Tuesday, September 6, 2016 – Edition: #5812
Bullseye!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
★ Eleanor Catton is adapting her Man Booker Prize-winning novel “The Luminaries” into a TV mini-series. Catton, who became the youngest winner of the literary prize in 2013, says writing the adaptation of her mystery, set during the New Zealand gold rush, has been a challenge. Quote: “Learning to write for television has been a bit like learning a new musical instrument: The melody is more or less the same, but absolutely everything else is different.” Filming on the 6 hour-long episodes will begin in early 2017.
– BBC Entertainment
★ Mel Gibson is producing a film about real-life Australian soldier Mark Donaldson. “The Crossroad” is based on Donaldson’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his time as a rebellious teenager dealing with the death of his Vietnam War-veteran father and the disappearance of his mother. Donaldson subsequently enlisted in the Australian army and became a member of the elite Special Air Service. In 2008, his heroics earned him the Victoria Cross, the 1st Australian to receive the bravery medal since 1969 . He went on to become ‘Young Australian Of the Year’ in 2010. A director, cast, and start date are yet to be announced.
– WENN.com
★ And Tupac Shakur’s handwritten lyrics could be hanging on your wall … for the price of a mid-level domestic sedan. The original lyric sheet to “Catchin’ Feelings” – from 2002’s “Better Dayz” album – is up for grabs, courtesy of memorabilia company Moments in Time. The estimated value is $38,500. Gary Zimet, who owns MiT, obtained the lyrics from an ex-employee of the studio where Tupac recorded the track in ’96 and, wisely, he’s been holding onto the framed piece ever since. September 13th marks the 20th anniversary of Tupac’s death, so Zimet’s expecting collectors to open their wallets.
– TMZ.com
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “America’s Got Talent” (NBC/CityTV) – The semifinalists perform at LA’s Dolby Theatre.
• “Atlanta” (FX) – Series premiere. The story of 2 cousins on their way up through the Atlanta GA rap scene.
• “Conan” (TBS/CTV) – Nothing but Thieves (“Nothing but Thieves”). Rerun.
• “Ellen” (syndicated/CTV2) – For her 14th season premiere week, she’s going big; the first 5 episodes feature Channing Tatum, Britney Spears, Simone Biles, LeBron James, Michelle Obama and more.
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC/CityTV) – Desiigner (“Panda”).
• “Last Call With Carson Daly” (NBC) – Wild Nothing (“Life of Pause”).
• “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV) – Steven Tyler (“We’re All Somebody from Somewhere”).
• “Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global) – Grouplove (“Big Mess”, out Friday).
• “Live With Kelly” (syndicated/CTV) – Martina McBride (“Reckless”).
• “Queen Sugar” (OWN) – Series debut. The story of a woman who moves to Louisiana to claim an inheritance from her departed father, an 800-acre sugarcane farm. Episode 2 airs tomorrow.
• “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV2) – Mike Posner (“At Night, Alone”).
• “Wendy Williams” (syndicated) – Royce da 5’9″ (“Book Of Ryan”). Rerun.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Barbra Streisand – “Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway”, which features Babs singing with the likes of Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, and Jamie Foxx, has become the veteran singer’s 11th #1 on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart. That ties her with Bruce Springsteen for the 3rd-most chart-toppers all-time. Only The Beatles (19) and Jay Z have (13) have more.
• The Chainsmokers – They’ve added The Fray songwriters Joe King & Isaac Slade to the credits for their chart-topping hit “Closer”, acknowledging that the new song is similar in places to The Fray’s 2005 track “Over My Head (Cable Car)”.
• Fifth Harmony – Camila Cabello is blaming an anxiety attack for abruptly walking off stage in the middle of a recent gig. The 19-year-old left the stage shortly after performing “Boss” at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St Louis MO. She never returned to complete the set.
• Jenny Lewis – Tonight in Minneapolis MN she begins a 10-date tour celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her solo debut “Rabbit Fur Coat”. The trek runs through September 22nd in San Francisco CA.
• One Direction – Harry Styles has shelled out $6.87 million for a mansion in West Hollywood. The 22-year-old has purchased the 3-bedroom/5-bathroom property in the Lower Doheny area in an off-the-market deal. The new pad, which offers spectacular views of the city, was built in 1946. He sold off his Beverly Hills home for $3.1 million back in June.
