TTLD - 2/3/16

THE FIRST STEPS – CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Carrie Underwood launched her "Storyteller Tour - Stories in the Round" in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday night (1/30), but the tour's kick-off date was special for more than one reason. During the concert, Carrie told the audience that her nearly one-year-old son Isaiah had reached a milestone moment. According to the Florida Times-Union, Underwood told the crowd, "I didn't think I could love anything more than being here on this stage. I was wrong, I was very wrong. I had a baby. He took his first steps today, on the first day of my tour, in Jacksonville. I don't think today could get any better." A sold-out crowd of nearly 14,000 fans packed the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena to see Carrie's first tour "in the round," featuring a 360-degree setting with the stage in the middle of the arena floor. Underwood's next stop on the tour will be tonight (2/3) in Greensboro, North Carolina.

WEEKEND WELL SPENT – MIRANDA LAMBERT

Miranda Lambert and her boyfriend Anderson East might have a musical collaboration on the way. Miranda took to Instagram on Sunday (1/31) to say she spent the weekend with Anderson in Tennessee and also hinted that the two might be working on a new song together. Lambert posted a picture of her strumming an acoustic guitar on the porch, with a scenic wooded landscape in full view behind the house. The photo shows Miranda sitting on the porch's bench with a couple of beers and a notebook within arm's reach. But it's the post's hashtags that really hint at the collaboration. The caption reads, "Weekend well spent. @andersoneast: @raytair #writin' #singin' #overallsandbeer #pencilandpaper #thecountry #weekendsoff #recharging #tennessee." Lambert kicked off the New Year by confirming her relationship with East, a 27-year-old Nashville-based R&B and pop musician who's currently signed with Elektra Records.

THOMAS RHETT TEES UP "T-SHIRT"

 

After holding the summit of the Billboard Country Airplay chart for six weeks with "Die A Happy Man," Thomas Rhett is getting ready to release the song's follow-up single. Rhett's new single titled "T-Shirt" is currently heading to country radio and is now officially available via Play MPE. The new single is the third release off his second studio album, Tangled Up, but Thomas admits he's actually had this song in his pocket for a while. Rhett shares, "I couldn't be more pumped that Country radio jumped all over 'T-Shirt' because I have wanted to put it out since my first record." As for the song itself, Rhett says, "Everyone has been in that fun 'honeymoon' phase of dating, which is what this song is all about. It's already a staple in our set each night - the fans got into it as soon as we added it and it’s just one of those I let loose on and have a good time."

The new music comes on the heels of Monday's (2/1) ACM Awards nominations, where Thomas earned three nods. Rhett was nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for Tangled Up and Single Record of the Year for "Die a Happy Man."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JT – GARTH BROOKS

 

During his concert in Baltimore on Sunday (1/31), Garth Brooks took some time out of his show to wish his friend, pop star Justin Timberlake, a happy birthday. Timberlake celebrated his 35th birthday on Sunday, and Garth teamed up with the thousands of fans at his show to sing him "Happy Birthday." Before they launched into the birthday song, Brooks told the audience, "I hate this guy because he always looks like he’s 18. I hate this guy 'cause he's got more talent in his pinky than my whole body. I hate this guy because my wife's (Trisha Yearwood) in love with him. But I love this kid. He's a kid named Justin Timberlake, and it's his birthday today." A video that Garth shot from stage can be seen here.

The D.A. Of The Day - 2/3/16

THIS GUY IS A REAL GAS..

A police officer in Pennsylvania recently arrested a drunk driver whose blood-alcohol level was the least offensive part of the incident.

Officer Philip Mainiero wrote in his report that he arrested 52-year-old John Flores Rivera for driving while intoxicated. As he tried to get the driver out of the car to to perform a field sobriety test, Rivera farted and stated, "That’s for you." He then smelled the air and added, "That’s what pork and mashed potatoes will do."

Rivera was not charged for his offensive air attack, only driving while intoxicated. He was cited for disorderly conducted for refusing to place his hands behind his back.

MR. ZOPITTYBOP ARRESTED...

A Washington State man who legally changed his name to Beezow Doo-doo Zopittybop-bop-bop is back behind bars, where he's spent quite a bit of time over the past few years.

The 34-year-old, who was born Jeffrey Wilschke, changed his name in 2011 and immediately made headlines after being arrested in 2012 and 2013. He was arrested again this week after he assaulted two police officers at Evergreen State College in Washington.

According to police, an officer spotted Zopittybop-bop-bop tearing down flyers at the college's library and ordered him to stop. But he tried to run away, and the officer eventually tackled him. Zoppittybop-bop-bop then fought with the cop and tried to take his gun. 

He bit his finger several times and tried to stab him with a pen. Despite being tasered a few times, he was able to escape and ran away again until another officer caught up to him and hit him with a baton. But that didn't stop him either, and he was eventually subdued by a third officer.

Beezow Doo-doo Zopittybop-bop-bop has been charged with multiple counts of assault, malicious mischief and harassment. He's being held on $50,000 bail. 

