Whatever 12.11.2014

Your daily dose of Whatever!

SHOWBIZ HIGHLIGHTS - 1 of 4

1.  Apparently, KIM KARDASHIAN gained a lot more weight than she should have during her pregnancy because GOD WAS MAD AT HER.  That's what she told "Elle UK".  She said, quote, "I'd think God was doing this for a reason.  He was saying, 'Kim, you think you're so hot, but look what I can do to you.'"  (Full Story)

2.  PIPPA MIDDLETON calls KIM KARDASHIAN's butt the "Rear of 2014" . . . and adds, quote, "I must say that mine, though it has enjoyed fleeting fame, is not comparable . . . Kim's aim, apparently, was to break the Internet, but I'm not sure she's going the right way about it."  (Full Story)

3.  Deviant guitarist DAVE NAVARRO has designed a guitar strap that doubles as a multi-purpose bondage restraint.  He says, quote, "It's the Swiss army knife of the bedroom . . . that is if you don't already have an actual Swiss army knife in play."  It costs $179, but if you're one of the first 500 people to order, he'll autograph it for you.  (Full Story)

4.  Now that NICK JONAS is a more "adult" artist, he'd like other people to have sex to his music . . . even though he wouldn't.  He says, quote, "No, absolutely not, you can't do that!  That'd be so uncomfortable."  (Full Story)

5.  Sexy Pictures of Famous People

SHOWBIZ HIGHLIGHTS - 2 of 4

6.  During a screening of his new movie, CHRIS ROCK made a joke about the rape allegations Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER faced several years ago.  He said, quote, "I was getting ready to say something really bad about Roethlisberger . . . he's the original Cosby."  Luckily, Chris was in Baltimore, so the crowd was on his side.  (Full Story)

7.  One of BILL COSBY's accusers has figured out a way around that pesky statute of limitations.  Tamara Green is suing Cosby for DEFAMATION, saying he LIED when he denied assaulting her, and it has damaged her reputation.  (Full Story)

8.  In a leaked Sony document, a big-time producer lit into ANGELINA JOLIE in a dispute over a director.  He called her a, quote, "minimally talented, spoiled brat," and talked about her, quote, "insanity and rampaging spoiled ego."  (Full Story)

9.  More Revelations from the Sony Hack

10.  On Barbara Walters' upcoming "10 Most Fascinating People" special, TAYLOR SWIFT talks about wanting to be a good role model.  She says, quote, "I did wait until I was 21 to drink.  I was so paranoid about getting in trouble, or setting the wrong example, or sending the wrong message."  (Full Story)

11.  On Barbara Walters' upcoming "10 Most Fascinating People" special, SCARLETT JOHANSSON talks about how BREASTFEEDING has helped her lose her pregnancy weight.  She says, quote, "It's the best way to get back in shape.  [I do] the whole bit.  I'm nursing and I love it."  (Full Story)

SHOWBIZ HIGHLIGHTS - 3 of 4

12.  MERYL STREEP turned 40 in 1989 . . . and shortly afterward she was offered THREE roles playing witches, in one year.  She says, quote, "I would say our culture is pretty youth-obsessed . . . I was offered witches because I was 'old' at 40."  She says she made an exception to play a witch in the upcoming movie "Into the Woods", because she loves Stephen Sondheim.  (Full Story)

13.  On "The View" yesterday, guest host ASHANTI and the rest of the ladies were having a riveting discussion on flu shots, when WHOOPI GOLDBERG passed gas, and she REALLY let it rip.  Whoopi blamed it on breakfast burritos.  (Full Story)

14.  DAVID LETTERMAN's last episode of "The Late Show" will air on May 20th.  There's no word when STEPHEN COLBERT is taking over, but it could be soon afterward.  (Full Story)

15.  TV Reminders and Late Night Guests

16.  TAYLOR SWIFT is #1 on the Billboard 200 chart again with another 274,000 copies of "1989".  She's now spent a total of 29 weeks at #1 with all her albums.  The only female artists who have more are Mariah Carey with 30 weeks and Whitney Houston with 46.  Meanwhile, AC/DC hit #3 with "Rock Or Bust" and MARY J. BLIGE debuted at #9 with "The London Sessions".  (Billboard Charts)

SHOWBIZ HIGHLIGHTS - 4 of 4

17.  SMASHING PUMPKINS singer BILLY CORGAN did an "Ask Me Anything" chat on Reddit . . . and it included him confirming that the couple in the "Tonight, Tonight" music video are the voice actors who play SpongeBob SquarePants and Sandy the Squirrel.  (Full Story)

18.  The digital jukebox company TouchTunes has announced its top played songs of the year, and a LOT of people liked hearing LUKE BRYAN while enjoying an adult beverage or two.  Or three.  Luke was #1, followed by AC/DC, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.  (Full Story)

19.  Urban Quick Hits:  Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and Lil Kim

20.  HILLARY SCOTT was asked if she knows there's a mattress actress with the same name.  She said, quote, "Yes.  [And] I'm embarrassed when you Google my name because you don't have to go too far to find her.  I tell people, 'Don't Google my name . . . Google LADY ANTEBELLUM.'"  (Full Story)

21.  CMT.com created a list of the 10 Best Country Performances in the history of DAVID LETTERMAN'S two late night shows.  They include Johnny Cash's "Don't Take Your Guns to Town", Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy", and Jamey Johnson's "In Color".  (Full Story)

22.  Showbiz Extras and Country Extras

SHOWBIZ SEXY - 1 of 4

Kim Kardashian Thinks God Made Her Fat Because She Was Too Full of Herself 

Apparently, KIM KARDASHIAN gained a lot more weight than she should have during her pregnancy because GOD WAS MAD AT HER.  That's what she told "Elle UK".

She said, quote, "I'd think God was doing this for a reason.  He was saying, 'Kim, you think you're so hot, but look what I can do to you.'

"My body just went crazy.  After five months I swore I'd never get pregnant again.  I got so huge and it felt like someone had taken over my body."

Pippa Middleton Bows Down Before Kim Kardashian's Backside . . . But Questions America's Booty Obsession 

PIPPA MIDDLETON is one of a select few women whose backside has become a worldwide obsession.  There's even a website devoted to it.  But she knows full well that she will always stand in the shadow of KIM KARDASHIAN's butt.

In a recent blog for the British site The Spectator, she calls it the "Rear of 2014", adding, quote, "I must say that mine, though it has enjoyed fleeting fame, is not comparable.

Still, she's puzzled byAmerica's current butt fixation . . . quote, "What is it with this American booty culture?  It seems to me to be a form of obsession.  Kim's aim, apparently, was to break the internet, but I'm not sure she's going the right way about it."

