Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Edition: #3863
Bully For You!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
Police in Louisiana are hunting for a photo shop worker who’s apparently stolen a copy of private pics off a camera memory card brought in by Jamie Lynn Spears’ boyfriend Casey Aldridge, then tried to sell them (included are snaps of the new mom breastfeeding her 3-month old daughter) . . . Victoria & David Beckham’s fragrance line, Intimately Beckham, has racked up staggering sales of $202 million, and David says they haven’t even ‘scratched the surface’ in the American market yet (and the rich get richer) . . . Actress-turned-activist Mia Farrow is taking her position as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador seriously, visiting victims of storm-ravaged Haiti, which has been hit by tropical storms Fay & Hanna and by hurricanes Gustav & Ike (and the poor get poorer) . . . “Sex & The City” author Candace Bushnell has signed a deal to pen 2 teen novels about her character ‘Carrie Bradshaw’s high school years and says if the books go to the bigscreen, she’d like Miley Cyrus to get the role; in response Miley says, “I’d love to do a younger, cleaner version” (maybe on webcam?) . . . Dermatologist Steven Victor, known as ‘Dr Lookgood’ by his celeb clients (ie: Sharon Osbourne) is being sued for allegedly scamming investors out of millions, just the latest in a long line of successful suits against him for fraud & unpaid loans (so why the heck would anyone give him more money?) . . . And movie fans & critics have branded Jack White’s new theme song for the upcoming “Quantum of Solace” the worst ‘James Bond’ theme ever after the duet with Alicia Keys was previewed on several British radio stations THIS WEEK, complaining the singers’ styles ‘don’t gel’ (we say it’s actually pretty good compared to previous lame themes like “Live & Let Die” [Paul McCartney], “The World is Not Enough” [Garbage], or – ugh – “A View to a Kill“ [Duran Duran]).
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• Chris Cagle – The “What Kinda Gone” country singer is scheduled to stand trial in Tucson AZ on a misdemeanor assault charge in connection with an altercation outside a local nightclub in DECEMBER. He’s accused of punching the boyfriend of a woman who became verbally abusive after he refused to sign an autograph. A police reports says he’d already signed several items for her.
• “Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated/CityTV) – Pussycat Dolls are onstage.
• “Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS) – Current UK chart-toppers, Tennessee rockers Kings Of Leon (“Sex on Fire”), perform.
• “The Mentalist” (CBS) – Series debut of yet another pshycic-themed show a la “Medium” or “Ghost Whisperer”. Simon Baker stars as a private investigator who uses his special abilities to help cops solve crimes.
• “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (NBC/A Channel) – Glen Campbell performs music from his new album of rock covers, “Meet Glen Campbell”.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• E Street Band – Nils Lofgren has recorded a song in tribute to NYC’s now disused Yankee Stadium, called – appropriately – “Yankee Stadium”.
NET: http://www.nilslofgren.com
• George Michael – The 45-year-old pop singer is apologizing to fans for ‘screwing up again’. He does not say exactly what he did. So maybe there was more than drug possession involved during his recent hang-out in a Hampstead Heath public washroom?
• Kellie Pickler – Illness has forced her to cancel 2 concert dates but WEDNESDAY’s show in Marietta, Georgia is still on the schedule.
• Kenny Chesney – He tells the NOVEMBER issue of “Caribbean Travel & Leisure“ magazine that the islands keep him sane. He owns a home in the US Virgin Islands, where he says the pace is slower, the vibe is easier, and being on his boat heals him.
• Pearl Jam – Eddie Vedder has released a song for the Chicago Cubs called “All The Way”. Needless to say, he’s a longtime Cub fan.
NET: http://pearljam.com
TODAY’S VIDEO RELEASES:
• “Deception” ( Action Thriller ): Ewan McGregor stars as a mild-mannered accountant who’s introduced to a mysterious sex club known as ‘The List’ by his lawyer friend (Hugh Jackman). But thanks to his involvement, he soon becomes the prime suspect in the case of a missing woman and a multi-million-dollar heist. Co-stars Michelle Williams (Heath Ledger’s ex-fiancée) and Natasha Henstridge (“Eli Stone”).
• “Leatherheads” ( Comedy ): In 1925, an aging football star (George Clooney) recruits a WWI hero (John Krasinski of “The Office”) to re-energize his team. But an up-and-coming journalist (Renée Zellweger) discovers the new hero’s war exploits may be bogus. Clooney’s first time directing since his ‘Best Director’ Oscar nomination for “Good Night, and Good Luck”.
