2/26/2024: Barbie Phone
PLUS: SBF Back in Court; Tay’s Rules For Trav; and Royal Well-Wishes
Today is Monday, February 26, 2024.
It is the 57th day of the year.
309 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
MERCEDES-BENZ backpedals on its EV plans. Details in HIT LIST.
OLIVIA RODRIGO turns 21 and ELLE MACPHERSON has discovered a secret to looking more youthful. More in SHOWBI.Z
CILLIAN MURPHY reveals the freak accident he suffered while filming “Oppenheimer” in CASTING CALL.
KIM continues her justice crusade. More in KARDASH.
KING CHARLES is humbled by the outpouring of support over his cancer diagnosis. Details on that in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
Police in Georgia have arrested a Venezuelan national in connection to the murder of college student Laken Riley late last week. Riley was found dead just hours after she didn’t return from a run.
Ibarra, who crossed into the country illegally in September 2022 and was released into the U.S. on parole, faces charges of felony murder, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
So far no word on motive. Officials described Ibarra as “an individual who woke up with bad intentions.” [via CNN]
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MERCEDES-BENZ has pulled back on its commitment to only manufacture electric vehicles by 2030. In 2021, the carmaker did include the caveat that the EV commitment extended “where market conditions allow.”
NOW: The company forecasts that EVs and hybrids will compose only about half of its sales by the end of the decade. It will continue to produce new versions of its existing gas-powered vehicles in the meantime.
Mercedes reported a 21% decline in net profits in the fourth quarter last year. Overall, EV sales composed 21.8% of its revenues. [via Elektrek].
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SAM BANKMAN-FRIED formally changed his legal representation during a court appearance last week in anticipation of his sentencing in March.
A reporter in the room noted that while SBF had lost a good bit of weight, he still brought in some neurotic nervous energy, tapping his foot as he answered questions from the judge.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 28. [via ABC News]
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You, too, can live like Barbie – this time with a signature pink Mattel-branded flip phone.
NOKIA will roll out the device this summer. Insiders say it sounds similar to the popular Motorola Razr model of the 2000s and won’t have many of the smartphone features common today. The manufacturer is taking the simplified model in stride, saying it caters to “style, nostalgia and a much-needed digital detox.” [via Engadget]
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Researchers from New Mexico Highlands University have identified a new species of Giant Anaconda -- the northern green anaconda -- in South America.
It was originally believed that the animal known as the green anaconda encompassed one species, but new research shows that there is a “five-and-a-half percent [difference], genetically” between, what is now known as the northern green anaconda, and its southern counterpart. For comparison purposes, humans and chimps are separated by only about two percent.
The find has been published in the journal MDPI Diversity, and will serve as the basis for further investigation into other serpent species evolution, such as the Yellow Anaconda. [via NMHU, Fox News, NatGeo]
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DEATHS
Actor KENNETH MITCHELL has died.
He passed away Saturday after a years-long battle with ALS.
Mitchell is best known for his roles in “Jericho” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”
He was only 49.
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
10. The Chosen: S4 Episodes 4-6: $1.8 million (down from 5)
9. The Beekeeper: $1.9 million (down from 7)
8. Drive-Away Dolls: $2.4 million (new)
7. Wonka: $2.5 million (down from 6)
6. Argylle: $2.8 million (down from 3)
5. Migration: $3 million (down from 4)
4. Madame Web: $6 million (down from 2)
3. Ordinary Angels: $6.5 million (new)
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Hashira Training: $11.5 million (new)
1. Bob Marley: One Love: $13.5 million (stayed at 1)
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW gained 62 points (0.16%) to close at 39,131 on Monday. The S&P was up 1 points (0.035%) to close at 5,088 and the NASDAQ lost 44 points (0.28%) to close at 15,996.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $76; BRENT CRUDE at $80.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.62 on Sunday.
₿ BITCOIN was trading around $51,700 on Sunday evening.
🛩 There were more than 2,720 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Sunday and more than 30 such cancellations.
💰Tuesday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $563 million jackpot or a $265.4 million cash payout. Tonight’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $391 million jackpot or a $185.6 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
“Oppenheimer” took home the Outstanding Cast in a Film prize at Saturday night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. Presenters included a “Devil Wears Prada” reunion with MERYL STREEP, EMILY BLUNT, and ANNE HATHAWAY and later six of the adult leads from “Modern Family” joining together on stage.
