Born on this day!! Actor-comedian Larry Storch (“F Troop”) is 98. Former “Sunday Morning” host Charles Osgood is 88. Singer Shirley Bassey is 84. Game show host Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) is 83. Country-gospel singer Cristy Lane is 81. Singer Anthony Gourdine of Little Anthony and the Imperials is 80. Actor Yvette Mimieux (“The Time Machine,” ″Where the Boys Are”) is 79. Singer Juanita Cowart Motley of The Marvelettes is 77. Actor Kathleen Noone (“Knots Landing”) is 76. Guitarist Robby Krieger of The Doors is 75. Actor Harriet Sansom Harris (“Desperate Housewives”) is 66. Actor Ron Cephas Jones (“This is Us”) is 64. Actor Michelle Forbes (“True Blood,” ″Homicide,” ″Star Trek: The Next Generation”) is 56. Actor Maria Pitillo (“Providence”) is 55. Singer R. Kelly is 54. Bassist Jeff Abercrombie of Fuel is 52. Reggae singer Sean Paul is 48. Singer Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley is 45. Actor Amber Benson (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) is 44. Actor Gaby Hoffman (“Sleepless in Seattle,” ″Field of Dreams”) is 39. Guitarist Disashi Lumumbo-Kasongo of Gym Class Heroes is 38. Actor Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”) is 34.
THIS DAY IN GENIUS HISTORY
1815 – The Battle of New Orleans, the last battle in the War of 1812, was fought.
1918 – Woodrow Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points peace program.
1958 – Bobby Fischer won the United States Chess Championship for the first time at age 14.
1959 – Charles de Gaulle became the first president of France’s Fifth Republic.
1964 – President Lyndon Johnson announced his War on Poverty.
1982 – The AT&T Bell System telephone monopoly agreed to divest itself of 22 Bell System companies and split itself into seven “Baby Bells.”
1998 – The mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, Ramzi Yousef, was sentenced to life in prison.
2011 – Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords is among 17 shot by a gunman at a meeting outside a grocery store. Six people are fatally wounded, including United States District Court Judge John Roll, and a young girl. Police identify the gunman as Jared Lee Loughner.
Today Is: Argyle Day, Bubble Bath Day, Earth’s Rotation Day, I Am A Mentor Day, National English Toffee Day, Midwife’s Day or Women’s Day, National Joy Germ Day, National Winter Skin Relief Day, Show and Tell Day at Work, War on Poverty Day
TODAY ON TV!
Primetime TV (All Times Eastern)
CBS – 8:00 – MacGyver / 9:00 – Magnum PI / 10:00 – Blue Bloods
NBC – 8:00 – The Weakest Link / 10:00 – Dateline NBC
ABC – 8:00 – Shark Tank / 9:00 – 2020
FOX – 8:00 – Friday Night Smackdown
CW – 8:00 – Whose Line Is It / 8:30 – Whose Line Is It / 9:00 – Penn and Teller Fool Us
TV Talk Shows
Lilly Singh: Jenny Slate, Kathryn Hahn (R 11/14/19)
The View: Day of Hot Topics
Live with Kelly and Ryan: Holly Hunter, Carson Kressley, Sarah Smith, Banners
Ellen DeGeneres: Amy Schumer (R 9/29/20)
Wendy Williams: Tommy Davidson
The Real: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Kelly Clarkson: Nathan Fillion, Gabriel Iglesias, Deepak Chopra
Tamron Hall: Unique, creative and sometimes bizarre jobs that pay the bills (R 10/22/20)
Drew Barrymore: Karamo Brown
WHAT ARE YOU TALKIN’ ABOUT? Here are today’s PPM-Friendly Topics!
QUESTION: Do you feel LUCKY??? The Mega Millions Lottery is getting a lot of attention as the jackpot reaches half a BILLION dollars!! Time to buy a ticket??
QUESTION: Is the star of “Bridgerton” on Netflix the NEW JAMES BOND?? Rege’-Jean Page is setting female hearts aflutter with his sexy, seductive ways!!!!!!!!!!!!