SHOWBIZ SEXY - 2 of 4

Dave Navarro Has Designed a Guitar Strap That's Also a Bondage Toy 

HIGHLIGHTS:  Deviant guitarist DAVE NAVARRO has designed a guitar strap that doubles as a multi-purpose bondage restraint.  He says, quote, "It's the Swiss army knife of the bedroom . . . that is if you don't already have an actual Swiss army knife in play."  It costs $179, but if you're one of the first 500 people to order, he'll autograph it for you.

FULL STORY:  DAVE NAVARRO is a straight up FREAK . . . so this isn't surprising:  Dave has designed a guitar strap that doubles as a BONDAGE RESTRAINT.  Not only does he use it, but you can too . . . because it's the first item in his new FETISH LINE.

It's called The Strap, and it can be used to tie up your partner just about any way you desire.  It can also be used as a, quote, "sex sling" . . . and it has a detachable collar and comes with two padlocks.

Dave says, quote, "It's the Swiss army knife of the bedroom . . . that is if you don't already have an actual Swiss army knife in play."

This thing isn't cheap . . . it's $179.  But if you're one of the first 500 people to order, you can get one autographed by Dave himself.

(Check out some pictures of The Strap here.  And you can buy your very own here.  WARNING!!!  There are naughty photos at both links, and the second one takes you to a SEX TOY website.)

SHOWBIZ SEXY - 3 of 4

Nick Jonas Does Not Have Sex to His Own Music 

Now that NICK JONAS is a more "adult" artist, he'd like other people to have sex to his music.  But can he practice what he preaches?  He says, quote, "No, absolutely not, you can't do that!  That'd be so uncomfortable."

But here's something Nick Jonas CAN do:  Kick your ass.  Especially since he filmed "Kingdom", that new MMA-themed series for DirecTV.

Even though he's never been in a real fight in his life, Nick says, quote, "I have been trained very well by some excellent fighters, so if anything ever went down I'd be worried that I would use the training and then get in trouble."

SHOWBIZ SEXY - 4 of 4

Sexy Pictures of Famous People 

1.  If you've ever wanted to see ROB GRONKOWSKI from the New England Patriots pose with kittens, this gallery from "ESPN the Magazine" is for you.

2.  Check out some pics from LANCE BASS' bachelor party.

3.  Days after his supposed fight with DIDDY, DRAKE posted a picture of himself enjoying some room service.

4.  KIRSTIE ALLEY was spotted looking pretty slim at LAX.

5.  DAVID ARQUETTE has some new, gold teeth.

6.  EWAN MCGREGOR plays Jesus and the Devil in a new movie called "Last Days in the Desert".

7.  After seeing pictures of former "Boy Meets World" minx MAITLAND WARD dressed as a naked Christmas tree, I am ENGORGED with holiday spirit.

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 1 of 7

Taylor Swift Was So Paranoid About Being a Good Role Model That She Waited Until She Was 21 to Drink 

HIGHLIGHTS:  On Barbara Walters' upcoming "10 Most Fascinating People" special, TAYLOR SWIFT talks about wanting to be a good role model.  She says, quote, "I did wait until I was 21 to drink.  I was so paranoid about getting in trouble, or setting the wrong example, or sending the wrong message."

FULL STORY:  TAYLOR SWIFT will be featured on Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People" special on Sunday night . . . and a portion of the interview has popped up online.

Barbara asked her about her "good reputation," and said, quote, "You don't drink. You don't smoke . . . you have never been 'the bad girl.'"  (Hmm.  Clearly Barbara has never dated Taylor.)

Taylorresponded, quote, "I mean, I do drink, I'm 25.  So it's not like, I mean . . . Yeah, I was at a Knicks game and I had a beer and everybody was like, 'Ohhh!'  I was like, 'Tsk.'

"[But] I did wait until I was 21 to drink.  I was so paranoid about getting in trouble or setting the wrong example or sending the wrong message . . . I put every one of my actions through a filter before I do them because that's the way my life is.

"If I do something reckless or thoughtless or careless . . . if that story gets out, or some 10-year-old sees that I did that in a news article, my actions do have ripples."

Tayloralso denies that she's dating anyone now, although "Us" magazine is claiming she's "secretly" dating Matt Healy from The 1975.

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 2 of 7

Scarlett Johansson Thinks Breastfeeding is the "Best Way to Get Back in Shape" After Having a Baby  

HIGHLIGHTS:  On Barbara Walters' upcoming "10 Most Fascinating People" special, SCARLETT JOHANSSON talks about how BREASTFEEDING has helped her lose her pregnancy weight.  She says, quote, "It's the best way to get back in shape.  [I do] the whole bit.  I'm nursing and I love it."

FULL STORY:  SCARLETT JOHANSSON will be featured on Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People" special on Sunday night . . . and a portion of the interview has popped up online.

Scarlett says she believes BREASTFEEDING has helped her lose her pregnancy weight.  She gave birth to her daughter Rose back in September.

She says, quote, "[Breastfeeding is] the best way to get back in shape.  [I do] the whole bit.  I'm nursing and I love it."  She adds that motherhood is "wonderful," "very, very magical" and "exhausting."

It's unclear whether Scarlett also talks about her wedding.  She secretly married Romain Dauriac in October, a month after the baby was born.

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 3 of 7

After Meryl Streep Turned 40, She Was Offered Three Witch Roles, But She Resisted Until Now 

HIGHLIGHTS:  MERYL STREEP turned 40 in 1989 . . . and shortly afterward she was offered THREE roles playing witches, in one year.  She says, quote, "I would say our culture is pretty youth-obsessed . . . I was offered witches because I was 'old' at 40."  She says she made an exception to play a witch in the upcoming movie "Into the Woods", because she loves Stephen Sondheim.

FULL STORY:  After MERYL STREEP turned 40 in 1989 . . . she was offered THREE roles playing WITCHES, in one year.

She says, quote, "I would say our culture is pretty youth-obsessed, especially people that pass 40.  When I was 40 . . . I was not offered any female adventurers, or love interests, or heroes or demons.  I was offered witches because I was 'old' at 40."

She adds, quote, "Things have changed since then.  That was 25 years ago.  Now there's so much more interesting stuff available."  So, now that things have changed . . . Meryl has finally accepted a witch role.  (???)

She says she made an exception to play a witch in the upcoming movie "Into the Woods", because she loves Stephen Sondheim, and it's based on his musical.

Regardless, Meryl has done OK navigatingHollywood's youth obsession.  Since turning 40 in 1989, she has earned 11 more Academy Award nominations and 22 Golden Globe nods.  She's won one Oscar, and five Golden Globes.