Other notable winners:
FILM
Lead Actor: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
Lead Actress: Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr, “Oppenheimer”
Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
TV
Drama Ensemble: “Succession”
Comedy Ensemble: “The Bear”
Actor, Drama: Pedro Pascal, “The Last of Us”
Actress, Drama: Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
Actor, Comedy: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”
Actress, Comedy: Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Actor, TV Movie/Limited Series: Steven Yeun, “Beef”
Actress, TV Movie/Limited Series: Ali Wong, “Beef”
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TAYLOR SWIFT is concerned about how boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE’s behavior could affect her image. So to avoid any messiness, the singer has reportedly established some ground rules for her beau.
One insider told Life & Style magazine that Swift told Kelce he can no longer go to strip clubs and should avoid posing for photos with female fans. Kelce is reportedly “fine” with the first rule but the latter one has him feeling “exasperated,” the source added.
Another request from Swift is that Kelce Facetime her rather than text so she can see who he is with and what they are doing, when the two are apart.
At the end of the day, the insider said neither are trying to be controlling, but are simply “committed to doing whatever it takes to make their relationship stronger.” [via Daily Mail]
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OLIVIA RODRIGO found a quiet way to celebrate turning 21 years old while on her “Guts” tour: she picked up a six-pack and some cigarettes to mark the occasion.
Rodrigo told the crowd at a California show last week that she didn’t knock back the brews or light up, though. “I just bought it because I [effing] could,” she said. She used the story to setup her song “Teenage Dream,” adding, “I think growing up isn’t so scary after all and life just kind of gets better at the end.” [via Deadline]
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ELLE MACPHERSON says one secret to aging well is sleeping buck naked.
The model told the “Style DNA” podcast, “I go to bed with a smile. I go to bed with a happy heart. And an eye mask. ... No clothes. My skin."
She also said she swears by getting at least eight hours a night. Her morning routine includes a 5:00 am bike ride to the beach, a quick swim in the ocean, morning yoga, then more exercise. [via TMZ]
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WENDY WILLIAMS addressed her aphasia and frontotemporal dementia diagnosis for the first time on Friday.
In a statement, the 59-year-old both thanked fans for the outpouring of support, while also asking everyone to respect her privacy and give her some space.
Her team revealed the diagnosis last week, stating that while Williams has a court-appointed legal guardian, she is still “able to do many things for herself.” [via EW]
What does all this mean when it comes to “The Wendy Williams Show”? Williams’ former co-executive producer Suzanne Bass says it seems “unlikely” she will ever return to the small screen. [via People]
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PETA is taking a shot at BAD BUNNY over a recent concert where he took to the stage on horseback.
Kicking off his “Most Wanted” tour in Salt Lake City last week, BB trotted out on horseback while his fans cheered him.
It’s the excessive noise, lights and overall environment that the animal rights org took issue with, saying horses are skittish animals and someone could have gotten seriously hurt.
No word on whether or not the horse-on-stage was a one and done thing or if it is a permanent part of BB’s shows. [via Daily Mail]
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Former Seattle Seahawks player RICHARD SHERMAN was arrested over the weekend for allegedly driving under the influence.
According to jailhouse records, Sherman was booked into King County Jail early Saturday morning after officers pulled him over for speeding and suspicion of being impaired. Sources say Sherman failed to allow the officers to administer a breathalyzer test.
Sherman spent the weekend in jail because he is still on monitored supervision following a domestic burglary charge from 2021. He will head to court today to find out about bail and conditions of release. [via TMZ]
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CASTING CALL
Actor CILLIAN MURPHY suffered a freak bedroom incident while filming “Oppenheimer,” co-star EMILY BLUNT revealed during a cast sit-down on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Blunt said that Murphy was already starving himself to lose weight for the role, going to bed hungry, so she got him a pillow so he could at least sleep well. But one night, while fluffing the pillow to get the cool side, Murphy clunked his head on the nightstand so badly that medics on the set had to “glue his head shut.”
Fortunately, filming was not interrupted. [via Fox News]
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The head of Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns HBO, said during an earnings call last week that the next “Game of Thrones” spinoff will premiere late next year.
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight” is based on a series of novellas written by G.O.T. scribe GEORGE R. R. MARTIN called, “Dunk & Egg.” The story is set about a hundred years before the original “Thrones” timeline.
MEANWHILE: The “House of the Dragon” prequel’s second season is set to premiere this summer. [via Deadline]
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Actor THOMAS F. WILSON says his role as antagonist Biff Tannen in “Back to Future” was a tough gig.
“[I] didn’t want to play the role of a bully,” Wilson admitted in a new YouTube video about his time filming the iconic movies.
