (Judi Dench) as his loyalty is tested. Javier Bardem plays the villain ‘Silva’. Co-stars Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes. The film’s already made $290 million overseas and is on pace to set a new franchise record.
NET: http://www.skyfall-movie.com/site/
• Opening in limited release: “The Comedy” (Drama); “Dangerous Liaisons” (Mystery Drama); “In Their Skin” (Thriller); “Lincoln” (Historical Drama); “Nature Calls” (Comedy); “A Royal Affair” (Historical Drama); and “Starlet” (Drama).
TODAY’S VIDEO RELEASE:
“The Amazing Spider-Man” ( PG-13 Action Adventure ): With Sam Raimi’s trilogy now history, director Marc Webb takes on the story of the web-slinger’s origins, promising ‘fresh twists’. His first foe is ‘The Lizard’, alter ego of the former business partner of ‘Peter Parker’s late father. Stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans. A sequel to this reboot is already planned.
NET: http://www.theamazingspiderman.com
GOLD THAT ISN’T:
Scientists in Southampton UK are now able to change the color of gold, which could have applications in jewelry-making and security features. The technique involves embossing tiny raised or indented patterns on the metal’s surface, altering the way that it absorbs or reflects light, thus changing its color to the naked eye. The nanophotonics & metamaterials research team at the University of Southampton says that gold can now be made red, green, or a multitude of other hues. (A good excuse for that cheap engagement ring turning your fiancée’s finger green.)
– SciTechDaily.com
PEOPLE WHO DRIVE IN GLASS CARS:
The fear of parallel parking may be a thing of the past thanks to Japanese researchers who’ve developed a car that appears transparent from the inside, allowing drivers to ‘see through’ the rear bodywork. When the driver presses a button, a panoramic view of the area behind the car is projected onto the rear seats, including any people or objects that may be below the rear window. A pair of cameras capture a full view of the scene behind the car. The images are then combined by computer and reflected onto the seats to create the illusion the car is transparent when viewed from the driver’s seat. (What if you mother-in-law’s in the backseat?)
– “Times of London”
STREET-SMART:
A ‘smart road’ with glow-in-the-dark markers and illuminated weather indicators will be built by mid-2013. Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde says his studio in Rotterdam has developed a photo-luminescing powder that will replace road markings, charging up in sunlight to provide up to 10 hours of glow-in-the-dark guidance once darkness falls. Roosegaarde says special paint will also be used to create symbols such as snowflakes across a road’s surface that will only become visible when temperatures drop to a certain level. They’re intended to warn drivers the surface may be slippery. (Could they think up something clever for ‘Turn your freakin’ signal light off, loser’?)
– UPI.com
BS AMAZING FACT:
The music singles market has been regenerated of late thanks to digital downloads, with 10 tracks this year already selling more than 1 million units.
– Telegraph.co.uk
BS CHRONOMETER 11.09.12
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1948 [64] Robert David Hall, East Orange NJ, TV actor (Medical Examiner ‘Dr Al Robbins’ on “CSI” since 2000)
1972 [40] Eric Dane, San Francisco CA, TV actor (‘Dr Mark Sloan’ on “Grey’s Anatomy” since 2006)
1973 [39] Nick Lachey, Harlan KY, TV personality (“The Sing-Off” 2009-11, “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica” 2003-05)/former boy-band singer (98 Degrees-“I Do Cherish You”)/wed to Vanessa Minnillo in 2011/wed to Jessica Simpson 2002-06
1978 [34] Sisqo (Mark Andrews), Baltimore MD, hip-hop artist (“Thong Song”, Dru Hill-“These Are the Times”)
1988 [24] Nikki Blonsky, Great Neck NY, movie actress (“Hairspray”)
SATURDAY –
Lyricist Tim Rice (“Jesus Christ Superstar”) is 68; TV actor Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”) is 44; Country singer Chris Cagle (“What Kinda Gone”) is 44; TV actress Ellen Pompeo (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 43; Rock singer Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World) is 37; Country singer Miranda Lambert (“The House That Built Me”) is 29; TV actress Kiernan Shipka (“Mad Men”) is 13.
SUNDAY –
Movie actor Stanley Tucci (“Julie & Julia”) is 52; Movie actress Demi Moore (“Ghost”) is 50; TV actress Calista Flockhart (“Brothers & Sisters”) is 48; Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio (“J Edgar”) is 38.
BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Chaos Never Dies Day”, the one day of the year to acknowledge that chaos is essential to a harmonious universe. (Also the reason there are 24-hour news channels.)
SATURDAY –
• “Forget-Me-Not Day”, a day for remembering those whose lives have touched us in some way. You’re encouraged to think of people who had an impact on your life and the way in which they changed it. (Then go see a lawyer and file charges.)
