4/20/2023: That’s Not a Chew Toy!
PLUS: Biden Family Values; New Foo Fighters Music; and Christian History at the Coronation
Today is Thursday, April 20, 2023.
It is the 110th day of the year.
255 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
China is on pace to lose its status as the world’s most populous country and the wrong man gets released from a Washington State prison. More in HIT LIST.
An IRS employee is seeking whistleblower protections before coming forward with information suggesting the Biden White House is interfering with the criminal investigation into HUNTER BIDEN. Details in THE SWAMP
TAYLOR SWIFT turned down an offer to endorse FTX and KELLY RIPA and MARK CONSUELOS can’t catch a break. More in SHOWBIZ.
Another “Star Trek” spinoff is in the works and “Rust” resumes filming this week. More in CASTING CALL.
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HIT LIST
A 12.8 feet high by 38.1 feet long Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, nicknamed Trinity, was sold at an auction in Switzerland this week for $6.1 million.
The skeleton is made up of 293 bones from three different dinosaurs, with the rest being created from plaster and epoxy resin casts.
According to Koller auction house, the sale is the first time in Europe and third time globally that an entire T-Rex skeleton has been auctioned.
Trinity was purchased by a private collector. [via Daily Mail]
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A pup in the UK may have saved his owner’s life by gnawing on his big toe.
David Lindsay was awoken from a nap by blood curdling screams from his wife who shouted “Dave, the puppy’s chewing your toe!” Sure enough, their 7-month-old bulldog Harley had used the appendage as his very own chew toy.
It turns out the fractured toe and cuts were a blessing in disguise because David realized he no longer had feeling in his foot, which is a bad sign considering he also suffers from diabetes.
After multiple CT scans it was revealed that David had two blocked arteries, for which he will receive stents, which will help restore circulation to his limbs.
As for Harley, David says the dog is staying with him. [via NY Post]
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A woman from British Columbia awoke at 3 am to her dog barking at something outside. When she looked out a window, she was shocked to find a bear had broken into her car and was chugging cans of soda; 69 cans to be exact.
She took a video and photos of the thirsty animal, who appeared to prefer the Orange Crush to the Diet Cola she had purchased for a work event.
As for the damage to her vehicle, she told CBC News that there was “ripped leather, a broken window roller and sticky residue everywhere.”
No word on whether her insurance covers bear break-ins. [via CBC News]
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India will pass China as the world’s most populous country by the middle of this year, according to new data from the United Nations.
The report predicts that India’s population will reach 1.4286 BILLION sometime this year, with China’s estimated population around 1.4257 BILLION. The United States rounds out the top three with an estimated population of 340 million.
One of the factors driving India to overtake the top spot is the country’s young population and high fertility rate. [via BBC News]
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You might know someone who’s bad at their job – but they can’t be as bad as the corrections officer who discharged the wrong inmate.
A 26-year-old inmate at Cowlitz County Corrections in Washington State named Brian Roman went free on Monday instead of his cellmate.
When the officer approached the cell, all three men were asleep. The officer then called the name of the inmate who was set to be released – and Roman pretended to be the cellmate. The guard apparently unwittingly went right along with it.
Roman then signed his cellmate’s name on the release papers and took his property.
IT GETS WORSE: No one noticed the error until the guy who was supposed to be released asked when he’d actually be getting out. [via KATU]
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CHARTS
Recommended Reading: While some people fret about ChatGPT killing off jobs, some people are using the technology to take on more employment opportunities. Vice gets into the “overemployed” economy. Read it here >
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THE SWAMP
These are the things China is doing to undermine America’s sovereignty:
Flying spy balloons over American territory.
Setting up at least one known police station to spy on Chinese citizens living here, staffed with unregistered CCP agents.
Financing the TikTok spy app.
Undermining investigations into the origins of covid.
These are the things President JOE BIDEN has publicly said and done to get China to cut it out:
Nothing
Squat
Zip
When asked about the president’s apparent inaction on the issue, White House Media Commissar KARINE JEAN-PIERRE said on Wednesday that the president “intends to call President Xi.”
WORTH ASKING: What’s he waiting for?
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The Wall Street Journal reports that an IRS employee is seeking whistleblower protections before coming forward with information suggesting the Biden White House is interfering with a criminal investigation into HUNTER BIDEN’s taxes and business dealings.
In a formal letter to Congress, the whistleblower’s lawyer says there is evidence that demonstrates “preferential treatment and politics improperly infecting decisions and protocols that would normally be followed by career law enforcement professionals in similar circumstances if the subject were not politically connected.”
