6/14/2022: “Dominion” Dominates Box Office
PLUS: States Swelter in High Heat, Amber Heard Speaks Out, and QE2’s New Milestone
Today is Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
It is the 165th day of the year.
200 days remain.
TRENDING
#January6thHearings was trending on Monday. The majority of tweets using the hashtag took aim at former president Donald Trump.
Knives Out 2 was trending after director and writer Rian Johnson officially announced the title for the sequel: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.”
#stockmarketcrash landed in Twitter’s Top 10 Trends yesterday as social media users blamed President Joe Biden for the terrible state of the economy. See more in Hit List.
#ThorLoveAndThunder was trending after the release of new posters of the starring characters.
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HIT LIST
Remember when questioning the CDC was grounds for being unpersoned on the internet, no longer than six months ago?
Now, the New York Times is doing just that. NYT “journalist” APOORVA MANDAVILLI covered the covid beat, and still does. But in a recent investigative piece, she questions the wisdom of the CDC when it comes to monkeypox.
Here’s the headline: “C.D.C. Dismisses Airborne Transmission of Monkeypox. Some Experts Disagree.” The piece notes, “The virus ‘is not known to linger in the air,’ agency officials said. But the research is far from definitive.”
IN OTHER WORDS: The federal government’s leading disease management organization might not have all the answers.
WORTH REMEMBERING: Pointing this out was paramount to treason in many circles for nearly two full years.
WORTH ASKING: Why did the standard change?
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The European Union is implementing a common charging standard for tech devices that could go into effect before the end of 2024.
The regulation would mostly affect Apple, which has used its own Lightning charging technology in recent years, even as it puts the more common USB-C port on its newest devices.
MEANWHILE: Apple’s AirTags are in the news again as part of a stalking case involving a 27-year-old patrol officer from the Miami area using the devices to follow an ex-girlfriend. He’s been relieved from duty, but no formal charges have been filed.
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Nearly a third of Americans spent Monday under a heat wave advisory, as high temperatures swept across the country.
Prolonged high temps are expected through the week. Dallas hit 101 degrees Monday, tying the all-time temperature record set for the date in 2011.
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A school police officer shot dead a potential intruder at Walnut Park Elementary in Alabama last Thursday.
Local news reports that the man who was shot was aggressively trying to open locked doors, prompting a school lockdown. Classes were out for the summer, but 34 kids were still inside for a summer reading program.
The school’s officer shot the man dead after a physical altercation.
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More talk of increased interest rates and bear market territory spooked markets Monday. The Dow lost 914 points (2.91%), the S&P shed 155 points (4%), and the Nasdaq lost 525 points (4.63%).
West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude are both over $120 a barrel.
The national average gas price slowed its day-over-day increase from the last few weeks, but still set a new record after ticking up .4 cents ($.004).
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CHARTS
Top 5 Songs on iTunes:
Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)”
BTS, “Yet To Come”
Bailey Zimmerman, “Rock and A Hard Place”
BTS, “Run”
Lady Gaga, “Hold My Hand”
Top 5 Songs on Spotify:
BTS, “Yet To Come”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
Post Malone & Doja Cat, “I Like You”
Bad Bunny & Bomba Estereo, “Ojitos Lindos”
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DEATHS
PHILIP BAKER HALL has died.
The “Boogie Nights” and “Seinfeld” actor passed away in his sleep on Sunday, according to a Twitter post from his friend Sam Farmer.
He was 90.
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BABY NEWS
POST MALONE, 26, is a dad and soon-to-be husband.
The rapper confirmed the major milestones -- the birth of his daughter and engagement to her mom -- on Monday on “The Howard Stern Show.”
Other than the baby being a girl, no further details were shared.
Also, nothing is known about Post’s fiancee.
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WEDDINGS
Actress SOPHIA BUSH, 39, married entrepreneur GRANT HUGHES, 40, in Oklahoma on Saturday.
Multiple outlets reported that the nuptials went down at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, though the couple themselves have not confirmed the news.
Hughes popped the question during a romantic boat ride in Lake Como, Italy last year.
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THE SWAMP
A day after the New York Times called President JOE BIDEN an anchor who should get cut loose to save the Democrat party in 2024, Axios continues the pile-on.
D.C. insider MIKE ALLEN titled his piece “American Gerontocracy,” and correctly notes, “Diversity and technology are making the workplace, home life and culture unrecognizable for many older leaders. That can leave geriatric leadership of government out of step with everyday life in America — and disconnected from the voters who give them power.”
BY THE WAY: Biden is only three years older than former President DONALD TRUMP.
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LOTTERY
No winner for Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing. Tonight’s drawing will be for a $247 million jackpot or a $140.6 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
As reported yesterday, OZZY OSBOURNE was set to undergo a serious, “life-altering” surgery.