QUESTION: What is her secret?? “Wheel of Fortune’s” VANNA WHITE reveals why she NEVER SEEMS TO AGE!! (And how she gets along with Pat Sajak!!!!!)
QUESTION: Is she??? Or… ISN’T she??? After being seen without her wedding band, Kim Kardashian is stepping out with the ring on her finger!! Divorcing? Or no??
QUESTION: Did “The Simpsons” do it AGAIN??? Their Halloween episode predicted a CIVIL WAR on January 20, 2021!!! Who the hell is writing this stuff?????????
Is Prince William Coming To California?
Prince William and Prince Harry’s fallout was “very real, very ugly and incredibly intense,” reports Us Weekly, but the brothers have been taking positive steps towards fixing their friendship over the past few months, and are hoping to reunite in person before the end of the year. The brothers’ relationship got much better towards the end of last year, and Prince William and Prince Harry are “looking forward to spending time together in person the moment it’s safe to travel.” The Sussexes are planning on making their way back to London by this summer, as long as travel regulations amid the COVID-19 crisis permit, and Prince William and Kate Middleton are also hoping to make a big trip before the end of 2021. According to Us Weekly, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will travel to Santa Barbara at some point this year, and “see the Sussexes on their new home turf.” Prince William and Kate have visited Santa Barbara once before, during their 2011 tour of the U.S., but this would definitely be a special trip, if it actually pans out. If the Cambridges do end up traveling to California before the end of the year, perhaps they’ll bring along Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, so that their children can see their cousin, Archie.
*******Meghan made them a reservation at the Motel 6 down the street!!
*****William will also be visiting Bel Air, to see if they need a “fresh prince!!”
*****At least they bring their kids with them!! Meghan always dumps hers with a baby sitter!!!
New Punky Brewster On The Way
The Punky Brewster revival will premiere on Peacock on February 25th. Punky Brewster is a revival of the 1980s series of the same name. The new version follows an adult Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) as she raises three kids as a single mom. Freddie Prinze, Jr. plays Punky’s ex-husband, Travis, while Cherie Johnson returns as Punky’s best friend Cherie. The teaser photo shows Punky (Frye) with Travis (Prinze) and Cherie (Johnson), along with Izzy (Quinn Copeland), a girl in the foster system who reminds Punky a lot of her younger self. Peacock released a trailer in April that shows Punky raising her three kids. Peacock had its official launch in July. The service also developed a Saved by the Bell reboot featuring Mario Lopez that premiered in November.
*****NOW…. now… they’ve remade EVERYTHING!! RIght???
Gwen Stefani Dishes On Blake
Gwen Stefani is over the moon now that she’s engaged to Blake Shelton — but she has one question: Why didn’t he pop the question sooner? “We have no plans because of the pandemic,” Stefani told Jimmy Fallon speaking of the couple’s upcoming wedding during an appearance on the “Tonight Show.” “It’s like, ‘Blake, why couldn’t you have done it before? Now we can’t have a wedding with the pandemic,'” she said. “[I’m] sitting around going, ‘OK. Drag it out more.'” Of the proposal itself, Stefani called it “pretty magical.” “Wasn’t expecting it at the moment it happened at all,” she admitted. “Didn’t have any idea.” “I was sort of like, ‘What’s happening with us?'” Stefani added about their relationship before Shelton finally asked her to marry him. “It was kind of in my mind, like, ‘We’ve been together a long time now. What’s going on?’ I was in that place in my head,” Stefani said.
********Gee…. kinda sounds like… a WOMAN!!! “What are we?? Boyfriend/girlfriend? Husband/Wife? Are we even together???”
*****She dropping subtle hints like, “Should I leave now… or what???”
******Blake was so shocked, he almost dropped his possum!!!
Dr. Dre Agrees To Huge Spousal Support
Following a brain aneurysm and attempted burglary on his home, Dr. Dre will pay his estranged wife Nicole Young $2 million in temporary spousal support. According to legal documents obtained by The Blast, the money will be advanced to her by Monday and should be used to cover her living expenses such as her Malibu home. The agreement also states that Young will be responsible for her own security fees for the next few months until they meet back in court. The judge ruled to continue the divorce until April to give Dre time to recover. Young first requested $2 million in spousal support and $5 million in legal fees in September in papers that describe Dre, born Andre Young, as a control freak who “forced” her to sign a pre-nup on their wedding day “under extreme duress.”
