2/28/2023: Drugs to Go
PLUS: Supremes Take on Student Loan Debt; Leo’s Relationship NDAs; and Spoiled-Rotten Kardashian Kids
Today is Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
It is the 59th day of the year.
306 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
A new study shows a simple way to beat depression and NASA reschedules its ISS crew. More in HIT LIST.
The Supremes take on student loan debt forgiveness and RON DESANTIS’ book drops today. More in THE SWAMP.
TOM BRADY wants to try stand-up comedy and STEVEN SEAGAL receives the Order of Friendship from VLADIMIR PUTIN. More in SHOWBIZ.
ZENDAYA gets a pay bump and ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER returns to acting. More in CASTING CALL.
###
HIT LIST
Four astronauts on board the International Space Station will have to wait until later this week to return home, after NASA scrubbed the launch of its Crew Dragon capsule late Sunday night.
Officials say the problem had to do with fuel sensor malfunction that made it impossible to verify whether the rocket’s tank was full.
NASA will try again on Thursday at the earliest. [via Associated Press]
WORTH REMEMBERING: Fuel sensor issues plagued the first launch of the Crew Dragon capsule late last summer.
###
High-end grocery store Trader Joe’s says it will not install self-checkout machines like many of its competitors have.
The company’s VP of Marketing said on the “Inside Trader Joe’s” podcast that the company’s staff are part of the reason for the store’s “most valuable resource.” She also emphasized that the company will continue to invest in employees to maintain a great customer service, rather than find other automation techniques that might improve profit margins. [via The Sun]
###
If you’re bummed out and need a boost, the best thing you can do is get up and exercise.
An Australian study suggests that working out is 1.5 times more effective for curbing depression than therapy or medication.
EVEN BETTER: The more intense the exercise, the better the mood, at least in the short term. [via SciTechDaily]
###
Since the summer of 2020, the number of corporate hires focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – or DEI – jumped 55%. Now, amid recessionary layoffs, those same jobs are 11 points more likely to be the first to go.
NBC News reports that DEI hires account for 33% of layoffs in major companies, compared to 21% for rank-and-file corporate positions. [via NBC News]
###
Five Texas men have been busted for running a cocaine-smuggling ring using UPS to ship their product – and two of the men were UPS employees.
The intrigue has the makings of a movie: One was a supplier, one created fake tracking labels, one housed the boxes, and two guys drove the goods around to their distributors. Authorities eventually seized 60 kilograms of blow, but no word yet how much they managed to move before they were busted.
UPS says they’re aware of the situation but aren’t commenting as the case is ongoing. [via NBC News]
###
CHARTS
Top 5 Songs on Apple Music:
Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”
PinkPantheress & Ice Spice, “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2”
SZA, “Kill Bill”
KAROL G & Shakira, “TQG”
SZA, “Snooze”
Top 5 Songs on Spotify:
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Die For You - Remix”
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
PinkPantheress & Ice Spice, “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2”
SZA, “Kill Bill”
RAYE & 070 Shake, “Escapism”
###
DEATHS
Legendary college basketball coach TERRY HOLLAND has died.
He passed away Sunday night, according to a statement from his family. An official cause of death was not shared.
Holland coached the Virginia Cavaliers for 16 seasons and then later served as an athletic administrator.
He was 80.
###
THE SWAMP
TODAY: The Supreme Court will hear arguments over the Constitutionality of President JOE BIDEN’s un-Constitutional blanket student loan debt relief program.
Last year, the Biden White House promised up to $20,000 forgiveness for all borrowers with federally-backed student loans, until lower courts intervened to halt the program.
WORTH NOTING: Student loan payments and interest have not resumed since the start of the pandemic nearly three years ago. That extension continues until the end of June – for now.
###
In his book out today, America’s Governor RON DESANTIS lays out what he calls “Florida’s Blueprint for American Revival” – but remember, he hasn’t announced he’s running for President of the United States yet.
WORTH REMEMBERING: One of former President DONALD TRUMP’s biggest weaknesses was expecting the government to move at the speed of his businesses.
Without naming names, DeSantis says he knows how to get things done within the government. He explains how before he took office as governor of Florida, he ordered his transition team to understand all of the legal, constitutional, and statutory authority given to the state’s chief executive so that he could use “every lever available to advance our priorities.” [via CNN]
OH BY THE WAY: On Sunday DeSantis launched a just-because video that highlights his victories and successes in Florida over the last few years.
###
BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW increased 72 points (0.22%) to close at 32,889 on Monday. The S&P added 12 points (0.31%) to close at 3,982 and the NASDAQ added 72 points (0.63%) to close at 11,466.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $75 on Monday; BRENT CRUDE at $82.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.36 on Monday.
