UCN Sample DailyPrep OLD

Welcome to Universal Comedy Network’s Sample Prep. This UCN DailyPost example outlines everything you will get on a daily basis from UCN. With UCN, you get all of the following at your fingertips each and every morning: Song parodies, commercial parodies, celebrity interactives, daily audio features and pages upon pages of topical written prep – including one-liners, celebrity gossip, music news, sports, trivia and more!

This is just a sample! If you’d like a free trial, with access to our DailyPost to try on the air, please click this banner! Thank you for checking out UCN!

FreeTrialBanner
 

UCN DailyPrep for Thursday, January 3, 2019

Today’s Audio

Fantasy Party Anthem

Song Parody: LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
A “Party Rock Anthem” parody by LMFAO about going to a Fantasy Football Draft party.











Found Sound



FreeTrialBanner

Written Prep For Thursday, January 3, 2019

Use these links to quickly jump to a section below!
Today’s One-Liners
Celebrity News
Music News
Water Cooler Talk
Our Weird World
Lifestyles
Who Am I?
Impossible Question
Best TiVo Bets
Timeline
CeleBirthdays
Large List of Links
Cool Stuff to Share on Social Media

Today’s One-Liners

WHITE HOUSE MEETING ABOUT WALL FUNDING
Yesterday, President Trump met with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to discuss border wall funding.***

***Didn’t go well — they spent the first two hours arguing over who would pay for pizza.

 

STILL NO HOST FOR THE OSCARS
The Academy still hasn’t found anyone to host the Oscars.***

***I don’t want to tell the Academy how to do their job, but I’m pretty sure Kevin Spacey is available.

 

A CHINESE SPACE FIRST IN THE MAKING
Earlier today, a Chinese spacecraft became the first ever to land on the “far side” of the moon.***

***It’s like the NEAR side of the moon, only the rents are much cheaper.

 

FOLKS LEAVING NJ IN DROVES
More people moved out of New Jersey in 2018 than any other state in the country.***

***Which makes sense when you find out New Jersey’s official state slogan is, “What’s that smell?”

 

MILLENNIALS FEELING OUT OF SORTS
According to a new survey, 2 out of 3 millennials feel disconnected from their communities.***

***In response, three out of three COMMUNITIES are like, “Thank God.”

***I’m just as surprised as you are: Millennials have feelings?

 

KIM AND KANYE TO BE PARENTS AGAIN
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are expecting their fourth child via surrogate.***

***I can hear the obstetrician now…. “Congratulations, it’s a spinoff…!”

***And not a minute too soon — we were THIS close to running out of Kardashians.

 

THE NEW CONGRESS IS ABOUT TO GET BUSY
Today, the brand new 116th Congress will officially take their oaths.***

***Which means tomorrow they can get right to work breaking them.

 

INTRODUCING AMERICA’S 116th CONGRESS
Later today in Washington, the new congress will convene for the first time.***

***So if you live in D.C., you can forget about finding a hooker.

 

NEW MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EAGER TO MAKE WAVES
You can tell Alexandria Ocasio Cortez wants to shake things up.***

***Her first order of business today is to hide Nancy Pelosi’s Botox.

 

AOC’S EAGER TO MAKE HER MARK
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is excited about being sworn in.***

***Instead of placing her hand on a bible, she’s going to place it over Nancy Pelosi’s mouth.

Celebrity News

LAPD ARREST SUSPECT IN SERIES OF BURGLARIES TARGETING CELEBRITIES IN HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Authorities arrested a suspect connected to a series of celebrity and high-end home burglaries around Hollywood. Benjamin Eitan Ackerman, 32, of Los Angeles, was arrested on suspicion of a rash of thefts all over the Hollywood Hills area, where celebrities such as Usher, Jason Derulo and Adam Lambert were targeted. During a morning press conference Wednesday, authorities said Eitan would pretend he was a buyer in order to scout the high-end homes. He would sign in using his middle name and be dressed to impress so that he could tour the homes, according to detectives.

He acted the part. He was very slick. He would come back later. We are still investigating as to who he was working with and exactly how he would do that. This person was very sophisticated,” Detective Jared Timmons said. Between 2017 and 2018, authorities said Ackerman is suspected of stealing fine wine, jewelry, rare artwork and designer clothing. A search warrant was served at a residence and storage unit in September and authorities found more than 2,000 items. Authorities did not give a specific dollar amount on how much the items were worth, but said it totaled “several million dollars.” Anyone who wants to see if their items may have been stolen can go to hollywoodburglary.smugmug.com.

 

NETFLIX PULLS ‘PATRIOT ACT’ EPISODE IN SAUDI ARABIA OVER KHASHOGGI KILLING
Netflix has removed an episode of “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” from its streaming service in Saudi Arabia that criticized the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Minhaj blamed Saudi Arabia and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing in the episode. Minhaj poked fun at the Saudi government’s explanations for Khashoggi’s disappearance and said U.S. tech companies should cut financial ties with the country. Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen, U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd. The CIA concluded in November that Salman ordered the killing. Netflix was threatened with prosecution under Saudi Arabia’s cybercrime law for the episode. “We strongly support artistic freedom and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request – and to comply with local law,” Netflix said in a statement. The episode can still be accessed globally on YouTube.

 

NETFLIX WARNS AGAINST #BIRDBOXCHALLENGE
Fans of the Sandra Bullock megahit “Bird Box” are so inspired, they are mimicking her, and Netflix is not amused. The film, which has become the streaming services’ best first seven-day showing in its history, has unwittingly launched a meme that has gone viral – and is resulting in injuries. Copying Bullock and other characters who are forced to carry out their activities blindfolded to avoid seeing the mysterious forces that are causing others to commit suicide, people are blindfolding themselves while riding scooters, climbing escalators and ordering drive-thru. They are hashtagging the sometimes hilarious, sometimes scary results #BirdBoxChallenge.

On Wednesday, Netflix responded to the sensation, tweeting: “Can’t believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don’t know how this started, and we appreciate the love.” Also poking fun at the film’s child stars, Netflix further tweeted, “Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes.”

 

‘THE VIEW’ CO-HOST ABBY HUNTSMAN IS EXPECTING TWINS
Abby Huntsman is ringing in 2019 with some exciting news. The 32-year-old “The View” co-host revealed on the show on Wednesday  that she and husband Jeffrey Livingston are expecting twins – a boy and a girl. The two are already parents to 13-month-old daughter Isabel Grace. Abby also shared that when Jeffrey found out they were having twins, he passed out! “I think he saw two sacs in there and I could see it on his face. He turned white, and then when the doctor told us, he fell. Another doctor had to come in, and they were wiping him down with towels and giving him sugar,” Abby shared. “I was sitting there with my feet still in the straps. I’m like, ‘This is ridiculous. I’m the one that has to physically do this’.”