*******He can probably stop faking that illness now!! Kidding!!
******He added a “w” to the end of his name and said, “You’ve got the wrong man!!!”
******How is she gonna make it on $2 million a month???
******We just found out… he’s a proctologist!!!!
Katie Couric To Host Jeopardy
Katie Couric will be one of the first hosts to take the “Jeopardy!” podium after the late Alex Trebek’s final episodes air this week. She will guest-host the game show for a week. The show has announced plans to have guest hosts lead the show until it finds a permanent replacement. Former “Jeopardy!” champ Ken Jennings has been booked for one of the guest-hosting slots. The news comes as Trebek will appear for the last time on the long-running show on tonight’s episode. He died in November at 80 after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. On Monday night’s episode, Trebek delivered a powerful message about togetherness and giving. “You’ll recall that about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment to give thanks for all of the blessings that you enjoy in your lives,” he said. “Now, today, a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, your friends, your loved ones.” He continued on with a challenge for fans who have watched the show he hosted for more than 8,200 episodes. “But today, I’d like you to go one step further. I’d like you to open up your hands and open up your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own,” he said. “We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society, and if we all pitch in — just a little bit — we’re gonna get there.”
*******We’ll take “TV Bitches” for $1,000!!!!!
*****When she did the Today Show, the staff would scatter when they heard her stilettos clicking down the hallway!! (true)
Johnny Depp Home Burglary Victim
Johnny Depp was the victim of a home invasion. A woman was arrested after breaking into Depp’s Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles and triggering the alarm system. Police caught up to her as she fled and discovered she was connected to another recent burglary. Depp was not home at the time of the incident and it was the alarm system that alerted the police. The investigation is ongoing and Depp has not issued a comment on the matter. This is just the latest string of bad luck for Depp after an extensive legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard and the British Tabloid, The Sun, left him somewhat of a social pariah. After losing the libel case, and being charged as guilty with domestic abuse, Warner Bros. released Depp and recast Mads Mikkelsen as his character, Gellert Grindelwald, in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel. Disney followed suit, confirming that Depp (AKA Jack Sparrow) will not be involved in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
********The burglar didn’t poop in the bed, did she?? He’s had a problem with that!!
*****Johnny’s desperate. He’s taken a part in the new “Porch Pirates of the Caribbean” movie!!
*******Why do they break into movie stars’ homes?? Because that’s where the money is!!!
EXTRA!! Remember how Amber Heard was donating her $7 million divorce settlement to CHARITY?? Johnny now accuses her of pocketing the money, as he releases a letter from the charity asking if she plans to honor her pledge!! STORY HERE!!
Ripping The Tabloids (Throughout the week, we’ll give you the stories from that weeks tabs!)
**Please Credit Publication!
Bruised Ben Braves Critics’ Pans For More “Batman” Bucks-(National Enquirer)
Batty Ben Affleck couldn’t ditch his cape quick enough after being bashed for his tepid turns as “Batman,” but he’s ready to rush back to Gotham City to grab some quick cash, sources said. “Ben figures beggars can’t be choosers when he gets $5 million for a couple of weeks work,” the source spilled. “He used to be snobby about making superhero films, but Ben says now he will play ‘Batman’ as long as they keep paying him!”
Things You Don’t Know About: Gordon Ramsey-(Globe)
Hotheaded celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay brings his fiery temper back to TV this month for season 19 of “Hell’s Kitchen,” which was filmed at his restaurant of the same name in Las Vegas. Here are things you don’t know about the 54-year-old foodie.
- Early in his career, he worked with famous French chef and Parisian restaurateur Guy Savoy, who Gordon has called his mentor.
- He is a father of five-daughters Megan, 22, Holly, 20, and Matilda, 19, and sons Jack, 20, and Oscar, 20 months-but gripes about being mistaken for the granddad of his youngest.