HEY JUDGE.. WANNA BUY SOME PILLS???

A good businessman knows where to find a potential customer. Christopher Durkin of Pennsylvania is a really bad businessman.

The 35-year-old drug dealer was arrested after he tried to sell illegal pills to someone in traffic court. Durkin had just appeared before a judge to face one count of driving under suspicion when he walked up to another person in the courtroom and started talking to them. A sheriff's deputy spotted him talking and asked him to leave the courtroom.

As Durkin left the room, the other person told the deputy that he had just offered to sell him Suboxone pills. The officer was able to catch up with Durkin in the hallway and found two doses of the painkiller in his pocket. He was arrested for possession and possession with the intent to deliver. 

The HOTLIST - 2/3/16

THE FAST & FURIOUS FRANCHISE WILL GO TO 10

The Fast & Furious movie franchise isn't ready to pull into the garage anytime soon. Universal Studios has plans to go all the way to 10 films.

Vin Diesel has revealed release dates for the next three installments of the street-racing movies. Fast 8 is scheduled to hit theaters on April 14, 2017. 

Fast & Furious 9 will follow come out April 19, 2019, and 

Fast & Furious 10 will arrive April 2, 2021. Diesel says these three movies are expected to form a trilogy that will wrap up the franchise.

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

James Corden has been tapped to host the Tony Awards, which will air June 12th on CBS. James also hosts The Late Late Show on the network.

There's a simple reason why Melissa McCarthy isn't in the Netflix revival of Gilmore Girls -- she wasn't invited. After an outcry by fans, the star tweeted, "Sadly no one asked me or Sookie to come back to Stars Hollow. Wish them all the best!!"

Dylan Jagger Lee -- the 18-year-old son of Pamela Anderson and  Tommy Lee -- is the new face of Saint Laurent. The campaign debuts next week.

Kristen Stewart has been named the new face of Chanel makeup. She'll be featured in the 2016 Collection Eyes campaign.

Seth Rogen, Zach Galifianakis and Bill Hader have signed on to star in The Somethings, a sci-fi comedy about a group of  astronauts who are stuck in space.

Elizabeth Banks will play Rita Repulsa in the Power Rangers movie, in theaters in 2017.

JOHNNY FOOTBALL OUT IN CLEVELAND?

It would appear that the Cleveland Browns have had their fill of Johnny Football. The Browns drafted Johnny Manziel as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft and his off field antics and sub par play on field have led the EVP of Browns Football Operations Sashi Brown to issue the following statement:

"His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules," the Browns said in a statement on Manziel following an incident Saturday. 

The first day teams can cut players is Monday and from the sound of that statement, Johnny Football's name will be on that short list... OUCH.

TWANG TOWN LOWDOWN - 2/2/16

A BABY AND AN ACM NOD – JANA KRAMER

 

Jana Kramer has more than one reason to be over the moon this week. Not only did Kramer pick up a Female Vocalist of the Year nomination at this year's ACM Awards, she also brought a new baby girl into the world. Jana and her husband Michael Caussin welcomed daughter Jolie Rae Caussin on Sunday afternoon (1/31) in Nashville. She is the couple's first child. Jolie Rae arrived weighing 7 lbs., 1 oz. and measured 19 and a half inches long. Kramer tells People about their new bundle of joy, "Words can't even begin to describe how much happiness I’m feeling right now. Holding my healthy and beautiful baby girl in my arms is something that’s truly indescribable. Michael and I are so thankful for this wonderful blessing!" People's exclusive pictures of the couple with their baby can be seen here.

As for her ACM nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 51st Academy of Country Music Awards, Jana says that's just icing on the cake. She shares, "What a whirlwind of great surprises and wonderful news. I’m overwhelmed with joy after welcoming my beautiful baby girl into the world AND finding out I’ve been nominated for an ACM Award!" This is Kramer's first Female Vocalist nomination and follows her ACM Award win for Top New Female Artist in 2012.

AARON TIPPIN WANTS YOU!....TO VOTE

Aaron Tippin's friends began blowing up his phone after they heard his song "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly" played by Ted Cruz's camp during the Iowa caucus Monday.

He says, "Man, I'm so proud that my song still resonates so loudly in America. I'm not endorsing anyone but I hope that my song will help get folks out there and do their patriotic duty -- vote!"

Aaron released the song shortly after 9/11 and donated the proceeds from it to the families of the victims. 

WANT TO OWN A GUITAR PLAYED BY ZAC BROWN?

Zac Brown is auctioning off five unique guitars from his Zac Brown Band custom guitar collection on eBay. The guitars, designed by emerging visual artists, were actually played during his 2015 North American tour. 

Proceeds from the auction will go to Zac's non-profit, Camp Southern Ground, which gives children with academic, social and emotional difficulties the chance to learn life skills and teamwork in a positive, healthy and organic environment.

The bidding goes on until February 11th. 

TODAY'S D.A. OF THE DAY - 2/2/16

GIVE ME A BREAK...REALLY???