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 4 of 7

Watch Chris Rock Call Ben Roethlisberger the Original Bill Cosby 

HIGHLIGHTS:  During a screening of his new movie, CHRIS ROCK made a joke about the rape allegations Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER faced several years ago.  He said, quote, "I was getting ready to say something really bad about Roethlisberger . . .  he's the original Cosby."  Luckily, Chris was inBaltimore, so the crowd was on his side.

FULL STORY:  CHRIS ROCK is going to go viral for this, and he knows it:  During a screening of his new movie "Top 5" Tuesday night, he compared Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER to BILL COSBY.

He said, quote, "I was getting ready to say something really bad about Roethlisberger . . .  he's the original Cosby."

Then he added, quote, "That's horrible . . . that's gonna go everywhere."  Luckily for Chris, he was in Baltimore, so the crowd was on his side.  (Here's video.)

In 2009, Roethlisberger was accused of raping a woman in a hotel room inLake Tahoe.  He was never charged with a crime, and he ultimately settled with the alleged victim.

In 2010, a second woman accused Ben of raping her in the bathroom of aGeorgianightclub.  Again, police never brought charges.

(This is how it starts, Big Ben.  Just ask Cosby:  One comedian gets up on a stage and calls you a rapist, and pretty soon you've got two dozen women coming after you.  Buckle up.)

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 5 of 7

One of Bill Cosby's Accusers is Suing Him . . . For Lying 

One of BILL COSBY's accusers has figured out a way around that pesky statute of limitations.  Tamara Green is suing Cosby for DEFAMATION, saying he LIED when he denied assaulting her, and it has damaged her reputation.

Green's attorney says, quote, "the repeated denials from Cosby's publicist have branded her a liar.  As a result, Green says she's been ridiculed in her private life and professionally."

Green first came forward with allegations against Cosby in 2005.  She says the assault happened in 1969 or 1970.

(Here's a question that it's probably time to ask:  Does Bill Cosby have a sexual fetish for women who are asleep or unconscious?  One woman thinks he does.  You can read more about that here.)

A Hollywood Producer Recently Called Angelina Jolie a "Minimally Talented Spoiled Brat" 

HIGHLIGHTS:  In a leaked Sony document, a big-time producer lit into ANGELINA JOLIE in a dispute over a director.  He called her a, quote, "minimally talented, spoiled brat," and talked about her, quote, "insanity and rampaging spoiled ego."

Continued . . .

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 6 of 7

A Hollywood Producer Recently Called Angelina Jolie a "Minimally Talented Spoiled Brat"  (continued) 

FULL STORY:  More documents have been released by the hackers who victimized Sony Pictures.  And the most interesting one is an email from a producer named Scott Rudin, in which he RIPS into ANGELINA JOLIE.

Rudin is a MAJOR player, and he's producing a new STEVE JOBS movie.  He wanted David Fincher to direct it, but Angelina wanted Fincher for the "Cleopatra" movie she's supposed to star in.

So he wrote to Sony asking them to see things his way.  He said, quote, "I am not destroying my career over a minimally talented, spoiled brat."  He also talked about her, quote, "insanity and rampaging spoiled ego."

Here's another dig . . . quote, "She's a camp event and a celebrity and that's all and the last thing anybody needs is to make a giant bomb with her that any fool could see coming."

The "Jobs" movie eventually moved to Universal, with Danny Boyle directing.  There's still no word who's doing "Cleopatra" . . . or if it's even going to happen.

In related news, Angelina has been voted one of "People" magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People of the Year, along with Chris Pratt, Lupita Nyong'o, and Laverne Cox from "Orange is the New Black".

Related Comedy:  An email hacked from Sony Pictures calls Angelina Jolie a "minimally talented spoiled brat."  So apparently Jennifer Aniston works at Sony.

SHOWBIZ NONSENSE - 7 of 7

More Revelations from the Sony Hack 

1.  The catalyst for this hack appears to be that SETH ROGEN / JAMES FRANCO North Korea flick "The Interview".  The hackers have asked Sony to dump the film.  So this is interesting:

Sony asked Seth to tone down a particular scene, and while he bent a little bit, he did NOT bow to all their demands.  (WARNING!!!  There appears to be a pretty big SPOILER in this story.)

2.  Sony wanted KEVIN HART to Tweet about one of his movies that was about to open, and he wanted to be paid extra for it . . . prompting one exec to remark, quote, "I'm not saying he's a whore, but he's a whore."  (Full Story)

3.  The follow-up to "22 Jump Street" could be a cross-over with the "Men In Black" franchise . . . but without WILL SMITH or TOMMY LEE JONES.  (Full Story)

4.  After NBC canceled "Community", JOEL MCHALE asked Sony about a discount on an $8,000 Sony TV.  (Full Story)

TV QUICK HITS - 1 of 2

Whoopi Goldberg Passed Gas on "The View" After Eating a Breakfast Burrito

Yesterday on "The View", the guest host ASHANTI and the rest of the ladies were having a riveting discussion on flu shots . . . when WHOOPI GOLDBERG passed GAS.

It was so obvious that she jumped out of her seat and said, quote, "Excuse me!  Hold on for a minute . . . I feel SO much better now."  Then ROSIE O'DONNELL came over and helped fan the smell . . . and she and Whoopi blamed breakfast burritos.

Unfortunately they covered up the sound on the broadcast with a sound effect of an explosion and some crackling . . . they even inserted a little graphic on the screen that said "Hot Topic", which was the name of the segment.

Or maybe it's REAL and that's just the way the mic picked it up.  (Here's video, it happens 18 seconds in.  And here's video of Whoopi passing gas on "The View" a few years ago.  She later claimed it was just a joke.)

RELATED COMEDY:  Whoopi Goldberg passed gas on "The View" yesterday:

. . . Unfortunately, there WERE survivors.  (Tweet This)

. . . It was the biggest blast of hot, smelly air on the show since Elisabeth left.  (Tweet This)

TV QUICK HITS - 2 of 2

There's Now a Date for David Letterman's Last Day on "The Late Show" 

DAVID LETTERMAN's last episode of "The Late Show" will air on May 20th.  According to CBS, when he retires he will have hosted 6,028 episodes of "Late Night" and "The Late Show", across 32 years.

There's no word when STEPHEN COLBERT is taking over, but it could be soon afterward.  "The Colbert Report" is ending next Thursday.

Related Comedy:  David Letterman's final show will be on May 20th.  And if you want to get an idea of what Letterman might be like on his last show, just watch any episode he's done for the past 15 years.

Thursday TV Reminders:

• "Thursday Night Football" . . . 8:30 to 11:30 P.M. Eastern on the NFL Network.  The Arizona Cardinals vs. the St. Louis Rams.

• "The Biggest Loser" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC.  The teams disband and my succulent chubbies are taunted with an obstacle course for a chance at immunity.

• The SERIES FINALE of "Gracepoint" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox.

