8/6/2024: Worst Uber Review Ever
PLUS: Banksy Strikes; Hydrate While You Dehydrate; and At Home with the Waleses
Today is Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
It is the 219th day of the year.
147 days remain.
WHAT’S ON TAP
The PR war between DELTA and CROWDSTRIKE intensifies and a fugitive returns for justice. Details in HIT LIST.
ZAC EFRON updates fans after his hospitalization and BENNIFER is feeling frosty. More in SHOWBIZ.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” will soon surpass $1 BILLION at the global box office. Details in CASTING CALL.
YE gets support from an unlikely person and KIM reminisces about an old love in KARDASH.
The Waleses keep it simple at home. Details in ROYALS.
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HIT LIST
CROWDSTRIKE has fired some shots against DELTA in the public relations war ahead of the airline’s expected lawsuit against the IT company following the massive outages caused by its system update in July.
LAST WEEK: Delta’s CEO said the airline lost at least $500 MILLION from the outage in the form of refunds to flyers and paying for their accommodations as they waited for rebooked flights.
NOW: Crowdstrike’s representation has sent a letter that says in part it is "highly disappointed by Delta's suggestion that CrowdStrike acted inappropriately and strongly rejects any allegation that it was grossly negligent or committed misconduct."
It also notes that the terms of the agreement limit Crowdstrike’s liability to “single-digit millions.” The letter also accuses Delta’s chief of brushing off a personal offer from Crowdstrike’s CEO to send staff on site to help get their systems back up and running. [via Reuters]
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A federal judge issued a groundbreaking ruling on Monday asserting that GOOGLE is an illegal monopoly. By violating antitrust laws, the judge says the company abuses its power in the marketplace that forces web users to use its search engine and advertising platform.
The ruling does not include a remedy – which could include a forced breakup of its enormous web of entities and companies.
In a statement, the head of Google’s Global Affairs said they will appeal the ruling and “remain focused on making products that people find helpful and easy to use.” [via Morning Martini, ABC News]
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NYPD cops arrested an Uber passenger after she was caught on dashcam footage pepper spraying her driver.
The 23-year-old culprit, Jen Guilbeault, has been charged with assault. The footage posted online shows no obvious reason why she attacked her driver. A second woman in the backseat appears to watch on in horror. Even after the driver tried to get out of the vehicle, Guilbeault held onto his arm and continued spraying him.
A rep for Uber says Guilbeault has been banned from the platform and the company will support police in their investigation. [via ABC 7]
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In a tragic, ironic twist, a man on the lam for murder the last two decades has been found in Mexico – working as a cop!
Antonio “El Diablo” Riano has been one of the Most Wanted men in Butler County, Ohio, for nearly twenty years. In 2005, he was featured on the “America’s Most Wanted” tv series for his connection to a shooting in 2005 that killed a 25-year-old man.
Riano is now 72 years old. He was last spotted driving away in his van on security footage near the shooting.
In 2006, American investigators were able to track down Riano’s mother’s home in Mexico, but he was not found. Investigators never gave up, and finally tracked him down with the assistance of local police in Mexico. No word yet exactly how they got him this time.
Riano’s first court appearance was yesterday. [via Fox 19]
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New Banksy art popped up on the side of the Kew Bridge in London.
The artwork features a goat standing precariously on a thin wall, with rubble falling down the side.
After posting the piece on Instagram, followers tried to guess what message Banksy is trying to send. One suggested it meant, “No where else to go. We’re just awaiting the fall,” while another simply wrote “Scapegoat.”
WORTH NOTING: Banksy’s art is usually pulled from contemporary issues. [via The Guardian]
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BABY NEWS
Actor LUKE GRIMES and his wife, model BIANCA RODRIGUES GRIMES are expecting their first child.
He’s 40 and she’s 27.
They’ve been married since 2018.
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SICK BAY
JON STEWART has Covid.
No word on the severity of symptoms.
“Daily Show” correspondent MICHAEL KOSTA will take over hosting duties.
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BY THE NUMBERS
📈 The DOW lost 1,033 points (2.6%) to close at 38,703 on Monday. The S&P lost 160 points (3%) to close at 5,186 and the NASDAQ lost 576 points (3.43%) to close at 16,200.
🛢 WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE closed at $73; BRENT CRUDE at $77.
⛽ The national average price of a GALLON OF GAS was $3.47 on Monday.
₿ BITCOIN tanked 6%, trading around $54,500.
🛩 There were more than 5,850 FLIGHTS delayed within, into, or out of the United States on Monday and more than 1,730 such cancellations.
💰Tonight’s MEGA MILLIONS drawing will be for a $374 million jackpot or a $183.9 million cash payout.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS
ZAC EFRON is just fine after reports that he was hospitalized following an unspecified swimming incident.
Taking to Instagram, Efron shared a photo of himself with his back on an exercise ball, lifting dumbbells. He captioned the shot, “Happy and healthy -- thanks for the well wishes.”