- He’s participated in more than a dozen marathons, three ultra-marathons, three half-Ironmans-which include 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running-and competed in the Ironman World Championships twice.
- He opened an eatery in London’s Harrods department store. It features a $106 burger with a wagyu sirloin patty, truffle Pecorino cheese and fresh black truffle!
- He’s reportedly worth $63 million-but has said he won’t leave his fortune to his kids because he doesn’t want to “spoil” them.
Chrishell & Keo: Positive Vibes Only-(Us Weekly)
Chrishell Stause, 39, is defending her new romance with Keo Motsepe, 31. On Dec. 19 the Selling Sunset star slammed all of the “ridiculous conspiracy theories” surrounding their relationship and urged her followers to leave messages of “beautiful positivity” instead. “Keo and Chrishell are very into each other,” a source says, noting they’re very close to dropping the L-word. “It’s coming soon.”
More Hollywood Best Boss-(Star)
Keanu Reeves
Whoah! Money is no object for him. Long reputed to be one of the nicest dudes in Hollywood, Keanu pays it forward. The 56-year-old has repeatedly taken salary cuts in order to ensure his movie crews get their share of the budget. After 1999’s The Matrix became a blockbuster, for instance, he reportedly gave $75 million of his own earnings to the F/X team and other crew he felt deserved it more. Oh, and according to one Redditer, he once gave a crew member a $20K Christmas bonus when he learned he was dealing with some family issues!
Gillian & Peter: It’s Over!-(Life & Style)
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Gillian Anderson has split from Peter Morgan, creator of The Crown, following four years of dating, reveals a source. The news comes after the actress, 52, starred in Season 4 of the hit Netflix series, portraying British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. “For our own sanity, and actually for the benefit of the relationship, we had very clear boundaries,” Gillian said of working side-by-side with her partner, 57. But it still wasn’t enough. “Mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea,” admits the source, “and in the end, Gillian and Peter couldn’t find a way to overcome it.”
Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma: Happy Anniversary!-(People)
The pregnant Younger star and her singer husband, both 33, marked one year of marriage on Dec. 21. “Thank you for being a damn good man,” wrote Duff. They’re parents to daughter Banks, 2, and her son Luca, 8, from a previous marriage.
Last Laughs-(In Touch)
“Harrison Ford will star in a fifth and final Indiana Jones movie. It’s a two-hour adventure of him trying to remember where he left his hat.”-Jimmy Fallon.
“The highest-paid celebrity for 2020 is Kylie Jenner. She took home $590 million this year. You know how she did it? She knit sweaters and sold them on Etsy.”-Jimmy Kimmel.
“Tom Cruise was caught on tape yelling at his crew. What’s amazing is when Tom delivered that rant, he was hanging off a 163-story building.”-Jimmy Fallon.
STUPID NEWS
Giant Spam Sushi!
A Tennessee restaurant broke a Guinness World Record by assembling a 1,120-pound dish of Spam musubi, a sushi-like dish involving rice and Spam layers wrapped in seaweed. Kimo’s Hawaiian Bar and Grill in Clarksville said the record attempt raised funds for local nonprofits Loaves and Fishes and Yaipak Outreach. The chefs aimed to defeat the previous world record of 628 pounds, and ended up nearly doubling it with a 1,120-pound Spam musubi. The dish was assembled at Loaves and Fishes’ new facility, which is aiming to open within the next two months. See the pic HERE.
*******Did they set a new record most people barfing in one place??
******How do you wrap unwanted email in seaweed?
TRIVIA: What does the word “spam” mean?? “Specially Produced American Meat!!!” (According to the Spam museum)
Severed Foot??
A Canadian police officer investigating a witness’ report of a severed foot at the side of a road made a considerably less alarming discovery — a discarded mannequin foot. The Delta Police Department in British Columbia said an officer on foot in Ladner was stopped by a passing driver. “The driver appears quite distraught and states that there is a severed foot roadside by the pump house,” the department said in a Facebook post. The post said the officer went to the location and discovered the object was “luckily” not a human body part, but rather “the foot of a mannequin.” “If you happen upon a mannequin with a missing left foot, let them know that it can be found at the Delta Police Department,” the post said. See the pic HERE.