• "American Chopper" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Discovery.  The OCC is commissioned to build an enormous Superman-themed bike for Shaquille O'Neal.

TODAY ON TV TALK SHOWS

Tonight's Late Night Talk Shows:

• "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" - Dwayne Johnson, Barbara Walters, and Rick Ross.

• "Late Night with Seth Meyers" - Mark Wahlberg, Diane Von Furstenberg, Kyle Dunnigan, and Bob Mould.

• "Letterman" - Chris Rock, and Sting.

• "Jimmy Kimmel" - Blake Shelton, and Laura Dern.

• "Carson Daly" - Wes Bentley, Lemaitre, and Remote Area Control.

• "Conan" - Rosario Dawson, Joel Edgerton, and Bahamas.

• "Craig Ferguson" - Kunal Nayyar, and Sarah Chalke.

• "Jon Stewart" - Wrestler Mick Foley.

• "The Colbert Report" - A "surprise special guest" helps Stephen Colbert pay tribute to the final "Hobbit" movie, "The Battle of the Five Armies".

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 1 of 6

Taylor Swift Is Still #1 on the Albums Chart . . . AC/DC Debuts at #3

TAYLOR SWIFT tops the Billboard 200 chart with another 274,000 copies of "1989" this week.  It's her fifth non-consecutive week at #1, and in her career, she's now spent a total of 29 weeks at #1 with all her albums.  The only female artists who have more weeks at #1 are MARIAH CAREY with 30 . . . and WHITNEY HOUSTON with 46.

There are two debuts in this week's Top 10:  AC/DC earned their ninth Top 10 album with "Rock Or Bust", which sold 174,000 copies to debut at #3 . . . and MARY J. BLIGE earned her 13th Top 10 hit with "The London Sessions", which moved 57,000 copies in 9th place.

And there are three Christmas albums in this week's Top 10, including Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me" at #2 . . . "Holiday Wishes" from Idina Menzel at #6 . . . and "Christmas" from Michael Buble at #7.  Here are this week's Top 10 albums . . .

1.  "1989", Taylor Swift . . . 274,000 copies

2.  "That's Christmas to Me", Pentatonix . . . 221,000 copies

3.  NEW:  "Rock Or Bust", AC/DC . . . 174,000 copies

4.  "In the Lonely Hour", Sam Smith . . . 81,000 copies

5.  "Four", One Direction . . . 74,000 copies

6.  "Holiday Wishes", Idina Menzel . . . 66,000 units

7.  "Christmas", Michael Buble . . . 66,000 copies

8.  "Man Against Machine", Garth Brooks . . . 57,000 copies

9.  NEW:  "The London Sessions", Mary J. Blige . . . 57,000 copies

10.  The "Frozen" soundtrack . . . 43,000 copies

Continued . . .

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 2 of 6

Billboard Charts  (continued)

Over on the Hot 100, Taylor Swift tops the list for a fourth week with "Blank Space".  That ties her previous best Hot 100 run, when "Shake It Off" spent four weeks at the top earlier this year.

And for the first time in three months, an artist OTHER than Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor is in one of the top two spots . . . "Take Me to Church" from Hozier moved up from #3 last week to #2 this week.

But Taylor and Meghan shouldn't be too sad, because they both have TWO hits in the Top 10 now . . . Taylor with "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off" and Meghan with "All About That Bass" and "Lips Are Movin", which moved up from #13 last week to #8.

Here are this week's Top 10 songs and the # of weeks they've been on the chart . . .

1.  "Blank Space", Taylor Swift . . . 6 weeks

2.  "Take Me to Church", Hozier . . . 17 weeks

3.  "All About That Bass", Meghan Trainor . . . 22 weeks

4.  "Animals", Maroon 5 . . . 16 weeks 

5.  "Uptown Funk!", Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars . . . 4 weeks

6.  "Shake It Off", Taylor Swift . . . 16 weeks

7.  "I'm Not the Only One", Sam Smith . . . 14 weeks

8.  "Lips Are Movin", Meghan Trainor . . .  7 weeks

9.  "Jealous", Nick Jonas . . . 13 weeks

10.  "Love Me Harder", Ariana Grande and The Weeknd . . . 9 weeks

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 3 of 6

The People Who Voice SpongeBob and Sandy Are in an Old Smashing Pumpkins Video . . . And More Highlights from Billy Corgan's Reddit AMA 

HIGHLIGHTS:  SMASHING PUMPKINS singer BILLY CORGAN did an "Ask Me Anything" chat on Reddit . . . and it included him confirming that the couple in the "Tonight, Tonight" music video are the voice actors who play SpongeBob SquarePants and Sandy the Squirrel.

FULL STORY:  SMASHING PUMPKINS singer BILLY CORGAN did one of those "Ask Me Anything" chats on Reddit . . . and here are the highlights:

The couple in the "Tonight, Tonight" music video are the voice actors who play SpongeBob SquarePants and his friend Sandy the Squirrel.  Their names are Tom Kenny and Jill Talley.

He said, quote, "That's true.  And I have seen them on occasion.  They're wonderful and obviously talented people.  And it's a great thing to tell nieces and nephews that I know SpongeBob."  (You can revisit the video, here.)

When asked who he'd most like to collaborate with for the first time, Billy said, quote, "I would be thrilled to work with [former Deep Purple guitarist] Ritchie Blackmore."

Also, he doesn't think the Smashing Pumpkins will get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  And if they do, he doesn't necessarily see James Iha and D'arcy Wretzky involved.  Quote, "I don't assume that that would ever happen.  So speculating on how it would all go down, if it did, seems kind of strange to me."

(You can read through the whole thing at Reddit.com.)

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 4 of 6

The Digital Jukebox Company Says a Lot of People Were Drinking to Luke Bryan and AC/DC Songs This Year 

HIGHLIGHTS:  The digital jukebox company TouchTunes has announced its top played songs of the year, and a LOT of people liked hearing LUKE BRYAN while enjoying an adult beverage or two.  Or three.  Luke was #1, followed by AC/DC, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

FULL STORY:  What do you like to listen to on the jukebox when you're tossing a few back at your favorite bar?  Well, if you're like most of the country, you'd go with LUKE BRYAN this year.

The digital jukebox company TouchTunes has announced its top played songs and artists of 2104.  Here are the Top 10 Artists:

1.  Luke Bryan

2.  AC/DC

3.  Eric Church

4.  Jason Aldean

5.  Lynyrd Skynyrd

6.  Kid Rock

7.  Johnny Cash

Continued . . .

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 5 of 6

The Digital Jukebox Company Says a Lot of People Were Drinking to Luke Bryan and AC/DC Songs This Year  (continued) 

8.  The Rolling Stones

9.  George Strait

10.  Metallica

The top played song was Brantley Gilbert's "Bottoms Up", followed by Katy Perry's "Dark Horse", Pharrell's "Happy", Luke Bryan's "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)", and Lorde's "Royals".

