5/9/2023: Britney’s Bombshells
PLUS: Raccoon High; When Tom Met Shakira; and The King Toasts Archie
Today is Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
It is the 129th day of the year.
236 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
“No Mow May” may not be the way to go and Instacart dives into the age-old debate of “cat vs dog.” More in HIT LIST.
SUM 41 is disbanding and THE WEEKND is ending. More in SHOWBIZ.
GEORGE R.R. MARTIN shows his support for the writers’ strike. More in CASTING CALL.
PSALM WEST celebrated turning four with a firefighter-themed birthday party. More in KARDASH.
PRINCE HARRY wasn’t missed at the post-coronation luncheon. More in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
Dubai will be home to the first 3D-printed mosque.
According to the Dubai Government’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), the structure will be two-stories, totaling over 2,000-square-meters, and able to hold up to 600 worshippers.
Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year, with a completion date of early 2025. [via CNN]
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A bronze sculpture of an owl dating back at least 800 years that was made to hold wine was damaged at the Minneapolis Institute of Art after a guest somehow managed to trip and fall onto it.
No word yet on how bad the damage to the artifact is, though it’s been removed for a hopeful restoration. Museum officials are reviewing safety protocols to prevent this from happening in the future. [via StarTribune]
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“No Mow May” is a no-go.
A 2020 study -- based on “the science” -- from the University of Wisconsin stated that bees would thrive if homeowners across the state avoided mowing their lawns during the month of May, but now researchers say that may not be true.
According to a new report from the University of Minnesota, waiting until June to mow your lawn may actually stress out the grass more, as “a large portion of that plant's growth” is being removed. Instead, researchers suggest simply reducing how often you mow.
If you’re really wanting to help the bees, researchers say planting some white clover, selfheal and thyme in your yard would be a great idea. [Northern News Now]
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Instacart is sharing some insight into the age-old debate of “cats vs. dogs.” To settle the debate, the grocery delivery service looked at pet food purchases by state.
According to the data, dogs appear to be preferred with 36 states buying more dog food than cat food, meanwhile 14 states plus Washington DC lean more feline.
As for which treats are bought the most, Instacart found that Milkbone, Heart to Tail and Purina Beggin’ are the Top 3 choices for dogs, while Temptations, Purina Friskies and Delectables are the top choices for cats. [via Instacart]
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Raccoons are taking over a Texas high school.
Students at McCallum High School in Austin have reported a growing number of raccoons lurking in the halls, crawling out of walls and falling from the ceiling, according to KXAN.
“Six catches and releases all in the span of three days is the most we have ever seen at school,” one student stated, while another noted that one had even died behind a wall, causing a “smell everywhere.”
A campus safety monitor told the news outlet that other rodents will likely be coming in next “because the school’s like a sponge; there’s holes everywhere. It’s a 70-year-old building.”
When asked about the issue, a spokesperson from the district said that a professional wildlife removal specialist has been contacted to trap creatures inside the school and prevent more from entering. [via KXAN]
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DEATHS
Student athlete HUNTER PALMER has died.
He passed away Friday after collapsing during track practice at his Nebraska highschool. No cause of death has been shared.
Palmer, who also played basketball and was an all-district running back in football, had cleared his personal best in the high jump event on Thursday; just one day before his death.
He was only 18.
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BABY NEWS
DEREK JETER and his wife HANNAH DAVIS JETER secretly welcomed a fourth child last week.
The former MLB player announced the birth on Instagram Monday, revealing that the couple welcomed a son, named Kaius Green Jeter on May 5.
The newborn joins big sisters River Rose, 17-months, Story Grey, 4, and Bella Raine, 5.
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BREAKUPS
Reality star KIM ZOLCIAK-BIERMANN has filed for divorce from former NFL star KROY BIERMANN after 11 years of marriage.
According to the filing, they separated on April 30. The pair share four kids and Kroy also adopted Kim’s two daughters.
Kim is seeking primary physical custody of the kids and joint legal custody. She also wants spousal support.
No word on what caused the split, but there have been rumors of money issues.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 55 points (0.17%) to close at 33,618 on Monday. The S&P was up 1 point (0.045%) to close at 4,138 and the NASDAQ was up 21 points (0.18%) to close at 12,256.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $72; BRENT CRUDE at $77.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.53 on Monday.
₿ BITCOIN tumbled Monday, losing over 4% and trading around $27,300.
🛩 There were more than 2,790 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Monday and more than 125 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $83 million jackpot or a $43.9 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
RYMIR SATTERTHWAITE, who says he is a secret illegitimate son of rapper JAY-Z, is taking his claim all the way to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
According to the Daily Mail, the 30-year-old has been in a legal battle with Jay for the past decade, and is now requesting the court unseal years worth of documents and a paternity test be ordered.