*********Someone is a foot shorter!!!!
********Police are looking for someone named “Stumpy!!!!”
Wandering Llama Found
Authorities in Massachusetts said they are trying to determine the origins of a llama found wandering loose in a field. Newburyport/West Newbury Animal Control said in a Facebook post the llama was found wandering a field alone Monday, and witnesses said they did not know where the animal came from. The llama was taken to Tiny Acres Farm in New Hampshire for temporary lodging while authorities investigate. Animal control is asking the llama’s owner, or anyone with information on the animal’s owner, to contact officials.
**********He was out for a walk when he slipped the leash!!
*******Was it a Dolly Llama???
********If only this had been the biggest story in America this week!!!
South Korean City Will Pay You To Have Kids
A South Korean city is offering a grant of nearly $100,000 for couples who have at least three children, according to a local press report. South Korean network KNN reported Wednesday the city of Changwon, the capital of South Gyeongsang Province, is combating the problem of a declining population with financial incentives. The new policy grants loans of 100 million South Korean won, or about $92,000, to all married couples residing in the city. If the couple gives birth to one child, the interest on the loan would be waived. For two children, 30% of the loan principal would be forgiven. If the family has three children the entire loan is forgiven or becomes a grant, according to the report. Kim Jong-pil, a representative of Changwon’s planning department, said the policy comes at a time when “more innovative marriage and childbirth incentives” are needed in the city, a statement that reflects similar concerns about a declining birth rate across the country. In Changwon officials are concerned the population could fall under 1 million. The local government has also said it plans to create more jobs by attracting companies, and subsidizing housing for workers and university students. The goal is to create 20,000 jobs by 2025, according to KNN.
**********Too many men in South Korea are wearing makeup!! We’re just sayin’!!!
*******Most guys would take $92,000 for fathering three children!! Altogether, that’s only about 3 minutes of your time!!!
******Kanye West said we should give American couples $1 million per baby!! What do YOU think???
STUFF THAT’S COOL AND VIRAL
VIDEO: A SONG FOR 2021! (LANGUAGE)
VIDEO: CORNY MICROPHONE!!
A LIST FOR FRIDAY
10 Ways Therapists Are Practicing Self-Care In 2021
Huffington Post
I’m prioritizing rest.
“I want to try to incorporate rest daily. This can look like a 15-minute yoga video or sitting for 10 minutes between sessions and focusing on deep breathing. This can even look like resting on the couch with my eyes closed and not napping. We tend to always be going and not think about the importance of rest. We tend to think and talk about the importance of sleep, but forget about the benefits of rest. Rest gives your mind a break. It gives your mind a chance to pause from thinking. Rest can help with stress, anxiety and focus.” ― Rebecca Leslie, a psychologist in Atlanta
I’m accepting that done is better than perfect.
“I struggle with a combination of procrastination and perfectionism (a common overlap), wherein I put things off until I have the time and space to devote to making them *just right.* While the desire for quality isn’t in itself problematic, I begin to get overwhelmed when the to-do list starts getting longer and longer, which often leads to more procrastination. It’s an anxiety-provoking cycle! This year I’m committed to reminding myself that no one has higher standards for myself than I do, and that the relief from finishing something in a timely matter is part of being kind to my future self.” ― Kathleen Dahlen deVos, a psychotherapist based in San Francisco
The election is over. I’m unplugging!
“Now that the election is over I’ve decided to disconnect from the news and social media. There’s just too much negativity and alarmism that I don’t find healthy for me. This is tough to do though, and requires really being on your toes. I was looking for a YouTube video the other day and a news stream showed up in the search results giving me the latest goings-on that I just didn’t need to see or think about. But cutting back on the noise is doable, and I already see a difference in my outlook and attitude because I’m doing it.” ― Kurt Smith, a therapist in Roseville, California
I’m not going to code switch anymore.