The most popular genre was rock, which accounted for 38% of the plays.  Country was a close second with 30% . . . followed by pop (14%) and rap (7%).

Lorde's "Royals" was the most played "rock" song, if you want to call it that, and Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" was the most played "rap" song, if you want to call it that.

(You can find the whole report at TouchTunes.com.  It has the most popular artists and songs by state . . . Top 10 lists for each genre . . . and other stuff.)

MUSIC QUICK HITS - 6 of 6

Urban Quick Hits:  Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and Lil Kim 

1.  Why does the world INSIST on feeding the KANYE ego monster?  Seriously.  Now, the BET Honors says they're giving Kanye their Visionary Award next month.

Wayne Brady is hosting the ceremony, which will also honor Usher with the Musical Arts Award . . . and Phylicia Rashad with the Theatrical Arts Award.  The show will tape on January 24th, and will air on February 23rd.

2.  "Forbes" is STILL recycling and re-shaping their OLD data from a summer report on celebrities' 2013-2014 earnings . . . like it's a packet of origami paper, and they just got a book on "101 Easy Origami Projects for Beginners".

In this one, they name DR. DRE as the highest-paid musician of the year, which ended in JUNE.  He made $620 million . . . but that was mostly from Apple buying Beats.  Still, that gives him the best single year of any musician in history.

3.  If you're tired of the AZEALIA BANKS / IGGY AZALEA beef, perhaps you'd be interested in LIL KIM freaking out on K. MICHELLE.

Lil Kim a posted a photo of them together on Instagram . . . and addressed K. Michelle's claims that Kim once asked her to be her unborn child's Godmother.

(Careful)  Kim said, quote, "Why the [eff] would I ask this nobody ass Prozac popping bipolar [B-word] to be my child's Godmother.  Case closed.  I don't want to hear about this [crap] again.  You're done."

THURSDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS - 1 of 2

Sexy Extras:

"Slumdog Millionaire" stars FREIDA PINTO and DEV PATEL have broken up after six years.  (Full Story)

Nonsense Extras:

1.  SARAH SILVERMAN paid tribute to JOAN RIVERS at a Women in Hollywood event yesterday.  (WARNING!!!  This clip contains UNBLEEPED PROFANITY.)

2.  Carolina Panthers quarterback CAM NEWTON was released from the hospital yesterday, following that car accident on Tuesday.  As for the extent of his injuries, all we know is that he won't play this weekend.  (Full Story)

3.  Nominees for the Screen Actors Guild have been announced.  (Full Story)

4.  ZOOEY DESCHANEL is being sued for leasing a show horse, then ruining it by riding it too hard.  (Full Story)

Movie Extras:

1.  The new trailer for "Mad Max:  Fury Road" is INSANE.

2.  Here's a trailer for the new Pixar movie "Inside Out".

THURSDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS - 2 of 2

TV Extras:

1.  KIRSTEN DUNST and JESSE PLEMONS from "Breaking Bad" will star in the second season of "Fargo" on FX.  (Full Story)

2.  AMY SCHUMER will host the 2015 "MTV Movie Awards".  (Full Story)

3.  A Michigancollege offers a course on "Orange Is the New Black".  (Full Story)

Music Extras:

There's a bizarre and probably fake story going around about DEMI LOVATO being a complete jerk to a fan during a meet-and-greet.  But fake or not, IGGY AZALEA has co-opted two phrases from it:  "Delete it fat" and "Vagina Flick".  (Full Story)

STUPID NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - 1 of 2

1.  Here are a few random facts for you.  There are only two countries in the world where divorce is illegal:  Vatican City and the Philippines.  James Bond was almost named James Secretan.  And ambidextrous comes from the Latin word ambidexter, which means "right-handed on both sides."  (Full Story)

2.  "Time" magazine chose people fighting Ebola as their 'Person of the Year,' for risking their lives to stop the epidemic before it could spread around the world.  Some of the runners-up were the Ferguson protestors and Vladimir Putin.  (Full Story)

3.  According to a new survey, 7% of people have DUMPED someone after an argument about whose family to spend Christmas with.  And 83% of people say they're looking forward to seeing their extended family this year . . . but 22% say they're DREADING seeing at least one of their parents.  (Full Story)

4.  A new survey found 52% of people have gotten a negative reaction from their significant other over a Christmas gift.  The most common negative reactions are the silent treatment . . . complaining to friends or family . . . or bringing it up in conversation at a party later on.  (Full Story)

5.  A new survey found one in four people have hooked up with a coworker during or after the company Christmas party.  And the four most common spots around the office to do it are:  A conference room . . . the mailroom . . . the copy room . . . and the boss's desk.  (Full Story)

6.  Match.com just released its 2014 online dating Year in Review.  The most common word people used in profiles this year was "travel" . . . the most common phrase was "down to Earth" . . . and "Frozen" was the most common favorite movie.  (Full Story)

STUPID NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - 2 of 2

7.  A new survey figured out which jobs have people most interested in long-term relationships, casual relationships, or hookups.  Pharmacists and designers are most likely to want something long-term . . . journalists and cops are most likely to want to date casually . . . and actors and engineers just want to hook up.  (Full Story)

8.  A few weeks ago, a dog in Canada started chewing on a box of matches . . . wound up LIGHTING them . . . and set the HOUSE on fire.  Fortunately no one was hurt, and the dog managed to get out.  But the house suffered serious smoke damage.  (Full Story)

9.  A 75-year-old guy in Wisconsin was pulled over for drunk driving a few months ago, and blamed his breathalyzer reading on . . . BEER-BATTERED FISH.  The cops didn't buy it . . . especially since this guy has NINE previous drunk driving convictions . . . and he was arrested for drunk driving.  (Full Story)

10.  On Monday night, a guy in Pennsylvania went barhopping and knew he was too drunk to drive.  So he tried to be responsible . . . drove bar-to-bar in a GOLF CART . . . almost hit a cop car head-on . . . and got arrested for driving drunk.  (Full Story)

11.  A 21-year-old guy in Florida was busted last month for walking around his neighborhood totally naked and PLEASURING HIMSELF.  When the cops stopped him, he told them his mom wouldn't let him watch porn in the house . . . but being naked in public also turned him on.  He was arrested for exposure of sexual organs.  (Full Story)

12.  On Friday, an old man was trying to buy groceries at a Walmart in New York, and was short $40.  So he was about to take stuff back when the cashier took $40 out of her OWN pocket to cover it.  She told the local news that she's never done it before, but hopes it inspires other people to do something nice during the holidays.  (Full Story)

STUPID NEWS - 1 of 8

Five Random Facts For Thursday

HIGHLIGHTS:  Here are a few random facts for you.  There are only two countries in the world where divorce is illegal: Vatican City and thePhilippines.  James Bond was almost named James Secretan.  And ambidextrous comes from the Latin word ambidexter, which means "right-handed on both sides."