₿ BITCOIN slid on Monday, down 0.6% and trading under $23,400.
🛩 There were more than 3,555 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Monday and more than 529 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $145 million jackpot or a $74.3 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
BTS band member J-HOPE has canceled his request to delay his enlistment in Korea’s military service, which is a requirement for able-bodied men in the country.
It is unknown when he will begin his military service.
In other news, his new solo single, “On The Street,” will be released on March 3. [via Deadline]
WORTH REMEMBERING: J-Hope’s bandmate JIN is already two months into his military service.
###
TOM BRADY reportedly wants to try his hand at comedy.
Sources told RadarOnline.com that he has plans to do some stand-up comedy, despite his friends’ pleas not to.
“Tom was a terrific quarterback, but he needs to toss this idea before it’s too late,” one insider told the outlet.
Another, who has reportedly heard some of Brady’s material said, “As a comic -- he’s strictly a water boy.” [via RadarOnline]
###
Actor MICHAEL B. JORDAN is the new face of Calvin Klein’s Spring 2023 collection.
The latest ad features the chiseled “Creed” star wearing nothing but a pair of boxer-briefs in the familiar CK aesthetic.
Comments on the ad, which was shared on Twitter, were all very much in support of the brand’s choice in models. [via TMZ]
###
JEFF BEZOS is no longer in the running to buy the Washington Commanders football team after current owner DAN SYNDER blocked him.
According to People Magazine, Snyder says he is against the billionaire taking ownership after a series of stories bashing the culture of the organization were published in The Washington Post, which Bezos owns.
Rumor is…if Snyder doesn’t get an offer that he deems acceptable, he will stay on as owner. [via People]
###
A woman who was charged in connection with the heist of LADY GAGA’s dogs in 2021 is now demanding the singer fork over the $500,000 reward money.
Jennifer McBride, one of five arrested in the dognapping, is suing Gaga for the financial reward that was offered to anyone who safely returned the dogs. According to the lawsuit, McBride says that because she contacted Gaga and returned the dogs, she is entitled to the money, despite being part of the crime.
She is suing Gaga for the full amount of the reward, alleging pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
Gaga has not responded to the suit. [via E! News]
WORTH REMEMBERING: Gaga’s dog walker was shot by the dognappers. He has since recovered.
###
There are no scandals when it comes to dating LEONARDO DICAPRIO because he allegedly makes all of his significant others sign NDAs, according to RadarOnline.com.
Insiders told the outlet that the actor has “escaped messy drama with his exes” because he covers all his bases, having them sign the documents before things get serious.
“His assistant keeps stacks of them on hand,” one source added.
A rep for the actor has denied the actor makes women sign documentation to date him. [via RadarOnline]
###
Actor STEVEN SEAGAL was given the Order of Friendship award yesterday by VLADIMIR PUTIN.
The honor is presented to those Russia considers “to have contributed to bettering international relations,” according to the Associated Press.
In 2018, Seagal, who holds Russian citizenship, was named as a Russian Foreign Ministry humanitarian envoy to the United States and Japan. [via AP News]
###
COURTENEY COX had her friends by her side Monday as she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
JENNIFER ANISTON and LISA KUDROW, who starred alongside Cox on “Friends,” spoke about their decades-long friendship, sharing jokes and memories from their time on the show. [via TMZ]
WORTH NOTING: Aniston was the first -- and only other member -- of the “Friends” cast to get a star on the Walk of Fame
###
CASTING CALL
ZENDAYA has renegotiated her deal with HBO and will now be earning $1 million per episode for the upcoming third season of “Euphoria.”
Her team pushed for the pay increase arguing that she has helped make the show “one of the highest-watched shows in HBO’s history.”
Zendaya also became an executive producer on the show last season, which will bring her even more money. [via RadarOnline]
###
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER is returning to acting in a live-action show for Netflix, called “FUBAR.”
In the series, he plays a CIA operative named Luke Brunner, who is ready to retire but after discovering a family secret stays in the field for one more job.
Schwarzenegger says the new show will “kick your ass and make you laugh.”
“FUBAR” premieres on May 25. [via The Verge]
###
CELEBRITY CELLBLOCK
RICK SINGER, the man behind the college admissions scandal, reported to prison on Monday.
He will spend the next three and half years at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola, Florida. [via TMZ]
WORTH NOTING: FPC Pensacola is the same prison that reality star TODD CHRISLEY is serving his 12-year sentence for tax evasion.
###
THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
Social media users are coming for KHLOE KARDASHIAN after a recent post she shared featuring her 4-year-old daughter TRUE THOMPSON holding a $1,600 Louis Vuitton purse.
