3/9/2023: Cocaine Cat
Discover more from Morning Martini
3/9/2023: Cocaine Cat
PLUS: Ancient Odin Coin; Kim Wants a Non-Famous Man; and Lilibet Gets Baptized
Today is Thursday, March 9, 2023.
It is the 68th day of the year.
297 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
An Atlanta man crusades for the vacation he’s owed and good things ahead at Twitter. More in HIT LIST.
President JOE BIDEN wants to pay government workers more as the private sector grapples with layoffs. More in THE SWAMP.
The fallout from the “Vanderpump Rules” scandal continues and JAMIE LEE CURTIS wants a matinee option for concerts. More in SHOWBIZ.
JOE ROGAN opens his anti-woke comedy club and the CHMERKOVSKIY brothers want to dance while you drink wine. More in CASTING CALL.
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HIT LIST
ELON MUSK says Twitter is on track to at least break even next quarter.
After months of making the bloated corporate social media giant leaner and more efficient, advertisers are slowly returning with their dollars, meaning improved revenue and lower costs. He’s also reduced the number of data centers Twitter uses while increasing the number of daily active users – the key metric for selling ads. [via Financial Times]
WORTH NOTING: Musk said that even with the enormous $1.5 BILLION in annual debt service the company owes, he’s still managed to decrease costs about 33% over what they would have been for the year had he not bought Twitter for $44 BILLION last year.
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Archeologists in Denmark have found a gold coin from the fifth century with an inscription about Odin, the Norse god, making it the oldest evidence by at least 150 years referencing the deity. The whole phrase reads in runic inscription, “He is Odin’s man” – which archeologists think refers to some kind of earthly ruler.
The small disc was found among other valuables. Analysts believe the treasure trove was buried about 1500 years ago, perhaps as a tribute to their gods. [via Associated Press]
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Space travel startup company Relativity Space aborted its planned launch of a rocket made almost entirely out of 3D-printed parts on Wednesday. Computers at Mission Control for the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where the rocket was prepped to launch from, showed unsafe temperature readings in the rocket’s upper stage while it was still on the pad – just over a minute before blastoff.
There was no broader mission as part of the launch, other than getting the experimental rocket into space.
WORTH NOTING: SpaceX has been using 3D printed parts for years – just not as many as Relativity’s (potential) spacecraft has. [via AP News]
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In February 2020, a man named Blaine Byers won a vacation to Costa Rica in a drawing held at a minor league hockey game in Atlanta, the Gladiators.
More than three years later, he still hasn’t received his prize – so he’s suing.
BUT WAIT: The owners say they’re off the hook because they bought the team last September – but typically such a purchase would also include any outstanding liabilities, otherwise selling a business would be a neat way to get out of all kinds of obligations.
MEANWHILE: The previous owner tried to make Byers whole by offering him just the first class air travel vouchers, but no other parts of the awarded trip.
No word on what exactly went wrong or where the breakdown is, but Byers tells local media he’s committed to getting what he’s owed. [via Atlanta First News]
WORTH ASKING: At what point is it less expensive for the hockey team to just pay for the vacation instead of paying lawyers?
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In January, animal control officials in Hamilton County, Ohio, were called to get an African serval cat – named Amiry – out of a tree.
BY THE WAY: The African serval cat has spots like a leopard but otherwise looks like an enormous housecat, growing to more than two-and-a-half feet long and weighing 26-plus pounds (so says Wikipedia).
NOW: After testing and care at the Cincinnati Zoo, officials say that cat tested positive for cocaine after it was captured.
It first escaped its owner's car when police pulled the driver over. That’s when the cat leapt out and ran up a tree. One exotic animal expert tells Fox 19 Cincinnati he’d rather “deal with a tiger” than try to get a serval cat down.
RELATED (?): No word on where the big cat got its paws into a pile of blow and no clear indication why its owner was pulled over in the first place. [via Fox19]
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CHARTS
Recommended Reading
If you’re a “Ted Lasso” fan, Vanity Fair has a good roundup of what to expect in the coming season from the show’s biggest stars – and why the cast and production team is on board with ending the story after three seasons. Read “We Wanted to Close This Chapter” on VF.com >
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DEATHS
Bodybuilder ED FURY has died.