Still no details on what exactly happened in the pool. [via ET]
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BENNIFER UPDATE: TMZ reports that relations are frosty between JENNIFER LOPEZ and BEN AFFLECK.
Sources told the publication that the two are no longer speaking, which has allegedly slowed down the divorce process. There is a prenup in place and the only asset the two share is their Beverly Hills mansion that is currently on the market.
Also, Jen and Ben have not hired lawyers and are instead leaning on their respective business managers to handle things. [via TMZ]
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MARCIA CLARK and CHRISTOPHER DARDEN, both prosecutors from the infamous OJ SIMPSON trial, and former LAPD detective MARK FURHRMAN, have been subpoenaed by Simpson’s longtime friend CHARLES “Charlie” EHRLICH.
Ehrlich is suing the Miami Times over an article suggesting he assisted Simpson in killing NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON and RON GOLDMAN.
He asked a judge to subpoena Clark, Darden and Furhrman because he says they “have knowledge of some of the issues in this case,” such that he was in Miami at the time of the murders.
Ehrlich is seeking $20 million in damages from the Miami Times for “harm to his personal and professional reputation” as well as “death threats and significant humiliation, and emotional distress” that he has endured. [via Radar Online]
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JELLY ROLL is a “class act.”
The country crooner was performing in Michigan last week when he noticed a fan in the crowd standing alongside an IV stand and bag. Upon speaking with the fan, JR found out that she is a cancer survivor.
Hearing that, he immediately called out to his crew to find her a chair to enjoy the rest of his show.
A clip of the interaction was shared on TikTok, with followers commending him for his kindness, calling him “wholesome” and a “class act.” [via People]
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TOM HANKS and RITA WILSON’s Los Angeles home was the latest target in a string of celebrity home invasions.
According to law enforcement, thieves ransacked the place midday. The couple were thankfully not home at the time of the robbery.
As for what was taken, officers say they won’t know for sure until the couple returns home and combs through things.
Others who have been burglarized in recent months include, SARAH HYLAND, MARLON WAYANS and KYLE RICHARDS’ daughter FARRAH ALDJUFRIE. [via The Blast]
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ADELE says she has found the secret to ward off a hangover: hydrate while you dehydrate.
“I’m British. The key to being able to drink all day and all night is to have a glass of alcohol, you have a glass of water, you have a glass of alcohol, you have a glass of water. So you’re hydrating while you dehydrate,” she told a crowd at her recent show in Germany.
Fans may recall that Adele gave up booze last year after admitting she was “borderline alcoholic” in her twenties, but says she now is no longer teetotal. [via The Sun]
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SERENA WILLIAMS blasted The Peninsula Hotel in Paris after she, along with her husband and kids, were denied entry to a rooftop restaurant.
While she didn’t share exact details of what went down, Williams noted that the establishment was completely “empty” at the time she was looking for a table.
“I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in a empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first,” she tweeted, along with a photo of the establishment…just so there was no confusion. [via X]
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TOM CRUISE and singer-songwriter VICTORIA CANAL are not dating, despite multiple reports to the contrary.
The 25-year-old took to Instagram Monday to clear the air, writing, “guys this is literally bonkers, but apparently the tabloids think i am dating tom cruise. i’m deceased.”
Rumors of a romance sparked after Canal revealed that Cruise gave her and her brother a lift to the “Twisters” premiere in London last month. Just days later the two were spotted flying in a chopper together around London. [via People]
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TYREEK HILL landed the No. 1 spot on the NFL’s Top 100 Players List. He is the first wide receiver to top the list in its 14-year history.
Rounding out the Top 5 are: QB LAMAR JACKSON, running back CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, QB PATRICK MAHOMES, and defensive end MYLES GARRETT.
FOR THE SWIFTIES: Tight end TRAVIS KELCE took the 9th spot.
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CASTING CALL
Through the weekend “Deadpool & Wolverine” grossed a total of $395 million domestically and $824 million globally, passing the first two films, which earned $783 million and $786 million, respectively.
The film is now the second-biggest movie of 2024, following “Inside Out 2” which has grossed $1.555 BILLION worldwide. It is also the third-biggest R-rated movie of all time, behind “Joker” ($1.07 BILLION) and “Oppenheimer” ($975 million). [via Variety]
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THE DAILY KARDASHOPUS
All love might not be lost between YE and his in-laws.
Over the weekend, ANGELINA CENCORI, sister to BIANCA CENSORI, shared her support of her brother-in-law’s latest “Vultures 2” release.
Taking to Instagram, Angelina posted a screenshot of her listening to a track titled “Dead” on Spotify. [via The Sun]
MEANWHILE: An insider tells The Mirror that KIM KARDASHIAN is “lonely” and hoping to “rekindle her romance” with PETE DAVIDSON. The two met while filming “SNL” and dated for nine months. The long-distance is what caused the split. [via The Mirror]
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WE’LL NEVER BE ROYALS
The Daily Mail reports that PRINCE WILLIAM and PRINCESS KATE have done away with a full-time staff at their home on the grounds of Windsor so their kids learn how to work together as a family.