FULL STORY:  Here are some random facts for you . . .

1.  The oldest person alive today is a woman who was born in 1898 . . . which is closer to the signing of the Constitution than it is to today.  She was born 111 years after the Constitution was signed in 1787 . . . and is 116 years old now.

2.  There are only two countries in the world where divorce is illegal: Vatican Cityand thePhilippines.

3.  James Bond was almost named James Secretan.

4.  We're distracted by our phones even when we're not using them . . . a study found people who could see their phones did 20% worse on tests than people who couldn't.

Related Comedy:  A study says people are distracted by their phones even when they're not using them.  I know I am . . . but that's because I tuck mine next to my junk.

5.  Ambidextrous comes from the Latin word ambidexter, which literally translates to "right-handed on both sides."

(Wikipedia / CNN / Yahoo / Daily Mail / Dictionary.com)

STUPID NEWS - 2 of 8

"Time" Magazine Chose People Fighting Ebola as Their 'Person of the Year'

HIGHLIGHTS:  "Time" magazine chose people fighting Ebola as their 'Person of the Year,' for risking their lives to stop the epidemic before it could spread around the world.  Some of the runners-up were the Ferguson protesters and Vladimir Putin.

FULL STORY:  "Time" magazine just named its Person of the Year for 2014, and I'm going to come right out and say it . . . the Apparently Kid was robbed.

Their Person of the Year was . . . the people fighting Ebola.  Because they risk their lives to stop the epidemic before it can spread around the world.  You know what?  That seems like a good pick.

The four runners-up were . . .

TheFergusonprotesters.

Vladimir Putin.

Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdish people inIraq, who's leading the fight againstISIS.

And Jack Ma, the founder of the website Alibaba.  It's China's biggest e-commerce company, it connects Chinese manufacturers to the rest of the world, and it had the biggest IPO in Wall Street history back in September.  (Time)

STUPID NEWS - 3 of 8

7% of People Have Dumped Someone Over Whose Family to Spend Christmas With . . . Plus Five More Stats on Christmas With the Family

HIGHLIGHTS:  According to a new survey, 7% of people have DUMPED someone after an argument about whose family to spend Christmas with.  And 83% of people say they're looking forward to seeing their extended family this year . . . but 22% say they're DREADING seeing at least one of their parents.

FULL STORY:  It's always an interesting game of chess when you're in a new relationship, and figuring out whose family to spend your first Christmas with.  So I guess this is one outcome . . .

According to a new survey, 7% of people have DUMPED someone after an argument about whose family they'll spend Christmas with.  Here are a few more great results from this survey . . .

11% of people have accidentally left their Christmas presents at home and realized it on the way to their parents' or in-laws' house.

83% of people say they're looking forward to seeing extended family members this year . . . but people AREN'T that hot on seeing their parents.  22% of people say one of their parents is the person they're LEAST looking forward to seeing.

31% of people travel 100 miles or more to be with their family for Christmas.

4% of people eat at least SIX Christmas dinners over the course of the month . . . and 78% of people eat at least two.  (Holiday Autos)

STUPID NEWS - 4 of 8

The Seven Most Common Reactions to Getting a Bad Present

HIGHLIGHTS:  A new survey found 52% of people have gotten a negative reaction from their significant other over a Christmas gift.  The most common negative reactions are the silent treatment . . . complaining to friends or family . . . or bringing it up in conversation at a party later on.

FULL STORY:  Have you ever given someone a present and known IMMEDIATELY from their face that they were disappointed?  Or . . . maybe you could tell from them YELLING at you?

A new survey found 52% of Americans have gotten a negative reaction from their significant other over a Christmas gift.  Here are the seven ways people react . . .

1.  The silent treatment, 20%.

2.  They complain to friends or family, 18%.

3.  They bring it up in conversation later on at a party, 11%.

4.  Arguing and yelling, 10%.

5.  Crying, 7%.

6.  Complaining on social media, 5%.

7.  DUMPING you, 1%.

The survey also asked people to name the most memorable Christmas gift shortage.  The Cabbage Patch Kid shortage in 1983 was number one . . . the Tickle Me Elmo shortage in 1996 came in second.  (1010 Data / CNBC)

STUPID NEWS - 5 of 8

The Most Common Places People Have Had Sex During an Office Party

HIGHLIGHTS:  A new survey found one in four people have hooked up with a coworker during or after the company Christmas party.  And the four most common spots around the office to do it are:  A conference room . . . the mailroom . . . the copy room . . . and the boss's desk.

FULL STORY:  A new survey found one out of four people have hooked up with a coworker during or after an office Christmas party . . . which is actually a pretty impressive number.

74% went back home to get-it-on, but plenty of others did it IN the office.  Here are the four most common places . . .

1.  A conference room, 18%.

2.  The mailroom, 16%.

3.  The copy room, 10%.

4.  The boss's DESK, 10%.

And the numbers add up to over 100% because some people had sex with more than one person at more than one office party . . . or started things at the office, then went home to finish the job.  Like I said . . . impressive numbers.

People in the survey also ranked the office party the third BEST place to find someone to hook up with during the holidays . . . New Year's Eve parties were number one and regular Christmas parties were number two.  (Your Tango)

STUPID NEWS - 6 of 8

Five Highlights From Match.com's Online Dating Year in Review

HIGHLIGHTS:  Match.com just released its 2014 online dating Year in Review.  The most common word people used in profiles this year was "travel" . . . the most common phrase was "down to Earth" . . . and "Frozen" was the most common favorite movie.

FULL STORY:  It's weird . . . Match.com feels almost OUTDATED in the Tinder era.  But millions of people are still doing old-fashioned Internet dating, filling out their profile like a caveman.

Match.com just released its 2014 Year in Review report.  Here are five highlights . . .

1.  The most common word people used in profiles in 2014 was "travel."  It showed up in more than one million profiles.

2.  The most common phrase people used was "down to Earth."  Almost a quarter of a million people describe themselves that way.

3.  Words that made big jumps in popularity this year were Zumba . . . electrician . . . welcoming . . . warmhearted . . . crochet . . . quickest . . . cosmetology . . . ladies . . . and sewing.

4.  "Frozen" was listed as 5,501 people's favorite movie this year . . . that's more than any other movie.