 

RANDY JACKSON & WIFE ERIKA TO OFFICIALLY DIVORCE FOUR YEARS AFTER SPLIT
Randy Jackson and estranged wife Erika are officially set to divorce after first filing papers four years ago. The judge signed off on the dissolution of their marriage in December and the two are set to be officially divorced on February 7th. Erika first filed for divorce in September of 2014 after 18 years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple had no prenup, and their divorce settlement has been kept private. Randy and Erika have two adult children together.

 

CARRIE ANN INABA OFFICIALLY REPLACES JULIE CHEN ON ‘THE TALK’
Carrie Ann Inaba is officially replacing Julie Chen on CBS’ “The Talk.” The news was rumored last month and just became official. Carrie, who is one of the “DWTS” judges, said in a statement, “Having the opportunity to sit at the table with [co-hosts] Eve, Sara [Gilbert], Sharon [Osbourne] and Sheryl [Underwood] has been such an enriching experience, and I’m honored and looking forward to joining them daily. It’s the authentic conversations and connection with the audience and the ladies that really drew me to The Talk. I feel very fortunate to be part of this show.” Julie left the show in September following the sexual assault allegations against her husband, former CBS CEO Leslie Moonves.

 

‘CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM’ ACTOR BOB EINSTEIN DIES
Bob Einstein has passed away at the age of 76, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. News that the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actor died was shared by his brother, comedian and actor Albert Brooks. “R.I.P. My dear brother Bob Einstein. A great brother, father and husband. A brilliantly funny man. You will be missed forever,” Albert wrote on his Twitter. The two time Emmy winner had recurred on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as Marty Funkhouser since the fourth season. Einstein’s comedic resume also included playing the fictional daredevil Super Dave Osborne.

 

WWE HALL OF FAMER, INTERVIEWER ‘MEAN’ GENE OKERLUND DIES
WWE Hall of Famer and legendary professional wrestling interviewer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has died at the age of 76. WWE announced Okerlund’s passing on Wednesday. A cause of death was not disclosed. Okerlund joined WWE in 1984 after working as an interviewer for the American Wrestling Association or AWA. He then headed to WWE rival WCW in 1993 where he continued to work as an interviewer. Okerlund was known for interviewing backstage and inside the ring some of the biggest professional wrestling stars of all time including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, Sting, Goldberg and many others.

 

FANS WALK OUT ON TIFFANY HADDISH’S NYE SHOW IN VEGAS
Tiffany Haddish’s show in Miami didn’t go as planned. Haddish acknowledged that she bombed her packed New Year’s Eve comedy show, where several fans booed and walked out on her. The Root reports that during her set, fans said that Tiffany forgot a few of her jokes and even admitted that the jokes she remembered weren’t connecting with the audience. As the show continued, fans began booing and heading for the exits. In a video captured from the show, Tiffany said, “This is weird for me now…This is going to be on TMZ or whatever.” She then began reading some of her set from her iPad before she cut the show short to drink with some fans who stuck around. Following the show, Tiffany tweeted, “Yes this happened. I wish it was better Miami. I prayed on it and I have a strong feeling this will never (happen) again.”

 

ANDY COHEN REVEALS SEX OF BABY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE BROADCAST
Andy Cohen goes big or goes home. The 50-year-old “Watch What Happens Live” host had a global gender reveal party on New Year’s Eve, telling viewers of CNN’s live show Monday night that he is expecting a boy. “It’s a boy. It’s a boy,” he revealed to co-host Anderson Cooper. “It’s a boy and I got to tell you something, I cannot wait to meet this boy.” Asked if the babe would have salt and pepper hair Cohen responded:  “I think he’s going to have a nice Semitic head of hair. I really do. I’m so excited and I think about nothing else. I did it with a surrogate.”

 

KIM KARDASHIAN EXPECTING BABY NO. 4 VIA SURROGATE
Kim Kardashian will reportedly be a mom of four. People confirmed the 38-year-old television personality and her husband, Kanye West, are expecting their fourth child via surrogate. Us Weekly said Kardashian and West are having a baby boy. Sources said the couple’s gestational carrier is due to give birth in early May. Kardashian and West are already parents to 5-year-old daughter North, 3-year-old son Saint and 11-month-old daughter Chicago. The couple welcomed Chicago via surrogate in January 2018.

Music News

DARYL DRAGON DIES
Daryl Dragon has passed away at the age of 76. The musician and songwriter – known as “Captain” from the pop musical duo Captain & Tennille, with his longtime partner and ex-wife Toni Tennille – died due to renal failure on Wednesday. Toni was with him when he died. “He was a brilliant musician with many friends who loved him greatly,” she said in remembrance. “I was at my most creative in my life when I was with him.” Daryl also played keyboard for The Beach Boys from 1967-1972. Lead singer Mike Love gave him the nickname “Captain” because of Daryl’s habit of wearing a captain’s hat on stage. Some of Captain & Tennille’s songs include “The Way I Want to Touch You” and “Love Will Keep Us Together.”

 

ARIANA GRANDE TO HEADLINE COACHELLA 2019
Coachella announced its 2019 lineup late Wednesday, revealing that Ariana Grande will headline the festival’s Sunday dates. Childish Gambino will also headline, as will Tame Impala. Rihanna and Kanye West, both previously rumored to be considered for the headlining slots, are not performing. Other confirmed performers for this year’s lineup include Billie Eilish, J-pop group Perfume, Solange, The 1975, Janelle Monae, Bad Bunny, K-pop stars BLACKPINK, Khalid, Zedd and more. The show will run for two weekends starting first on April 12-14 and again on April 19-21. Tickets go on sale January 4th.

 

TWISTED SISTER GEARING UP FOR LEGAL FIGHT AGAINST AUSSIE POLITICIAN
Twisted Sister is up in arms against an Australian businessman and politician who has co-opted their 1984 Top 25 classic “We’re Not Gonna Take It” for his political campaign. The band is threatening legal action against the United Australia Party and its leader, Clive Palmer, who hired a sound-a-like group to record the iconic track with the newly written words: “Australia ain’t gonna cop it/no Australia’s not gonna cop it/Aussies not gonna cop it.”