He passed away on February 24 at his home in California, according to his family, who announced his death this week. No cause of death was shared.
Fury was 94.
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RELATIONSHIPS
MADONNA, 64, confirmed this week that she is dating boxer JOSH POPPER, 29.
The confirmation came in the form of an Instagram post that showed the two kissing.
She was previously linked to model ANDREW DARNELL, 23.
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THE SWAMP
While managers in the real world brace for layoffs, stretching budgets farther than ever, and doing more than less, President JOE BIDEN says it’s time to give a blanket, across-the-board, 5% raise to federal employees – the same people who didn’t have to fear for a second they might lose pay or benefits during the pandemic and have been comfortably working from home for years now.
BUT WAIT: The American Federation of Government Employees, the union shop for these bureaucrats, is opposing the measure – because it’s not enough! “[M]ore must be done to keep up with inflation,” says the group’s president – he wants a 8.7% pay raise for the 750,000 federal employees under that umbrella. [via Washington Post]
WORTH NOTING: Federal employees also get benefits and job security that are virtually unparalleled in the private sector.
MEANWHILE: As Biden wants to raise taxes to pay for Medicare, the Congressional Budget Office points out that the last budget approved by Biden and the previous Democrat-dominated Congress reallocated $307 BILLION from Medicare to shovel money into the IRS and green initiatives.
Biden and Democrats celebrated pricing reforms that brought down prescription drug prices in Medicare Parts D and C by more than $300 BILLION. Instead of pocketing those savings, they went and spent them elsewhere: $80 BILLION for the IRS “for enhancing tax enforcement and taxpayer services”; $76 BILLION to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; $36 BILLION for clean energy tax credits; and $35 BILLION for green energy investment, among others. [via CBO]
IN OTHER WORDS: Biden likes to talk about saving money in the Medicare program – only to spend it elsewhere. This is like brewing coffee at home instead of stopping at Starbucks in the morning to save $10, then spending that $10 on lunch instead of packing a sandwich – you’re still spending $10; except in this case, the spending adds up to TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS in unaccountable and wasteful spending.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 58 points (0.18%) to close at 32,798. The S&P added 5 points (0.14%) to close at 3,992 and the NASDAQ added 45 points (0.4%) to close at 11,576.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $76; BRENT CRUDE at $82.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.44 on Wednesday.
₿ BITCOIN tumbled hard Wednesday, losing more than 2% and trading just over $21,700.
🛩 There were more than 2,700 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Wednesday and more than 90 such cancellations.
💰Friday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $203 million jackpot or a $107.1 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
ERICA HERMAN, the ex-girlfriend of TIGER WOODS, wants to nullify an NDA she signed while dating the golfer so she can share the abuse she claims to have experienced.
According to the New York Post, Herman says the agreement should not be enforced due to the Speak Out Act, which gives an exemption to NDA’s where there is evidence of sexual assault or harassment.
Woods is allegedly trying to “aggressively enforce” the NDA, according to court papers. [via NY Post]
ALSO: Herman is suing Woods for $30 million, claiming he tricked her into leaving their home for a “short vacation” last fall, and while she was gone he changed the locks.
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Less than a week out from the Oscars, designer CHRISTIAN SIRIANO’s studio flooded, ruining several dresses set aside for the award show.
Siriano shared a video of the damage, showing his staff attempting to salvage what they could. In the caption he wrote that the flooding came from a pipe that had burst and a few dresses were ruined. [via Daily Mail]
The 95th Academy Awards are set for this Sunday, March 12.
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“Vanderpump Rules” Affair Update:
RAQUEL LEVISS has filed a restraining order against her castmate and former friend SCHEANA SHAY. Remember, Shay reportedly punched Leviss after finding out about her months-long affair with TOM SANDOVAL. [via Page Six]
SPEAKING OF SANDOVAL: He was spotted entering a building that houses several mental health offices this week. An insider told Page Six that the reality star (and serial cheater) spoke with a therapist for over two hours this week. [via Page Six]
FILMING CONTINUES: As the fallout continues to play out, Bravo camera crews continue to film cast members' reactions. Also, rumors are swirling that former cast members may make cameo appearances at the upcoming reunion show to share their thoughts on the affair.
