6/1/2023: All Aboard the PYRT Ship!
PLUS: Swan - The Other White Meat; Amazon Ditches Celeb Voices; and Danny Masterson is Found Guilty
Today is Thursday, June 1, 2023.
It is the 152nd day of the year.
213 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
North Korea botches a missile launch and pandemic lockdowns affected people’s perception of time. More in HIT LIST.
THE BOSS stumbles on stage in the Netherlands and ALEX RODRIGUEZ reveals he has early stage gum disease. More in SHOWBIZ.
HARRISON FORD is just fine with his age and two “American Pie” stars reunite for a DoorDash ad. More in SHOWBIZ.
The new Los Angeles mayor returned a gift from KIM KARDASHIAN. More in KARDASH.
A suit challenging PRINCE HARRY’s American visa proceeds next week. More in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
The North Korean government has botched the launch of what would have been its first spy satellite. State media acknowledged that the rocket lost power between its first and second-stage thrusters.
South Korea announced it recovered a piece from the rocket that carried the satellite before it crashed into the ocean.
North Korea is still a relative newcomer to space initiatives – it put its first satellite into orbit just 11 years ago. The official party line is that it’s for surveying, and not spying. [via Fox News]
MEANWHILE: The New York Post reports that KIM JONG JUNIOR weighs over 300 pounds and spends nights drinking and smoking. He’s estimated to stand about 5-feet-8-inches tall.
Spies say Junior’s cig of choice is American Marlboros, which he has to secretly import. [via New York Post]
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BILLY MCFARLAND — the Fyre Festival guy — is inviting three companies to hire him to be a consultant for their brands, with some big caveats, that make this scheme sound totally legitimate and not at all like a scam.
In a tweet, McFarland wrote, “My PYRT ship is almost ready and has room for 3 more brands.” To qualify, your “brand” has to pay him at least $100,000 a month, provide a waterfront house for him and his team, and give him direct access to the brand’s CEO.
If it sounds like it must be a parody, the accompanying video he posted sure makes it sound like he’s serious. WATCH:
https://twitter.com/pyrtbilly/status/1663689996669255682
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A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns caused individuals to lose track of time, similar to memory lapses experienced by people who served time in jail.
The study, which was published in the journal PLOS One, analyzed responses from 277 participants who were asked to match events to the years in which they took place, ranging from 2016 to 2022. Major events featured on the survey included, PRINCE HARRY and MEGHAN MARKLE’s interview with OPRAH WINFREY and the death of GEORGE FLOYD. There were also questions regarding respondents’ mental health.
Researchers found that respondents' abilities to recall events that occurred in 2021 to be “lacking,” with some saying they happened three or four years prior. The inability to recall a timeline of events also correlated with those who reported depression and/or anxiety, according to study co-author Dr. Arash Sahraie.
Sahraie explained that “anchoring” life events are “vital for timelines,” and with those being few and far between during lockdowns the results of the study are similar to those “previously reported for prison inmates.” [via Daily Mail]
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Air New Zealand has been named the airline of the year by Australia-based rating agency AirlineRatings.com
The site lists the airline’s economy beds as one of the major factors in its high ranking, while operational safety, environmental leadership and staff motivation were also significant factors.
In a close second is Qatar Airways, followed by Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways.
The highest ranking US-based airline is Virgin Atlantic at No. 7.
When considering rankings, AirlineRatings.com looks at major safety and government audits, airline fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, product offerings and staff relations. [via CNN]
WORTH ASKING: Would passengers who are currently being weighed by Air New Zealand (in an effort to survey average passenger weight) also rank them as No. 1? [via NBC]
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Three teenagers from upstate New York were arrested yesterday in connection to a swan-napping.
The crime took place in the village of Manlius, which has been known for their swans for “well over 100 years,” according to Mayor Paul Whorrall.
Whorrall stated that the swan, named Faye, was reported missing on Monday, along with her babies. After a notice was released, a resident spotted two of the baby swans in a store and called authorities. One of the suspects works at the store and told officers where the other two babies were located. As for Faye, the suspect said she was given to a relative who “prepared it” for dinner.
