8/19/2024: Man’s (Expensive) Best Friend
PLUS: Million Dollar Listings; Training Dre; and The King Rebuffed
Today is Monday, August 19, 2024.
It is the 232nd day of the year.
134 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
X spurns a censorship order and AMAZON weighs options for its drone delivery service. Details in HIT LIST.
CHRIS MARTIN and DAKOTA JOHNSON are “happily together” and SIMONE BILES gets a hard lesson in NFL rivalries. More in SHOWBIZ.
NICOLAS CAGE will play an NFL legend and a new “Bridgerton” casting is revealed. Details in CASTING CALL.
YE for TRUMP. More in KARDASH.
New info about PRINCE HARRY rebuffing an olive branch from The King. Details in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
After a judge in Brazil ordered X to begin censoring certain content on the platform, ELON MUSK ordered its offices in the country to be closed. In a post, Musk said the judge, ALEXANDRE DE MORAES, secretly threatened one of the company’s lawyers with arrest if certain content was not removed. In another post, Musk called de Moraes “an utter disgrace to justice.”
Musk added that the platform would continue to be available to internet users – for now.
So far no official confirmation from Brazil’s Supreme Court about the censorship order or arrest threat, or specifically the types of content the Court wants to remove. [via Elon Musk, X Global Affairs]
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AMAZON has been testing a drone delivery service in College Station, Texas – and while the logistical operations have mostly gone smoothly, locals can’t get past the noise they make.
Recently, the company sought FAA approval to operate the drones between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, extending beyond their current daylight hours restrictions. They’re also currently limited to the 44 square miles surrounding the launch warehouse and seeking to more than triple that footprint.
But a formal letter from the city’s mayor to the FAA expressed concerns from residents about the ongoing noise levels. More informally, one resident tells CNBC, “It sounds like a giant hive of bees. You know it’s coming because it’s pretty loud.”
For its part, Amazon says it is developing a new smaller and quieter drone model to alleviate some of these concerns. All of these changes remain pending before the FAA. [via CNBC]
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A record high number of homes in the United States are worth $1 MILLION or more, at 8.5%.
That’s nearly a full-point jump year-over year, and more than double the number pre-pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reports.
San Francisco is the most expensive housing market, where more than 80% were valued at $1 MILLION or more as of June. One Bay Area real estate agent tells the Journal that she assumes a buyer coming to her with a one-million-dollar budget is looking for a condo, because any less isn’t usually enough to get him into a single family home.
In Texas, the real estate market is cooling slightly. In Austin, the number of seven-figure-plus listings ticked down one-tenth of a point in the last year. [via WSJ]
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A survey by the International Labour Organization suggests one in five Gen Zers globally aren’t doing anything with their lives, falling into the “NEET” category: “not in employment, education, or training.” The United States fares a bit better, with 11.2% falling into this category.
IT GETS WORSE: Despite having a college degree, one in five men under age 25 are unemployed and aren’t looking for a job, either. [via Fortune]
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A new report from MetLife reveals that 84% of pet owners nationwide say the cost of caring for their pets has increased over the past year, meanwhile 50% of pet parents are concerned that the rising costs will prevent them from owning pets in the future.
Current estimates show the cost of owning a dog is around $1,400 a year, including vet visits, food, toys, treats and equipment, such as leashes, collars and beds. That doesn’t take into account the initial costs of getting a pet, which can be significant, especially for high demand breeds, such as Tibetan mastiffs ($2,000-$6,000), French and English bulldogs ($4,250), and Chow Chows ($4,000).
With the rising costs, some pet parents report reduced spending in other areas, such as entertainment (59%); vacation/travel (52%); home care/improvement (34%); personal care (29%); savings (28%); groceries (25%); and health care (17%), in order to splurge on their pets. On the flip side, 11% say they aren’t willing to cut costs for their pets.
BY THE WAY: It’s not much cheaper for cat parents either, with an average annual cost of around $1,200. [via MetLife]
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DEATHS
Vocalist JACK RUSSELL has died.
He passed away Thursday from multiple system atrophy and Lewy body dementia.