NEXT: The ball is in Congress’ court. The letter was sent to leaders from both parties for the Judiciary Committees, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee. [via WSJ]
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 79 points (0.23%) to close at 33,897 on Wednesday. The S&P was down less than 1 point, closing at 4,154. The NASDAQ was up just 3 points to close at 12,157.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $79; BRENT CRUDE at $82.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.68 on Wednesday.
₿ BITCOIN slid hard on Wednesday, down over 4% and trading just over $29,000.
🛩 There were more than 3,200 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Wednesday and more than 90 such cancellations.
💰For the second week in a row, a winning MEGA MILLIONS ticket was sold in New York. The winner has the option of a $20 million jackpot or $10.6 million cash payout. Friday night’s drawing will be for a $20 million jackpot or a $10.5 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
TAYLOR SWIFT is one smart cookie when it comes to endorsements.
According to attorney Adam Moskowitz, who is handling the $5 billion lawsuit to recover money paid by FTX to celebrity endorsers, Swift “did her due diligence” and turned down a $100 million crypto deal from SAM BANKMAN-FRIED.
Moskowitz told RadarOnline.com that she was the only one who did any research and asked questions about the offer before ultimately deciding it wasn’t for her.
Meanwhile, TOM BRADY, GISELE BUNDCHEN, STEPH CURRY, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, LARRY DAVID, NAOMI OSAKA and other celebs are now part of the suit, accusing them of “promoting the sale of unregistered securities,” which is against the law. [via RadarOnline]
WORTH NOTING: Maybe handing out $100 million endorsement deals like candy didn’t help their financial position as much as they had thought.
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During his recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” actor FREDDIE HIGHMORE said that he was once forced into a “dark broom closet” to avoid an unnamed talk show host.
“I’m trying to avoid saying the name, but this host doesn’t like seeing guests beforehand,” Highmore said. He continued on explaining that he was walking with producers when the host was spotted at the end of the hall.
“[The producers] were really, really scared. They grabbed me and they threw me into the next door [...] a broom closet. A dark broom closet,” Highmore revealed.
After sharing the story, he thanked Kimmel for a “much more pleasant” backstage experience. [via Variety]
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RAY ROMANO had to have a stent placed in his heart after doctors discovered he had “90 percent blockage” in an artery.
The issue, which is often referred to as “the widowmaker,” was discovered after Romano says he was experiencing chest pains while filming his upcoming directorial debut, “Somewhere in Queens.”
Going forward, Romano will have to keep an eye on his diet and take medication. [via Daily Mail]
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A year after the passing of their drummer TAYLOR HAWKINS, the FOO FIGHTERS are ready to release new music.
The band announced Wednesday that their upcoming 10-track album, “But Here We Are,” will be “a brutally honest and emotionally raw response to everything [they] endured over the last year.”
It will be released on June 2.
As previously reported, Hawkins died on March 25, 2022. He was 50. [via AP News]
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Day three of “Live With Kelly and Mark” did nothing to quell negative comments from viewers.
On Wednesday, the couple were criticized for “too much PDA.” One viewer even kept a tally of how many times MARK CONSUELOS touched his wife, while another commented that they want “LESS married couple” and more “hot topics and pop culture.”
Just like with the first two days, there were some who enjoyed their banter and felt their affection was “adorable.”
The couple have not addressed the criticism. [via Page Six]
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ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER’s new book, “Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life,” centers on his own philosophy and how his “tools can be useful for everyone.”
It will hit shelves on October 10.
No word on if his steps to patching a pothole will be included in the book. [via Daily Mail]
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CASTING CALL
“Star Trek: Section 31” is moving forward at Paramount+ with MICHELLE YEOH reprising her role as Captain Philippa Georgiou from “Star Trek: Discovery.”
In the movie, Philippa “joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past,” according to the streamer.
Yeoh told Decider that she is “thrilled” for her character to “get her moment.” [via Decider]
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Following the backlash over PRINCESS DIANA’s fatal car accident being featured in “The Crown,” Netflix head honchos have decided to end the upcoming season on a high note.
According to the Daily Mail, writer PETER MORGAN will wrap things up with KING CHARLES and QUEEN CAMILLA’s wedding.
The show, which is filming its sixth and final season, will also pay tribute to QUEEN ELIZABETH. [via Daily Mail]
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CHARLIE SHEEN is set to star in “How To Be A Bookie,” a new comedy series from “Two And A Half Men” showrunner CHUCK LORRE.
According to Decider, this will be the first time the two men have worked together since Sheen was fired from “Two And A Half Men” in 2011 after attacking Lorre in a series of interviews.
“How To Be A Bookie” also stars comedian SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO, who plays a veteran bookie trying to adapt after gambling becomes legalized.