5.  And finally, one person used 44 hashtags in their Match.com profile . . . no one else came close to that.  (Bustle)

STUPID NEWS - 7 of 8

Pharmacists Are Most Likely to Want Long-Term Relationships . . . Actors and Engineers Just Want to Hook Up

HIGHLIGHTS:  A new survey figured out which jobs have people most interested in long-term relationships, casual relationships, or hookups.  Pharmacists and designers are most likely to want something long-term . . . journalists and cops are most likely to want to date casually . . . and actors and engineers just want to hook up.

FULL STORY:  You could do a lot worse than settling down with a pharmacist.  Sure, they seem to have no personality.  But they make stable, solid money . . . AND you can talk them into sneaking some free Xanax.

A new survey of more than 33,000 people looked at which jobs have the most people interested in long-term relationships, and which jobs have the most people looking for something casual.

Pharmacists are the most likely to want to find something long-term.  Followed by designers . . . psychologists . . . programmers . . . accountants . . . and nurses.

Journalists are most likely to want to date casually.  Followed by cops . . . teachers . . . people in public relations . . . scientists . . . people in advertising . . . construction workers . . . and musicians.

And finally, there were two jobs where the people aren't interested in ANY kind of dating and just want to hook up . . . actors and engineers.

(Daily Mail)

STUPID NEWS - 8 of 8

A Dog Sets a House on Fire by Playing With Matches

HIGHLIGHTS:  A few weeks ago, a dog inCanada started chewing on a box of matches . . . wound up LIGHTING them . . . and set the HOUSE on fire.  Fortunately no one was hurt, and the dog managed to get out.  But the house suffered serious smoke damage.

FULL STORY:  Next time you're lecturing your kids about playing with matches, maybe you should also make the DOG listen too.  Sure, he probably won't understand a word . . . but it's worth a shot.

A dog inMountLorne, in theYukon TerritoryinCanada, accidentally set a house on fire a few weeks ago . . . because it was playing with matches.

Apparently the dog found a box of those "strike anywhere" matches and was chewing it on his bed.  He managed to IGNITE them . . . set his bed on fire . . . and the fire started spreading.

Fortunately no one was hurt in the fire . . . including the dog, who got out of there.  But the house suffered some serious smoke damage.

And even though you probably already know this . . . a dog can't be charged with arson.

(CBC)

STUPID CRIMINALS - 1 of 3

A Man Pulled Over For Drunk Driving Blames His Breathalyzer Result on Beer-Battered Fish

HIGHLIGHTS:  A 75-year-old guy inWisconsin was pulled over for drunk driving a few months ago, and blamed his breathalyzer reading on . . . BEER-BATTERED FISH.  The cops didn't buy it . . . especially since this guy has NINE previous drunk driving convictions . . . and he was arrested for drunk driving.

FULL STORY:  We would never make light of drunk driving, but we've GOT to give this guy points for creativity in his excuse.

75-year-old John Przybyla of Friendship,Wisconsinwas pulled over back in October after a cop saw his truck swerve over the center line . . . the story just came out now.

John blew a .062 on the breathalyzer, which is below the legal limit . . . but since he has NINE previous drunk driving convictions, HIS legal limit is .02.

John had a GREAT excuse though . . . he told the cops he hadn't been drinking, but he HAD eaten a bunch of BEER-BATTERED FISH.  And it must've been the beer in the batter that caused the breathalyzer reading.

We looked into it, and there isn't that much alcohol in beer-battered fish . . . most of the alcohol burns off during the frying process.  So unless John ate like 200 pieces of beer-battered fish, that probably WASN'T responsible for his blood-alcohol level.

Oh . . . and for more proof he wasn't just drunk on beer batter, he had an open container in the truck with him at the time.

He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.  (Channel 3000)  (Here's his mugshot.)

STUPID CRIMINALS - 2 of 3

A Guy Didn't Want to Drive Drunk, So He Went Barhopping in a Golf Cart . . . and Got Arrested

HIGHLIGHTS:  On Monday night, a guy inPennsylvania went barhopping and knew he was too drunk to drive.  So he tried to be responsible . . . drove bar-to-bar in a GOLF CART . . . almost hit a cop car head-on . . . and got arrested.

FULL STORY:  On Monday night, a guy in Larksville, Pennsylvania went barhopping and got completely HAMMERED.  (The guy's name hasn't been released.  Larksville is about 20 miles southwest of Scranton.)

But he KNEW he was too drunk to drive . . . so he decided to ride around in a GOLF CART instead of his car.

Unfortunately he almost hit a cop car head-on while he was driving around.  The cop had to swerve to avoid him, then turned around and tried to stop him by blocking the road with his car . . . but the guy just drove around it.

When he DID eventually stop, the cop realized he was hammered.  And when he asked what the golf cart was all about, the guy explained that he was trying to be responsible.

In other words, he was trying to do the right thing, he's just a moron.  Because driving a golf cart drunk is STILL drunk driving.  And it's also SLIGHTLY more conspicuous.

Police are waiting for the results of his blood alcohol test before they decide what to charge him with.  It's still not clear where the golf cart came from.  (CBS Philly / Times Leader)

STUPID CRIMINALS - 3 of 3

A Man Is Busted Walking Around Naked and Pleasuring Himself . . . and Blames It on His Mom Not Letting Him Watch Porn in the House

HIGHLIGHTS:  A 21-year-old guy inFlorida was busted last month for walking around his neighborhood totally naked and PLEASURING HIMSELF.  When the cops stopped him, he told them his mom wouldn't let him watch porn in the house . . . but being naked in public also turned him on.  He was arrested for exposure of sexual organs.

FULL STORY:  It would be pretty jarring to look out your window on a lovely winter afternoon and see a FULLY NAKED MAN walking down the street, FONDLING himself.

And that's EXACTLY what people inStuart,Floridasaw back around 1:00 P.M. on November 14th.

21-year-old Anthony Smith was walking around his neighborhood, naked and self-pleasuring.

Two people called the cops, who showed up and caught Anthony in the act.  He ran home, got dressed, and came out to explain himself to the cops.

It turns out his mom wouldn't let him watch PORN at home . . . and he found that walking around naked in public also turned him on.

He was arrested for exposure of sexual organs.  (Treasure Coast Palm) 

(Here's his mugshot.)

BIRTHDAYS - 1 of 3

Hailee Steinfeld is 18.  She was nominated for an Oscar for "True Grit", played Petra Arkanian in "Ender's Game" and is Juliet in the latest "Romeo and Juliet" Adaptation.  She's also going to be in "Pitch Perfect 2" this coming May.

Ashley Hinshaw is 26.  MrSkin.com ranked her at the top of 2012's Top 10 Nude Scenes for a movie called "About Cherry".  (You can see why here.)

Nikki Benz is 33.  Ukrainian born mattress actress who has starred in 189 fine films . . . including "Undercover Operations:  Special Agent 69", "Money Hole", "Lipstick, Lingerie and Lesbians" and "Strap-on Sally 20, 21 AND 22"!