Gone are the butlers, servants, valets, and chefs. Instead, Will and Kate take turns preparing meals and the kids – including King-to-Be PRINCE GEORGE – learn to set and clear the table and clean up after themselves.
Of course, the Waleses keep a staff for managing their public and official duties, but especially as Kate receives treatment for cancer, they want to keep their family close and tight-knit. They even reassigned the kids’ live-in nanny when they moved to Windsor. [via DailyMail]
MEANWHILE: Kate is expected to join senior Royals for their summer holiday at Balmoral in Scotland. [via New York Post]
WORTH ASKING: Do her kids get the full Royal Treatment when they spend the summer at Grandpa Charlie’s castle? The King has notoriously enjoyed the doting attention and care of a full-time staff in his decades as Prince of Wales.
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DAY OF THE YEAR
National Wiggle Your Toes Day
National Night Out
International Scuba Day
Balloons to Heaven Day
Farmworker Appreciation Day
National Root Beer Float Day
Cycle to Work Day
National Fresh Breath Day
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ON THIS DATE
1787 - Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia begins debate on the first draft of the Constitution.
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1890 - William Kemmler becomes the first murderer to be executed by electric chair.
The punishment was the brainchild of a dentist, who believed the method to be painless after watching a drunk man fry himself on an electrical generator.
It was at least an improvement in humanity over hanging, which sometimes took a half hour to kill the victim.
George Westinghouse was one of the first engineers to use harnessed electricity, and was a competitor of Thomas Edison. Westinghouse abhorred such use of electricity saying, "They would have done better with an axe.”
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1945 - The Enola Gay releases the first atomic bomb to be used in warfare over Hiroshima.
The airplane had left the Tinian Islands five and a half hours earlier, with "Little Boy" on board. The crew did not fully understand the tremendous power of the weapon.
The direct blast killed 80,000 instantly and another 35,000 in its impact zone. The fallout would kill another 60,000 by year's end.
Following the blast, one of the airplane's crew is said to have remarked, "It's pretty terrific. What a relief it worked."
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1960 - Chubby Checker performs his version of “The Twist” on “The Dick Clark Show,” starting a worldwide dance craze.
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1965 - President Johnson outlaws discriminatory voting laws by signing the Voting Rights Act.
In particular, the law nixed literacy tests, which notoriously disenfranchised uneducated minorities in the South.
The Voting Rights Act was a grace note to the Civil Rights Act, put into law the year before.
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1991 - French carmaker Peugeot announces an end to manufacturing for the United States.
The move came after five years of shrinking market share stateside.
Meanwhile, Peugeot continues to flourish in Europe, producing cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bikes.
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2012 - Curiosity rover lands on Mars in the Gale Crater at the Bradbury Landing site -- named for the fiction writer Ray Bradbury.
The landing system was revolutionary -- addressing the challenges of landing in Mars’ atmosphere, 100 times thinner than Earth’s. NASA scientists designed the largest supersonic parachute it ever had -- withstanding 65,000 pounds of force, weighing only 100 pounds. But that only slowed down the descent to 200 miles per hour.
Several hundred feet above the surface, a series of booster rockets fired, pushing the landing machine away from the parachute and into its landing zone.
Then, while hovering 20 meters above the surface, the rover was lowered to the surface on a tether and the lander blasted away safely. It was an ingenious, convoluted, but ultimately successful process that will have transformed landings on Mars forever.
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2020 - A University of Washington study predicts 300,000 deaths from COVID-19 by December 1 in the US.
Researchers also predict that 70,000 lives could be saved if masks are consistently & correctly worn.
Debate on the accuracy of this would be an ongoing topic for years to come.
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BIRTHDAYS
Ty Simpkins - actor, “Iron Man 3” & “Jurassic World” - 23
Sydney Colson - basketball player - 35
Robin van Persie - soccer player - 41
Leslie Odom Jr. - actor, “Hamilton” & “Smash” - 43
Jennifer Lyons - actress, “Justified” & “Crashing” - 47
Vera Farmiga - actress, “Bates Motel” & “When They See Us” - 51
Geri Halliwell - pop singer, Spice Girls - 52
Mike Bales - hockey player - 53
M. Night Shyamalan - director - 54
David Robinson - basketball player - 59
Michelle Yeoh - actress, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” - 62
Catherine Hicks - actress, “Star Trek IV” & “Child’s Play” - 73
Dorian Harewood - actor, “The Jesse Owens Story” - 74
Born On This Date
JonBenet Ramsey - pageant contestant whose murder has never been sold - 1990 (d. 1996)
Elliott Smith - folk singer - 1969 (d. 2003)
Andy Warhol - pop artist - 1928 (d. 1987)
Lucille Ball - actress, “I Love Lucy” - 1911 (d. 1989)
Edith Roosevelt - First Lady & wife of Teddy Roosevelt - 1861 (d. 1948)
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