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Former Disney Channel star COLE SPROUSE spoke about losing his virginity during a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
The 30-year-old told host ALEXANDRA COOPER that he had sex for the first time on a family vacation when he was just 14-years-old and it “lasted just 20 seconds.” After doing the deed, Sprouse said that he never spoke to the girl again.
Detailing his first time to his twin brother, fellow actor DYLAN SPROUSE, Cole said that his response was “I’m not doing that.” [via Page Six]
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JAMIE LEE CURTIS wants to know why musicians don’t perform matinee concerts rather than at night.
“I love Coldplay. I would love to go see Coldplay. The problem is, I’m not gonna go see Coldplay if they start their show at nine o’clock and there’s an opening act. I want to hear Coldplay at 1 pm,” the 64-year-old quipped during a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
She also suggested U2 and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN hold afternoon concerts so she can be home and in bed by 7:30 pm. [via People]
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CASTING CALL
JOE ROGAN’s new comedy club opened in Austin, Texas this week.
Opening night featured RON WHITE, TIM DILLON, ROSEANNE BARR and TONY HIGHCLIFFE, who are all regulars on his popular podcast.
Reactions to the club have been mixed, with many finding issue with the “anti-woke” establishment. [via Chron]
BY THE WAY: Prior to Rogan’s club taking over, the location was a segregated movie theater that showed Westerns, a porno theater, a punk club and the downtown location of the Alamo Drafthouse.
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A new reality dating show features farmers searching for love.
“Farmer Wants a Wife,” hosted by JENNIFER NETTLES, follows four farmers on their search for love in the Midwest. They each host a group of women who leave their city lives behind to try their hand at country living.
The show premiered Wednesday night on FOX. [via TMZ]
WORTH NOTING: The series has aired in more than 30 countries and resulted in 180 marriages and over 400 children!
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Director TAIKA WAITITI may star in his own “Star Wars” movie.
According to Deadline, he is still working on a script, but would like to have a role in the film. [via Deadline]
MEANWHILE: Several “Star Wars” projects are on the books, with a source telling Deadline that Lucasfilms is still trying to decide which one to use to bring the franchise back to the big screen in 2025.
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“Dancing With the Stars” pros MAKSIM and VAL CHMERKOVSKIY are headlining an “immersive and intimate dance show” that pairs well with wine.
The brothers are heading to Napa where they will host “SAVOR After Hours,” a unique cabaret and wine experience at the JaM Cellars Ballroom at the Napa Valley Opera House, People Magazine reported.
During the show, guests will be served five different wines. Each tasting will be paired with a style of performance performed by the brothers.
Several of their “DWTS” co-stars will also make appearances, including their wives. [via People]
No word on when or where the show will air.
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Actress OLIVIA HOLT (“Cruel Summer”) is making her Broadway debut next month in “Chicago.”
She will play the iconic role of Roxie Hart, People Magazine reported.
Holt’s 8-week run as Hart will kick off April 10. [via People]
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CRIB NOTES
The Las Vegas home owned by SIEGFRIED and ROY is for sale.
The eight-acre estate is known as the “Jungle Palace” because it is where the two men raised tigers that they used in their Sin City magic act.
The 8,750-square-foot home, which features three guest houses, two detached studios, three pools, a bird sanctuary and several other animal enclosures, is on the market for $3 million. [via TMZ]
ALSO: It is noted in the listing the place doesn’t come furnished…or with any big cats.
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CELEBRITY CELLBLOCK
BAM MARGERA was arrested last Thursday after allegedly kicking his girlfriend.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, officers were called to his Escondido home around 5 am. Upon arrival the alleged victim said that Margera had kicked her during an altercation.
Margera posted bail on Friday and was released. [via Page Six]
WORTH NOTING: The victim was not Margera’s estranged wife NICOLE BOYD, who filed for legal separation last month.
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
KIM KARDASHIAN has a new set of criteria in mind for when it comes to dating.
A source told People Magazine that following her split from comedian PETE DAVIDSON, Kim wants to “date someone who isn’t famous in Hollywood.”
