3/10/2022: Shipwreck Discovered
PLUS: Tinder Check, Aikman’s New Brew, and Kardashian Payday
Today is Thursday, March 10, 2022.
It is the 69th day of the year.
296 days remain.
TRENDING
Prince John was trending Wednesday after Congresswoman Lauren Boebert said she doesn’t know who is running the government “Joe Biden or Prince John.” Twitter users were quick to mock her, saying “there is no Prince John.” Perhaps she was referring to the crooked and selfish character from Robin Hood -- you know, the one who stole from the poor and gave to the rich?
Ryan Coogler landed in Twitter’s Top 10 Trends after a story broke of the director being accused of trying to rob a bank. More in Showbiz.
Fans of the Notorious B.I.G. remembered the late rapper on the 25th anniversary of his death.
#ObiWanKenobi was trending after Disney+ dropped a new teaser for the upcoming limited series.
Twitter users were talking about Ernest Shakleton on Wednesday. Head to Hit List to find out why!
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HIT LIST
The ship once helmed by Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton has been discovered, 107 years after sinking.
The HMS Endurance was found in the Weddell Sea, off the coast of Antarctica late last week. Researchers said the wreck was in relatively excellent condition. The surrounding water was described as being clear as distilled water. Even the name of the ship was visible on the stern.
Under the protection of the Antarctic Treaty System, the wreck will remain a protected historical site.
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SWINDLERPROOF: Hookup/dating app Tinder is introducing a background check feature for romantic prospects.
It will display your match’s criminal history and sex offender registry status.
But the data may not be foolproof: Tinder will include a warning about whether the system has high, low, or medium confidence in the accuracy of the results.
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ELDER MILLENNIAL ALERT: Remember Limewire, the music sharing app similar to Napster in the dark days before internet copyright law?
It’s back – but not up to its old tricks. Only the name and brand remains, and it’s been repurposed by Australian brothers Julian and Paul Zehetmayr to sell NFTs – non-fungible tokens.
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MONKEY SEE, MONKEY BASH: A black-haired monkey in a zoo outside Liverpool, England, was recently spotted beating a seagull to death on top of a pole.
Video shows the seagull enduring FIVE MINUTES of bashing before the monkey gets bored. In the meantime, the primate was spotted licking the bird’s blood off its fingers, before flinging the corpse off the pole and eating it.
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ANIMAL TRAFFICKER: Border officials in California stopped a truck driver heading over at the San Ysidro border crossing late last month – and discovered more than 50 live reptiles and snakes hidden in bags placed around his body: In his jacket, pockets, and crotch.
In total, agents found nine snakes and 43 horned lizards, some of which are on endangered species lists, the AP reports.
The driver – a 30-year-old American – was arrested.
MEANWHILE: Scientists are trying to bring the long-extinct Christmas Island Rat back into existence.
They say they’ve been able to replicate about 95% of its genetic structure – and while that sounds like an achievement, the last 5% contains a lot of important details. So it might look like the rat but will lack a lot of the functionality when it comes to senses of sight and smell.
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Markets hinted at evening out on Wednesday.
The Dow gained back more than 600 points.
Both Brent Crude and WTI dropped a couple dollars off their price.
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CHARTS
A woman got trapped in a water slide aboard a cruise ship.
The incident occurred on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Ocean Loops slide — a closed-tube, double-loop ride that drops riders from the top deck and out over the sea before curving back.
The unnamed female rider appears to not gain enough momentum to make it back to the base, leaving her trapped in a transparent section of the slide that hangs out over the water.
A clip of the incident has been viewed over 15 million times on TikTok.
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DEATHS
CONRAD JANIS has died.
The actor, known for his role on the ‘70s sitcom “Mork & Mindy,” passed away March 1 in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed this week by his business manager. A cause of death was not shared.
He was 94.
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BREAKUPS
Actress ROSANNA ARQUETTE’s husband of 9-years has filed for divorce.
TODD MORGAN, an investment banker, reportedly filed the docs Wednesday, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason.
The couple separated earlier this year, according to Todd.
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RELATIONSHIPS
JOHNTHAN TAYLOR, 23, is engaged to his high school sweetheart, AYANNA CHAPMAN, also 23.
