8/1/2023: America’s Favorite Sandwich 🥪
PLUS: Sign of the Times; Tony Bennett Day; and Wills Slings Burgers
Today is Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
It is the 212th day of the year.
153 days remain.
###
WHAT’S ON TAP
A healthy majority of Americans still believe in the Man Upstairs. More in HIT LIST.
CARDI B may be in some hot water for her microphone-throwing incident and CRAIG MORGAN reenlists. More in SHOWBIZ.
MATTEL is working on a slew of new films. More in CASTING CALL.
STEPHEN A. SMITH backtracks on a tweet about KIM KARDASHIAN. More in KARDASH.
PRINCE WILLIAM shocks some food truck customers in South London. More in ROYALS.
###
HIT LIST
ELON MUSK’s X caught flack over the weekend for installing a massive, glowing logo on the roof of its San Francisco headquarters. A few videos taken by some residents in the apartments across the street went viral, showing the sign illuminating the night sky – reminiscent of Kramer’s battle with the Kenny Rogers Roasters sign basking his apartment in an inescapable red glow.
Local authorities had the sign taken down on Monday, citing a lack of proper permits to display it on the roof and following up on complaints from locals. X will be on the hook for fines to pay for the sign’s removal, getting the necessary permits, and the cost of the local bureaucracy’s investigation into the matter. [via ABC7]
###
FORD is playing a very long game as it takes its electric vehicle fleet to market: the automaker announced it expects to carry a $4.5 BILLION loss from EVs this year.
IT GETS WORSE: That number is up from the $3 BILLION it expected to lose.
BUT WAIT: Revenues for Ford’s EVs are up 39% this year and it anticipates decreased costs of raw battery materials in the coming months.
IT’S ALL GOOD: The company still netted $1.9 BILLION for the quarter. [via Fox Business]
###
What makes the perfect sandwich for most Americans?
Taking the results from a survey of 2,000 people, the best combination includes tomato, cheddar cheese, and Black Forest ham between a couple slices of whole wheat bread.
DIGGING DOWN: In the survey, commissioned by coldcut processor Buddig, two-thirds of Americans say they could live on nothing but sandwiches for a week.
A vast majority of respondents say they like their sandwiches toasted, at 58%. After tomatoes, favorite veggie toppings were onions and cucumbers.
GO FIGURE: 38% say that the best place to enjoy a sandwich is at the beach, beating out the 36% who prefer to have one at home. [via New York Post]
###
A new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 69% of people across the country believe that angels are real. The same number also believe in heaven, while 72% believe in the power of prayer.
Nearly 80% of respondents said they believe in God or a higher power, and 63% think karma is real. On the flip side, about 56% of people think Satan exists and even fewer believe in astrology or reincarnation (34%).
As for physical things, such as plants, rivers or crystals containing spiritual energies, only 42% reported they believe that is possible.
The survey polled 1,680 adults in May of this year. [via AP News]
###
Mike and Jamie Jack from Ontario, Canada have broken the Guinness World Record for the longest habanero pepper kiss.
On February 25, the husband and wife team locked lips for 15 minutes and 6.5 seconds after each consumed a habanero pepper.
According to PepperScale.com habaneros have between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville heat units; for reference, jalapenos have about 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units. [via NY Post]
###
DEATHS
PAUL REUBENS has died.
He passed away Sunday after an undisclosed battle with cancer, according to a statement from his rep.
Reubens was best known for playing Pee-wee Herman.
He was 70.
###
Actor ANGUS CLOUD has died.
He was found by his mom on Monday at their home in Oakland. She called in a possible overdose, though that has not been confirmed as the cause of death. Some close to the family said that Cloud has been battling severe suicidal thoughts after his father’s death.
Cloud is best known for his role as Fezco in “Euphoria.”
He was only 25.
###
JOSE PAULINO GOMES -- believed to be the world’s oldest living man -- has died.
He passed away at his home in Pedra Bonita, Brazil last Friday of suspected organ failure, according to his family.
Born in August of 1895, Gomes lived through both World Wars and three global pandemics. At the time of his death he was 127 -- only a week shy of turning 128.
