3/1/2024: Hawaiian Cliff Diving
PLUS: Fyre II Update; Cyrus Family Drama; and Security Detail
Today is Friday, March 1, 2024.
It is the 61st day of the year.
305 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
More scrambling in SBF’s camp to avoid a life sentence. Details in HIT LIST.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE collabs with some special friends on at least one new song. More in SHOWBIZ.
Bravo “Housewives” speak out in defense of ANDY COHEN and a new film takes over IMDb’s top spot. Details in CASTING CALL.
TAYLOR SWIFT’s friend has some thoughts on YE’s issue. More in KARDASH.
The Sussexes have at least one place they’ll get police protection. Details in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
Ahead of SAM BANKMAN-FRIED’s sentencing at the end of March, his mother has filed a brief with the court arguing that her son’s autism spectrum disorder makes her fear for his life behind bars.
“It may be that some of the inmates will come to appreciate Sam once they get to know him. But miscommunication in that environment is dangerous, and Sam’s traits greatly increase the likelihood of its occurring,” BARBARA FRIED wrote, adding that his behavior “can seem odd and off-putting to people who don’t know him.”
In a filing last week, SBF’s attorney noted that the disgraced crypto zillionaire has a condition called anhedonia, which prevents him from feeling enjoyment, motivation, and interest in other people. [via New York Post]
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There are still few details about the next incarnation of the Fyre Festival, which has been offering cryptic pre-sale events and ticket opportunities. BILLY MCFARLAND, who went to prison for his disastrous handling of the first festival and is now just working as a hype-man, announced on Thursday that the event has $110 MILLION in pre-sale commitments through these efforts.
McFarland has publicly pledged to make whole all those who lost out the first time around – though that’s also a result of court-ordered restitution.
No official announcement yet for when Fyre Festival 2 will happen, other than some time in late 2024 in the Caribbean. McFarland has said publicly he’s just playing hype-man this time around and leaving actual event management to the actual professionals. [via @pyrtbilly]
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APPLE is weighing in on what to do if your iPhone accidentally gets wet.
While many believe putting it in some rice will dry it out, Apple says don’t do that because small particles could get in and damage the phone. Instead, if you find yourself with a wet iPhone you should wipe down the exterior, and then tap the phone with the connector ports facing down so the liquid can drain out.
Then, leave the damp phone in a well-ventilated area to dry out; DO NOT use a hair dryer or compressed air on the phone and DO NOT put it in a tumble dryer or on top of a radiator.
Another option is silica gel beads -- those little packets that are found in certain food items to keep them dry. Put the beads in an airtight box with the waterlogged phone and it might help dry things out.
WORTH NOTING: While most phones are “water-resistant,” that is different from being waterproof. And while Apple says their iPhone 7 and newer models can be submerged for up to 30 minutes, if liquid is in the ports there will be issues when it comes to charging the phone. [via Guardian]
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A 27-year-old Canadian tourist vacationing in Hawaii miraculously survived after driving his rented Jeep off a cliff, splashing into the ocean, and floating about 100 yards from the shore last weekend.
Local fisherman miraculously saw the accident happen early Sunday morning and alerted authorities. The current brought the Jeep back to shore, upside down, where the fishermen found the driver clinging to the passenger side door trying to get out. The driver was eventually rescued and taken to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.
No word yet what caused the accident. [via KITV]
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Habitual marijuana use drastically increases the risks of heart attack and stroke, according to new research from Massachusetts General Hospital.
A study of 435,000 adult patients links a 25% higher likelihood of heart attack and 42% higher risk of stroke amid daily weed users compared to those who have never used the substance.
Those who use once a week saw a more modest 3-5% increase in heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers did not differentiate between smoked marijuana versus edibles or vapes, but 75% of respondents in the study said smoking was the most common way they got baked. [via NBC News]
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DEATHS
Brian Mulroney has died.
Mulroney served as Canada’s 18th Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993. A brief statement published by his family said he died peacefully and surrounded by family. No other details were shared.
He was 84.
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WEDDINGS
Baseball player SHOHEI OHTANI shocked everyone this week by announcing that he is married.
Nothing is known about the Los Angeles Dodgers star’s nuptials, other than what he said Thursday, which is that his wife is a “normal Japanese woman,” and the two dated for a few years before tying the knot.
No word on whether or not a prenup is in place, as Ohtani recently set a record with his $700 million, 10-year contract with the MLB team.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW gained 47 points (0.12%) to close at 38,996 on Thursday. The S&P increased 26 points (0.52%) to close at 5,096 and the NASDAQ increased 144 points (0.9%) to close at 16,091, an all-time high.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $78; BRENT CRUDE at $81.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.31 on Thursday.
₿ BITCOIN’s climb slowed on Thursday, but still surged toward record highs, trading over $61,000.