The Indianapolis Colts star shared the news on Instagram, captioning photos of the couple “Together, we can do anything.”
Prior to the Colts, Taylor played football for the Wisconsin Badgers.
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SICK BAY
TONY HAWK broke his leg during a skating accident earlier this week.
The 53-year-old, who broke the same leg in his 30s, said this go round is so severe that he may “never get back to 100% again.”
But he also says he is “up for the challenge.”
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THE SWAMP
LOOKING OUT FOR THE LITTLE GUY: Remember how President JOE BIDEN wanted to spend $80 billion on the IRS to hire more agents, who would go after evil, greedy, rich people who aren’t paying their “fAiR ShARe”?
That initiative remains on ice as much of his expansive domestic spending agenda has stalled in a divided legislature protected by swing voter JOE MANCHIN.
But that doesn’t mean the IRS hasn’t been auditing people anyway. In fact, it turns out they’re auditing everyday Americans at a far greater rate than the uberwealthy who can afford to spend untold sums on tax lawyers to keep them from paying taxes in the first place.
GET THIS: According to a study out of Syracuse University, last year the IRS initiated audits against low-income wage earners at a rate more than five times greater than the average tax filer. They’re squeezing the country’s poorest people who can’t afford accountants to navigate the tedious and bureaucratic tax system for every last dime.
WORTH ASKING: Why aren’t they prioritizing the people who are gaming the system first?
WORTH NOTING: Broke folks can’t afford to hire lawyers to fight the IRS. Rich people can. This measure isn’t about fairness. It’s about control.
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A plane believed to be carrying former PRESIDENT TRUMP made an emergency landing on Saturday night, while returning to Florida after a fundraising event in Louisiana.
Slim details on what caused the emergency landing after just a few minutes of flight time, other than the pilot communicating to the tower it was “emergency in nature.”
The plane was on loan from a Republican donor. Trump’s iconic black and red jet is reportedly undergoing an overhaul, including new engines.
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Democrat efforts to jam through another $1.5 trillion spending package were impeded on Wednesday – by Democrats!
A bill to pay for government operations was rolled into a supplemental foreign aid bill and coronavirus relief spending package to create another trillion-dollar-plus spending nightmare. It was voted out of Committee in the early hours Wednesday, and scheduled for a floor vote before Noon the same day.
Democrats revolted – and demanded that the supplemental covid spending is taken out.
WORTH NOTING: This is some of the most astonishing public policy backpedaling on record, from “Republicans want people to die” to “nothing more we can do” in just a matter of days.
The government is funded through Friday. A deal has to be struck before then to keep things open.
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White House Media Commissar JEN PSAKI would very much like to not be asked about drilling permits anymore.
When asked Wednesday whether the Biden Administration would make it easier to ramp up domestic drilling, she smugly dismissed energy companies for asking for an embroidered invitation.
WATCH:
MEANWHILE: Here’s a good side by side of candidate Biden making very clear his energy policies, and Psaki totally lying about them:
WORTH REMEMBERING: In 2008, President George W Bush announced the expansion of federal oil leases. Even though it would take years for those resources to hit the market, prices fell more than 10% in the following week.
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LOTTERY
A winning Mega Millions ticket was sold in New York. The winner has the option of the $126 million jackpot or the $85.8 million cash payout.
Friday night’s drawing will be for a $20 million jackpot or a $13.4 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
TROY AIKMAN is launching a healthy alcohol option, called “Eight” beer.
The former NFL QB told TMZ Sports that his brew is a “lifestyle brand” for those who want to enjoy a can or two while still being “mindful of their health and wellness.”
“Eight” beer — a nod to Aikman’s old jersey number — comes with just 90 calories and 2.6 carbs.
For now, the beer is only available in a few restaurants and bars in Texas, but with any luck it will be nationwide soon.
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“Black Panther” director RYAN COOGLER was mistaken for a bank robber in Atlanta earlier this year.
The 35-year-old attempted to make a discreet withdrawal from his account in January, while wearing a green hoodie, black hat, dark sunglasses and a face mask to protect himself from COVID-19.