Russell was the lead vocalist for the 1980s hair metal group GREAT WHITE.
He was only 63.
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Actor JOHN APREA has died.
He passed away on August 5 of natural causes. No further details were shared.
Aprea is best known for his role as a young Salvator Tessio in “The GodFather Part II.”
He was 83.
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Racing legend SCOTT BLOOMQUIST has died.
He passed away Friday morning in a plane crash near his home in Tennessee.
Bloomquist made a name for himself in dirt track racing, winning the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion in 2009, 2010 and 2016.
He was only 60.
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Wrestler AFA ANOA’I has died.
He passed away Friday after several health issues, including two heart attacks and multiple surgeries earlier this year.
Anoa’i was one half of the Wild Samoans tag team, alongside his brother SIKA ANOA’I, who passed away in June, and the uncle to current WWE Superstar ROMAN REIGNS.
He was 81.
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Comedian PERRY KURTZ has died.
He passed away in a hit-and-run crash Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Kurtz’s career spanned decades, and included appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”
He was 73.
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BREAKUPS
Football player BOBBY MCCRAY filed for divorce from KHADIJAH HAQQ, who happens to be one of KHLOE KARDASHIAN’s besties.
In the filing, McCray lists July 7, 2023 as their date of separation and irreconcilable differences as the reason. She, meanwhile, announced their separation last August.
He is seeking joint physical custody of their three minor children, spousal support and her to not be awarded spousal support.
McCray and Haqq tied the knot in 2010.
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WEDDINGS
“19 Kids and Counting” star JANA DUGGAR married STEPHEN WISSMAN in front of 500 people in Arkansas last week.
She’s 34, and the eldest daughter of JIM BOB and MICHELLE DUGGAR, while he is 31.
The ceremony took place just two months after the pair got engaged.
The newlyweds plan to live together in Wissman’s home state of Nebraska.
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
10. Borderlands: $2.3 million (down from 4)
9. Stree 2: $2.5 million (new)
8. Inside Out 2: $3.2 million (down from 7)
7. Trap: $3.4 million (down from 6)
6. Despicable Me 4: $6 million (down from 5)
5. Coraline: $8.3 million (re-release)
4. Twisters: $9.8 million (down from 3)
3. It Ends With Us: $24 million (down from 2)
2. Deadpool & Wolverine: $29 million (down from 1)
1. Alien: Romulus: $41.5 million (new)
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW increased 96 points (0.24%) to close at 40,659 on Friday. The S&P increased 11 points (0.2%) to close at 5,554 and the NASDAQ increased 37 points (0.21%) to close at 17,631.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $76 on Friday; BRENT CRUDE at $79.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.41 on Sunday.
₿ BITCOIN was slightly up on the weekend, trading just under $60,000.
🛩 There were more than 6,190 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Sunday and more than 760 such cancellations.
💰Tuesday night’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for $498 million jackpot or a $245.3 million cash payout. Tonight’s POWERBALL drawing will be for a $44 million jackpot or a $21.7 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
FOLLOW UP: Actress SKAI JACKSON won’t face criminal charges after being arrested for domestic battery against her boyfriend.
Prosecutors say there isn’t enough evidence to move forward, noting Jackson’s lack of criminal history, a lack of injuries to the alleged victim and his refusal to cooperate.
Jackson was arrested last week after getting into a heated argument with her boyfriend at Universal CityWalk. [via Baller Alert]
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NO CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING HERE: Actress DAKOTA JOHNSON and COLDPLAY frontman CHRIS MARTIN have not split.
Multiple reports suggested over the weekend that the two ended their engagement, but a rep for Johnson says, “They are happily together.”
They have been together since 2017 and Martin reportedly popped the question in 2020. [via People]
MEANWHILE: Billboard Boxscore reports that Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres World Tour” has grossed over $945.7 million since kicking off in March 2022. It is the highest-grossing and best-selling tour among rock acts, beating out ELTON JOHN’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” which grossed $939.1 million from 2018-2023. [via Billboard]
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Court documents from the recent arrests in connection to the death of MATTHEW PERRY detail the hours leading up to his death.
