Tuesday, September 10, 2024 — Edition: #7789
Sweet Sheet!
BS SHOW BIZ BUZZ:
[***UPDATE***] ★ One of the most famous voices of all time has gone silent. James Earl Jones, whose acting talent was often overshadowed by his distinctive baritone over a 7-decade career that spanned stage and screen, died Monday at age 93. Jones’ signature instrument brought power to all his stage and movie roles, most indelibly as ‘Darth Vader’ in “Star Wars,” ‘Mufasa’ in “The Lion King and as the voice of CNN. Other notable roles in Jones’ career included as ‘Alex Haley’ in TV’s “Roots: The Next Generations,” warlord ‘Thulsa Doom’ in “Conan the Barbarian,” an African king in “Coming to America,” Kevin Costner’s reluctant recruit in “Field of Dreams,” and in “The Hunt for Red October” and “Patriot Games”
-CNN, NBC
★ Selena Gomez, Dick Van Dyke, Viola Davis, Billy Crystal and Jimmy Smits are among the many stars who have been announced as presenters at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony. Hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, the ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and will air on ABC. The list of names released by the Television Academy includes many previous Emmy nominees and winners, as well as nominees competing this year, like Gomez, Maya Rudolph, Christine Baranski, Jean Smart, Nava Mau, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lily Gladstone and Kristen Wiig. Also on the lengthy roster are Ron Howard, Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Martin and Martin Short.
-TheWrap
★ Eminem will return to the VMAs stage to open the show tomorrow night. The rapper, who is tied with Peter Gabriel for the most wins by a solo male artist in VMA history, will return to the show’s stage for the first time since 2022, when he performed with Snoop Dogg. He last opened the show in 2010, in a duet with Rihanna. His 8 nominations this year include Video of the Year. He joins a lineup that includes LL Cool J, Shawn Mendes, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, GloRilla, Camila Cabello, Benson Boone, Halsey, Lenny Kravitz and Blackpink’s Lisa.
-Variety
★ Jennifer Lopez is said to have told her “Unstoppable” co-star Bobby Cannavale she is a “bad picker”. J Lo reportedly made the remark while they were promoting their new movie “Unstoppable” at the Toronto International Film Festival – in apparent reference to her recently-collapsed marriage to Ben Affleck. Cannavale was seen on video having apparent trouble hearing Lopez at first, and she then repeated the phrase at least twice more, while also laughing. She was then seen saying: “It is what it is.” (Actually, that was probably a reference to ALL FOUR of her marriages!)
-Bang!
★ James Gandolfini’s portrayal of ‘Tony Soprano’ remains one of the greatest TV performances of the last 25 years, but working on the show day in and day out was definitely a grind. In the new documentary “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos”, Steven Van Zandt, who played ‘Silvio’, recalls how the schedule “Got to him”. Van Zandt said: “Every other day, we would go to a bar. We would have the exact same conversation. We would get drunk. He’d say, ‘I’m done. I’m not going back’”. Van Zandt would explain to him that there a few hundred people depending on him, and he’d always return, but a few times, he did “disappear for a few days.”
-People
★ Dick Van Dyke is still not ready to retire. On Sat., the 98-year-old said he is “looking for work” after he won an award for outstanding variety special at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his birthday special “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic”. After accepting his award, he was asked about how he hopes to be remembered. His answer: “For laughter. I hope for making people laugh for 75 years.” He continued to reflect on his career, saying, “I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.” Then he added with a laugh: “I’m looking for work if anybody has (any).”