Rider Strong is 35.  Shawn Hunter on "Boy Meets World".

Rey Mysterio Jr. is 40.  High flying masked Hispanic rassler.

Mos Def is 41.  Intelligent urban troubadour and up-and-coming actor from "Bamboozled", "The Italian Job", "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "Something the Lord Made", and the HI-larious "Be Kind Rewind", with Jack Black.

MO'NIQUE! is 47.  Dee-lish-us Nubian BBW.  She was the BIG star of the Mighty UPN's "The Parkers" . . . she played the evil spy Cherry in "Beerfest" . . . and she was AMAZING in the very serious role as the abusive mom in "Precious".

Gary Dourdan is 48.  He WAS green-eyed Nubian stud Warrick Brown from "CSI".  He filed for bankruptcy a few years back, even though he makes about $15,000 a month in "CSI" royalties.

Nikki Sixx is 56.  Averagely hung bassist for Motley Crue.  Nikki may not be strapped like Tommy Lee, but he LOVES to perform the tongue-i-lingus.   Real Ethnic Name:  Frank Carlton Serafino Ferrana.

BIRTHDAYS - 2 of 3

Rita Moreno is 83.  The "Original" Puerto Rican Mamacita!  She's one of only 12 people to win all four major entertainment awards . . . the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar AND Tony . . . otherwise known as the EGOT.

The others include Helen Hayes, Sir John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks and Whoopi Goldberg.  The rest are non-actors whose names you probably wouldn't recognize.  (Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand also have the EGOT, but they're not considered among the 12, because each of them has an HONORARY award that they didn't have to WIN.)

Liza's Grammy was a "Grammy Legend Award" that they gave her in 1990 . . . while Barbra received an honorary Tony in 1970 . . . after being nominated twice and failing to win one in the '60s.

Did you know that the term EGOT was invented by superstar actor PHILIP MICHAEL THOMAS . . . who played Ricardo Tubbs on "Miami Vice"?  For reals.  He actually planned on pulling it off back in the day!

It didn't happen for him.  In fact, he never even got nominated for an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar OR a Tony.  But he CAN say he's the proud owner of a People's Choice Award . . . and he was nominated for both a Golden Globe AND a TV Land Award!

You may have heard the term EGOT on "30 Rock", because several episodes focused on the efforts of Tracy Morgan's character to win one.

(Back to Rita Moreno . . . She also yelled "Hey you guys!" at the beginning of the "Electric Company" theme song.  That show featured ANOTHER Oscar winner . . . MORGAN FREEMAN.  Suck on that, "Sesame Street"!)

(Watch that classic "Electric Company" opening theme here.)

BIRTHDAYS - 3 of 3

JERMAINE JACKSON! is 60.  TITO'S BROTHER!  He petitioned to have his name changed to Jermaine JACKSUN.

Teri Garr is 67.  "Tootsie", "Mr. Mom", "Young Frankenstein" AND Phoebe's real mom on "Friends".  She announced in 2002 that she has multiple sclerosis  She hasn't done any movies or TV since 2007.

Brenda Lee is 70.  '60s singing sensation.  Biggest hits:  "I'm Sorry" AND "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree".  She's also the only female artist to be in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame AND the Country Music Hall of Fame.

John Kerry is 71.  Very boring Secretary of State.

DONNA MILLS! is 74.  Naughty Abby on "Knots Landing"!

David Gates is 74.  Lead singer of Bread!  Some of their classic jams include . . . "Make It With You", "It Don't Matter To Me", "If", "Baby I'm-A Want You", "Everything I Own" and "Lost Without Your Love".

Walter Knott  (1889 - 1981)  Founder of Knott's Berry Farm, the great line of jams and the nation's first theme park.  Walter Knott is also responsible for naming the BOYSENBERRY . . . after the man who created it, Rudolph Boysen.

DECEMBER 11th - BACK IN THE DAY - 1 of 2

295 years ago . . . In 1719, the first recorded sighting of the AURORA BOREALIS took place inNew England.  I think Flock of Seagulls wrote a song about it back in the '80s.  Remember the '80s?!?  I DO!!!

63 years ago . . . In 1951, JOE DIMAGGIO announced his retirement from baseball.  DiMaggio retired with 2,214 career hits.  His greatest "hit"?  MARILYN MONROE!!!  IT'S 7:10!!!

Old School R&B Felony #1

50 years ago . . . In 1964, amazing singer SAM COOKE took a 22-year-old woman back to his L.A. hotel room, a 22-year-old woman who WAS NOT his wife.  She said he tried to force sex on her, so she ran out of the room when he was in the bathroom.

Sam Cooke barged into the hotel manager's office, thinking the woman was hiding there.  He assaulted manager Bertha Franklin . . . and she shot and killed him.  The great Sam Cooke was only 33.

Old School R&B Felony #2

42 years ago . . . In 1972, JAMES BROWN was arrested after a show inKnoxville,Tennessee, and charged with "disorderly conduct".

The Godfather of Soul and two members of his entourage were talking to fans about NARCOTICS when a white man told police that Brother James was trying to incite a riot.  (???)

DECEMBER 11th - BACK IN THE DAY - 2 of 2

34 years ago . . . In 1980, "Magnum, P.I.", starring short shorts-wearing TOM SELLECK, debuted on CBS.

33 years ago . . . In 1981, MUHAMMAD ALI fought his 61st and final fight, losing to Trevor Berbick.  He finished his career 56-5 with 37 knockouts.

32 years ago . . . In 1982, THE '80S CLASSIC, "MICKEY", BY TONI BASIL HIT #1!  (Before that, she played a PROSTITUTE in the 1969 biker classic, "Easy Rider".)  (Her real ethnic name is Antonia Christina Basilotta.)

29 years ago . . . In 1985, the "SUPER BOWL SHUFFLE", by the CHICAGO BEARS SHUFFLIN' CREW, was released!  I MISS JIM MCMAHON!  (???)

14 years ago . . . In 2000, thanks to nothing more than hard work, a strict moral code and unflagging integrity, En fuego Latino shortstop and former Madonna playtoy ALEX RODRIGUEZ agreed to a $252 MILLION deal with the Texas Rangers, the most lucrative contract in sports at the time.

11 years ago . . . In 2003, AC/DC'S album "Back In Black" became the second-best selling album of all time (selling around 42 MILLION copies worldwide), right behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller".

Five years ago . . . In 2009, TIGER WOODS announced he was taking an indefinite leave from professional golf to try to save his marriage to Elin Nordegren.  (They divorced in 2010.  And judging by the way Tiger has been playing since, I'd say he's STILL on leave.)