According to a plea deal signed by Perry’s longtime assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, that morning, the actor asked him to administer a shot of ketamine. Four hours later Iwamasa gave Perry another shot, followed by one more less than an hour later.
It was after that third dose that Perry got into the hot tub and Iwamasa left to run some errands. He would later return to find the actor face down in the water.
Iwamasa told authorities that he administered “at least 27 shots of ketamine” in the final five days of Perry’s life. [via NY Post]
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Two-time Olympic gold medal archer JUSTIN HUISH offered to train DR DRE for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
In addition to training, Huish says he can also hook Dre up with the right people, including Team USA coaches.
Huish also plans to shoot his shot at the 2028 Games. [via TMZ]
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“Amazing Race” contestant SHANA WALL is suing American Airlines after she says she swallowed pieces of plastic that were in a beverage she drank on a flight in May.
In the suit, the 51-year-old claims her throat, esophagus, vocal chords and digestive system were damaged, resulting in her being forced to take time off of work to recover. Wall says she requires ongoing medical care as a result of the internal damage. She is seeking unspecified damages for negligence. [via Daily Beast]
BUT WAIT: Per Wall’s very own Instagram page, just two weeks after the alleged incident, she was enjoying time at an Italian winery, with no mention of any internal pain and suffering. [via Instagram]
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SIMONE BILES got roasted by NFL fans over the weekend for wearing a Packers jacket to a Bears game.
Biles’ husband JONATHAN OWENS now plays for the Chicago Bears, after being traded from division rival, the Green Bay Packers. The coat Biles wore -- featuring action shots of Owens on the Packers -- was a show of support for her husband, but Bears fans are begging her to get rid of it.
This rivalry is no joke, and Bears fans will make sure Biles is well informed. [via Us Weekly]
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CASTING CALL
The contract AL PACINO signed for his role in “The Godfather Part II sold last week for $31,344.
According to the document, he was paid $500,000 for the role -- a significant bump from the $35,000 he got from the first movie.
Pacino received an Oscar nom for his role as Michael Corleone in the 1974 film. [via MRT]
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BRITNEY SPEARS impersonator ALLEGRA DUVAL wants her name in the running for potential people to play the pop princess in an upcoming biopic based on her memoir, “The Woman in Me.”
In addition to resembling Spears, DuVal says she already knows a bunch of her dance moves and mannerisms. She says she’d be game to play a body double, too.
So far, the only famous name that has been mentioned is EMMA ROBERTS, and that came from Spears’ former longtime assistant, Felicia Culotta. [via TMZ]
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NICOLAS CAGE will play NFL legend JOHN MADDEN in a forthcoming biopic.
“Madden” follows the life of the late coaching legend, broadcasting icon and gaming pioneer.
Additional casting details will be announced at a later date. [via People]
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YERIN HA will play Sophie Beckett, Benedict Bridgerton’s love interest, in the next season of “Bridgerton.”
Season 4 centers on Benedict, played by LUKE THOMPSON, and his “loath to settle down -- until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver,” per the official log line. The forthcoming season is based on author JULIA QUINN’s third novel, “An Offer From a Gentleman.”
No word yet on a premiere date for the new season. [via Variety]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
YE and BIANCA CENSORI surprised a group of Trump supporters outside a rally in Beverly Hills on Saturday.
Pulling up in his Cybertruck, supporters quickly turned ecstatic when the windows rolled down, revealing the rapper behind the wheel.
After some chatting, Ye drove off to chants of “We love you.”
MEANWHILE: Ye was an outspoken supporter of DONALD TRUMP in 2020, but has not yet declared his support this time around. [via TikTok]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
The Sunday Times reports that PRINCE HARRY turned down an offer from KING CHARLES to stay at Buckingham Palace the last time he visited Britain, in May.
Harry swung through London as part of the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary events. There had been rumors that the monarch had offered to put his son up at a royal property, but Buckingham Palace is the pinnacle of prestige in the King’s portfolio.