🛩 There were more than 2,370 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Thursday and more than 120 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $607 million jackpot or a $286.9 million cash payout. Saturday night’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $443 million jackpot or a $210.3 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
New Music Friday
Bruce Dickinson, “The Mandrake Project”
Chalk, “Conditions II”
The Kid LAROI, “Still Yours”
Ministry, “HopiumForTheMasses”
Robb Bank$, “I Think I Might Be Happy”
Tyla, “Self-Titled”
The Who, “Live at Shea Stadium 1982”
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RUMOR IS…TISH CYRUS stole her current husband, actor DOMINIC PURCELL, from her own daughter.
Multiple outlets reported this week that NOAH CYRUS was dating Purcell first, and that her mom stole him away. Cyrus family members have responded to the claims, saying that Noah is “fabricating” the story to “paint herself as the victim” in her “ongoing feud” with her mom.
Neither Noah, nor her brother BRAISON, attended their mom’s August nuptials to Purcell, which took place at their sister MILEY’s house. [via Daily Mail]
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ED SHEERAN treated his parents to a private tour of the Louvre museum in Paris.
The singer arranged to have the iconic museum shuttered to the public for three hours so he and his parents could take in the art in peace.
The experience meant a lot to Sheeran’s dad, John, who worked for over 40 years as an art curator. [via SWNS]
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JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE seemingly confirmed this week that his former NSYNC bandmates are featured on at least one song on his new album “Everything I Thought It Was.”
It all went down on TikTok, when JT responded to a fan who wrote, “Blink twice if NSYNC is on a song called Paradise.” To answer her, JT pulled down his sunglasses, blinked twice and then slid them back up. [via TikTok]
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After admitting to using weight-loss drugs, WeightWatchers has decided to part ways with spokesperson OPRAH WINFREY.
In its announcement, the weight loss company said there is “no bad blood” and O’s departure is not “due to any disagreements.”
Oprah dropped 43 pounds last year thanks in part to medication prescribed by her doctor. She never revealed what said medication was, though many suspected she had hopped on the Ozempic bandwagon.
BTW: WW’s stock plummeted 20% after the news broke. [via TMZ]
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CASTING CALL
FOLLOW UP: A slew of Bravo ladies are going to bat for ANDY COHEN, following accusations from one of their own that he likes to “snort cocaine with a few of his favorite Housewives.”
“I’ve done [“Watch What Happens Live”] about a dozen times and I must admit I’m jealous I was never offered anything stronger than a good wholesome time,” GOLNESA “GG” GHARACHEDAGHI from “Shahs of Sunset” commented.
“Real Housewives of Miami” star GUERDY ABRAIRA agreed with GG, noting that she has “NEVER been offered anything but good hospitality.”
“I’ve known Andy for years and it’s not in his character,” LUANN DE LESSEPS told TMZ, adding that no one can make a “Housewife do something they don’t want to.”
The comments come after former “Housewife” LEAH MCSWEENY filed a lawsuit against Cohen over the allegations. [via Page Six, TMZ]
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“Dune: Part Two” has taken over as the highest-rated film on IMDb -- knocking “The Shawshank Redemption” from the top spot, which it has held since 2008.
Here’s the kicker -- “Dune: Part Two” was given the crown before it was even released. It hits theaters today.
JUST FOR FUN: “Shawshank” took the top spot from “The Godfather,” which held it for nearly 20 years. The actual database launched in print form in 1990 and was bought by Amazon in 1998. [via Daily Mail]
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The booth from the ice cream parlor where “Sopranos” star Tony Soprano, played by JAMES GANDOLFINI, may or may not have been “whacked,” has hit the auction block.
Holstein’s, located in Bloomfield, NJ, is getting a facelift and as part of the renovations, owner Chris Carley said the booth has got to go.
Fans of the show will recall the specific booth as the one the Soprano Family was dining at before the screen cut to black leaving everyone wondering what happened to the mob boss.
The winning bidder will get both sides of the booth, and the sign that reads, “THIS BOOTH RESERVED FOR THE SOPRANO FAMILY.”
At the time of reporting there were more than 130 bids, reaching over $34,000. [via Facebook, eBay]
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LIAM NEESON will star in a reboot of the “The Naked Gun” for Paramount.
The crime-comedy originated with the late LESLIE NIELSEN playing police officer Frank Drebin in the 1982 TV series, and three movies.
The reboot will hit theaters in July 2025. [via People]
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“The Donovans,” a spinoff of Showtime drama “Ray Donovan,” is in the works at Paramount+.
“Ray Donovan,” starring LIEV SCHREIBER, ran from 2013 to 2020. In 2022, a feature film, starring Schreiber, titled “Ray Donovan: The Movie” was released.
The new spinoff series will see “family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold and betrayal around every corner,” according to the official synopsis.
It will debut later this year. [via THR]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
TAYLOR SWIFT’s pal JACK ANTONOFF has some things to say about YE.