Twisted Sister frontman and the song’s writer, Dee Snider, tweeted: “No we do not endorse @PalmerUtdParty! We are contacting our legal team to address this and if that doesn’t work… I’LL BE DOWN UNDER IN THREE WEEKS TO DEAL WITH IT MYSELF! Co-founding guitarist Jay Jay French also tweeted: “Twisted Sister does not endorse Australian politician Clive Palmer, never heard of him and was never informed of Clive Palmer’s use of a re-written version of our song ‘Were Not Gonna Take It’. We receive no money from its use and we are investigating how we can stop it.”

 

DEMI LOVATO CONFIRMS HENRY LEVY RELATIONSHIP RUMORS
Demi Lovato and Henry Levy are Instagram official. The singer posted a video on her Instagram Story of herself kissing Henry Levy – her sober companion – on a private jet. Lovato hasn’t been active on social media following her overdose, though she has occasionally returned to express her gratitude to fans following her near death experience. She also recently shared a post slamming reports speculating about her health. Video confirmation of the 26-year-old’s relationship with the fashion designer comes after a source told ET Online the pair are “casually dating.” They first met a few years ago in rehab. Lovato is currently focused on her recovery following an apparent overdose, and has been leaning on Levy.

 

QUEEN’S ‘BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY’ BIOPIC SET FOR HOME VIDEO RELEASE
Fans of the blockbuster Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody”“ won’t have to wait long for a home release, with the movie becoming available digitally on January 22nd – and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 12th. The 2019 awards season buzz for the film is particularly hot, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama for Rami Malek, and two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance By A Cast – Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Leading Role for Malek.

 

JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEW FACE TATTOO REVEALED
Justin Bieber’s fans got an up-close look at the singer’s new face tattoo Tuesday two months after he got inked. Tattoo artist Jonathan “JonBoy” Valena posted a close-up of the ink on his Instagram page. The tattoo is the word “grace” written in delicate script above Justin’s eyebrow. Although JonBoy posted the photo, it appears another celebrity tattoo artist, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, may have done the inking. Back in November, Bang Bang told Page Six that he gave Justin and wife Hailey Baldwin “nontraditional” couple tattoos. “They each got a tattoo,” Bang Bang said. “Justin’s tattoo is on his face, and I haven’t seen any photos of it – so he’s doing a good job of laying low.” He had described the tat as “really thin and delicate” and located along Bieber’s eyebrow. Justin has over 60 tattoos on his body, including another face tattoo of a cross near his left eye.

 

NEIL YOUNG’S EX-WIFE PEGI YOUNG DIES
Neil Young’s ex-wife and frequent collaborator, Pegi Young, died on January 1st after a brief battle with cancer. She was 66. A statement on her official Instagram account reads: “With great sadness, we confirm that on January 1st, after a yearlong battle with cancer, Pegi Young – mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, musician, activist and co-founder of the Bridge School – passed away surrounded by her friends and family in California. We request that the families’ privacy be respected at this time.” In 1994 she began singing background with Neil and in 2007 she released the first of her five albums.

Pegi Morton and Neil Young met in 1974 when she was a waitress at a diner near his Northern California ranch. Young chronicled the early days of their courtship in his 1992 song “Unknown Legend.” The couple married in 1978 and had two children – Ben, like Neil’s son Zeke from his relationship with Carrie Snodgress – suffers from cerebral palsy – and their daughter Amber battles epilepsy.

Inspired by their children’s plight Pegi and Neil Young founded the Bridge School in 1986. The school was created to meet the needs of their children and other families in the Bay Area. Between 1986 and 2016, all proceeds from the pair of October concerts held at Mountain View California’s Shoreline Amphitheater went directly to the school, which remains a non-profit organization educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology. In 2014, Neil Young filed for divorce from Pegi and has since married actress Daryl Hannah. The couple’s split marked the end of the annual Bridge School benefit concerts, which the couple both appeared at.

 

MEGHAN TRAINOR REVEALS DETAILS FROM HER WEDDING TO DARYL SABARA
New details have emerged about Meghan Trainor’s December 22nd backyard wedding to Daryl Sabara. People reports that Meghan wore a sparkling off-the-shoulder Berta gown with a long veil, which she paired with Badgley Mischka heels and Norman Silverman jewels. The groom wore an Armani tux. “I didn’t want to look like a glam pop star – I just looked like a really beautiful woman that I’ve always wanted to look like since I was my uncomfortable 13-year-old self,” Meghan said.

She walked down the aisle to “Marry Me,” an original song she wrote inspired by Sabara, with her dad Gary Trainor. “My father started bawling as soon as he was done handing me off to Daryl,” she says. “That’s when I almost lost it – it took all of me not to cry tears of joy because I wanted to look good for the pictures!” Meghan and Daryl then recited their own vows and exchanged wedding bands, before being pronounced husband and wife by their officiant, Trainor’s manager Tommy Bruce.

For the reception, Meghan changed into a Rita Vinieris lace suit with Aldo sneakers. Guests dined on a wide variety of comfort foods, including pizza, tacos, chicken and waffles, and mini hot dogs. For dessert, there was a four-tier wedding cake, a red velvet-Oreo cookie ice cream cake and a birthday cake for Meghan, who turned 25 the same day. They capped off the night with dancing, which included a surprise choreographed number performed by Daryl and four backup dancers.

 

MASTER P PAYS FOR FUNERAL COSTS OF 13-YEAR-OLD FAN
Master P has covered the funeral costs for a 13-year-old fan, who died after being in a police chase in Louisville, Kentucky. According to The Blast, Master P met the Ki’Anthony Tyus three years ago. Tyus died on December 22nd, 2018 when a Lexus SUV that he was a passenger in crashed into a utility pole following a police chase. P said in an Instagram post, “…My 13 year old lil soldier didn’t make it. He got shot 2 years ago and got Killed 2 days ago. We need to stop this black on black crime. Rip Ki’Anthony Tyus. #weallwegot Just know that every decision comes with consequences and no one is too young to die. My prayers go out to his family…Could’ve been the next LeBron James.”

 

MICHAEL RAY MOURNS LOSS OF HIS GRANDMOTHER
Michael Ray is mourning the loss of his grandmother, who passed away this week. Michael shared the news on Instagram, writing a long tribute to his “granny” and playing Merle Haggard’s “If I Could Only Fly” in her memory. His grandmother was the wife of his late grandfather Amos, after whom Michael’s latest album is titled. The singer wrote, in part,  “I don’t know what to say except thank you for all you did for all of us. Im so glad God gave me you as a grandmother you were the definition of strong independent, hard working god fearing, family woman. I’m so glad Carly got to meet you she reminds me a lot of you in someways …” Of course, Michael is referring to his fiancée, Carly Pearce.