• “Run Fatboy Run” ( Romantic Comedy ): Simon Pegg (“Hot Fuzz”) & Thandie Newton (“Crash”) star in the story of a hefty guy who trains to run in a marathon in an attempt to win back his true love, 10 years after he left her standing at the altar. This feature film directorial debut for David Schwimmer (“Friends”) was shot entirely in England.
• “Sex & The City: The Movie” ( Romantic Comedy ): Set 4 years following the TV show, the movie picks up on the lives of Manhattanites ‘Carrie’ (Sarah Jessica Parker), ‘Samantha’ (Kim Cattrall), ‘Charlotte’ (Kristin Davis) and ‘Miranda’ (Cynthia Nixon). At the center of it all is ‘Carrie’s pending nuptials to ‘Mr Big’ (Chris Noth). Co-stars Candice Bergen (“Boston Legal”) and Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”). Cameos include NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg.
• Also released TODAY: “Boston Legal: Season 4” (TV); “Brothers & Sisters: The Complete 2nd Season” (TV); “High School Musical 2: 2-Disc Deluxe Dance Edition”; “LA Confidential: 2-Disc Special Edition”; “Peanuts Holiday Collection”; “Samantha Who?: The Complete 1st Season” (TV); “Two & a Half Men: The Complete 4th Season; and “Warner Bros Pictures Gangsters Collection Vol 4“.
SAVE YOUR FINGERS:
A company called NeuroSky Inc has built a prototype of a system that reads brainwaves and uses them to control … a mobile phone. During a trade show demonstration, the gizmo was able to show the degree of a user’s brain relaxation through a ‘visualizer’; able to move a video game character to an intended location using only mental concentration; and able to picture the various degrees of calmness through color changes. (Such as ‘in the red’ after you pay for one of these.)
– “Tech On”
IT’S ALSO A HELLUVA LOT CHEAPER!
Dental experts say that drinking bottled water fails to protect children’s teeth from decay because the levels of fluoride in it are low compared to fluoridated tap water. The World Dental Congress suggests that the fluoride content of 25 popular brands of bottled water are simply too low to be effective. The fluoride intake of kids who drink bottled water is up to 48% less than those drinking water straight from the faucet. (Hear that funeral music, Dasani? It’s called “Taps”!).
– ANI Health & Science
HOW TO HAVE AN ECO-FRIENDLY FALL:
• Old Leaves Equal New Mulch: Instead of burning that unwanted pile of leaves, add it to your compost heap, You’ll be doing the atmosphere a favor by not clogging it up with smoke. Add in grass clippings and any summer plants you’ve ripped out as well. A real bonus is tossing in apple cores. This makes for a rich, varied mix of compost.
• Get a Green Assessment: Some remodeling companies will do it for free. A rep will check for drafty windows and any cracks or holes. Also the effectiveness of your insulation can be checked.
• Switch to Greener Appliances: Usually most homeowners buy something new come Fall. If that includes appliances, look for fridges, washers, and dryers that are good for the environment and good for your electricity bill.
• Bundle Up: Keep your thermostat at 65 F (18 C); then wear layers to keep you warm and cozy. Also have fleece blankets in the den or living room to curl up under when you’re watching TV or a movie. Get out the down comforters now as well.
• Shut Off the TV/Computer: Autumn is meant to be enjoyed outdoors. Don’t stay inside when the scenery is breathtaking and the air is pleasantly nippy. Go on a picnic. Visit the beach. Go pumpkin picking or take a long walk in your neighborhood.
• Have a Green Halloween: Make costumes from old clothing, plastics, or boxes. Get creative with stuff that would normally hit the recycling bin.
– Gomestic.com
WALK ‘N WORK:
Dr James Levine of the Mayo Clinic is credited with starting the trend to treadmills at work by constructing the first ‘Treadmill Desk’. He plopped a hospital tray atop a treadmill, added a laptop and a phone headset in order to work and walk at the same time. The recent introduction of the ‘The Walkstation’ from Details may push so-called ‘work-walking’ into the mainstream as dozens of corporations are investing in the hardware to allow employees exercise on-the-job. Levine helped develop the unit which comes in over 30 different finishes with an ergonomically curved desktop. Its quiet motor is designed for slow speeds. Cost? About $4,000. (Worth it if your employees get in shape.)
– “New York Times”
FUN FIDO FACTS:
• The Chow-Chow is the only dog with a black tongue.
• In the Netherlands, dogs are considered so much a part of the family they’re allowed in restaurants, hotels, public transportation … even at weddings and funerals.
• Police dogs are trained to react to commands in a foreign language, commonly German, but more recently Hungarian or some other Slavic tongue.
• Chinese Crested dogs can get acne.
LIFE BY THE NUMBERS:
A BS snapshot of who we are and what we do …
• 81% of married people say they sleep on their spouses’ side of the bed when they’re away.