-People
TODAY’S SHOW BIZ SKED:
• “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC/Global): Jane Fonda, George Conway, Good Neighbours
• “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC/CTV): Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Lainey Wilson
• “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS/Global): John Dickerson, Tems
• “After Midnight” (CBS/Global): Bob the Drag Queen, Caitlin Reilly, Rickey Thompson
• “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC/CTV): Kevin Hart, James McAvoy
• “Watch What Happens Live” (Bravo): Vanna White, Ryan Seacrest
• “The Daily Show” (COM): host Jon Stewart, Steve Ballmer
• “The View” (ABC/CTV): Venus Williams, Taylor Frankie Paul and Mayci Neeley
• “The Talk” (CBS): Adam Pally
• “Live With Kelly and Mark” (ABC/CTV): Demi Moore, Dr. Melina Jampolis, Los Lonely Boys
• “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (Check local listings): Anne Hathaway, Amber Ruffin, Sam Neill (R)
• “The Drew Barrymore Show” (Check local listings): New Crew member Valerie Bertinelli, Zoe Kravitz
• “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Check local listings): Cher (R)
• “US Presidential Debate” (Check local listings): Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debate in Philadelphia.
• “Deadliest Catch” (DSC) A 30-foot wave crushes a Titan Explorer deckhand, threatening Jake’s captaincy; Johnathan loses a generator and goes dark; the Aleutian Lady needs repairs.
• “Family Guy” (COM): During a game of hide-and-seek, Stewie takes refuge in Quagmire’s suitcase, only to wind up in Paris; Lois is intent on breaking Bonnie’s Instagram “like” record.
BS MUSIC NOTES:
• Joe Jonas – Friday, he released a collab between him, singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning EDM artist Alan Walker. It’s called ‘Thick of It All’ and was co-written by Jonas Brothers collaborator Jon Bellion. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/2ya8n5xm
• The Weeknd – has unveiled the striking album cover for “Hurry Up Tomorrow”, the final part of a trilogy that began with 2020’s “After Hours” and 2022’s “Dawn FM”. It consists of a headshot of Abel Tesfaye, his eyes fixed in a harrowing stare, and it appears he is holding back tears. No release date yet, but fans can preorder theirs now. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/3zb42xu4
• Oasis — Liam Gallagher is teasing the possibility of new music. On X, a fan asked if they are planning to release a new album following their reunion. His answer: “Yep it’s already finished.” He may not be serious, though, because when another fan asked him to describe the album in one word, he replied: “TURDOS”.
• Sum 41 – Not only have the rumors that singer Deryck Whibley is joining Linkin Park been debunked, it is apparent that he’s far too busy. Friday, Sum 41 released the new single ‘Time Won’t Wait (Frontside)’, the 3rd single from the band’s final album “Heaven X”. He’s also occupied with his new memoir, his book tour, and his band’s farewell tour. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5cxndf2j
• Duran Duran – will release the new single ‘New Moon (Dark Phase)’ this Friday. Not many details yet, but it appears it will be a new mix of their 1984 hit ‘New Moon on Monday’. The artwork for the single is similar to that used for their last album, the Halloween-themed “Danse Macabre”, suggesting ‘Dark Phase’ may be a spookier version of the original ‘New Moon’ song. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/nhetfumj
• Rascal Flatts – Some fans think they’re finally planning their long-awaited farewell tour. The group’s social media accounts have been given some eye-catching changes, leading many to speculate about a possible tour, a full-blown reunion or just a one-off project. On Instagram, the text now reads: “What are we doing these days?” along with a pair of emoji eyes. They split in 2020 for solo projects. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/4ftraszx
• Luke Bryan – Friday, he dropped the new tune ‘Country Song Came On.’ In it, he recounts a string of events that unfold as he drives through town in his truck, until a country song comes on, and he decides to stay put in a bar. It’s the 3rd single from his upcoming album “Mind of a Country Boy”, out Sept. 27. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/yyv3dxsh
• Blake Shelton – Tickets go on sale today for his “Friends & Heroes Tour 2025”, which he announced last week. Openers for the tour, beginning Feb. 27, include Craig Morgan, Deana Carter and Trace Adkins, plus very special guest Emily Ann Roberts. He also recently announced his “Live In Las Vegas” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, which runs throughout February.