A British law student recently broke off a piece of a Kit Kat bar and was disappointed to find no crispy wafer inside. Obviously there was some sort of mistake, but Saima Ahmad wasn't amused. In fact, she claims she was emotionally scarred.

The second-year law student says she bought an eight-pack of Kit Kats and believes Nestle owes her more than just an apology. She wants a LIFETIME supply of Kit Kats because the wafer-less candy she bit into caused her "monetary and emotional" distress. Ahmad says, "I wouldn't rule out taking this further if Nestle do not apologize or compensate me adequately." 

Nestle has not yet responded to Ahmad's demands, but it did admit that sometimes in the production process, the crispy wafers are accidentally left out of Kit Kats. 

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING...

It is said that the most important factor in real estate is location, location, location, and although it's quite different, the same should be said for a meth lab. 

Two men in Maine are under arrest after they decided to build a meth lab, in all places, directly across the street from a police station. 

Cops were suspicious of activity inside the small apartment building in Lewiston, Maine and investigated the property. 

They discovered a meth lab and immediately evacuated the building. 29-year-old Joseph Marcous and 28-year-old Samuel Johnson were arrested and charged with unlawful operation of a methamphetamine lab. Other charges are pending.

COP MISTAKEN FOR STRIPPER:

A police officer in England was investigating some activity going on inside a building and ended up having to run away from a bunch of sex-crazed middle-aged women.

Officer Mike Ober spotted an open door at a social club and decided to take a peek inside to see what was going on. What he didn't realize is that he walked right into a woman's 50th birthday party that was packed with women expecting a male stripper to arrive at the exact moment Ober walked in.

The women assumed that Ober was the stripper dressed as a cop and immediately went wild. Ober tells the BBC that once he realized what was going on, he had to "beat a hasty retreat," which is an English way of saying "get the heck out of there." He says that as he was running out of there, the real stripper was walking in. Ober said he was flattered by their reaction. 

The HOTLIST - 2/2/16

LOOKS LIKE SPRING IS COMING EARLY THIS YEAR - MAYBE?

It's that time of year again where everyone turns their attention to the small town of Punxsutawny Pennsylvania where one small rodent named Phil has everyone either cheering after the promise of an early spring... BUT before you get your "I LOVE Punxsutawny Phil" t-shirt printed,  keep in mind he has only been right 39% of the time. 

TRUCK DRIVER IN MORGAN CASE PLEADS NOT GUILTY

The truck driver who was involved in Tracy Morgan's fatal car accident has pleaded not guilty to aggravated manslaughter and other charges.

Kevin Roper allegedly crashed his Walmart truck in the limo van carrying the comedian on the New Jersey Turnpike in June 2014. Comedian James McNair died and Tracy was seriously hurt.

Roper, who entered the pleas Monday, is also charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated assault. His lawyer claims his client can't get a fair trial because of all the publicity the case has gotten.

NIAGARA FALLS MAY GO FROM A ROAR TO A TRICKLE

It may be necessary in the near future for Niagara Falls, near Buffalo, New York, to be shut off. While it would be a temporary thing, it could become an interesting vacation trip in itself, as this has only happened one other time in the falls’ history.

The reason for putting a halt to the water is that two 115-year-old deteriorating concrete arch pedestrian bridges that span the river rapids need repair. The other time the falls were slowed down was in 1969, when officials deemed a study of erosion was necessary.

There are three options for the permanent replacement of the bridges. One, a precast concrete arched design that closely resembles the current bridges. Also in consideration --  steel girder bridges that are simpler and more linear, and tied arch bridges with vertical cables supporting the surface from above. At this time, the concrete arched design is considered to be the favorite. Also under consideration is how long the falls will have to be diverted, and that seems to be anywhere from five to nine months.

Visitors to the falls during this time period would get a chance to see the rock formations beneath the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side of the attraction. The Horseshoe Falls are on the Canadian side of the waterway. The three falls together form what is called Niagara Falls.

No decision has been made as to when this might happen, but it probably would be in the next few years. The state has recently held public hearings about the closing of the falls.

THE PUPPY BOWL IS BACK

 

Puppy Bowl XII returns on Sunday with 50 puppies turned sports stars that are just about the cutest thing you’re going to see anywhere on TV that day.

Started as an alternative to the BIG GAME, the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet gives folks who aren’t football fans a fun thing to watch while friends are rooting for their favorite team on another channel.

Today’s Puppy Bowl is fun for everyone as they watch the lovable puppies run and play across the television screen.

It’s Team Ruff vs. Team Fluff as more than 80 beautiful puppies from 44 shelters around the country, playing on a mock football field, go running around looking so cute as they head for what could be considered a touchdown. There will also be 20 kittens during the halftime show, along with Silkie chicken cheerleaders and a tribute to former MVPs with NFL Hall of Fame member Bruce Smith.

There is a little difference in the BIG GAME and Puppy Bowl – the latter is pre-taped in New York in November, then edited for major game highlights that viewers can’t help but fall in love with.

Puppy Bowl Preview begins Sunday  at 2:30 p.m. Eastern on Animal Planet, with the actual Bowl getting underway at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.