 

HOW DAN REYNOLDS FROM IMAGINE DRAGONS GOT RIPPED
Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds is showing off his physique in the new issue of Men’s Health. In an interview, the singer reveals how he achieved his amazing new physique, calling his new abs and biceps “a statement.” “It embraces the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll,” he says. “I grew up loving Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, Freddie [Mercury] – showmen.” Working with trainer Brad Feinberg while on tour with Imagine Dragons last year, Reynolds worked out for one to three hours seven days a week, doing a combination of cardio, weights and high-volume upper-body drills. His meal plan included oatmeal, berries, bananas, salads, sweet potatoes, brown rice, chicken, lamb, and lots of olive oil.

Reynolds says the change of diet and fitness routine has helped him manage his rare autoimmune disease called ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ulcerative colitis, as well as improve his mental health. “Pain medication ruins your vocal cords, and immunosuppressants made me get sinus infections all the time,” he says. “I really had no other option than to completely clean up my diet and exercise every day.” Now, he says, “I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”

 

BEYONCÉ AND JAY-Z CHALLENGE FANS TO VEGANISM
Beyoncé and JAY-Z have challenged their fans to try veganism. In the introduction for Bey’s trainer, Marco Borges’, new book, “The Greenprint: Plant-Based Diet, Best Body, Better World,” the couple challenge their fans to try being vegan. They wrote in the book, “Having children has changed our lives more than anything else. We used to think of health as a diet – some worked for us, some didn’t. Once we looked at health as the truth, instead of a diet, it became a mission for us to share that truth and lifestyle with as many people as possible.” Bey and JAY added, “We all have a responsibility to stand up for our health and the health of the planet. Let’s take this stand together. Let’s spread the truth. Let’s make this mission a movement. Let’s become ‘the Greenprint.’”

 

PINK TO EXPAND NEW WINE LABEL
Pink is planning to expand her new wine label, Two Wolves. After working secretly on the business for five years, Pink released her first batch of wines – including a cabernet franc, a cabernet sauvignon, and a petit verdot – last November and sold out of all 114 cases in just 24 hours. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, she’ll be releasing her next batch online in April, with plans to start selling wholesale this fall. Pink and husband Carey Hart own a 25-acre vineyard in Santa Barbara County.

 

BROTHERS OSBORNE MEMBER FINDS MISSING DOG AFTER NEW YEAR’S EVE ESCAPE
Brothers Osborne member John Osborne is breathing a big sigh of relief after his missing dog was found in the wee hours of New Year’s day. John and his wife, Lucie Silvas’, dog Barley bolted from their Nashville home while the couple was out of the country. John and Lucie took to social media to ask for the public’s help in finding her and followed up with good news to reveal she had walked quite a distance to her Uncle TJ Osborne’s house, much to everyone’s relief and surprise. John wrote, “She freaked because of fireworks then left my (John’s) house and walked 5 miles/6 hrs to TJ’s. Haha. Unbelievable.” Once the goldendoodle arrived at her destination, she “barked outside to make herself known,” according to Lucie’s post.

 

TROYE SIVAN TO BE HONORED AT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Troye Sivan is set to be honored at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday. The singer and actor will be receiving Variety’s Creative Conscience in Film Award, in recognition for his work in “Boy Erased,” about the harmful effects of gay conversion therapy. Sivan played Gary, a member of the conversion program. He also co-wrote and performed the song “Revelation” for the film. “Troye’s performance in Boy Erased, along with ‘Revelation,’ the original song he wrote for one of the pivotal scenes in the film, showcases his commitment to LGBTQ activism in both music and film,” Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive music editor, says.

 

KANYE WEST REMINDS FANS HE LOVES TRUMP
Kanye West has reminded fans about his love for Donald Trump. On Tuesday afternoon (January 1st), Ye tweeted, “Trump all day.” He went on to write, “Just so in 2019 you know where I stand. Blacks are 90% Democrats. That sounds like control to me. From now on I’m performing with my mutherf**king hat on.” He added, “2024,” which may have been a tease at a presidential run.

 

JIMMIE ALLEN, TOBY KEITH TO PERFORM AT OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR’S INAUGURAL BALL
Toby Keith and Jimmie Allen will be among the performers at the inaugural ball honoring incoming Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. The event will take place in Oklahoma City on January 14th. Other performers at the ball include the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Cherokee Youth Choir. Tickets to attend the black-tie affair are $250-per-person.

 

LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST 6IX9INE FOR SKIPPING CONCERT
A lawsuit has been filed against Tekashi 6ix9ine for missing Howard University’s Homecoming concert. TMZ reports that 6ix9ine was supposed to perform for $60,000 during the university’s Homecoming Weekend back in October, but instead he was a no-show. The promoters responsible for putting on the event are suing for $300,000 in damages, saying that they had to turn away thousands of attendees. The organizers for the event also said that they made nearly $200,000 in sales before dispersing the crowd.

 

CHANCE THE RAPPER SAVED A LIFE EARLIER THIS YEAR
Chance the Rapper revealed on social media that he saved someone’s life earlier this year. Apparently, he pulled them from a car after a car crash. Chance wrote on Instagram, “Basically I was driving to church dolo, about to go south on lakeshore and another car drives into the wall in front of me goin like 90 mph comin off the exit. I was the only person out there when it first happened and his car was on fire so I had to break his window take off his seatbelt let his seat back and pull a whole grown man out the car unconscious.” He added, “In reality I never was able to find out if dude was alright so if this yo uncle or something let a n**** kno.” Chance later said he was contacted by someone related to the person, and that they are alive. The rapper said, “A kid DM’d me saying it was his uncle and that he lived!!”

 

LAWSUIT AGAINST MEEK MILL DROPPED
Dylan Thomas has dropped his lawsuit against Meek Mill. Thomas was suing after allegedly getting shot at one of his shows. While that case is closed, Mill is still dealing with two other suits filed by estates of two other men killed during the same shooting. Families have offered to settle for $6 million. Jaquan Graves and Travis Ward were killed and at least two more injured after gunfire broke out in the parking lot following Meek Mill’s Wallingford, Connecticut, concert on December 30th, 2016. Mill denies all allegations of wrongdoing.

 

ARIANA GRANDE SAYS SHE’S NOT GOING TO DATE ANYONE IN 2019 & ‘PROBABLY’ BEYOND
Ariana Grande is making a resolution about her love life in 2019 and perhaps even beyond that. It all started when the 25-year-old singer responded to a headline that read, “Who Is Ariana Grande Dating NOW?!” Ariana initially tweeted, “can they tell me too?” Then, a fan tweeted, “spoiler. it’s me!” Ariana then took to Twitter to actually clarify that she’s not planning on dating anyone in 2019 or “probably” the rest of her life “Spoiler for the rest of this year / probably my life: it’s no one,” Grande tweeted, setting the record straight. “Please refer back to this tweet for further questions.” Everyone got that? Great.”