“She thinks someone in finance would be perfect,” the insider added. [via People]
SPEAKING OF FINANCE: Adidas will likely report its first annual loss in three decades this year after cutting ties with YE over his antisemitic rants. The company is working on what to do with all of the leftover Yeezy products, which they own. If they do not repurpose the clothing items, the company will report $700 million in losses this year. [via Reuters]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
PRINCESS LILIBET was christened last Friday and while they were invited, none of PRINCE HARRY’s family was on hand for the milestone.
An insider told People Magazine that a group of about 20 to 30 people, including MEGHAN MARKLE’s mom DORIA RAGLAND and Lilibet’s godfather, TYLER PERRY, were at the intimate gathering. (No word on who Lilibet’s godmother is.)
KING CHARLES, QUEEN CONSORT CAMILLA, PRINCE WILLIAM and PRINCESS CATHERINE were not in attendance, though a source confirmed they were all invited. [via People]
SPEAKING OF INVITES: Still no word on if Harry and Meg will attend Charles’ Coronation in May.
ALSO: It appears that Harry and Meghan’s kids now have royal titles. For her christening, the almost 2-year-old was referred to as Princess Lilibet. The Palace will soon add the titles on the Royal Family’s official website, a source told People Magazine. [via People]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Popcorn Lover’s Day
National Meatball Day
National Barbie Day
National Get Over It Day
Panic Day
Name Tag Day
National Crab Meat Day
National False Teeth Day
World Kidney Day
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ON THIS DATE
1781 – Spanish forces turn their sights on British holdings in Florida, beginning in Pensacola.
More than 40 ships and 3500 men land at Santa Rosa Island, and begin a two month siege on occupying British forces, which would eventually surrender in May that year after losing 105 men.
With the capture of Florida and some fighting westward, the Spanish controlled all the American territory surrounding the Gulf of Mexico -- for a while.
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1841 – The US Supreme Court decides that the slaves who took over the Amistad en route to North America had been illegally forced into slavery, and were to be considered free men.
Since the end of the slave trade in 1807, Americans could not import new slaves, but could trade them internally.
Lower courts had already ruled that the men aboard the Amistad were free, but even President Martin Van Buren was behind the appeal.
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1862 – The Battle of the Ironclads - the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia engage off the coast of Virginia.
They're the two commissioned ironclad ships of the American Civil War.
Their armor plates held up to their name, deflecting the cannon shots, volley after volley. While it ended in a draw, the Virginia retreated. This was actually a victory for the Union, since the Confederate ship had been wreaking havoc on coastal Union holdings for days.
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1959 – Classic toy doll Barbie first goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler developed the 11-inch blonde hair bombshell. It was the first mass-produced doll in America with adult features. Handler said that was because little girls liked to imagine their future more than play in the present.
Ken was released two years later and was named for Handler's son. Barbie's best friend Midge debuted in 1963, and her little sister Skipper in 1964.
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1997 – Rapper Notorious B.I.G. is murdered in Los Angeles.
It is suspected that West coast gangs were behind the hit. Tupac Shakur had been killed six months earlier in Las Vegas.
Two years earlier, Tupac was shot during a robbery of a New York recording studio, which he believed was ordered by Biggie.
And the back-and-forth continued….
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2020 - Italy announces it is locking down the whole country due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
At the time, the country reported 10,040 cases and 630 deaths.
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BIRTHDAYS
Sunisa Lee - Olympic gymnast - 20
Cierra Ramirez - actress, “The Fosters” & “Good Trouble” - 28
YG - rapper - 33
Bow Wow - rapper - 36
Stacey Dooley - journalist, BBC - 36
Brittany Snow - actress, “Pitch Perfect” films - 37
Wayne Simien - basketball player - 40
Matthew Gray Gubler - actor, “Criminal Minds” - 43
Chingy - rapper - 43
Matt Barnes - basketball player - 43
Oscar Issac - actor, “Drive” & “Star Wars” - 44
Steve Wilkos - TV show host, “The Steve Wilkos Show” - 59
Kato Kaelin - actor & witness in the OJ Simpson case - 64
Born On This Date
Bobby Fischer - chess player - 1943 (d. 2008)
Yuri Gagarin - Russian cosmonaut, first man in space - 1934 (d. 1968)
Leland Stanford - tycoon, Southern Pacific Railroad & founder of Stanford - 1824 (d. 1893)
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