Ahead of the operation, the Black Sabbath rocker made an eerie post on his Instagram Story, sharing his 2010 song “I Love You All.” He made specific mention of the lyrics that say, “For all these years you’ve stood by me / God bless, I love you all.”
As for the surgery, a family friend told Page Six that Ozzy will need a “lengthy amount of convalescence,” due to his age and the “intensive nature of the surgery,” which includes “removing and realigning pins in his neck and back.”
His wife, SHARON OSBOURNE, flew home to Los Angeles from the UK over the weekend to be by her husband’s side.
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BRITNEY SPEARS and her new husband SAM ASGHARI have been granted a restraining order against her ex-husband JASON ALEXANDER.
A judge issued the protective order on Monday during Alexander’s arraignment hearing, at which he pleaded not guilty to trespassing, vandalism and battery charges. A felony stalking charge was also added to the count, which requires him to turn over all firearms.
As previously reported, Alexander tried to gain entry into Spears’ home last week, claiming he was invited to her wedding. He filmed himself fighting with officers and yelling about being her “first” and “true” husband. Some outlets reported that he was armed with a knife, though that has not been officially confirmed.
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SEAN “Diddy” COMBS will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 BET Awards.
The award honors industry figures who have both significantly shaped culture through their careers and are seen as transformative leaders,” according to the network.
Past Lifetime Achievement recipients include WHITNEY HOUSTON, PRINCE, QUEEN LATIFAH, ANITA BAKER, MARY J. BLIGE, SAMUEL JACKSON, LIONEL RICHIE and NEW EDITION.
The awards show will air live on Sunday, June 26 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
TARAJI P. HENSON will host.
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AMBER HEARD is speaking out for the first time since losing to her ex-husband JOHNNY DEPP in the highly-publicized defamation trial.
The actress sat down for an interview with “Today,” and did not hold back her feelings on the outcome of the trial.
As for the jury’s verdict, Heard said she doesn’t blame them. She instead lays blame on social media, which was heavily in Depp’s favor, and her ex’s “personality and super-stardom.”
“Today” co-host, SAVANNAH GUTHRIE tried to point out that the actress lost because her team “presented a poor case,” but Heard wouldn't hear it.
The interview will air in pieces throughout the week.
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Country singer MICKEY GUYTON will host “A Capitol Fourth,” the 42nd annual national Independence Day celebration.
“It is absolutely a real honor,” she told PEOPLE magazine.
The annual event will be held in Washington DC on July 4. More performers will be announced at a later date.
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The motorcycle JOHNNY DEPP rode in the 1990 cult classic film “Cry Baby” has hit the auction block.
Kruse GWS Auctions has listed the opening bid for the 1955 Harley Davidson Model K at $250,000.
The bike currently sits on display in a museum in Branson, Missouri.
WORTH NOTING: Anything Johnny Depp-related has been a hot commodity since his defamation trial with his ex-wife AMBER HEARD.
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Following his run on “The Late Late Show,” JAMES CORDEN will head back to his native England, according to the co-founder of his production company, Ben Turner.
Corden has not publicly discussed his next moves.
His time on the talk show will come to an end next spring.
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STING has added six new dates to his Las Vegas residency, extending his run into 2023.
The dates are April 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9.
Tickets for the added dates go on sale this Friday.
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Hulu revealed the premiere date for Season 5 of its hit series “The Handmaid’s Tale” yesterday.
According to the streamer, the series will return on September 14th with two new episodes.
From there a new episode will be released on Wednesdays.
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CASTING CALL
“Jurassic World Dominion” dominated at this weekend’s box office.
Domestically, the film grossed $143.3 million -- making it the second-biggest opening weekend of the year so far. In first place is “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'' at $187 million.
It was, however, the largest “Jurassic” opening to date.
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A new Spider-Man villain has been announced.
The Spot, voiced by JASON SCHWARTZMAN, will make his debut in the upcoming Sony sequel “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
While the flick doesn’t come out for a year, the web-slinger’s newest nemesis was revealed during a recent press tour. As for his superpower, according to Sony, the spots on his body can send him into any dimension he wants to go.
“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” hits theaters on June 2, 2023.
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Disney and Pixar’s new “Toy Story” spinoff, “Lightyear,” is banned in 11 countries due to its “violation of the country’s media content standards.”
While no further explanation was given, many believe that the ban is over a scene in the animated film in which two female characters kiss.
“Lightyear” hits theaters on June 17.
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COURT CASES
KEVIN SPACEY has been formally charged with four counts of sexual assault and causing a person to “engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent,” by the Metropolitan Police.
The actor is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court this Thursday, at which time the charges will be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The incidents in question allegedly took place between 2005 and 2013 in London.
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CELEBRITY CELLBLOCK
The Napa County Department of Corrections released the mugshot of NANCY PELOSI’s husband, PAUL PELOSI on Monday.
The booking photo was taken after he was arrested on May 28 for driving under the influence and hitting a parked vehicle.