Faye, along with her mate, Manny, were gifted to the village in 2010 by biologist and self-described “swan guru” Micheal Bean. [via AP News]
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DEATHS
Actor JOHN BEASLEY has died.
He passed away Tuesday after being hospitalized in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska for undisclosed issues with his liver.
Beasley is best known for his roles in “Rudy” and “Everwood.”
He was 79.
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BABY NEWS
AL PACINO is expecting his fourth child, but first with girlfriend NOOR ALFALLAH.
The actor is already dad to daughter Julie, 33, and twins Olivia and Anton, 22.
By the way -- Pacino is 83 and Alfallah is 29.
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Actress KELLI GIDDISH is expecting her third child, but her first with husband BEAU RICHARDS.
Giddish is already mom to sons Ludo, 7, and Charlie, 4, whom she shares with her ex-husband LAWRENCE FAULBORN.
Just like with her first two pregnancies, this one will also be written into the show “Law & Order: SVU,” in which Giddish plays NYPD detective Amanda Rollins.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 131 points (0.4%) to close at 32,910 on Wednesday. The S&P lost 25 points (0.6%) to close at 4,180 and the NASDAQ lost 82 points (0.6%) to close at 12,935.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $67; BRENT CRUDE at $72.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.57 on Wednesday.
₿ BITCOIN lost 2%, trading around $27,000.
🛩 There were more than 1,820 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Wednesday and more than 80 such cancellations.
💰Friday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $203 million jackpot or a $104.6 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
A clip of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN taking a tumble while performing in the Netherlands has gone viral.
While singing his hit song “Ghosts,” The Boss tripped on some stairs. Fans gasped as he hit the floor, and his bandmates rushed to his aid. After catching his breath, Springsteen stood up with a smile. He then joked with the crowd, saying “Good night, everybody.”
The footage has amassed over 7.4 million views on TikTok. [via NY Post]
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Universal Music Group is reportedly working on a deal to buy QUEEN’s music catalog for over $1 BILLION.
According to Deadline, the deal is “expected to close within one month,” though a spokesperson for Disney Music Group (who owns the catalog) says “there are no plans” to sell.
IF the deal does go down, it would be the new current record holder, beating the $500 million paid for BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’s catalog in 2021. [via Deadline]
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All the years of tobacco use while playing baseball has left ALEX RODRIGUEZ with gum disease.
The 47-year-old revealed the diagnosis on “CBS Mornings” this week saying his dentist told him he is one of 60 million Americans who have gum disease.
A-Rod said the diagnosis has him wanting to speak out about the risks of chewing tobacco and bring awareness to younger ball players. [via ET]
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KEVIN FEDERLINE is being sued by the private Chrstian school that two of his young children attend.
The school filed a civil lawsuit against K-Fed and his wife VICTORIA PRINCE earlier this month, claiming they owe more than $15,000 in tuition. The school is also asking for 10% interest on the amount and attorney’s fees.
Federline’s camp has not commented on the suit. [via Page Six]
MEANWHILE: Still no word on whether or not Federline has gotten permission from BRITNEY SPEARS to move with their two teenage sons to Hawaii.
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Don’t touch ZACH BRYAN’s guitar!
While taking a moment to interact with fans at his recent show in Albany, a woman grabbed Bryan’s guitar and refused to let go. He promptly asked his security team to “get her out of [there].”
After the incident, the country singer said, “I give J-45’s out at a lot of concerts. The one in my hands when this happened was mine, my sweet ol’ gal…”
Bryan has been known to give fans signed versions of the acoustic Gibson J-45 guitar, but not one so special to him. [via NY Post]
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JILL DILLARD (formerly Duggar) is releasing a new book called “Counting the Cost,” along with her husband DERICK DILLARD.
The book’s description reads, “Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally able to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans.”