In defense of his bestie, who has been feuding with the rapper for years, Antonoff told the LA Times that he thinks Ye “just needs his diaper changed so badly.”
Tay and Jack go way back. They have written and produced several albums together, including “1989,” “Reputation,” “Lover,” “Folklore,” “Fearless (Taylor's Version),” “Red (Taylor's Version),” “Speak Now (Taylor's Version),” “1989 (Taylor's Version),” and “Midnights.”
Meanwhile, Tay and Ye’s feud goes way back as well, ever since he crashed her acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, took credit for her career, and rapped about her without her permission. [via LA Times]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
PRINCE HARRY and MEGHAN MARKLE might not be eligible for police protection when they visit Britain, but they will in New York City.
A memo obtained by NBC New York reveals that the NYPD will proactively provide security and escorts when the couple travels there in light of last year’s alleged paparazzi chase. That same memo does suggest paps aggressively pursued the Sussexes but a lengthy investigation has not resulted in any specific charges. [via NBC New York]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
International Wheelchair Day
Global Day of Unplugging
National Dadgum That’s Good Day
St. David’s Day
Share a Smile Day
Self Injury Awareness Day
National Peanut Butter Lovers Day
National Minnesota Day
National Barista Day
National Welsh Corgi Day
World Compliment Day
National Employee Appreciation Day
National Horse Protection Day
National Pig Day
National Fruit Compote Day
National Dress in Blue Day
Overseas NHS Workers Day
Mountain Hare Day
Plan A Solo Vacation Day
National Salesperson Day
National Wedding Planning Day
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ON THIS DATE
1692 - The first women are arrested for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.
Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba were charged with practicing witchcraft, in particular bewitching 2 young girls who were experiencing bizarre fits.
Tituba confessed later that day, likely after being coerced. The other women blamed each other of being witches, but claimed innocence themselves.
Good was eventually hanged. Osborne died in jail. Titbua spent some time in jail, but there is no record of what happened to her after being released.
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1781 - Congress ratifies the Articles of Confederation with Maryland agreeing to terms of land claims with Virginia.
These Articles would govern the states until passage of the Constitution eight years later.
The document gave express and supreme sovereignty to the individual states. Many argued there was not enough power granted to a central government. The Articles of Confederation were a diametric, opposite extreme from living under a sovereign king. The Constitution struck a more reasonable balance.
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1954 - Puerto Rican nationalists touring the US Capitol open fire on members of the House of Representatives from the visitors' gallery.
Five reps were wounded, but eventually recovered.
Three of the four shooters were caught right away, the fourth was caught a short time later.
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1961 - President Kennedy authorizes the Peace Corps through an executive order.
The trial program would send civilian workers to develop impoverished countries. Though Congress was skeptical of whether it would be effective, it later voted to fund it and make it permanent in September that year.
Thousands of young Americans signed up, and were sent to countries around the globe. Since then, more than 240,000 have served.
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1966 - A Soviet satellite crashes on the surface of Venus.
Venera 3, which was supposed to measure the planet's atmosphere, was the first spacecraft to impact a planet.
Two years later. Venera 4 was successful in collecting the desired measurements.
Venera 4 would also successfully land on Venus and send back images before failing in the high temperatures and high pressures on the planet's surface.
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2006 - The one-millionth article is published on the English version of Wikipedia.
It's about the Jordanhill railway station in Glasgow.
At the time there were more than 3.3 million articles in 125 languages.
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2016 - Forbes releases its Richest List.
Taking the top spot is Bill Gates with $81 billion. Jeff Bezos came in second with $67 billion, Warren Buffet in third with $65.5 billion, Mark Zuckerberg in fourth with $55.5 billion and rounding out the top five, is Larry Ellison with $49.3 billion.
The number of billionaires at the time was 1,810. Today there are over 2,600.
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2020 - The first known COVID-19 case is identified in New York.
A 39-year-old health care worker contracted the virus while traveling abroad in Iran.
According to all reports, her symptoms were mild.
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BIRTHDAYS
Ja’Marr Chase - football player - 24
Justin Bieber - pop singer - 30
Tyreek Hill - football player - 30
Daniella Monet - actress, “Victorious” - 35
Kesha - pop singer - 37
Big E - wrestler - 38
Lupita Nyong’o - actress, “Black Panther” & “Us” - 41
Jensen Ackles - actor, “Smallville” & “Supernatural” - 46
Mark Paul Gosselaar - actor, “Saved by the Bell” & “Pitch” - 50
Cara Buono - actress, “Mad Men” & “Stranger Things” - 53
Javier Bardem - actor, “No Country for Old Men” - 55
Paul Hollywood - chef - 58
Don Lemon - TV show host - 58
Booker T - wrestler - 59
Ron Howard - director & actor, “Happy Days” - 70
Born On This Date
Harry Belafonte - pop singer - 1927 (d. 2023)
Frederic Chopin - composer - 1810 (d. 1849)
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