SHOOTING THE BULL
BRAIN SHOWS:
Many game shows are back to airing new episodes this month, following summer reruns. And that’s great news, because watching them is good for your brain, according to experts. How? Game shows have several cognitive benefits, because they require you to pay close attention, to quickly process information, and to either problem-solve, or recall information, in order to provide an answer, says Glen R. Finney, director of the Memory and Cognition Program with Geisinger Health in Wilkes-Barre PA. Doing so “engages numerous networks in the brain in an engaging and enjoyable way, which also enhances learning.” This can help boost mental acuity. Other experts agree, and say that watching game show can also help your memory, and the brain’s ability to access stored information quickly. There is also evidence that playing along with game shows can improve social engagement, goes a long way in improving your mental health.
(If watching game shows is so good for my brain, then why is it that when I watch “Family Feud”, I immediately feel stupider?)
(I have to admit: “Jeopardy!” is a very intelligent show. Which is why I can’t believe it has lasted so long on network TV!)
-NYPost
PROPS TO NASAL DROPS:
There’s nothing quote like the unique misery that is being a parent to a child with a cold. Not only is your child uncomfortable and probably not sleeping properly, but you have to make alternate care arrangements, possibly alter your work schedule, and on top of that, look after a needy, and let’s face it, sometimes whiny child. Plus, you have to pick a lot of Kleenexes up off the floor. And that’s why it’s awesome that a group of UK researchers say they can help you shorten your child’s cold by 2 days – AND reduce the likelihood that it is passed on to the rest of the family. Not only that, doing so is “extremely cheap and simple”. In their study, they taught parents how to make and apply salt water drops to their children’s nose. Three drops were administered to each nostril at least 4 times a day until the young children got better. Other kids were given typical cold medications. They found that children using salt water nose drops had cold symptoms for an average of 6 days, while “those with usual care had symptoms for 8 days.” The children receiving salt water nose drops also needed fewer medicines during their illness. What’s more, just 46% of kids using nose drops had family members catch the child’s cold, versus 61% of the other households. This treatment has the potential to be applied globally, giving parents a safe and effective way to limit the impact of colds on families, and to reduce the financial burden this condition creates.
(Speaking a someone who has tried to administer nasal spray to a tired and grouchy 4-year-old, I think I speak for many parents when I say: “Good luck!”)
(Great idea – but Big Pharma will never allow it!)
-NYPost
MAXIMUM iPHONE MAX:
It definitely wasn’t the latest Apple Event new product announcement, but a couple of popular YouTubers have created a giant, FULLY FUNCTIONING iPhone, measuring almost 7 feet tall (over 2m). Arun Maini and Matthew Perks constructed the giant-sized version of an iPhone 15 Max, which set the Guinness World Record for the largest smartphone replica. In order qualify for the record, the phone was required to actually work, so it was made using an 88-inch TV for a screen, and is able to send texts and emails, operate all apps and even take photos. It also has a flashlight and charging port, which fits the largest USB-C cable in the world. LINK: https://youtu.be/o8jFJAtVyr8
(Up next: They plan to make the world’s largest pocket, to keep it in!)
(Yeah, Apple would NEVER build a phone that big. At least, not until Samsung does it first!)
-NYPost
TOP REALITY TV SHOWS OF ALL-TIME:
Based on consensus picks by credible review sites…
1. “Survivor” (since 2000): Became an international phenomenon in its first season, and inspired different versions around the world. (Plus, it had Rudy!)
2. “The Amazing Race” (since 2001): It’s what we watch wishing we had the guts to be a part of it. It has received 15 Emmys, 26 other awards, and 138 nominations.
3. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (since 2009): Loosely based on “America’s Next Top Model”, it has won 9 Emmys. And in addition to the show’s success, it makes millions from the live shows and its annual “DragCon”.
4. “American Idol” (since 2002, with a pause 2016-18): It’s simply the dominant TV show of its era. Plus, it had Simon Cowell! (I thought this show would be #1 – then I remembered Lee DeWyze!)