(Courtesy of Napa County Department of Corrections)
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
It seems those who were concerned about KIM wearing MARILYN MONROE’s iconic dress were right to be upset.
On Monday, pop culture account, Pop Crave, posted a side-by-side photo of the gown, allegedly from before and after the reality star wore it to the Met Gala. One of the photos shows the dress stretched out and missing crystals, specifically around the zipper in the back.
Check it out:
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Despite multiple outlets reporting last week that KANYE WEST had split from social media influencer CHANEY JONES, she says the stories are “fake news.”
“Please stop posting and spreading fake news about my relationship,” Chaney said in a statement to Page Six.
Ye himself has not addressed the relationship or rumored split, but last month an insider told HollywoodLife that the rapper “thinks Chaney is an amazing woman with a big heart.”
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
QUEEN ELIZABETH is the world’s second-longest serving monarch of all time.
As of Sunday, she has reigned as head of state for 70 years and 126 days -- beating Thailand’s late king, Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Louis XIV of France holds the title for longest-serving with 72 years and 110 days.
Her Majesty is, however, the longest-reigning British monarch.
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SPORTS
Fox Sports’ CHARISSA THOMPSON will likely become the host of Amazon Prime Video’s exclusive “Thursday Night Football” coverage this fall.
The deal, which is currently in its final stages of negotiations, would pair Thompson with TONY GONZALEZ, who was previously announced as host by Amazon.
The Post reports that KAY ADAMS, host of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” was also in talks for the gig, but the sides could not come to an agreement.
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Bourbon Day
National Flag Day
International Bath Day
National Pop Goes The Weasel Day
National Strawberry Shortcake Day
World Blood Donor Day
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ON THIS DATE
1775 – The Continental Congress votes to establish the Continental Army.
The continental army was formed so the Thirteen Colonies could coordinate their efforts against the British forces.
After most of the Continental Army was disbanded in 1783 by the Treaty of Paris, the remaining militia groups gave birth to what is now the United States Army.
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1777 – The American flag is adopted by congress.
Of course this original symbol featured just 13 stars and 13 stripes representing the colonies.
The 50-star version was made official on Independence Day in 1960.
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1789 - Survivors of the Bounty mutiny arrive on land for the first time in seven weeks.
Captain William Bligh had been mutinied by his first mate on April 28, left adrift with 18 of his crew and a small supply of rations. It was Bligh’s expertise as a captain that helped the crew survive and eventually find land.
From there, they would find passage back to England.
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1900 – Hawaii becomes a US territory.
Hawaii was annexed to the US by President William McKinley. The territory was granted self-governance and allowed to keep the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, as its capitol building.
Despite many attempts to become a state, plantation owners found the territorial status was conducive to using cheap foreign labor and avoiding certain laws and taxes so these business owners fought against statehood.
In August of 1959, after almost 60 years, Hawaii became the 50th state admitted to the union.
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1938 – Superman is introduced.
The character debuted in Action Comics issue number one. The initial print run put out 200,000 copies. The original authors were paid $10 per page, and refused royalties.
An original sold in 2010 for $1 million.
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1967 – Mariner 5 is launched to Venus.
The probe carried experiments to test the atmosphere’s hydrogen spectrum and magnetic fields as well as collect a sample of solar particles.
As a result, previous temperature and pressure data became better understood and it was discovered that Venus has a much denser atmosphere than previously known.
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1994 – The 1994 Stanley Cup riots occur in downtown Vancouver.
The riot broke out after the Vancouver Canucks fell to the New York Rangers in game seven.
Approximately 60,000 fans poured into the streets and began fighting and looting stores. Police had to deploy tear gas to dissipate the crowd.
An estimated 1.1 million dollars in property damage took place that night.
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2017 - A Bernie Sanders supporter opens fire at Republican politicians practicing baseball in Alexandria, Virginia.
James Hodgkinson shot US House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, US Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, congressional aide Zack Barth and lobbyist Matt Mika.
Hodgkinson would later die during a 10-minute shootout with Capitol police officers.
All four victims would survive their injuries.
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BIRTHDAYS
RJ Barrett - basketball player - 22
Ryan McCartan - actor, “Liv & Maddie” - 29
Daniel Sabara - actor, “Spy Kids” & “The Polar Express” - 30
Jesy Nelson - pop singer - 31
Lucy Hale - actress, “Pretty Little Liars” & “Katy Keene” - 33
Kevin McHale - actor, “Glee” - 34
Kara Kilmer - actress, “Chicago Fire” - 34
Chris Appleton - celebrity hairstylist - 39
Alan Carr - comedian - 46
Boy George - pop singer - 61
Eric Heiden - Olympic speed skater - 64
Donald Trump - 45th POTUS - 76
Born On This Date
Burl Ives - folk singer - 1909 (d. 1995)
Harriet Beecher Stowe - author, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” - 1811 (d. 1896)
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