• “Sleep Dangerously Night”, a night to switch sides of the bed with your partner. (Careful!)
• “Toothpaste Appreciation Day”. Could you face yourself in the morning without it?
SUNDAY –
• “Martinmas”, the Feast of St Martin of Tours. The warm weather that often occurs at this time is called ‘St Martin’s Summer’ in Europe, ‘Indian Summer’ in North America (uh, maybe ‘Aboriginal Summer’?).
• “Origami Day”, celebrating the ancient Japanese art of paper-folding. Scrunch, scrunch, scrunch, hey look what I made … it’s a flu virus!
• “Remembrance Day”, commemorating the end of WWI at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It’s observed in Canada & the UK, and in Belgium & France as “Armistice Day”. The original tradition is to observe 2 minutes of silence at 11 am.
• “Singles Day” in China, honoring all those who’ve yet to wed. It’s also the occasion for the ‘I’m Looking For You’ market in Beijing, where singles list their personal data along with a picture, and the profile is posted publicly for others to view. (Sort of eHarmony … live.)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2001 [11] The 3,400-seat, $94-million Kodak Theatre, permanent home of the Academy Awards, opens in Hollywood CA (main stage measures a massive 175 ft wide by 75 ft deep)
2004 [08] Swedish writer Stieg Larsson dies suddenly of a heart attack at age 50, shortly after turning in the manuscripts for 3 crime thrillers which go on to be best-sellers: “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played With Fire” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
1996 [16] For the first time, Bob Dylan licenses one of his songs for commercial use as “The Times They Are A-Changin’” becomes the theme for the Bank of Montréal
2006 [06] The Rolling Stones’ “Bigger Bang” tour is reported to have taken in $230 million in just 10 months, after playing to nearly 2 million fans
TODAY’S FIRST . . .
1911 [101] Frenchman Georges Claude patents the ‘Neon Sign’ after experimenting with passing an electrical charge through gas (Las Vegas is glad he did!)
TODAY’S RECORD . . .
2004 [08] Roger Clemens of the Houston Astros wins a record 7th Cy Young Award as his league’s best pitcher
COMING UP . . .
[Mon] “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” world premiere (Wellington NZ)
[Mon] World Orphans Day
[Tues] Rolling Stones release “Grrr!”
[Tues] “We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston” airs (CBS)
[Tues] Diwali (Hindu)
This Week Is . . . Fraud Awareness Week
This Month Is . . . Pomegranate Month
BULL’S BITS
MORE GOOFY BS LAWS:
• In the province of Québec, it is illegal to kill a sick person by frightening them. (Unless they have a fat will.)
• In Brazil’s capitol city Brasilia, theaters and buses must legally set aside special super-sized seats for overweight people. (Asking for a ticket in ‘Fat Ass’ is sooo embarrassing!)
• It is illegal to show public affection on Sunday in Ontario. (Especially with a priest.)
• You cannot water the lawn when it’s raining in Nova Scotia. (But you can make hay while the sun shines.)
• A driver who needs to turn through oncoming traffic has the right of way in Belgium, unless he slows down or stops. (It’s the ‘Grand Prix’ law.)
• You may never use dice to play craps in Alberta. (Sure makes it much harder to lose.)
• In Finland, taxi drivers must pay royalties if they play music in their cars for paying customers. (“You wanna tune, you gotta tip.”)
– Extracted from DumbLaws.com
BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What is the best all-time ‘James Bond’ theme? And the worst? In recent listings, these seem to always pop up among the best: Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Live & Let Die” (1973); Nancy Sinatra’s “You Only Live Twice” (1967); Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” (1964). Among those most often cited as worst: A-Ha’s “The Living Daylights” (1987); Sheryl Crow’s “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997); Lulu’s “The Man With the Golden Gun” (1974).
BS RANDOM JOKE:
I have all the money I’ll need for the rest of my life … as long as I die by 2 this afternoon.
BS WEB GOODIES:
• “Parks & Recreation’s” ‘City of Pawnee’ may just have the best fake newsletter ever …
NET: http://tinyurl.com/awyy7bf
• Test your ‘Bond’ knowledge here with 23 questions about ‘007’ …
NET: http://tinyurl.com/ad7c9ga
BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
“Skyfall” is the 23rd official ‘Bond’ film. Only one other movie franchise has more. Which?
a. “Star Trek”
b. “Friday the 13th”
c. “Godzilla” [CORRECT, with 39.]
– IMDb.com
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: 14-to-16 months is the typical length for THIS.
Answer: A wedding engagement.
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
A procrastinator’s work is never done.