 

BLAKE SHELTON SURPRISES FAN PLAYING HIS SLOT MACHINE IN VEGAS
One Blake Shelton fan in Las Vegas got the surprise of her life while taking her chances on the superstar’s new slot machine earlier this week. The Blake-themed machine is brand new at Planet Hollywood so naturally Blake wanted to check it out while hanging with his girlfriend, Gwen Stefani, who was there to perform her as part of her “Just A Girl” residency. Blake casually walked up and stood next to the woman playing the slot machine. You can’t hear their conversation in the video Gwen posted to social media, but you can definitely see the woman do a fast double take and then cover her mouth with her hand in shock. She quickly stood up and shook hands with Blake, and that’s where the clip ends. Blake and Gwen celebrated the holidays together, sharing numerous photos and video on social media over the past couple weeks.

 

NIN’S TRENT REZNOR AND ATTICUS ROSS RELEASE ‘BIRD BOX’ SOUNDTRACK
Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have released their original soundtrack to the hit Netflix horror movie “Bird Box.” A 10-track, “abridged” version of the score is available now for digital download via NIN.com. You’ll be able to listen to it on streaming services by January 25th, while a more expansive, physical version of the soundtrack arrives in the spring. Nine Inch Nails closed out 2018 with their “Cold and Black and Infinite” tour in support of their new album “Bad Witch.” As for 2019, Reznor promises that there’s “lots coming,” including his and Ross’ score to the upcoming HBO “Watchmen” series.

Water Cooler Talk

NORDSTROM CO-PRESIDENT BLAKE NORDSTROM DIES AT 58
Blake Nordstrom, the co-president of Nordstrom, died on Wednesday. He was 58. In December, Nordstrom announced he had been diagnosed with lymphoma but was still planning on working. The department store’s chairman, Brad Smith, said in a statement that “everyone who worked with Blake knew of his passion and deep commitment to employees, customers, and the communities we serve.” Nordstrom served as co-president alongside his brothers, Pete Nordstrom and Erik Nordstrom. Born on October 4, 1960, Nordstrom was the eldest of three sons. He worked his way up the ranks at the family company, which was founded by his great-grandfather, Swedish immigrant John Nordstrom, in 1901.

 

MCCONNELL SAYS NO PROGRESS MADE ON SHUTDOWN IMPASSE
President Trump hosted congressional leaders Wednesday afternoon for a Homeland Security briefing on border security amid an ongoing government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said “I don’t think any particular progress was made” at the meeting, but that he was “hopeful that in the coming days and weeks we’ll be able to reach an agreement.” Democrats take control of the House on Thursday, and they hope to immediately pass two bills to reopen the government, neither of which provides more than $1.3 billion for border security. Trump is demanding $5 billion for a border wall, and the White House said Tuesday that the House Democratic bills are a “nonstarter.” Senate Republicans say they won’t allow a vote on any bill that Trump doesn’t support.

 

SEN.-ELECT MITT ROMNEY SLAMS TRUMP IN OP-ED
Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts and 2012 Republican presidential nominee, will be sworn in as the junior senator from Utah on Thursday, but he made an early mark with a Washington Post op-ed Tuesday night criticizing President Trump’s leadership, especially in the “qualities of character” department and on the world stage. Romney said won’t “comment on every tweet or fault,” but will “speak out” against “significant statements or actions” he perceives to be “divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest, or destructive to democratic institutions.” Trump on Wednesday morning fired back at Romney, saying the incoming senator “should be happy for all Republicans” and should be a “team player.” He added, “I won big, and he didn’t.”

 

HARRY REID SAYS TRUMP IS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid isn’t holding back. Reid, who retired from the Senate in 2017 after three decades, told The New York Times in an interview published Wednesday that he thinks President Trump is “without question the worst president we’ve ever had,” adding that while the U.S. has “had some bad ones,” there is “not even a close second to him.” Reid called Trump “amoral,” claimed he has “no conscience,” and called him someone who you “can’t reason with” who will “lie” and “cheat.” The former senator from Nevada additionally expressed bewilderment that former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who he worked with in the Senate, put up with Trump for so long. “Why in the hell didn’t Sessions leave?” Reid asked. “Same with [former White House Chief of Staff John] Kelly. I’d say, ‘Go screw yourself.’ I could not look my children in the eye.” Reid was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.

Our Weird World

COPS GRIEVE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS LOST IN NEW YEAR’S EVE TRUCK FIRE
A few Kentucky police officers decided to showcase their sense of humor in the brand new year. The Lexington officers responded after the driver of a Krispy Kreme doughnut truck noticed his vehicle was smoking on Monday. The driver safely escaped, but the truck got engulfed in flames, and the doughnuts inside didn’t make it. The Lexington Police Department posted a few photos online depicting the heartbroken officers with their heads cast down, the singed truck in the background. They captioned their photos, “No words,” and their colleagues from the across the U.S. were quick to respond with messages of support. The University of Kentucky Police Department wrote, “We feel your loss. We donut what else to say.” The investigation into the fire is ongoing.

– One-Liner: Very touching. . .the officers gave the donuts’ remains a 21 love-handle salute.

– One-Liner: Dedicated to a fault, the officers have promised to solve this case — even if it means spending countless hours at Krispy Kreme.

 

COW GIVES BIRTH DAYS AFTER ESCAPE ONTO NEW JERSEY HIGHWAY
A cow that evaded slaughter by escaping onto a New Jersey highway gave birth to a calf just days later, according to its new owners. The cow, dubbed Brianna, was bound for a slaughterhouse early December 27th when it escaped onto Route 80 and was eventually taken to the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. Then on December 29th, Brianna gave birth to a calf named Winter. The sanctuary said Winter was born healthy and does not appear to have been adversely affected by her mother falling from the top section of the two-story truck.

– One-Liner: Brianna the cow was right at home on a NJ highway — she didn’t know how to signal either.

– One-Liner: I thought this was sweet — after Brianna gave birth, Elizabeth Warren offered to get her a beer. . .

 

LOUISIANA POLICE OFFER TO TEST METH FOR ZIKA VIRUS
A police department in Louisiana said a Facebook post offering to test residents’ meth for Zika virus was a stunt to raise awareness of drug abuse. The Harahan Police Department said in a Facebook post that methamphetamine purchased in Louisiana “may be contaminated with the Zika virus.” “Please bring all of it to your local police department and they will test it for free,” the post said. “If you’re not comfortable coming to us, an officer will be glad to come to you and test your meth in the privacy of your home.” The department said the post was meant to raise awareness of drug abuse and was inspired by similar posts used by other police departments in the past – including one Texas post that resulted in an arrest in 2016. The Granite Shoals Police Department said a similar post about meth tainted with Ebola resulted in one arrest when a woman asked police to test her drugs for the disease.

