The Morning Briefing - July 6, 2015
NEW BRUNSWICK – The lead story across the world is how a former Rutgers soccer player led the U.S. women’s team to the World Cup championship, routing Japan yesterday. The Rutgers star – Carli Lloyd – scored a hat trick and this Rutgers star was the MVP and this Rutgers star is now considered the best soccer player in the world of women’s soccer. Lloyd, by the way, played at Rutgers.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – First, it was the water. Then it was the wind. And that is why the Seaside Heights fireworks show fizzled this year. The no-show began Saturday when workers placed the fireworks closer to the surf to follow state-mandated safety regulations. Then the waves came, soaking it all. The event was rescheduled for last night, with high hopes, but then the winds were too strong, cancelling the show again. Maybe next year.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL – Gov. Chris Christie says he can run for President and tackle all the impossible issues in New Jersey because he “can walk and chew gum at the same time.” Gotta love the hubris. But a Monmouth University poll shows voters are skeptical the man can actually handle a 140-hour workweek. The poll shows 57 percent of New Jersey residents think Christie should resign, while 71 percent think he can’t do both full-time jobs. Meanwhile, Christie vows to somehow fix Atlantic City and solve the health and pension mess, working his cell phone from whatever time zone he may be campaigning in.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL – As the U.S. and Iran hammer out negotiations on a controversial deal about Iran’s nuclear program, Gov. Chris Christie hit CBS this morning to tell President Obama to walk away from the bargaining table. Christie said the President is more focused on his legacy and is eager for a deal, rather than what is best for America. Christie wants more international sanctions on Iran, squeezing its economy further, and doing whatever it takes to avoid giving this crazy government a nuclear weapon. Iran, meanwhile, still maintains its nuclear program is for “peaceful purposes.” Of course, this is a grossly oversimplified summary of years of negotiations and hundreds of years of Middle Eastern politics, but we found a way to tie Christie into the international news of the day.
ATLANTIC CITY – It looks as if the casinos will be given a little break from the salivating rush of competition in northern New Jersey, as it appears there will not be a question on the November ballot asking voters if gambling should be extended beyond Atlantic City. The Wall Street Journal reports that lawmakers have told developers and union heads that the referendum won’t happen, sparking frustration from those dreaming of thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in perceived profits up north. But expect that ballot question next year – the only sure bet in this modern-day gold rush.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
NEW YORK – While the big weekend sports story is about how a Rutgers star led the U.S. team to the Women’s World Cup, there was some other tremendous news. Finally, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut was defeated at the Fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Nathan's Famous in Coney Island. Matt Stonie shocked the competitive eating world and thwarted Chestnut’s efforts for a ninth straight victory. Stonie was able to shovel down 62 hot dogs and buns, beating Chestnut by two. Of interest, both these super eaters are from San Jose, California, making us wonder what the high school cafeteria must be like.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was one year ago today that pizza franchise owners cheered, as Washington state officials legalized marijuana for recreational use.
WORD OF THE DAY
Troglodyte – noun
Definition: Someone who lives in a cave.
Example: “I was once able to avoid paying New Jersey taxes as a troglodyte, but then someone mailed a bill to my cave.”