###
DEVYN REILEY, the daughter of two-time Super Bowl champion BRUCE COLLIE, has died.
She was killed when the World War II-era T-6 Texan aircraft she was flying crashed into Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin over the weekend. Reiley was in the area for the AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 event.
It is unclear what caused the crash, but eyewitnesses said the plane appeared to be spinning out of control before splashing down in the lake. An unidentified male passenger was also killed in the crash.
Reiley was only 30.
###
BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW added 100 points (0.28%) to close at 35,559 on Monday. The S&P added 6 points (0.15%) to close at 4,589 and the NASDAQ added 29 points (0.21%) to close at 14,346.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $81; BRENT CRUDE at $85.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.75 on Monday.
₿ BITCOIN dipped Monday, trading around $29,100.
🛩 There were more than 3,985 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Monday and more than 250 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a 1.05 BILLION jackpot or a $527.9 million cash payout.
SHOWBIZ NEWS
It turns out that CARDI B may have asked to be doused in liquid ahead of her microphone-hurling reaction.
According to multiple sources, Cardi “demanded” the crowd throw water on her in between songs as she was “dying” from the triple-digit Vegas heat. Her DJ also told the crowd to “hose her down.”
Now, it is unknown if the liquid that got tossed at Cardi was water or booze, but regardless, those who initially took Cardi’s side in the incident are now questioning if she overreacted. [via TMZ]
WORTH NOTING: The fan who tossed the drink has apologized.
UH-OH: A woman in the crowd who got hit by Cardi’s microphone has reportedly filed a police report. It is unclear if the victim is the woman who tossed the drink or an innocent bystander that got hit. Either way, Cardi is now being investigated for battery.
###
August 3 will now be known as “Tony Bennett Day” in America.
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution to honor the late singer, who passed away on July 21, which would have been his 97th birthday. [via NY Post]
###
BRITNEY SPEARS won’t see her two sons, JAYDEN JAMES and SEAN PRESTON, before they move to Hawaii with their dad, KEVIN FEDERLINE, and step-mom, VICTORIA.
Insiders told Page Six that Federline encouraged the boys to say good-bye to their mom, but also didn’t push the issue.
The move is set to take place this week. [via Page Six]
###
Actor LUKE GRIMES has a soft spot for his “Happiness for Beginners” co-star ELLIE KEMPER.
When speaking about their new movie, Grimes revealed that Kemper is partly responsible for his wife, Brazilian model BIANCA RODRIGUES GRIMES, learning how to speak English.
“She moved to the States without knowing a word of English. And when I met her, she had only lived here for two years, but she spoke beautiful, fluent English. I was like, ‘How did you learn it so fast?’ And she said, ‘I watched ‘The Office’ with subtitles.’”
As many know, Kemper played Erin Hannon in the NBC show from 2009 to 2013. [via People]
MEANWHILE: In “Happiness for Beginners,” Grimes plays a doctor with a secret struggle who connects with the recently divorced Helen (Kemper) during a wilderness retreat. It is streaming on Netflix now.
###
Country singer CRAIG MORGAN has reenlisted in the US Army Reserve at 59-years-old.
He was sworn in on stage at the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend, in front of a sold-out audience.
“I love being an artist but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest Americans, my fellow soldiers. God Bless America. Go Army,” he told the crowd.
Morgan previously spent 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve. With his reenlistment, he will hold the rank of Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer. [via NY Post]
###
ED SHEERAN was slinging hotdogs over the weekend at the The Wiener’s Circle stand in Chicago.
The stand is best known for its loud, rude employees, and Sheeran was not exempt from the ridicule. Before he got behind the stand, one employee yelled to the crowd, “We’re gonna have Ed Sheeran here at the mother[effer] Wiener’s Circle and I’m gonna teach that wanker how to make a [effing] hot dog.”
The 32-year-old has been getting behind the counter at local food joints as he travels the country on his “Mathematics Tour.” [via People]
###
Last week, residents of a Westlake Village neighborhood called officers about a suspicious person driving around and knocking on doors.