It follows the release of younger sister JINGER’s memoir, titled “Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear,” which also details her childhood and what was hidden from TLC’s cameras on the show “19 Kids & Counting.” [via People]
ALSO: This Friday is the premiere of “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” on Prime Video. The docuseries takes a deep dive into the Duggar family and their cult-like religion.
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SAMUEL L. JACKSON, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL and MELISSA MCCARTHY’s voices will no longer be available on Amazon’s Alexa.
A note on Amazon’s website states that sales for the celebrity “personalities” have been discontinued, though those who have already purchased them can keep them through September.
No word on why Amazon got rid of the feature. [via Deadline]
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SZA’s single “Kill Bill” has spent 21 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making it the new record holder for most weeks at No. 1.
The hit song has been at the top of the chart for one week longer than previous record holder LIL NAS X’s “Old Town Road (ft. BILLY RAY CYRUS).”
ALSO: SZA’s album “SOS” has spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. [via Billboard]
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CASTING CALL
While riding a horse for a scene in the final Indiana Jones flick “Dial of Destiny,” 80-year-old HARRISON FORD told three stunt men on hand to assist him to leave him “the [eff] alone.”
“Leave me alone, I’m an old man getting off a horse and I want to look like that!” he reportedly yelled at them.
Ford later told Esquire Magazine that he wanted his character to “look and feel” like an old man in the final film. Adding, “I wanted an ambitious movie to be the last one.”
“Indina Jones and the Dial of Destiny” hits theaters on June 30. [via Esquire]
WORTH NOTING: Just two weeks after the film is released Ford will celebrate his 81st birthday.
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JASON BIGGS and SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT are reuniting for a DoorDash ad.
The two actors -- who previously starred together in the “American Pie” films -- are promoting the food delivery service’s Summer of DashPass.
There are several “American Pie” references in the ad. [via Daily Mail]
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COURT CASES
Actor DANNY MASTERSON was found guilty on two out of three counts of rape on Wednesday after the jury deliberated for over a week.
This was the second go round for the charges after a jury in the first trial remained deadlocked.
Masterson will be sentenced on August 4. He faces 30 years to life in prison.
WORTH NOTING: While not on trial, the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a prominent member, was on full display. The three women claim members of the sect “discouraged” them from reporting their allegations to the police, which is why it took them so long to come forward. [via NY Post]
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CRIB NOTES
Newly engaged couple JEFF BEZOS and LAUREN SANCHEZ are renting musician KENNY G’s Malibu home for $600,000 a month.
The 5,500-square-foot home features a big backyard pool, screening room, recording studio and expansive guesthouse.
The pair have reportedly been holding up there since March -- when they aren’t cruising the seas on Bezos’ megayacht, that is. [via Page Six]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
To congratulate Los Angeles mayor KAREN BASS on her win, KIM KARDASHIAN sent a gift basket filled with over $600 worth of SKIMS and other Kardashian-backed goodies.
In response to the gesture, Bass reportedly sent the gift back.
Insiders say the gifts were returned for “ethical reasons,” but some think it could be because Kim publicly supported Bass’ opponent businessman RICK CARUSO in last November’s election.
WORTH NOTING: Bass also sent back gifts from the LA Dodgers organization, LA’s Football Club, designer MAYA BRENNER and political strategist HOWARD SUNKIN. [via Daily Mail]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
A Washington DC-based think tank’s lawsuit to unseal PRINCE HARRY’s US visa application will have its first hearing on June 6.
The Heritage Foundation has argued that Harry’s admitted drug use in his book and interviews should make him ineligible for such a visa, as such claims are typically immediately disqualifying for other applicants.
Harry has copped to using blow, dope, ‘shrooms and ayahuasca over the years. No word yet on the federal government’s position or willingness to cooperate with the publication of such details. [via The Sun]
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DAY OF THE YEAR
Dinosaur Day
National Olive Day
World Reef Awareness Day
Wear a Dress Day
National Nail Polish Day
National Hazelnut Cake Day
Pen Pal Day
Global Day of Parents
World Milk Day
National Go Barefoot Day
International Tabletop Day
National Say Something Nice Day
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ON THIS DATE
1495 – The first known batch of scotch whisky is finished.
