AWW, snap! – COFFEE BREAK
TUESDAY, New York City –
Starbucks employees Tracy Bryant and Roland Smith watch as manager Justin Chapple demonstrates the proper way to make an espresso at a Starbucks in New York. The coffee giant shut down nearly 7,100 U.S. shops for three hours to retrain baristas on espresso basics. The shops welcomed back customers Wednesday with a new promise posted in stores: “Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we’ll make it right.”
LEAP YEAR LESSONS
Friday wasn’t just another Friday. It was leap day, when we add an extra day to the calendar every four years to keep us in sync with the Gregorian calendar. Here are five other factoids about leap years.
1. Among other superstitions and strange traditions attributed to Feb. 29, women have been encouraged to propose to men on the rarest day of the Gregorian calendar.
2.On Feb. 29, 1960: Hugh Hefner (right) opened the first Playboy Club. Featuring scantily clad Bunny Girls, the Chicago nightspot quickly became a hit. The rest, of course, is history.
3. Even among leap-year days, Friday was special: It was the first five-Friday February since 1980. Another won’t occur until 2036.
4. The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are 1 in 1,461.
5. In the U.S., about 200,000 people share a Feb. 29 birthday.
– L.A. Daily News, Baltimore Sun
POP QUIZ
It’s been awhile. Have you been slacking on your pop culture?
1. Madonna is set to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10. Which singer is set to do the inducting honors?
a.Justin Timberlake
b. Timbaland
c.Britney Spears
2. Which “Office Space” star will be appearing on “Desperate Housewives”?
a.Gary Cole
b.Jennifer Aniston
c.Ron Livingston
3. Which star’s appearance at the Spirit Awards last week had baby-bump watchers buzzing?
a.Jessica Alba
b.Cate Blanchett
c.Angelina Jolie
4. Which former Chicago comedian played “Fauxbama” on “SNL’s” return to TV last weekend?
a.Tina Fey
b.Fred Armisen
c.Seth Meyers
5. In this week’s issue, Us Weekly has an interview with Barack Obama. What question did he refuse to answer?
a.Do his daughters listen to Britney Spears?
b.Would he change his middle name?
c.Boxers or briefs?
SAY WHAT?
“I suspected Jimmy was on the down low for a long time now. I wish I could say I was surprised by this.”
SARAH SILVERMAN
[ about boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel’s “I’m [bleeping] Ben Affleck” video, part of a mock feud between the two comedians ]HEAT INDEX
RedEye takes the temperature of current events
Will Ferrell
Another sports comedy? ‘Fro no he didn’t!
Oprah
Is “Oprah’s Big Give” reality show bordering on O-verload?
‘Idol’ vote off
Riveting, as always. But seriously, what is up with the crying, people?
Beards
Attack of the manimals.
Skunks as pets
“They’re very intelligent,” one owner says. Ugh. We don’t care if they do housework — they’re skunks.
THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES – NIU may rebuild hall where shooting took place
– Zell: I would sell Wrigley naming rights – Chicago bicyclist killed in street race
– Jamie Lynn Spears passes GED exam – Ralph Nader jumps into presidential race
– Drew Peterson says he’s psychologically ready for arrest