THIS WEEK’S VIDEO RELEASES:
Coming out on DVD, Netflix, Google Play and/or other video providers …
• “All The Way” ( HBO-TV Historical Drama ) – Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) is unrecognizable in this made-for-TV movie about US president Lyndon B Johnson as the makeup completely transforms him. Cranston played this same role as ‘LBJ’ in a stage production in 2013-14.
• “The Darkness” ( PG-13 Horror Thriller ): A family returns from a Grand Canyon vacation, haunted by an ancient supernatural entity they unknowingly awakened which begins to engage them in a fight for their survival. Stars Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell.
• “Money Monster” ( R-Rated Crime Thriller ): Smarmy cable TV stock guru ‘Lee Gates’ (George Clooney) and his producer ‘Patty’ (Julia Roberts) are taken hostage on-camera by a man who lost all his money following the TV show’s investment tips. Director Jodie Foster. Co-stars Dominic West, Giancarlo Esposito, Jack O’Connell.
• “Now You See Me 2” ( PG-13 Action Comedy ): In this follow-up to the surprise 2013 hit, the ‘Four Horsemen’ (Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco) resurface and are forcibly recruited by a tech genius to pull off their most impossible heist yet. Co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman. “Now You See Me 3” is already planned.
• Also being released: “The Flash: The Complete 2nd Season” (TV); “Sesame Street: Love to Learn” (Kids TV); “South Park: The Complete 19th Season” (Animated TV); and “Supernatural: The Complete 11th Season (TV).
THE REASON FOR GRUMPY CAT:
A new study suggests your cat isn’t really a crabby jerk … he’s just bored. And there may be a simple way to improve his mood, even his health – challenge him. University of California researchers say food puzzles (think mazes or other toys that make a cat work for its food) bring out a cat’s instinct to hunt, making the animal more active, less needy, and less prone to stress. Apparently lying around the house all day can be pretty stressful for a born predator. The puzzles, initially created to entertain animals in labs and zoos, also appear to solve some cats’ aggression issues and others’ fear of people. They might even work for cats who pee all over the house. There are lots of food puzzles on the market, but you can make your own just by tossing some food in a water bottle or paper bag. (A zip-lock bag, however, is just cruel.)
– Gizmodo.com
GREEN WIMPS:
Women tend to be more environmentally conscious than men on all kinds of levels, from energy use to concern about climate change. A new Notre Dame University study may have discovered why … men tend to avoid or even oppose green behaviors in order to safeguard their gender identity. It seems that, among men, being green is equated with being feminine and men shy away from it. The research team suggests this could be changed with the right branding. For example, men would be more likely to donate to eco-friendly groups with more masculine logos. The researchers point to products like body wash and diet colas that now have masculine branding, which simultaneously does not deter female consumers. (The ‘Husky Guy Rainforest Fund’ is likely on the way.)
– “Washington Post”
“HOW TO CONFUSE A MILLENNIAL”:
A hashtag with that title has been trending on Twitter the last few days. Some of the contributions …
• “Turn off their autocorrect.”
• “Remind them to be kind, rewind.”
• “Explain how we used to be social, before media.”
• “Phone booth.”
(If you’re attempting to troll the younger generation, it’s likely not a good idea to use a platform they’re infinitely more familiar with. Payback will ensue!)
– Metro.co.uk
A BRIDGE TOO BUSY:
China’s newest attraction is too popular for its own good. Officials have closed the world’s tallest and longest bridge just 13 days after it opened because demand has been so great. The 1,410-foot bridge hangs 1,000 feet above the stunning Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, setting for the movie “Avatar”. At 20-feet-wide and with a glass bottom offering staggering views, the bridge in Hunan Province has drawn tens-of-thousands of thrill-seekers since it opened August 20th. Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan using 3-layered glass panes, the bridge was originally developed as a catwalk for fashion shows and the base for the world’s highest bungee-jumping site. Capacity is limited to 8,000 people per day but the demand has been 10 times that. The temporary closure is to allow time to improve and update the bridge for a higher volume of visitors. (Would you pay $20 to look a thousand feet straight down?)
– CNN.com
THE BEAR FACTS:
The animal on the World Wildlife Fund’s logo now represents a rare and very welcome environmental success story. The group says the giant panda has been bumped down a notch on the ‘Red List of Threatened Species’ and is now classed as “vulnerable” instead of “endangered”. There were estimated to be 1,864 pandas in the wild as of 2014, up 17% from a decade earlier. Knowing that the panda is now a step further from extinction is an exciting moment for everyone committed to conserving the world’s wildlife and their habitats, according to the WWF. The advocacy group cites the panda’s recovery as an example of what can happen when science, political will, and engagement of local communities come together. (Not to mention Desiigner with a hit song.)