– One-Liner: And while you’re at it, bring us your unregistered firearms and we’ll check them for rust. . .

– One-Liner: C’mon, what kind of world are we living in when you can’t trust law enforcement to honestly check your meth for the Zika virus?

 

ARMED STANDOFF ENDS AFTER SWAT MEMBER SINGS CHRISTMAS CAROL
Authorities say an armed man who held off SWAT members for 10 hours surrendered after one of them sang him a Christmas carol. Nathaniel Lewis, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody in East Vincent Township early on December 26th. Lewis, 34, allegedly fired at police officers who had responded when a concerned relative reported him acting erratically Christmas night. The shots hit a police vehicle, a house and another vehicle. Police returned fire. Eventually a negotiator got Lewis to agree to surrender after singing “White Christmas” to him. Lewis was charged with multiple counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and other offenses. He was being held without bail.

– One-Liner: Here’s the strange part: The suspect, Lewis, is Jewish.

– One-Liner: It’s lucky the negotiator didn’t sing “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” — NO ONE would have survived.

 

2 HOMELESS MEN BREAK INTO HOME, COOK DINNER
Two homeless men have been charged with burglary after a California man said he came home to find them cooking dinner. Robby Spillman said he returned from Christmas shopping last Friday to find the men in his Santa Monica apartment. Spillman says the men, who stank and wore filthy, ripped clothing, told him they hadn’t expected him home so soon and asked if they could “hang out” for a while. Spillman says he played along, asked if they had enough food, then pretended to take his French bulldog for a walk and called 911. Nineteen-year-old Markis White and 29-year-old Elijah Smart were arrested. Meanwhile, Spillman and his pregnant girlfriend plan to find a new home.

– One-Liner: How dirty and smelly were these guys? Instead of just spraying some air freshener, they decided to MOVE.

– One-Liner: These guys must have been crazy: If I’m gonna break into someone’s apartment, I’m gonna order in.

 

ALLIGATOR FOUND LOITERING OUTSIDE OF WAFFLE HOUSE
Sheriff’s deputies in Florida were called to a Waffle House restaurant to remove an alligator spotted loitering outside the eatery. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the restaurant along State Road 60 on Tuesday evening when an approximately 5-foot gator was spotted lurking outside the business. Video from the scene shows deputies making repeated attempts to cover the alligator’s head with blankets to keep it calm and subdued. The reptile fled at one point, leading deputies on a slow-speed foot chase before one was able to jump on the animal’s back and tape up its legs and jaws then load it into the back of a cruiser.

– One-Liner: Usually when cops have to tape up legs and jaws at a Waffle House, they belong to a customer.

– One-Liner: You ever been to a Florida Waffle House? Trust me, a 5 foot gator is probably the LEAST weird thing customers saw that night.

Lifestyles

THE NEWLY NAMED BEST OVERALL DIET
If you’ve been following the Mediterranean diet, good news – tor the second consecutive year, the Mediterranean Diet ranks as the No. 1 Best Diet Overall. The DASH Diet, which previously held the No. 1 spot for 8 consecutive rankings and tied with the Mediterranean Diet in 2018, has been bumped to the No. 2 spot for the first time. The rankings were announced yesterday by US News and World Report. The analysis of 41 eating plans also gave the Mediterranean diet the top spot in several subcategories: best diet for healthy eating, best plant-based diet, best diet for diabetes and easiest diet to follow. Various studies have shown the diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression and breast cancer. The diet features simple, plant-based cooking with a few nuts and a heavy emphasis on extra virgin olive oil.

  • Best Diets Overall: Mediterranean Diet
  • Best Weight-Loss Diets: WW (Weight Watchers) Diet
  • Best Commercial Diet Plans: WW (Weight Watchers) Diet
  • Best Diabetes Diets: Mediterranean Diet
  • Best Diets for Healthy Eating: Mediterranean Diet
  • Best Fast Weight-Loss Diets: HMR Program
  • Best Heart-Healthy Diets: Mediterranean Diet & Ornish Diet (tie)
  • Best Plant-Based Diets: Mediterranean Diet
  • Easiest Diets to Follow: Mediterranean Diet

 

THE 2019 GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ARE HERE WITH A BRAND NEW OPTION
The Girl Scouts have revealed their 2019 cookie lineup. In addition to the classics you know and love (like Thin Mints, Samoas aka Caramel deLites, and Trefoils) a new one is being added to the mix – Caramel Chocolate Chip. The new cookie option is gluten free and is described as starting with a “melt-in-your mouth batter” that has semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel flavor that is baked and topped with a sprinkling of sea salt. To find out if the new cookie flavor will be available in your market you’ll have to contact your local Girl Scout troop. Girl Scout Cookie season officially starts today.

 

ED SHEERAN AMONG 10 BEST-MANNERED PEOPLE OF 2018
Ed Sheeran was named one of the 10 Best-Mannered People of 2018 by the National League of Junior Cotillions, an organization that trains young people in self confidence, discipline, character and etiquette. Ed came in third on the annual list “for demonstrating above-and-beyond kindness to his fans year after year.” NFL star Drew Brees is No.1 on the list, followed by golfer Justin Thomas. Zendaya hit No. 9 on the list “for inspiring and being a role model to young people.” The list also includes Mark Wahlberg, Will Smith, NBA star Stephen Curry, pro golfer Lexi Thompson and more. “The selections are made based on each person’s commitment to honor, dignity, and mannerly conduct,” says President Charles Winters. “We feel these ten individuals have distinguished themselves through excellence of character and conduct and applaud them for their contributions to society.” The 10 Best-Mannered People of 2018:

  1. Drew Brees: for exemplary conduct both on and off the field and outstanding contributions to families in need through the Brees Dream Foundation.
  2. Justin Thomas: for consistently treating his fans and fellow golfers with respect and kindness.
  3. Ed Sheeran: for demonstrating above-and-beyond kindness to his fans year after year.
  4. Will Smith: for displaying well-mannered conduct as both a celebrity and father.
  5. Lexi Thompson: for demonstrating poise and professionalism in the spotlight.
  6. Mark Wahlberg: for being polite to everyone in his path throughout his acting career.
  7. Stephen Curry: for responding to a nine-year old fan’s letter with respect and dignity.
  8. Trevor Lawrence: for setting an excellent example for today’s youth as an athlete and leader.
  9. Zendaya Coleman: for inspiring and being a role model to young people.
  10. Jalen Hurts: for demonstrating exemplary character through a challenging transition.