• 75% of the water used inside the home goes down the drain in the bathroom.
• 72% of us admit we don’t know our neighbors’ names.
• 60% of men say that constantly waiting for their partner drives them crazy.
• 37% of Canadians believe in the devil.
• 5% of drivers speed up when they get tired behind-the-wheel.
TIME TO MAKE THE MOVE?
Autumn is the best time to make a career move. Why? It’s when most companies do much of their planning for the future. Consulting firm Goodrich & Sherwood advises that, in today’s economy, you should quit waiting around for your present employer to reward your good work and make a smart career move instead. (To some place that will be still be solvent in 6 months.)
– UPI
DID YOU KNOW?
• Money is made of paper that contains about 25% linen. (The reason you’re always ‘pressed’ for cash?)
• 85% of all the greenery on Earth is in the ocean. (Coincidentally, so are 85% of the people who testified against the Mafia.)
• Seoul, the South Korean capital, just means ‘the capital’ in the Korean language. (And interestingly the word ‘Korea’ means ‘knock-offs’.)
• The best day of the week to go to the doctor, according to one survey, is TUESDAY because – for some reason – there are less appointments made on that day. (Well, there were up until now.)
BS CHRONOMETER 09.23.08
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1943 [65] Julio Iglesias, Madrid, Spain, old-fart pop singer (w/Willie Nelson-“To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”)/father of Enrique Iglesias
1949 [59] Bruce Springsteen, Freehold NJ, old-fart rock singer (18 Grammy Awards, including Dancing in the Dark”, “Tunnel of Love”)/Academy Award (“Streets of Philadelphia”)/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999)
1972 [36] Jermaine Dupri (Mauldin), Atlanta GA, producer/recording exec/Janet Jackson’s manager-boyfriend
BS REASON TO PARTY . . .
“Celebrate Bisexuality Day”, initiated in 1999 and observed mainly in Australia, Canada, the USA, and some European countries. Who should the ‘poster person’ be?
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
2002 [06] “CSI: Miami” premieres on CBS-TV
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENT . . .
1997 [11] One-hit-wonder Chumbawamba releases mega-hit “Tubthumper”
TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
1845 [163] 1st ‘Baseball Club’ organizes & adopts rules (NY Knickerbockers)
1992 [16] Québec hockey player Manon Rhéaume plays in goal for Tampa Bay Lightning becomes the 1st woman to play in an NHL game (gives up 2 goals on 9 shots in 1 period of an exhibition game)
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] “Knight Rider” debuts (NBC)
[Wed] National; “Punctuation” Day!
[Wed] Women’s Health & Fitness Day
[Thurs] One Hit Wonder Day
[Thurs] Comic Book Day
[Fri] Food Service Employees Day
[Sat] Hunting & Fishing Day
This Week Is … Clean Hands Week
This Month Is … Backpack Safety Month
BULL’S BITS
YOU MIGHT BE A GRADUATE STUDENT IF …
• You have ever brought a scholarly article to a bar.
• You rate coffee shops by the availability of Wi-Fi for your laptop.
• You have ever discussed academic matters at a sporting event.
• You find the bibliographies of books more interesting than the actual text.
• You find yourself explaining to kids that you are in ‘20th grade’.
• You have difficulty reading anything that doesn’t have footnotes.
• Saturday nights spent studying no longer seem weird.
BS RANDOM JOKE:
If there’s one thing we should have learned from the roller coaster economy, it’s beware of false profits.
BS BRAIN STRAIN:
Q: To be ‘official’, this bird has to have 14-to16 feathers.
A: The badminton birdie, also known as the shuttlecock. The overlapping feathers can be either real or synthetic.
– Wikipedia.org
BERRY GORDY’S GREATEST:
Motown Records turns 50 in JANUARY. To celebrate, an album to be released in DECEMBER will feature Motown’s all-time 50 favorite tracks. And you get to vote. So whatcha pickin’?
BS BEST OF MOTOWN PICKS:
5. “I Can’t Help Myself” – Four Tops
4. “Got to Give It Up” – Marvin Gaye
3. “The Way You Do the Things You Do” – Temptations
2. “Baby Love” – Supremes
1. “What Becomes Of the Broken Hearted” – Jimmy Ruffin.
NET: http://www.pollthepeople.com/motown50
BS PHONE STARTER:
If you could only have one snack food for the rest of your life, which would you choose? (In a “Teen” magazine survey, pizza comes out #1.)
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Today’s Question: The average homeowner spends 3 days a year doing THIS.
Answer to Give Out Next Show: Waiting for a repair person.
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Workplace rule of thumb: If credit can possibly go to someone else, it will.