One comment touched on how “out of touch” the whole family is with the real world, while another begged them to stop “showing off their extreme wealth.”
A third user questioned whether any of the “spoiled” kids would “appreciate [things] when they get older.”
This isn’t the first time Khloe has been bashed over posts featuring her daughter. Last year, she shared a photo of True wearing a $1,200 designer coat, $600 Gucci dress and $550 Fendi boots. She was also holding a bedazzled Judith Leiber purse estimated to be worth $4,000. [via The Sun]
###
WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
SASHA WALPOLE, the woman who claims to have taken PRINCE HARRY’s virginity, is now selling one of the items he allegedly gifted her.
The gift is a Miss Piggy doll that Harry Walpole says Harry won at Thorpe Park in Surrey, England and gave to her for her 19th birthday, along with a card that reads, “loads of love, Baz” -- his nickname at the time.
The doll is currently listed on eBay, with the highest big just over $2,000, as of Monday.
Walpole says she plans to donate the money to victims of the Turkey and Syria earthquake. [via NY Post]
###
DAY OF THE YEAR
National Public Sleeping Day
National Tooth Fairy Day
National Chocolate Souffle Day
Global Scouse Day
National Floral Design Day
Rare Disease Day
###
ON THIS DATE
1521 – Hernando Cortes and his forces execute Aztec King Cuauhtemoc.
Cuauhtemoc succeeded Moctezuma, who was also killed by the invading Spaniards.
Before killing him, the Spaniards tortured Cuauhtemoc, trying to squeeze out where to find all the Aztec gold. While there was plenty of gold to go around the Aztec kingdom, it was not used as a currency; instead, it was used to plate wood and rocks.
The tales of Aztec gold and stockpiles of coins continue to be considered a myth.
###
1854 - The Republican Party formally organizes in Ripon, Wisconsin.
The first of two meetings regarding naming the party occurred on this day. Women were allowed to attend this meeting.
Also at the initial gathering, a committee was formed, consisting of Alvan Bovay, Amos Loper, Abram Thomas, Jehdeiah Bowen and Jacob Woodruff.
At the second meeting, which would take place a month later, the party would officially be named.
###
1940 - The population in the United States is: 131,669,275.
###
1953 – Cambridge researchers James Watson and Frances Crick discover DNA's double-helix structure.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid was first discovered in 1869, but it wasn't until 1943 that scientists understood its importance as the foundation for genetic inheritance.
It wasn't until April that they would formally announce and explain the findings, as described in an article in Nature magazine.
Since then, DNA research has helped in countless fields of research science and medicine.
###
1959 – The U.S. military launches Discoverer 1, a prototype for the Corona spy satellite program.
It was hoped the satellite would achieve polar orbit, but the mission failed.
It is believed to have crashed near the South Pole.
The KH-1 satellites would eventually adopt similar structures and technology as Discoverer 1.
###
1983 – “M*A*S*H” airs its finale episode; ending an 11 season run.
The two-and-a-half hour episode was the most-watched in history, bringing in 77 percent of the viewing audience and 60 percent of households -- that's more than 100 million people.
In its run, Alan Alda won a series of Emmys. He was the first to win awards for acting, directing, and writing on the same show.
It also became one of the most successful syndication franchises in the world.
###
1987 – Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev announces his desire for a nuclear weapons treaty with the United States. His proposal called for removing all American and Soviet medium-range nuclear weapons from Europe.
Talks between Reagan and Gorbachev had begun two years earlier, and the leaders had discussed a similar treaty, but on the grounds that Reagan abandon the Strategic Defense Initiative.
When Gorbachev came back to the table in February 1987, SDI was not included in negotiations. By the end of that year they agreed to the treaty. The Soviets dismantled 1500 missiles; the U.S. about 700.
###
2021 - Chadwick Boseman posthumously wins Best Actor at the 78th Golden Globes.
The award was for his role in the film, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
###
BIRTHDAYS
Jonathan Davis - actor, “Outer Banks” - 23
Luka Doncic - basketball player - 24
Alex Caruso - basketball player - 29
Jason Aldean - country singer - 46
Ali Larter - actress, “Heroes” & “Final Destination” - 47
Tasha Smith - actress, “For Better or Worse” - 52
Daniel Handler - novelist who goes by Lemony Snicket, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” - 53
Pat Monahan - rock singer, Train - 54
Kelly Bishop - actress, “Gilmore Girls” - 79
Mario Andretti - race car driver - 83
Born On This Date
Gilbert Gottfried - comedian - 1955 (d. 2022)
Audrey Williams - country singer - 1923 (d. 1975)
Bugsy Siegel - gangster - 1906 (d. 1947)
###