The Morning Briefing - October 9, 2015
TRENTON - Sometimes, it's good to get in the governor's crosshairs. NJ.com reports that Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) - who Gov. Chris Christie famously referred to as "numbnuts" - has fully embraced his nickname. In fact, in his bio, Gusciora proudly refers to himself as the "numbnuts legislator," and is happy to share his nickname as he travels nationally and internationally for instant recognition. On Nov. 3, Re-elect Numbnuts.
MARGATE - Hats off to the PR department at PETA, which continually finds ways to squeeze the animal protection organization into the media. This time, PETA is embracing the financial woes of "Lucy the Elephant," which needs $58,000 in repairs. PETA will pony up cash to help fund the project, if the Margate landmark becomes a "spokes-elephant" for elephants forced into circus work. Or, the "Save Lucy Committee" could continue to fundraise on its own, and keep politics away from a friendly tourist attraction that has happily existed for 134 years without "sending a message."
MORE FROM MARGATE - Days after Gov. Chris Christie called the residents of Margate "among the most selfish people" in New Jersey for fighting against the state's dune project, the state is now going to court to seize 87 public beach parcels. The town argues its wooden bulkheads are perfectly fine to handle flooding, noting that the state's $29,000 offer for the land is a joke. Meanwhile, 10 private landowners are also fighting the dunes, rolling the dice for the next huge hurricane. PETA may want to buy "Lucy the Elephant" a snorkel.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - Pretty soon, we will be hearing from a gaggle of politicians who actually want to be governor of New Jersey. Among the many, many unaddressed issues is the stagnant job growth in the state, compared with that of neighboring states. NJBiz reports the state added only 1,600 private-sector jobs in September. Meanwhile, New York added 12,900 jobs and Pennsylvania 6,000. With so many pressing issues - following no real race for governor in 2013 - now is the time to hear from lawmakers with real solutions. And if they don't have any, please get out of the way.
BASKING RIDGE - If you are doing nothing Sunday morning, skip that third bowl of Lucky Charms and head over to Harry Dunham Park in Basking Ridge for the annual "Keeping Babies Safe" 5K run/walk, with honorary chair Sen. Tom Kean, Jr. The event raises money to buy safe, modern cribs for low-income families who are often stuck buying old, beat-up items on Craigslist. Get there by 9:30 a.m., bring the family and support a great cause.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
IN THE CUBICLE - As the nation's employees are consumed this morning with final adjustments to their fantasy football teams, a new report shows that "employee distraction" can cost the economy $16 billion in lost wages. But that's not necessarily all bad, researchers are claiming. Rather than cry over a lost deal or an angry client, employers should embrace these distractions as they create a happier workforce. The Morning Briefing attempted to get more information from researchers - now unavailable as they await Bears WR Alshon Jeffery's injury report.
NEWARK - A hearty congratulations to our own Bruno Tedeschi, who is getting married this weekend to Emily Root. The blushing couple has selected the Newark Club to exchange vows in front of family, friends and clients who have quickly become friends. The honeymoon begins at the Hotel Indigo.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1992 that 18-year-old Michelle Knapp was watching TV in her parents' living room in Peekskill, NY, where she heard a thunderous crash. Running outside, she saw that a meteor crashed into the family's orange 1980 Chevy Malibu. That car sold for $10,000, now on display in New York, Paris, Munich and Tokyo.
WORD OF THE DAY
Pilgarlic - noun
Definition: A baldhead, apparently resembling peeled garlic
Example: When Donald Trump awakes each morning, there must be one, incredible pilgarlic.