The Morning Briefing - April 28, 2015
HOWELL - Stewart's Root Beer Drive-In has been known as the quintessential drive-thru. But two motorists took it a little too far at lunchtime yesterday; a pick-up somehow flipped and sent a Honda Civic crashing through the restaurant, as people tried to drink their frosted mugs of root beer. The Asbury Park Press reports that injuries were minor, miraculously, although "Stewart's Root Beer Drive-In" may want to change its name to "Stewart's Park Your Car at a Safe Distance and Walk in Slowly."
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - While the official line remains that Gov. Chris Christie is still deciding if he will run for President, many see his wife's decision to sacrifice her $500,000-a-year finance job as a strong indication an announcement is forthcoming. The official line from the Christie camp is that Mary Pat Christie wants to spend more time with her family. Can't we just get a straight explanation, minus the spin-doctoring? We suggest: "As everyone on the planet knows, my husband is considering a run for President. If and when that happens, it would be impossible to keep my job." Why be coy?
WARREN - The dangers of supplemental mattresses in soft-sided play yards was the focus of a NBC report last night, focusing on the non-profit "Keeping Babies Safe" organization in Warren, which has been fighting for an industry-wide ban of mattresses repeatedly known to suffocate babies. Hopefully, this report will wake some people up.
NEWARK - Two decades ago, all were amazed at the $354 million spent on a three-mile monorail loop at Newark Liberty International Airport. All have been amazed at the many malfunctions over the years and then a report in 2011 that the whole system is unreliable. Now, it is amazing the Port Authority wants to replace the thing with something shiny and brand new. The cycle begins Thursday, when the Port Authority decides if it will spend $70 million on consultants and studies. Amazing.
BASKING RIDGE - Many are running to the aid of earthquake victims in Nepal, where 4,000 are reported dead. Verizon is offering free calls and texts from the U.S. to Nepalese numbers through May 1, as people desperately try to connect. Moreover, the Verizon Foundation will match employees' donations of $25 of more to the American Red Cross and World Vision to support the relief efforts. Want to help? Reach the World Vision by texting NEPAL to 777444 or the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
LAWRENCE, Kan. - An old football player from the University of Kansas figured he scored his final touchdown after returning from World War II. Yet the 89-year-old got to feel that old glory over the weekend, running for a touchdown in an alumni scrimmage. Sure, the Kansas City Star has to be a real downer, reporting that his much younger opponents may have intentionally missed a tackle or two. But they still showered him with hugs and some gentle pats on the back, as to not displace a hip.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was one year ago today that Microsoft identified a security issue with Internet Explorer. No real big deal - except that hackers were able to seize control of your computer and everything stored on it. The flaw affected Internet Explorer's versions 6-11, good news for stubborn grandma who refused to update the browser installed on her computer in 2004.
WORD OF THE DAY
Gastromancy - noun
Definition: Telling fortune from the rumblings of the stomach.
Example: "I was going to major in journalism, but I figure there are better career prospects in gastromancy."