The Morning Briefing - October 2, 2015
DOWN THE SHORE – Well, with Hurricane Joaquin heading elsewhere, meterologists are quick to note that we are not out of the woods. There will be rain, high winds and coastal flooding. Translation: a few days of rain – which is actually news after the dry summer. Meanwhile, New Jersey remains in a “State Of Emergency,’’ with possible evacuations. Gov. Chris Christie may roll out his signature fleece to meet today with people who know stuff about bad weather. Perhaps this could be a well-timed return to glory, which he experienced the days after Sandy. (Does Christie control our weather, too?)
ON THE RAILS – This may sound terrifically boring, but a key step has been announced for the construction of that desperately needed rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The Record says NJ Transit will lead the environmental review, while Amtrak will do the preliminary engineering. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Transportation is promising to “speed approval” of environmental permits for what will become a $20 billion project to double train service into Manhattan. Does this mean a groundbreaking next year or in five years? No clue, but glad to see the feds take charge.
EAST RUTHERFORD – Everything could soon be awesome, as a Legoland Discovery Center will be coming to the American Dream super mega-mall under ongoing construction in the Meadowlands. The Record reports it will be part of this super mega entertainment complex, with an aquarium; an indoor water and amusement park; an indoor skiing and snowboarding hill; an NHL-sized hockey rink, and a 287-foot observation wheel. There are also 2 million square feet of retail, to ensure that every feasible shopping opportunity is available within the NY metro area. Sounds super and mega.
HOPEWELL – It’s been 83 years since the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped and killed, and we are still talking about it. Did Richard Hauptmann really kidnap the baby in East Amwell in March 1932? Were there accomplices? Tonight, historian James Davidson will be presenting 12 separate theories about what could have happened and even has some rarely seen photos. History buffs won’t want to miss the big show at 7 p.m. tonight at the Hopewell Borough Train Station, where they will likely leave more confused than ever about the Jersey murder case that gripped America.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
ORLANDO, FL. – Condolences are pouring into a local wildlife clinic this morning, as all are mourning the senseless death of “Ozzie the Bald Eagle,” murdered by a jealous bald eagle who had been making the moves on Ozzie’s longtime girlfriend, Harriet. Ozzie and this other bird, known as “Frequent Visitor” had a colossal aerial battle on Sept. 20, Reuters notes, with Ozzie suffering a fatal heart attack. The fight was prompted by Frequent Visitor, caught circling Harriet’s nest as the mating season began. Bald eagles, like humans, often mate for life, we have learned, and Ozzie and Harriet had been together for 20 years, raising children. Frequent Visitor is a true nest-wrecker.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
As Yankee and Mets fans continue to mourn the passing of Yogi Berra, lets all remember that it was this day in 1947 when he became the first player to pinch-hit a homer in the World Series.
WORD OF THE DAY
Expergefactor - noun
Definition: An item that wakes you up, like an alarm clock, or the garbage truck or maybe that nagging spouse who is quick to note you’ve been sleeping until the crack of noon.
Example: “Damn you all, you expergefactors!”