 

WHAT WASHINGTON’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS SHOULD BE
A new USA Today/Suffolk University poll that asked Americans what Washington’s resolutions should be for 2019 found that the top answer by a wide margin was to show bipartisanship and work together across party lines. That was named by 29%, and was the top response across the board, given by Democrats, Republicans and independents. The answer that came in second, at 15%, was along similar lines – for those in Washington to do their jobs and fix things. However, the third place answer, which got 9%, went in the other direction, calling for President Trump to be impeached. The other responses were:

  • Honesty/transparency, 5%
  • Get rid of everyone/Drain the swamp, 5%
  • Help the people, 4%
  • Bring country together, 3%
  • Health care, 3%
  • Immigration/Build the wall, 2%
  • Support Trump, 2%

Who Am I?

– I was born in Fukuoka, Japan.

– I went to college for chiropractic medicine, but left school to become a model.

– I was named Miss Miami in 1969.

– I made my film debut in “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean,” starring Paul Newman, in 1972.

– I posed nude for Playboy in September 1973.

Victoria Principal

Impossible Question

54% of people in an online poll say they have 1 – 5 of these, while 13% say they have none. What? (Friends)

_____________

What is astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name? (Moon)

Best TiVo Bets For Thursday, January 3, 2019

Daytime Lineup:
Live! With Kelly & Ryan (Syn) (repeat)
The View (ABC) Alan Dershowitz
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Syn) Dax Shepard
The Wendy Williams Show (Syn) (repeat)
The Talk (CBS) Shemar Moore
The Real (Syn) (repeat)
Access Live (Syn) Camilla Belle
 
Primetime Lineup:
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) Penny and Leonard put together a paintball game.
Young Sheldon (CBS) Sheldon does an experiment that involves Missy.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS) (repeat)
Young Sheldon (CBS) (repeat)
S.W.A.T. (CBS) The team must race to stop a threat of a copycat trying to re-enact a school shooting.
The Titan Games (NBC) (series premiere) Dwayne Johnson hosts; men and women test their limits in order to become the a Titan.
The Blacklist (NBC) (season premiere) Liz and her sister investigate the real Raymond Reddington’s death; Red gives the team a new case.
Gotham (FOX) (season premiere) Gordon and Bruce Wayne try to keep the city together.
The Orville (FOX) The crew discovers a planet that is about to be destroyed by its own sun.
The Conners (ABC) (repeat)
The Conners (ABC) (repeat)
The Last Days Of John F. Kennedy Jr. (ABC) An exploration of the life of JFK Jr. and the days leading up to the plane crash that killed him and his wife, Carolyn.
Supernatural (The CW) (repeat)
Legacies (The CW) (repeat)
 
Late Night Lineup:
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC) (repeat)
Late Night With Seth Meyers (NBC) (repeat)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (CBS) (repeat)
Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS) (repeat)
Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) (repeat)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) (repeat)
Conan (TBS) (repeat)
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah (Comedy Central) (repeat)
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (Bravo) (repeat)

 

Timeline For Thursday, January 3, 2019

  • 1521 Martin Luther is excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church.
  • 1892 Novelist J. R. R. Tolkien, the author of the “Lord Of The Rings” trilogy, is born. He died September 2nd, 1973, at age 81.
  • 1930 Robert Loggia is born. He dies in 2015. (An Officer And A Gentleman, Big, Independence Day, The Sopranos)
  • 1956 The TV game show “Queen For A Day” debuts on NBC.
  • 1957 The first electric watch is introduced, in Lancaster Pennsylvania.
  • 1961 The United States severes diplomatic relations with Cuba after it is taken over by Fidel Castro, who set up a communist regime.
  • 1967 Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby, the man who killed accused John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, dies. He was 55. Ruby was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1964, but his sentence was overturned two years later, because it was ruled he couldn’t have gotten a fair trial in Dallas. He died of natural causes while awaiting a second trial.
  • 1969 Police at New Jersey’s Newark Airport confiscates 30,000 copies of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Two Virgins” album, saying the nude cover photo was “pornographic.”
  • 1959 Alaska is admitted as 49th U.S. state.
  • 1973 A 12-member group headed by Tampa ship builder George Steinbrenner buys the New York Yankees from CBS for a reported $10-12 million.
  • 1977 Apple Computer, Inc incorporates.
  • 1989 The syndicated “Arsenio Hall Show” premieres on late-night TV.
  • 1990 Ousted Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces, 10 days after taking refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Panama City.
  • 1993 Presidents Boris Yeltsin and George Bush signs the Start-II Treaty, eliminating about two-thirds of the Russian and U.S. nuclear stockpiles.
  • 1993 Backup quarterback Frank Reich led the Buffalo Bills to a win from 32 points down in the third quarter, in the greatest comeback in NFL history.
  • 1996 The first clamshell flip mobile phone, the Motorola StarTAC, goes on sale. Eventually 60 million are sold.
  • 1997 Bryant Gumbel signs off for the last time as host of NBC’s “Today.”
  • 2000 The last new daily Peanuts strip by Charles Schulz runs in newspapers.
  • 2004 After hosting the show for over 30 years, Casey Kasem gives up the hosting duties of “American Top 40” to Ryan Seacrest.
  • 2004 Singer Britney Spears (22) weds childhood pal Jason Allen Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • 2005 Craig Ferguson becomes the host of “The Late Late Show” on CBS.
  • 2014 Phillip “Phil” Everly of The Everly Brothers dies at age 74.
  • 2018 Lawyers of President Trump try to stop the publication of book on Trump’s administration “Fire and Fury” by Michael Wolff.
  • 2018 Actress Ellen Page reveals she has married dancer Emma Portner.

Today Drinking Straw Day – Earth at Perihelion – Festival of Sleep Day – Fruitcake Toss Day – Humiliation Day – J.R.R. Tolkien Day – Memento Mori “Remember You Die” Day – National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

– Trivia: How long were Britney Spears and Jason Alexander married? (55 hours)

– Trivia: What does the “J. R. R.” in J.R.R. Tolkien’s name stand for? (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien)

– One-Liner: On this day in 1957, the first electric watch was introduced in Lancaster, PA. And people loved it — except for the 250 foot extension cord. 

– One-Liner: On this day in 1959, Alaska was admitted as the nation’s 49th state. But only after agreeing to keep all of America’s beverages cold by storing them in Anchorage.