Rymir told the outlet that all he wants is “justice [to be] served” and to be acknowledged by the rapper.
Meanwhile, Jay’s attorneys have denied the claim. [via Daily Mail]
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BRITNEY SPEARS’ highly-anticipated memoir has been put on hold as several A-listers voice their concerns over what she might include in the book.
According to The Sun, Simon & Schuster, the publishing company behind the book, have received some “strongly worded legal letters” from “people who know Britney and who fear what she has written.”
Remember, she dated JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and was married to KEVIN FEDERLINE.
As previously reported, Spears signed a $15 million deal for the memoir, which she has described as “brutally honest.” No word on when..or if…things will get back on track. [via The Sun]
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TAYLOR SWIFT’s Sunday night concert in Nashville was delayed four hours due to severe weather. Fans were escorted to covered areas located in the outdoor arena, which included ramps and concession stands.
One fan told Page Six that concertgoers were so tightly packed that “many people had panic attacks, got sick, threw up and passed out.”
Eventually the weather cleared and fans were able to return to their seats. Swift took the stage right away and performed until 2 am. Neither of her openers, GRACIE ABRAMS or PHOEBE BRIDGERS, took the stage. [via Page Six]
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SUM 41 is splitting up.
The Canadian pop-punk band announced Monday that their upcoming ninth studio album, “Heaven :x: Hell,” followed by a worldwide tour, will be their last as a group.
The band has been together for 27 years. [via Variety]
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MARK ZUCKERBERG took home a gold and silver medal at a jiu-jitsu tournament in California over the weekend.
The event was the 38-year-old’s first time competing in the sport. He previously revealed that he started practicing martial arts during the pandemic. [via TMZ]
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Nearly a year after his passing, RAY LIOTTA’s cause of death has been revealed.
The actor died of heart and respiratory system issues, or more specifically respiratory insufficiency aka fluid in his lungs and pulmonary edema aka acute heart failure, according to ET.
As previously reported, Liotta passed away in his sleep in the Dominican Republic on May 26, 2022. He was there shooting the film “Dangerous Waters.” [via ET]
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TOM CRUISE and SHAKIRA were spotted hanging out at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, both near the track and in a suite.
Another attendee shot a video of the two chatting it up in the VIP area, where one of Shakira’s sons was also present.
While any sort of romance between the two is pure speculation, they are both currently single. [via Page Six]
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Basketball player RAY ALLEN graduated from the University of Connecticut over the weekend; 27 years after he left the school.
The two-time NBA champ was seated among fellow graduates inside Gampel Pavilion on Sunday where he received his bachelor’s degree in general studies.
“It’s never too late to learn,” Allen told the Hartford Courant.
LEGACY: Allen left UConn early to join the NBA. During his 19-years in the league he played for Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston and Miami. Allen reportedly got serious about finishing his degree during the pandemic. [via AP News]
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End of THE WEEKND.
The artist, born Abel Tesfaye, who has been known by The Weeknd for over a decade wants to shed the alter ego. Speaking to W Magazine, Abel said that he is “getting ready to close The Weeknd chapter” and “be reborn.”
“The album I’m working on now is probably my last hurrah as The Weeknd…This is something that I have to do,” he added.
No word on whether he will simply go by Abel or choose another name. [via Variety]
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CASTING CALL
“Game of Thrones” co-creator GEORGE R.R. MARTIN is showing his support for the striking writers by closing the writers room on the “GoT” spinoff show “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.”
“The strike is on,” Martin started a blog post.
“There are pickets in front of every studio lot and sound stage in LA, and many in other cities as well. Get used to them. I expect they will be there for a long time,” he continued.
As for his other projects, Martin said that decisions regarding their futures will be made after the strike. [via Deadline]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
KIM KARDASHIAN put together a firefighter-themed birthday party for son PSALM WEST over the weekend.
The shindig featured a flame-style balloon arrangement, ball pit, ice cream snack bar, make-your-own slime station, bounce house, adopt your own stuffed Dalmatian puppy area, a firetruck-shaped pinata and donuts, cupcakes, and a three-tiered cake for dessert.
Partygoers were also treated to rides on an antique fire truck that showed up as a surprise for the 4-year-old.
Psalm appeared to enjoy the day alongside his siblings, cousins, and friends. His dad, YE, was not featured in any of the social media posts or TikToks shared by Psalm’s sister NORTH WEST, though that makes sense as he and Kim have settled on doing separate parties for the kids. [via People]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
During the lunch reception following Saturday’s coronation, KING CHARLES specifically raised a glass to grandson PRINCE ARCHIE, whose fourth birthday coincided with the day’s events.