“Code switching is when a person adjusts the way they verbal and nonverbally communicate to connect with others. Code switching is often associated with Black people using very formal English and limited gestures to communicate when in predominantly white spaces.
However, people code switch to connect interculturally as well. For instance, using slang and nonverbal communication techniques that are more common in the Black community. BIPOC are not the only people that code switch ― women do this in predominantly male spaces, doctors tend to use more jargon when speaking to peers, and members of the LGBTIA+ community also do it.
Code switching can be exhausting because it requires an adjustment from the natural way of communicating. Some people even say those who code switch are being inauthentic. For me, I code switch to connect with others and to demonstrate my competence. At this point in my life, I much rather spend my limited energy on the work I am doing, rather than on showing through my communication that I can do the work.” ― Dana E. Crawford, a therapist in New York City
I’m engaging in more self-compassion practices.
“Self-compassion is when we respond to our distress, challenges and perceived shortcomings with the gentleness and care we might give to someone we really want to care about. 2020 has been a challenge for most of us and 2021 isn’t going to magically get easier. When we are already struggling and add self-judgment this does not support positive mental health. Being gentle with ourselves when we are struggling actually allows us to have more emotional resources to cope. Self-compassion also allows us to be gentler to others in return. I know I want to continue to support a kinder gentler world and I know it starts with me.” ― Sarah Joy Park, a psychologist in San Luis Obispo, California
I’m staying connected to my mind and body.
“In 2021, I’m focusing on staying connected with what my brain and body need. 2020 has been an exhausting year and so often I’ve found myself seeking quick ways to replenish and recharge, whether that’s bingeing Netflix or snacking on peanut butter M&M’s. Now there’s nothing wrong with either of those activities, but I’m working on getting more deeply in touch with what I need when I’m feeling depleted, rather than just noticing the emptiness. Do I need to give my brain a break and watch some TV? Do I need an energy boost from eating something delicious? Do I need to recharge by texting or calling my best friend for a chat? Or is my body asking for some sun salutations, a dance party in my living room, a steamy hot shower, or do I just want to curl up with a good book.” ― Alexis Bleich, the clinic director at Kip Therapy in New York City
I’m paying attention to pacing.
“When I’m feeling impatient in a relationship, job or anything else, I’m going to pay attention to pacing. That means reminding myself that everyone goes at their own pace. That should make me feel more patient and help me to match my effort and expectations to the outcomes I hope for.” ― Rachel Kazez, therapist and founder of All Along, which helps people understand mental health and find therapy
I’m spending more time working and playing outdoors.
“The mental health benefits of spending time in nature are well documented, and I was able to start enjoying those this year as I created an outdoor office to fight off my pandemic cabin fever. There’s something about being surrounded by sunshine, trees and noisy songbirds that makes the workday feel a lot less monotonous. And I can literally feel the screens in my life melting off me when I take a hike in the woods.” ― Sean Davis, a marriage and family therapist and a professor at Alliant International University in California
I’m connecting genuinely with others.
“2020 has taught me that we need each other. In 2021 I will be more mindful of checking in on others, focusing on healthy relationships and letting go of the bad ones. Life is too short to spend it in the company of people who suck the life out of you. 2021 will be spent making memories, laughing with loved ones and giving them the best of me.” ― Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, a marriage and family therapist in Murrieta, California
I’m getting crafty.
“I’ve found that making things with my hands is an incredibly effective tool for managing stress and anxiety. The focus required for the task at hand is a kind of mindfulness practice, and the dopamine released from finishing a beautiful project is great as an antidote to the stress hormone cortisol. Also, crafting is a great break from screens for the eyes. I love fiber arts, so I’m going to pick weaving or knitting back up, or even relearn embroidery, something I haven’t done in over 25 years.” ― Kathleen Dahlen deVos
The preceding material was compiled and edited by Brandon Castillo. The Editor-In-Chief is Gary Bryan. The Radio Genius Show Prep Service is licensed for use on-air only by subscribing radio stations. Other means of redistribution is forbidden.
© 2020 – Radio Genius Show Prep