“I hate bullies. Jesus wants me to love everyone,” he continued, before sharing his own personal experiences with bullies as a kid -- including one time when he got punched and his bike got stolen.
Needless to say, Wilson was able to find his inner bully and nailed the role. [via People]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
KIM KARDASHIAN is once again using her platform to help save a man, whom she believes has been wrongfully convicted.
Over the weekend Kim posted on Instagram about Ivan Cantu, a Dallas-based inmate who is set to be executed this week. Kim told her millions of followers that she believes Cantu is innocent and shared a link for people who want to support his cause.
Cantu has been in prison for over 20 years after being found guilty of killing his cousin and fiancee in November 2020. [via Mirror]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
In an online video posted Friday, KING CHARLES showed mailbags with thousands of letters sent from around the world wishing him well as he is treated for cancer. “Such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement,” the monarch said in a statement. Watch the video >
While the King of course didn’t personally read all of the mail, the video noted that a few were included each day in the official red box that holds papers regarding the monarch’s daily official business. [via @RoyalFamily]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Pistachio Day
National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
National Personal Chef Day
National Carpe Diem Day
Levi Strauss Day
Play More Cards Day
For Pete’s Sake Day
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ON THIS DATE
1917 - President Wilson first learns of the Zimmerman Telegram.
The memo between the German Foreign Secretary and the German ambassador to Mexico suggested an alliance between the two countries if the U.S. were to enter into World War I.
When British intelligence intercepted and decoded the note, it was swiftly routed to the president -- who was appalled. On March 1st, it appeared on the front pages of newspapers across the country.
By March 3rd, the Germans would acknowledge the letter as accurate.
Though Wilson had spent most of his presidency avoiding entering the First World War, he would address Congress one month later on the need to enter the conflict, which would happen on April 6.
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1935 - Hitler organizes Germany's first air force.
The Luftwaffe was organized by Hermann Goering, a World War I ace.
Under the Versailles Treaty following World War I, the Germans were prohibited from building up their military, so Hitler ordered its proliferation in secret. But when the Royal Air Force publicly boasted its own expansion, die Fuhrer would not be outdone -- and he revealed his expanded air fleet.
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1949 - The "Lucky Lady II" begins a four-day flight around the world.
The B-50 had a crew of 14. It was refueled four times mid-flight, and averaged 249 miles per hour over 23,000 miles.
In 1986, a lightweight propeller plane called Voyager would circumnavigate the earth without refueling.
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1990 - The Sandinistas lose control of Nicaragua for the first time in over a decade.
The far-left regime took control in 1979 after rebel forces overthrew dictator Anastacio Somoza.
With the Cold War still keeping relations between the Free West and Oppressed East icy, the Reagan Administration aggressively opposed leftist politics around the globe, including Nicaragua.
That policy came to a head with the fall of the Sandinistas on this date in 1990.
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1993 - Muslim extremist Mohammed Slameh orchestrates and executes the World Trade Center bombing.
A truck bomb detonated under the North Tower. The bomb was designed to knock the North Tower into the South Tower, bringing the whole complex down -- obviously the scheme failed, but not without casualties -- six died and more than a thousand were injured.
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2012 - George Zimmerman fatally shoots 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Martin was walking back to a relative’s home when Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch coordinator, decided to follow him. After calling the police over his concern about the “unknown male wearing a dark colored hoodie,” Zimmerman tried to confront Martin which led to a physical altercation. It ended with Zimmerman fatally shooting the teen.
Zimmerman claims the shooting was in self-defense.
Protests were staged around the US, with many in attendance donning hoodies in Martin’s honor.
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BIRTHDAYS
Darius Marcell - actor, “Andi Mack” - 21
Maggie Mac Neil - Olympic swimmer - 24
Mariah Linney - basketball player - 25
Taylor Dooley - actress, “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl” - 31
Teresa Palmer - actress, “The Choice” & “Lights Out” - 38
Ally Hilfiger - author & actress - 39
DeRay Davis - comedian - 42
Tim Thomas - basketball player - 47
Erykah Badu - R&B singer - 53
Michael Bolton - rock singer - 71
Born On This Date
Johnny Cash - country singer - 1932 (d. 2003)
Tony Randall - actor, “The Odd Couple” - 1920 (d. 2004)
Levi Strauss - clothing designer - 1829 (d. 1902)
Victor Hugo - author, “Hunchback of Notre Dame” & “Les Miserables” - 1802 (d. 1885)
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