– One-Liner: On this day in 1959, Alaska was admitted as the nation’s 49th state. But only after agreeing to supply America with a constant stream of crappy reality shows.

Holiday Spotlight
Today is Drinking Straw Day! The first straws man ever used were made by the Sumerians, and were probably most often used for drinking beer, which at that time contained many solid byproducts of the fermentation process.

Thousands of years later, in the 1800s, the rye grass straw became popular because it was cheap and soft. Unfortunately, it also had the tendency to turn to mush in liquid. One day, while drinking a mint julep, inventor Marvin C. Stone became especially frustrated by straws’ shortcomings, as the taste of the rye mixed with that of his drink, giving it a grassy taste. He then patented the modern drinking straw in 1888.

The first straw Stone made was just paper wound around a pencil to make a thin tube, and he then slid out pencil out from one end and applied glue between the strips. This was already a great improvement on the rye grass straw, as it did not impart any flavor onto the drink being consumed. Stone later further refined his invention by building a machine that would coat the outside of the paper with wax to hold it together, so the glue wouldn’t dissolve in the Bourbon he liked to drink.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that straws gained the ability to bend. Watching his daughter struggle to easily reach her milkshake through a straight paper straw, inventor Joseph Friedman inserted a screw into the straw, wrapped floss around the screw’s grooves, and took out the screw. With indentations, the straw could easily bend without breaking. Friedman patented his invention and created the Flex-Straw Company to churn out his design. Hospitals were among the first to embrace bendable straws, because they allowed patients to drink while lying in bed.

But straws have left the cool list. Last year, Seattle became the largest U.S. city to ban plastic straws. And they’re not alone. Starbucks plans to phase out plastic straws by 2020. McDonald’s announced it will ban plastic straws at its U.K. and Ireland restaurants. Bon Appétit Management, a food service company with 1,000 U.S. locations, announced last May it will phase out plastic straws. Alaska Airlines will be one of the first airlines to phase out plastic straws and stirrers, in part thanks to an environmentally conscious girl scout.

These groups are responding to public outcry demanding action against a product that is harming the world’s oceans, experts warn. In just the U.S. alone, one estimate suggests 500 million straws are used every single day. One study published estimated as many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world’s beaches. Eight million tons of plastic flow into the ocean every year, and straws comprise just 0.025% of that, according to National Geographic. But that hasn’t stopped the straw from becoming the major focus of recent environmental campaigns.

CeleBirthdays For Thursday, January 3, 2019

  • Dabney Coleman (Boardwalk Empire: Commodore Louis Kaestner)-87
  • Bobby Hull (NHL Hall-of-Famer)-80
  • Van Dyke Parks (Singer-songwriter)-76
  • Stephen Stills (Singer)-74
  • John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)-73
  • Victoria Principal (Dallas: Pamela Barnes Ewing / Titans: Gwen Williams)-69
  • Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon: Martin Riggs / Mad Max: Max)-63
  • Shannon Sturges (Savannah: Reese Burton)-51
  • James Carter (Musician)-50
  • Nikki Nelson (Highway 101)-50
  • Nichole Nordeman (Contemporary Christian singer)-47
  • Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk)-44
  • Jason Marsden (G.I. Joe: Renegades: Duke, Conrad Hauser, Cobra Trooper #2)-44
  • Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years: Winnie Cooper)-44
  • Nicholas Gonzalez (Melrose Place: Det. James Rodriguez / Off the Map: Mateo)-43
  • Kimberley Locke (American Idol contestant)-41
  • Eli Manning (NFL player)-38
  • Mark Pontius (Foster The People)-34
  • Nash Overstreet (Hot Chelle)-33
  • Alex D. Linz (Providence: Pete Calcatera)-30

– Trivia: What is Mel Gibson’s full name? (Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson)

– Trivia: What is the name of Victoria Principal’s skin care line? (Principal Secret)

– One-Liner: Mel Gibson is 63 today.  And to really catch him off guard, his friends are planning to throw him a surprise party — in a synagogue.



Large List of Links


Oregon Man Tries Stealing Bike In Front Of Police Station, Immediately Gets Arrested

 

Boone County Volunteer EMS Responder Suspended Following Facebook Post

 

Study: You’re Going To Keep Aging Until You Die

 

Man Arrested In North Salt Lake After Biting Chunk Of Man’s Ear Off During Argument

 

Snoop Dogg Wants To Rehome A Dog Called ‘Snoop’ After It Was Abandoned On The Side Of A Road

 

Police: Man Causes Nearly $1K In Damage During ‘Banana Assault’ (AUDIO-BANANA REPORT)

 

Bumble Bride Who Ran Off To Las Vegas And Married Her New Husband On Their First Date Loses Her Nanny Job Over Bondage Party Pictures (AUDIO-BONDAGE)

 

This Clever AI Hid Data From Its Creators To Cheat At Its Appointed Task

 

UW Study: Meditation, Exercise Could Help Ward Off Colds, Flu

 

Gut Check: Does Binge Watching Binge Eating Make You Fat?

 

Christian Pulisic Becomes Most Expensive U.S. Soccer Star After Record Transfer

 

Former Nun-In-Training Set To Make Professional Porn Debut

 

McDonald’s Employee Attacked Over A Straw (AUDIO-STRAWS)

 

Airline Says They Will Honor $16,000 Tickets Mistakenly Sold At Bargain Price

 

More People Moved Out Of This State Than Any Other In America

 

Google’s ‘Minority Report’ System Takes Giant Step To Becoming Reality

 

Mexican Mayor Shot Dead On His First Day In Office

 

Woman Finds Strange Man Sleeping In Bed With Her Dog (AUDIO-GUARD DOG)

 

Cool Stuff to Share on Social Media

NOTE: UCN does not own the material linked to on external sites. Usage of any material not hosted on UCN’s server is at your own risk.

 

Rhino Attacks Zookeeper’s Car in Germany

SOCIAL BLURB: More like rhi-nope.

LINK TO SITE

 


People Who Had One Simple Job and Failed Miserably

SOCIAL BLURB: Way to go.

LINK TO SITE

 


14 Latin Words and Phrases for the Modern World

SOCIAL BLURB: Up your word game.

LINK TO SITE

 


19 Incredible Sandwich Chains the Entire Country Needs

SOCIAL BLURB: United sandwiches of America..

LINK TO SITE

 


Hilarious Before and After Photos of How Life Changes After Having Kids

SOCIAL BLURB: Life comes at you fast.

LINK TO SITE

 


Restored Footage (With Sound) of a 1928 Fashion Show in Paris

SOCIAL BLURB: Ooh la la.

LINK TO SITE