The Daily Mail reports that Charles was disappointed that PRINCE HARRY didn’t stick around to join the family, but the rest of Windsors were fine without the drama. [via Daily Mail]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Moscato Day
National Teacher Day
National Sleepover Day
National Lost Sock Memorial Day
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ON THIS DATE
1502 - Christopher Columbus leaves Spain for his fourth and final trip to the New World.
He, along with his brother Bartolomeo and son Fernando, would stop in Morocco, Martinique, Santo Domingo, Honduras, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
In November 1504, Columbus would return home to Spain.
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1671 - A famous Irish thief is caught trying to steal the Crown Jewels of the British Royal Family.
His name was Thomas Blood, but he was known as "Captain Blood." He resented the monarchy, especially after the English Civil War caused him to lose his sprawling Irish estate.
The plot to steal the jewels was quickly ended by tower guards, and Blood was taken to King Charles. Legend says that Charles was not upset, but rather impressed by the outlaw's cunning. The King had Blood's estates returned and made him a member of the royal court.
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1865 - President Andrew Johnson issues a proclamation declaring armed resistance to end in the South.
This is the commonly accepted end date of the Civil War
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1914 - Woodrow Wilson declares the first national Mother's Day.
Since then it has been set as the second Sunday of every May by Congress.
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1926 - By their own accounts, Richard E Byrd and Floyd Bennett fly over the North Pole in a Fokker monoplane. The purported round-trip from Spitsbergen, Norway took 15-and-a-half hours.
But in 1996, Byrd's diary was discovered, and included passages to suggest the men turned back 150 miles short of the North Pole.
In 1929, however, Byrd would make the first undisputed flight over the South Pole.
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1950 - L. Ron Hubbard publishes a book exploring the science of mental health called “Dianetics.”
The self-help doctrine would guide Hubbard the rest of his life, and the ideals would gather adherents. That school of thought eventually became what is known today as Scientology.
Though known for his fanciful religion, Hubbard was also a prolific author of science fiction and fantasy stories before the publication of “Dianetics."
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1960 - The Food and Drug Administration approves the world's first birth control pill for public consumption.
The first studies on THE PILL began in 1954, using chemicals to inhibit ovulation. Six short years later it would be available to the masses.
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1971 - "The Honeymooners" airs its last episode.
The show began as a short-form comedy sketch on the variety show "Cavalcade of Stars" in 1951. Jackie Gleason was the host.
That eventually morphed into the half-hour TV show. It was one of the first shows to be filmed in front of a live audience.
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1992 - The Salem Village Witchcraft Victims’ Memorial is dedicated in Danvers (formally Salem Village) to mark the 300th anniversary of the trials that took place there.
It is located across from the site of the original Salem Village Meeting House where many of the witch examinations took place.
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2005 - The Huffington Post launches.
The liberal site features news, satire, blogs and original content, covering everything from politics and business to entertainment and healthy living.
It was originally created as a counterpart to the conservative Drudge Report.
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2019 - Pope Francis introduces new rules on reporting sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
Part of the new rules state that any official of the Vatican who fails to report abuse could face jail time.
There is also protection offered for whistleblowers and a clause that states investigations into abuse allegations start within 30 days of the complaint.
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BIRTHDAYS
Psalm West - son of Kim & Ye - 4
Cree Cicchino - actress, “Game Shakers” - 21
Wolfgang Novogratz - actor, “Feel the Beat” - 26
Collins Key - magician - 27
Mary Mouser - actress, “Cobra Kai” & “Freakish” - 27
Noah Centineo - actor, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” - 27
Beth Mead - soccer player - 28
Alex Roe - actor, “Hollyoaks” - 33
Audrina Patridge - reality star, “The Hills” - 38
Sasha Farber - dancer, “Dancing With the Stars” - 39
Prince Fielder - baseball player - 39
Rosario Dawson - actress, “Rent” & “Seven Pounds” - 44
Tamia - soul singer - 48
Ghostface Killah - rapper - 53
Dave Gahan - rock singer, Depeche Mode - 61
John Corbett - actor, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” & “Sex and the City” - 62
Amy Hill - actress, “50 First Dates” - 70
Tom Petersson - bassist, Cheap Trick - 73
Billy Joel - rock singer - 74
Glenda Jackson - actress, “Women in Love” - 87
Born On This Date
Mike Wallace - journalist, “60 Minutes” - 1918 (d. 2012)
Howard Carter - archaeologist who found King Tut’s tomb - 1873 (d. 1939)
John Brown - abolitionist & war hero - 1800 (d. 1859)
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