The getup, plus the note he slipped to the teller led her to assume he was robbing them.
The note read: “I would like to withdraw $12,000 from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I'd like to be discreet.”
The cops were called and Coogler was handcuffed. He was eventually able to explain the situation and was released.
A spokesperson for Bank of America has since apologized to the filmmaker.
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JEFF ZUCKER finalized a deal with WarnerMedia over his sudden exit last month.
The former CNN boss walked away with over $5 million, which was part of compensation he was owed from a 2021 bonus, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The deal was finalized before he stepped down on February 2.
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ZACHARY LEVI is sharing his own mental health journey in his new book, “Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others.”
In the book, the actor opens up about his childhood trauma and coping struggles. He also gives guidance to help others on their own journey to “mental wellness,” according to a press release.
The book will hit shelves on June 28.
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TIGER WOODS’ induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame was even more meaningful as his 14-year-old daughter, SAM ALEXIS WOODS, introduced him.
The ceremony, which was postponed due to covid, took place last night.
The event is one of the few public appearances Woods has made since his February 2021 car crash.
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SELMA BLAIR got an order of protection from her boyfriend RONALD CARLSON, after he allegedly attacked her.
According to the legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the actress and Carlson were in a long-term relationship that recently ended. During some sort of possession exchange, Carlson verbally and physically assaulted her.
Blair claims that when she tried to fight back, Carlson covered her face with his hands causing her to pass out.
When officers arrived, Blair got a bloody nose and lost consciousness again. She was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Carlson was arrested for felony domestic violence with corporal injuries.
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CASTING CALL
The 75th annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 12.
The ceremony will be preceded by an hour-long streaming event on Paramount+.
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HBO Max has officially ordered a spinoff series of “The Batman,” centered on The Penguin.
According to Variety, COLIN FARRELL will return for the limited series after starring as the villain in the recently released film.
The show will follow the character, whose real name is Oswald Cobblepot, as he rises through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld.
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ANDREW ROSS SORKIN will host and produce a limited series for NBC News Now.
According to the steamer, the show will “take an intimate look at the people, trends, institutions and forces shaping our world.”
Additional details will be announced at a later date.
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CHRISTOPHER ABBOTT is joining the cast of Marvel movie, “Kraven the Hunter.”
He will play the film’s main villain, The Foreigner — one of Spider-Man’s bigger foes.
He joins previously announced ARIANA DEBOSE, RUSSELL CROWE, ALESSANDRO NIVOLA and FRED HECHINGER.
AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON stars in the titular role.
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Actress MIRANDA COSGROVE and Super Bowl champ ROB GRONKOWSKI will co-host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
The show, which covers film, TV, music, sports and more, will air live from the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport on April 9.
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The release dates for DC Comics films “Black Adam” and “Super-Pets,” both starring DWAYNE JOHNSON, are being pushed back.
The latter will hit theaters on July 29, while “Black Adam” will debut on October 21.
Johnson takes on the titular role in “Black Adam,” and voices Superman’s canine pal, Krypto the Super-Dog in “Super Pets.”
It is unclear why the delay.
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
The KarJenners are reportedly earning nine figures for their new Hulu series, “The Kardashians,” according to an insider.
KHLOE KARDASHIAN defended her family’s payday in a Variety cover story, saying they give up “so much of their personal lives for the cameras” that the money “has to be a good fit” in exchange.
She also revealed that they will all make the same amount from the show, telling the magazine, “We are all equals.”
The new series premieres on April 14.
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
No taxpayer funds were used in PRINCE ANDREW’s settlement with accuser VIRGINIA GIUFFRE.
Newly released court documents, obtained by The Sun, confirm that "public funds were not used” for Andrew’s “multi million-pound payment or for his legal fees.”
The report was released amid numerous calls asking the royal to confirm how he afforded the large settlement.
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Despite there being some royal bad blood, PRINCE CHARLES and CAMILLA keep PRINCE HARRY and MEGHAN MARKLE close.
A sneak peek into Charles and Camilla’s living room showed some of the family portraits they have on display — one of them from Harry and Meg’s wedding.