5. “The Real World” (1992-2017): It is the first reality TV show to start the trend carried on by shows like “Big Brother” and “Survivor.” The first few seasons were a fascinating social experiment that changed TV forever.
(Now, can we talk about the WORST reality shows of all-time?)
-StudyFinds
DID YOU KNOW?
A study has found that 4 out of 10 cats can play fetch, way more than previously believed. Perdue University researchers analyzed data from online surveys of cat owners. Of over 8,000 cat owners surveyed, 41% reported that their cat would sometimes, frequently or always retrieve thrown toys or objects. Cats are more likely to display fetching behavior if they are generally more active and playful, and if they live indoors. (But of course, zero out of 10 cats will play fetch if you just bet your friend $10 that your cat can play fetch!)
-Phys.org
BS CHRONOMETER 09.10.24
TODAY’S BS REASONS TO PARTY . . .
• “International Make Up Day”, but it’s got nothing to do with face paint. If there’s someone you’re estranged from, this is the day to talk to them to see if the relationship can be salvaged. (When’s “International Make OUT Day”?)
• “TV Dinner Day”. On this date in 1953, Swanson changed the prepackaged meal business forever by introducing the TV Dinner, consisting of turkey, cornbread dressing, peas, and sweet potatoes. By 1962, they had stopped using the name TV Dinner, but the term remains synonymous with any prepackaged dinner purchased frozen and heated at home.
• “Swap Ideas Day”, because bouncing ideas off people is great for getting those creative juices flowing. Today you’re encouraged to trade ideas with others, to foster a sense of teamwork. (Good idea!)
• “World Suicide Prevention Day”. Started in 2003 to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Various observances and activities are organized around the world. LINK: https://www.iasp.info/
• “Ants on a Log Day”, dedicated to the tasty, healthy, and fun snack food. Ants on a log consist of a spread, such as peanut butter, placed on celery sticks, with raisins put on top. (Thanks for the warning!)
• “Sew Be It Day”. On this day in 1846, Elias Howe was awarded the first American patent for a sewing machine. But the first sewing machines were actually made in France in the 1830s. (Or sew it would seam…)
• “National Hot Dog Day”. (There’s also a “Hot Dog Day” in July – just go with it!) 5 things to know about everyone’s favorite street meat:
→ It is estimated that over 7 billion hot dogs are eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
→ The term “hot dog” is credited to sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan. At a baseball game in New York in 1901, vendors began selling hot dachshund sausages in rolls.
→ The most popular condiment for adults is mustard, while children prefer ketchup.
→ The first words Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse ever uttered in a cartoon were “hot dogs” in “The Karnival Kid” in 1929.
→ The average American eats approximately 60 hot dogs per year.
AND REMEMBER . . .
[Wed] Hot Cross Bun Day
[Wed] 9-11 Day/Patriot Day
[Thurs] Video Games Day
[Fri] Friday the 13th
This Week is…Biscuits and Gravy Week
This Month is…Hunger Action Month
TODAY’S CELEBIRTHDAYS . . .
1945 [79] José Feliciano (García), Lares Puerto Rico, Latin pop singer-guitarist (‘Feliz Navidad’, ‘Light My Fire’)
1949 [75] Bill O’Reilly, NYC, conservative TV personality (“The O’Reilly Factor” 1996-2016)/author (“Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot”)
1950 [74] Joe Perry, Lawrence MA, rock guitarist (Aerosmith-‘Walk This Way’, ‘Dream On’)/member of Hollywood Vampires with Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp)
1960 [64] Colin Firth, Grayshott England, movie actor (Oscar-“The King’s Speech”, “Mamma Mia!” movies)/Hollywood Walk of Fame, 2011
1968 [56] Guy Ritchie, Hatfield England, movie director (“The Man from UNCLE”, “Sherlock Holmes” films)/married to Madonna 2000-08. COMING UP… “In the Grey”, 2025
1974 [50] Ryan Phillippe (FIL-uh-pee), New Castle DE, movie actor (“Cruel Intentions”, “Crash”)/TV actor (“Shooter” 2016-18)/married to Reese Witherspoon 1999-2007
1984 [40] (Cameron) Matthew Followill, Oklahoma, OK, alt-rock guitarist-keyboardist (Kings of Leon-‘Sex on Fire’, ‘Use Somebody’)
1986 [38] Ashley Monroe, Knoxville TN, country singer (‘Satisfied’, Pistol Annies-‘Hush Hush’, ‘Hell on Heels’)
THIS DAY IN SHOW BIZ . . .