Friar John Cor is credited with the concoction.
A royal ledger recorded that 8 bolls of malt were dispatched to the friar so he could make “aqua vitae” – which in Latin means “water of life” or “lifewater.”
Those 8 bolls would be enough for 1500 bottles.
A boll, by the way, is an archaic unit to measure amounts of grain.
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1792 – Kentucky becomes the 15th state.
It had previously been a region of Virginia past the Appalachian Mountains. Its residents spent eight years petitioning for separation. In 1790, Virginians agreed to the separation.
Isaac Shelby, a veteran from Virginia, was the new state’s first governor.
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EXACTLY FOUR YEARS LATER – 1796 – Tennessee becomes the 16th state. It had previously been federal territory.
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1869 – Thomas Edison is granted a patent for an electric vote-tallying machine.
It was the prolific inventor’s first patented invention, but no one was interested in buying it.
When the machine was presented to Congress, one Representative declared, “If there is any invention on earth that we don’t want down here it is this.”
A vote recorder would have wreaked havoc on Congress’ capacity to have roll call votes, a parliamentary maneuver used to force other representatives to change their votes.
Then Edison resolved to invent something that would be very marketable.
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1908 – “Captain Jack” Krohn departs Portland, Maine on an adventure to walk the geographical perimeter of the United States.
9,024 miles, 357 days, 119 pairs of socks, 12 pairs of shoes, and 17 pounds later, he returned to Portland, with a wheelbarrow in tow, having collected letters and trinkets from fans along the way.
Krohn, a newspaper publisher, had five years earlier walked to each of the states’ capitals on a bet.
His journeys are detailed in “The Walk of Colonial Jack,” a memoir he wrote after the adventure.
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1923 – The New York Giants become the first Major League Baseball team to score in every inning.
The opposing Phillies only scored eight runs. The Giants won the matchup 22-8.
Forty-one years later, the St. Louis Cardinals would match the feat, routing the Chicago Cubs 15-2.
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1980 – Cable News Network hits the airwaves for the first time.
At the time it was the first – and only – cable channel to provide constant, 24-hour news coverage.
The first broadcast featured David Walker and Lois Hart, who were married newscasters.
Since its debut, the network has expanded to 36 bureaus in 27 countries.
Even six years later, it was the only network to offer live coverage of the launch and explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger.
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2009 – A flight bound for Paris from Rio de Janeiro mysteriously crashes in the Atlantic Ocean, killing 228 crew and passengers.
The black box was eventually recovered. Though what caused the autopilot to disengage, preventing the skilled pilots from maneuvering the Airbus out of the stall remains a mystery.
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2017 - President Donald Trump withdraws the US from the Paris Climate Agreement.
He felt that the agreement “undermined” the US economy and put the country at “a permanent disadvantage.”
Trump’s decision was backed by many Republicans and strongly opposed by Democrats.
A formal notice would follow two years later.
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BIRTHDAYS
Willow Shields - actress, “The Hunger Games” films - 23
Chase Chrisley - reality star, “Chrisley Knows Best” - 27
Tom Holland - actor, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” - 27
Javier Hernandez - soccer player - 35
Nick Young - basketball player - 38
Amy Schumer - comedian - 42
Sarah Wayne Callies - actress, “The Walking Dead” - 46
Alanis Morissette - rock singer - 49
Heidi Klum - model - 50
Teri Polo - actress, “Meet the Parents” & “The Fosters” - 54
Brian Cox - actor, “Succession” - 77
Morgan Freeman - actor, “Million Dollar Baby” & “The Sum of All Fears” - 86
Born On This Date
Andy Griffith - actor, “The Andy Griffith Show” - 1926 (d. 2012)
Marilyn Monroe - actress, “Some Like It Hot” & “The Seven Year Itch” - 1926 (d. 1962)
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