The majority of the other photos feature KATE MIDDLETON, PRINCE WILLIAM and their three kids. One special photo is of Charles and his parents, QUEEN ELIZABETH and PRINCE PHILIP.
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SPORTS
Ukrainian biathlete ANASTASIIA LALETINA, 19, has pulled out of the Paralympics after her father was reportedly captured by the Russian military.
A Ukrainian Paralympic Committee spokesperson told Reuters that Laletina’s father is a soldier in the Ukrainian military. No other details were shared.
Laletina is from Chernihiv, one of the many cities still being heavily shelled by Russian forces.
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Blueberry Popover Day
National Mario Day
National Pack Your Lunch Day
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
World Kidney Day
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ON THIS DATE
1804 – A formal ceremony is held in St. Louis to acknowledge the Louisiana Purchase.
The formal treaty that passed governance of the large swatch of land from France to the United States had been signed nearly 10 months prior, and was ratified by the Senate the previous October.
Until 1812, the land was designated the Territory of Orleans.
Louisiana became the 18th state.
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1969 – James Earl Ray is convicted of murdering Martin Luther King Jr.
It was also Ray’s 41st birthday.
Ray’s guilty plea circumvented a trial by jury, and also made him ineligible for the death penalty. He would be sentenced to 99 years in prison.
He would escape prison once in 1977, only to be captured three days later. As punishment, a year was tacked on to his sentence. Ray died from Hepatitis C in 1998.
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1977 – Astronomers conclude the seventh planet has rings around it.
Uranus was thought to originally have 5 rings, but the Voyager 2 spacecraft found there to be 11 in 1986.
Then in 2003, observations made through the Hubble telescope suggested there were a total of 13, with the two outermost orbiting a great deal away from the center 11. The rings mostly consist of ice and small particles.
It’s believed that moons that once orbited Uranus collided with the planet some 600 million years ago, forming the ring system.
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2000 – The NASDAQ peaks at 5,408.60 points, more than double its value from the year before. This spike marked the beginning of the end for the dot-com bubble.
By the turn of the millennium, companies that dabbled in new internet technologies quickly saw robust cash infusions from Venture Capitalists, and collectively burned through billions of dollars — many without ever turning a profit.
Others did very well — the acquisition of Broadcast.com by Yahoo for $5.7 billion in 1999 made Mark Cuban a billionaire. Today, broadcast.com redirects to the Yahoo homepage.
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2006 – The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter enters orbit around Mars.
It has since been essential in recording meteorological data about the Red Planet.
One of its most notable discoveries is what could be flowing salt water on the Martian surface.
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2013 - News leaks that actress Ashley Judd is considering a run for the US Senate, and will challenge Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky.
A few weeks later, Judd would expressly deny any campaign, instead wanting to focus on spending time with her family.
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2020 - Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping finally travels to Wuhan — the epicenter of the breakout.
The visit was mostly to save face, as Xi was called out for “disappearing” during the early days of the pandemic.
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BIRTHDAYS
Zach LaVine - basketball player - 27
Bad Bunny - rapper - 28
Emily Osment - actress, “Hannah Montana” & “Young & Hungry” - 30
Conceited - rapper - 33
Mod Sun - rapper - 35
Olivia Wilde - actress, “Tron: Legacy” & “House M.D.” - 38
Malika Haqq - reality star & Kardashian friend - 39
Carrie Underwood - country singer - 39
Keke Wyatt - R&B singer - 40
Robin Thicke - R&B singer - 45
Rita Simons - actress, “EastEnders” - 45
Timbaland - music producer - 50
Jon Hamm - actor, “Mad Men” - 51
Paget Brewster - actress, “Criminal Minds” - 53
Prince Edward - Earl of Wessex - 58
Jasmine Guy - actress, “A Different World” - 60
Sharon Stone - actress, “Basic Instinct” & “Casino” - 64
Chuck Norris - actor, “Walker, Texas Ranger” - 82
Born On This Date
Osama bin Laden - terrorist - 1957 (d. 2011)
James Earl Ray - assassinated MLK Jr. - 1928 (d. 1998)
Alfred Peet - founder of Peet’s Coffee & Tea - 1920 (d. 2007)
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