1990 [33] “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, starring a young rapper named Will Smith, makes its debut on NBC. Over the course of 6 seasons, his musical partner DJ Jazzy Jeff makes regular guest appearances.
2018 [06] John Legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice win Emmys for “Jesus Christ Superstar”, making them all EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony)
TODAY’S MUSIC EVENT . . .
1991 [33] Nirvana’s landmark song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ is released (often called the anthem of Generation X).
TODAY IN SPORTS . . .
2012 [12] At the US Open, Andy Murray wins Men’s Singles, becoming the first Brit to win a Grand Slam singles title since Fred Perry, 76 years earlier.
TODAY’S FIRSTS . . .
1945 [79] ‘Mike the Chicken’ is decapitated in Fruita, Colorado. He then becomes known as ‘Mike the Headless Chicken,’ as he survives for another 18 months.
2008 [16] The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator, known as the “Biggest Scientific Experiment in History”, is powered up beneath Geneva, Switzerland (leads to the ‘God particle’).
BULL’S BITS
BS WHACK FACTS:
✓ All bullfrogs close their eyes when they jump.
✓ Most dinosaurs were vegetarians, but they didn’t eat grass…because there was none at that time.
✓ The secret code for unlocking nuclear missiles during the cold war was “00000000”.
✓ Usually, a spammer needs to send 12.5 million emails to get one response.
✓ Each hair on your ear grows approximately 0.3mm (1/100th of an inch) per day.
✓ About 10% of people are left-handed, but about 20% are left-footed.
-BathroomReadersInstitute
Best of BS . . .
BS WHAT THE URBAN DICTIONARY HAS TAUGHT ME:
• That being ‘awake’ and being ‘woke’ are not at all the same things.
• That ‘Bae’ does not mean ‘bacon and eggs’.
• That my eyebrows are never going to be ‘on fleek’…
• How to have a conversation with my son.
• That we need to bring back words like ‘tubular’, ‘rad’, ‘gnarly’ and ‘excellent’.
• That many nice words have more than one meaning.
• About things that would even freak out Dr. Ruth.
• That my Rural Dictionary is not nearly as interesting.
• Everything I ever wanted to know about Keith Urban.
• That it’s lit up in here YOLO yeet yeet, kiki do you love me?
• That apparently, I’m old AF…
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2018
BS MAKE A CELEBRITY OLDER:
• Jerryatric Seinfeld
• So Old Steve Austin
• Meryl Streak of Grey
• Henry Wrinklier
• Granny Glover
• Will.I.Was
• Relic Baldwin
• GrandMadonna
• Oldie Hawn
• Gary Old Man
• Wheel Cher
• Don’t bother even trying this with John Stamos. Dude doesn’t age!
-Twitter, first published in BS in 2019
BS WEB GOODIE:
…and no one ever suspected a thing! https://tinyurl.com/3en37d7e
BS RANDOM JOKE:
My kids laugh because they think I’m crazy. I laugh because they don’t know it’s hereditary.
BS PHONE STARTER:
☎ What’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made?
BS WATER COOLER QUESTION:
In a survey, 75% of women agreed that they prefer THIS in a boss. What is it?
Answer: Being male
BS DEEP THOUGHT:
Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.