– Newser.com
BS AMAZING FACT:
• People born underweight are less likely to exercise during their lives.
– “New Scientist”
• Many teachers are now turning to crowdfunding to stock their classrooms with school supplies.
– CTV News
BS SUBSCRIBER NOTE:
We’re taking a late Summer break September 9th-25th inclusive. All accounts are being credited for missed service. “The Bull Sheet” returns September 26th.
BS CHRONOMETER 09.06.16
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1943 [73] Roger Waters, Cambridge UK, classic rock singer-bassist (Pink Floyd-“The Wall”)
1958 [58] Jeff Foxworthy, Atlanta GA, TV host (“American Baking Competition” 2013, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 2007-15/stand-up comedian (“You Might Be a Redneck If …”)
1967 [49] William DuVall, Washington DC, alt-rock vocalist-guitarist (Alice in Chains-“Your Decision”, “Check My Brain”)
1967 [49] Macy Gray (Natalie McIntyre), Canton OH, pop singer (“Beauty In the World”, “I Try”)
1971 [45] Dolores O’Riordan, Ballybricken, Ireland, alt-rock singer (The Cranberries-“Linger”)
1972 [44] Idris Elba, London UK, TV actor (“Luther” 2010-15, “The Wire” 2002-04)/movie actor (“Finding Dory”, “Thor” movies)/the next ‘James Bond’?
1983 [33] Pippa (Philippa) Middleton, Reading UK, British socialite/sister of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge/engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews (the future Laird of Glen Affric)
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “Another Look Day”, when you’re encouraged to check around the attic, basement, garage, and any other storage area where you may find possessions you no longer need. Donate them to a local charity, or reuse them in other projects.
• “Coffee Ice Cream Day”, which offers a wake-up and a treat all in one.
• “Fight Procrastination Day – Do It! Day”, a backlash to yesterday’s “Be Late For Something Day”.
• “Read a Book Day”, a day to take time out of your busy life, and relax with a good book.
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENTS . . .
2005 [11] Rolling Stones release “A Bigger Bang” album
2007 [09] Operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti (The Three Tenors) dies of pancreatic cancer in Modena, Italy at age 71
2011 [05] A California judge rules that Madonna does not hold a trademark over the phrase “Material Girl” for her line of clothing just because she wrote a song by that name in 1985
TODAY’S RECORDS . . .
1981 [35] In Siilinjarvi, Finland, Risto Antikainen throws a fresh egg 317 feet, 10 inches (more than the length of a football field), and Jyrki Korhonen catches it without breaking it
2003 [13] Rockford College Regents beat Trinity Bible College Lions 105-0, setting a new NCAA Division III football scoring record (Lions seemingly didn’t have a prayer)
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day
[Wed] Salami Day
[Thurs] 2016 NFL Kickoff (Denver CO)
[Thurs] Toronto Film Festival begins (Toronto ON)
[Thurs] International Literacy Day
[Thurs] Oncology Nurses Day
[Fri] “The Disappointments Room”; “Shut In”; “Sully” open in movie theaters
This Week Is … Waffle Week
This Month Is … Bed Check Month
BULL’S BITS
FEMINIST BASKETBALL TEAMS:
✓ Minnesota Timberwollestonecrafts
✓ Elizabeth Cady Pistons
✓ Sacramento Gloria Steinkings
✓ Toronto Raptoria Woodhulls
✓ Memphis Faludis
✓ New York Gornicks
✓ Portland Trailblazers
– Thanks to Zoe Daniels
BS U-PICK TRIVIA:
A study has found that offering which of the following to employees motivates them more than cash?
a. A free company phone.
b. Extra casual dress days.
c. Free pizza. [CORRECT]
– “Daily Telegraph”
BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ Have you ever regretted what you named your child? Did you do anything about ti? (In a UK poll, 20% parents say they’ve had second thoughts about the names they gave their children.)
BS RANDOM JOKE:
If he took an IQ test, the results would be negative.
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
Question: The average school age kid does THIS 6 times a year.
Answer: Catches a cold.
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
50% of everyone graduated in the bottom half of their class.