When officers responded, they found that the “suspicious” person was actor NEAL MCDONOUGH.
According to McDonough, he was just trying to get information about the neighborhood as he is considering moving there.
No harm, no foul. [via Daily Mail]
###
HARRY STYLES raised more than $6.5 million for several charities and nonprofits around the world during his “Love on Tour.”
On top of that, his 173-show tour -- spanning nearly two years -- is the fourth-highest-grossing concert tour of all time. More than five million fans attended shows across the US, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Styles wrapped things up on July 22 in Italy. [via People]
###
CASTING CALL
VIOLA DAVIS has taken a step back from the action-thriller “G20” movie amid the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes.
Despite an agreement between production and SAG-AFTRA to film without violating strike terms, Davis says “it would not be appropriate” to participate.
The move comes on the heels of BRAD PITT and TOBIAS MENZIES stepping away from the Apple movie “Apex” in solidarity. [via Deadline]
WORTH NOTHING: “G20” was approved for a waiver, according to Deadline. Meaning it got the green light from the actors guild to begin production “because it originates from the non AMPTP [Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers]-affiliated MRC and will only be distributed by Amazon.” There have been 100 such agreements granted by SAG-AFTRA since the start of the strikes. [via Deadline]
###
Mattel Cinematic Universe may soon take over the big screen.
After the success of “Barbie,” Mattel is said to be working on over 45 films, including one based on the 1980s toy Polly Pocket.
The live-action film, starring LILY COLLINS, will follow the “story of a young girl and a pocket-sized woman who form a friendship.” Unlike “Barbie,” this film will be a “family comedy,” according to director LENA DUNHAM.
No word on when it will be released. [via Teen Vogue]
BY THE WAY: Of the 45 films in the works, 14 are actively in the works, including “Barney,” “Thomas and Friends,” “American Girl,” and, apparently, “Uno” – the card game. [via Variety]
###
CELEBRITY CELLBLOCK
Actor ZACHERY TY BRYAN has been arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault.
He was picked up by officers in Eugene, Oregon, who received a report of a physical dispute between a male and adult female.
This isn’t the “Home Improvement” star’s first brush with assault charges. In 2020, he allegedly strangled a woman. After pleading guilty to two misdemeanor counts, he was given 36 months of bench probation and a no contact order with the victim.
As of Monday, Bryan was still in jail. [via Entertainment Weekly]
###
THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
Sports journalist STEPHEN A. SMITH is apologizing after asking if KIM KARDASHIAN is a “prostitute” on Twitter (ne X).
The tweet, which was shared to promote an episode of his podcast featuring Kim’s ex RAY J, stated “Is Kim Kardashian a ‘prostitute’? Is Kris Jenner a ‘pimp’?”
Smith called the wording a “clerical error” as he explained that he does not actually think Kim is a prostitute. He did not specifically address her mom being a pimp, however. [via The Source]
Ray J appeared on Smith’s podcast to discuss the 2007 release of his sex tape with Kardashian, which some believe was orchestrated by Jenner after seeing the boost PARIS HILTON got following the release of her sex tape with RICK SALOMON. Plus, as Ray J explains it, both of the women would have had to have signed off on the release. [via Newsweek]
###
WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
PRINCE WILLIAM helped work the counter at a food truck over the weekend to help promote the winners of a contest who helped develop a “sustainable” burger.
The “Earthshot Burger” includes a potato seasoned with garlic and ginger, cooked on an environmentally-friendly stove, and served in a biodegradable box. [via DailyMail]
WORTH NOTING: Much like his father, KING CHARLES, Wills has prioritized sustainable energy and agriculture programs in his portfolio of patronage programs.
###
DAY OF THE YEAR
National Girlfriends Day
National Night Out
World Wide Web Day
National Alpaca Day
Rounds Resounding Day
International Childfree Day
National Spider-Man Day
National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
World Scout Scarf Day
Respect For Parents Day
World Lung Cancer Day
National Planner Day
Yorkshire Day
###
ON THIS DATE
1798 - Fighting between France and Britain at the Battle of the Nile begins at Aboukir Bay in the Mediterranean, near Egypt.