Sheen’s role is unknown. [via Decider]
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“Rust” will resume filming this week at Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana.
A spokesperson for the film told CNN that director JOEL SOUZA, who was wounded in the shot that killed cinematographer HALYNA HUTCHINS, will return to the project.
Also, despite the legal battles still pending, ALEC BALDWIN will reprise his starring role in the movie. [via CNN]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
TRAVIS BARKER’s ex-wife is throwing shade at his new wife, KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN.
Former model SHANNA MOAKLER responded to a fan who bashed Travis and Kourtney’s latest Hulu special about their Italian wedding, saying, “she post more of my kids then [sic] her own lol.”
The comment surprised some as just months ago, Shanna complimented the newlyweds, even sharing messages of congratulations after their wedding. She also praised Kourtney for supporting Travis during his recent hospitalization with pancreatitis.
Travis and Shanna share two kids, while Kourtney shares three kids with her ex, SCOTT DISICK. [via Page Six]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
An unidentified close friend of PRINCE HARRY tells People Magazine that he and wife MEGHAN MARKLE’s best case scenario for next month’s coronation was a larger family reconciliation – and although that didn’t happen, Harry’s happy to attend to support his father.
The source said that Meg didn’t want to face the same scrutiny as she did while visiting London for the funeral events for QUEEN ELIZABETH last year – as if those proceedings had anything at all to do with her in the first place. [via People]
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At the head of the May 6 coronation processional, a clergyman will carry a silver cross symbol made from slate from Wales and reclaimed wood – a piece KING CHARLES commissioned for the Church in Wales in 2020.
POPE FRANCIS has gifted the monarch fragments that are believed to have been part of the “True Cross” – the actual cross on which Christ was crucified. Those fragments have been incorporated into this cross, set into a rose crystal gemstone. [via Reuters]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Cheddar Fries Day
College Student Grief Awareness Day
National Auctioneers Day
Get to Know Your Customers Day
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
National High Five Day
Volunteer Recognition Day
Chinese Language Day
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ON THIS DATE
1841 – The first formulaic detective story is published.
Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," which appeared in "Graham's Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine."
His protagonist was Monsieur C. Auguste Dupin, who lived and operated in Paris.
Interestingly, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used a similar narrative when he wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories, in that it was told from the point of view of the detective's confidant and roommate.
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1861 – Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the U.S. Army.
He was a colonel at the time. His resignation came 2 days after being offered total command of the American army, and just 3 days after his home state of Virginia seceded.
Though Lee opposed secession, he was loyal to his home state.
Two days later he was appointed the commander of Virginia's army.
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1980 – Fidel Castro announces a brief window during which anyone wishing to leave Cuba is allowed.
125,000 Cubans eventually gathered at Mariel port. Meanwhile, Cuban expatriates living in the US gathered resources to arrange for their friends and family to travel to Florida.
1700 boats participated in the boat lift, many of which were packed to the gills.
27 died in all.
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1986 – Michael Jordan scores a record-setting 63 points in a single NBA postseason game.
The feat came while he played for the Bulls, in a game against the Celtics.
Ultimately, the Bulls lost the game 135-131. Boston swept the series and would win the NBA championship.
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1999 – It's the Columbine massacre anniversary today. It's a grim story, but worth remembering those who lost their lives.
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2008 – Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win an Indy race.
The race was in Japan, though, but it's a noteworthy accomplishment nonetheless.
In 2009, she placed 3rd in the Indy 500.
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2020 - Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina announce an end to some COVID-19 restrictions.
The decision came after much discussion about public safety versus the economy.
Before states could ease back restrictions, President Trump asked that they demonstrate a two-week downward trend in new cases, insure hospitals have enough beds and have adequate testing measures in place.
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BIRTHDAYS
Carlos Valdes - actor, “Arrow” & “The Flash” - 34
Miranda Kerr - model - 40
Tan France - fashion designer - 40
Terrence J - actor & TV host, “106 and Park” - 41
Joey Lawrence - actor, “Brotherly Love” & “Blossom” - 47
Carmen Electra - actress, “Baywatch” & “Disaster Movie” - 51
Shemar Moore - actor, “Criminal Minds” - 53
Julia Morris - comedian - 55
Andy Serkis - actor, “King Kong” & “Mowgli” - 59
Don Mattingly - baseball player - 62
Jessica Lange - actress, “Tootsie” & “Feud: Bette and Joan” - 74
Ryan O’Neal - actor, “Love Story” & “Paper Moon” - 82
George Takei - actor, “Star Trek” & “Green Berets” - 86
Born On This Date
Luther Vandross - R&B singer - 1951 (d. 2005)
Adolf Hitler - German dictator - 1889 (d. 1945)
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