Harry opted for a hotel instead. [via The Sunday Times]
WORTH ASKING: If Harry doesn’t like to visit home over security concerns, why would he opt for an unprotected hotel against the massive palace with a literal security fence and The King’s Guard protecting entry points?
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DAY OF THE YEAR
International Orangutan Day
Talk Like Jar Jar Binks Day
World Photography Day
National Aviation Day
National Potato Day
World Humanitarian day
International Bow Day
National Soft Ice Cream Day
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ON THIS DATE
1274 - Edward I is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey.
He had returned from the Ninth Crusade weeks earlier.
After being anointed, Edward removed his crown, saying that he did not intend to wear it again until he had removed all the crown lands that his father had surrendered during his reign.
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1692 - Five people are hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem, Massachusetts.
George Burroughs, Martha Carrier, John Willard, George Jacobs Sr. and John Proctor had all been accused of witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor, John’s wife, was also accused, but spared because she was pregnant.
The next day accuser Margaret Jacobs would recant her testimony that led to the execution of her grandfather George Jacobs Sr. and Burroughs.
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1909 - 12,000 spectators gather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first five-mile race on the track.
Louis Schwitzer would win, clocking an average speed of 57.4 miles per hour.
The unfinished track of crushed rock and tar made driving perilous -- two drivers died during the race, as well as two mechanics and two fans in the audience.
Today, the much-improved facility is home to the Indianapolis 500.
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1934 - Adolf Hitler consolidates his power as the German head of state, merging the positions of president and chancellor.
He took the formal title "Fuhrer und Reichskanzler," meaning "President and Chancellor."
The power grab came after the death of President von Hindenberg earlier that month. Despite the illegality of the position, Hitler's popularity allowed him to act without public outcry.
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1953 - A CIA operation overthrows Iranian Premier Mohammed Mosaddeq. The Shah of Iran takes power, and becomes a staunch American ally during the Cold War.
Intelligence efforts by the British and United States revealed Mosaddeq maintained communist sympathies, and could become a powerful friend of the Soviet Union.
Following the coup, the Shah authorized 40% of Iran's oil fields to be used by American companies.
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1960 - Gary Powers is sentenced to 10 years in Soviet Prison.
The U-2 pilot was captured in May of that year after being shot down over the Ural Mountains. His plane was hit with a missile, but he successfully ejected. After landing, he was swiftly arrested.
The two superpowers later negotiated a prisoner trade for Powers' release, effective in February 1962.
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1993 - Actors Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger tie the knot.
The union would be one of the more publicly toxic marriages in Hollywood history; only lasting seven years.
The custody battle over their young daughter also made for tabloid gold. They’d officially be divorced in 2002.
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2014 - NASA satellites take photos showing the eastern basin of the Aral Sea has completely dried up.
The event devastated the once-prosperous fishing region around it in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The dried-up area is now called the Aralkum Desert.
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2020 - Apple becomes the first US company to be valued at $2 trillion.
The milestone was reached just two years after it hit $1 trillion.
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BIRTHDAYS
Brighton Sharbino - actress, “The Walking Dead” - 22
Ethan Cutkosky - actor, “Shameless” - 25
Feid - reggaeton singer - 32
Romeo Miller - rapper - 35
Kirk Cousins - football player - 36
Christina Perri - pop singer - 38
Melissa Fumero - actress, “One Life to Live” & “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” - 42
T.J. Holmes - former journalist on “GMA” - 47
Fat Joe - rapper - 54
Lee Ann Womack - country singer - 58
Kevin Dillon - actor, “Platoon” & “Entourage” - 59
Kyra Sedgwick - actress, “The Closer” - 59
John Stamos - actor, “Full House” - 61
John Deacon - bassist, Queen - 73
Bill Clinton - 42nd POTUS - 78
Born On This Date
Matthew Perry - actor, “Friends” - 1969 (d. 2023)
Malcolm Forbes - publisher of Forbes Magazine - 1919 (d. 1990)
Coco Chanel - fashion designer - 1883 (d. 1971)
Orville Wright - aviator - 1871 (d. 1948)
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