Napoleon planned the battle as a stepping-stone for invasion into Egypt. He hoped to marginalize Britain’s support role to France’s enemies.
Defending the British was Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, tasked with defeating and eliminating Napoleon’s naval force. Nelson had been on the French’s tail for months, but always missed it.
Finally, a French fleet under command of Francois-Paul Brueys D’Aigalliers anchored at Aboukir Bay in a fortified position. When Nelson finally came onto it, he immediately ordered an attack, trapping the French in a crossfire.
After three hours of fighting, the British destroyed 13 French ships, while four more were able to escape. The French commander was killed. The victory established the British force in the Mediterranean.
###
1831 - A new London Bridge opens, connecting the city over the River Thames.
Haytor granite was used in its construction.
King William IV and Queen Adelaide enjoyed a banquet on the bridge to commemorate its opening.
###
1842 - Riots over slavery break out on Lombard Street in Philadelphia.
It started as a parade of 1,000 marchers from the Young Men’s Vigilant Association, commemorating the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British West Indies.
A mob of Irish Catholics started attacking the marchers. Subsequently, the marchers were arrested but the attackers were not. Fires were set to the homes of abolitionists and the buildings that housed their organizations.
The Philadelphia militia ultimately quelled the uprising.
###
1876 - Colorado is admitted as the 38th state of the Union.
Parts of Colorado had been bought in the Louisiana Purchase. The rest was disputed between the U.S. and Spain until a series of treaties clarified what land belonged to whom.
After the civil war, as Colorado became a useful hub for routing railways herding treasure hunters out to California and the West Coast, Congress took action to admit the territory to the union.
When it became a state, it was known as the Centennial State, since it was entered into the Union just 28 days after the U.S. Centennial.
###
1941 - Anne Frank records the last entry in her diary.
Three days later, Anne and her family would be captured by Nazi police. Records indicate the Frank family was sent to concentration camps, where all the women in the family died.
###
1980 - Vigdis Finnbogadottir (fin-BO-zha-dotter) becomes the first democratically-elected female head of state when she becomes President of Iceland.
With 16 years in office, she holds the record for the longest-serving female head of state in history.
###
1981 - MTV hits the airwaves.
The first video aired is “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles
###
2007 - The I-35 Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River near Minneapolis collapses; 13 died and 145 were injured.
A replacement bridge would be erected in 48 days.
###
2021 - Dr. Anthony Fauci says “things are going to get worse” as cases of COVID-19 double in 10 days.
The surge in cases is due to the Delta variant.
Also on this day, the US passes 35 million cases of the virus; and California becomes the first state to hit four million cases.
###
BIRTHDAYS
Scottie Barnes - basketball player - 22
Mary Jon Nelson - actress, “Portlandia” & “Grimm” - 29
Leon Thomas III - actor, “Victorious” - 30
Jack O’Connell - actor, “Skins” & “Eden Lake” - 33
Max Carver - actor, “Desperate Housewives” - 35
Elijah Kelley - actor, “Hairspray” - 37
Adam Jones - baseball player - 38
Bastian Schweinsteiger - soccer player - 39
Ashley Parker Angel - pop singer, O-Town - 42
Jason Momoa - actor, “Aquaman” & “Game of Thrones” - 44
Sam Mendes - director, “Spectre” & “Skyfall” - 58
John Carroll Lynch - actor, “Shutter Island” & “Big Sky” - 60
Joe Elliott - rock singer, Def Leppard - 64
Brian Patrick Clarke - actor, “Eight Is Enough” - 71
Born On This Date
Coolio - rapper - 1963 (d. 2022)
Jerry Garcia - rock singer, Grateful Dead - 1942 (d. 1995)
Yves Saint Laurent - fashion designer - 1936 (d. 2008)
Herman Melville - author, “Moby Dick” - 1819 (d. 1891)
William Clark - explorer, Lewis & Clark - 1770 (d. 1838)
Claudius - Roman Emperor - 10 BC (d. 54 AD)
###