The Morning Briefing - November 17, 2016
ATLANTIC CITY - The closing luncheon at the annual League of Municipalities meeting in Atlantic City today was supposed to be Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno's big opportunity to break out of the large shadow she's been living under for the last seven years. But Guadagno just learned what it means to be Big Footed. Gov. Christie, who has skipped the luncheon every year during his second term, has decided to give the keynote speech instead. If he does leave for a job in DC, it may be his last opportunity to speak before a large gathering of New Jerseyans who have to listen to him because, even though he has one foot out the door, he is still governor after all.
ATLANTIC CITY - When Trump haters claim that the President-elect left the city with these rotting, hulking eyesores that block the glorious ocean views, it is important to be fair and note they still have value. For example, seven cars were parked yesterday morning at the former Trump Plaza, with each motorist paying $7 to park for eight hours. So, we are talking $49 in revenue for the parking lot operator. And, for the sake of editorial balance, that's worth noting.
NEW BRUNSWICK - There were maybe up to 2,000 students, faculty and onlookers spilling out onto College Avenue yesterday, protesting what they perceive could become the nation's immigration policy in a Trump Administration. There were also plenty of Trump supporters, using the gathering to voice support for the new administration. It all made for a busy scene, with chants of "No Trump! No KKK, no racist USA!" Unclear how such rhetoric moves us all forward. But, great headlines, huh? TapInto New Brunswick was in the middle of the mess. Read more here.
NEWARK - Habitat for Humanity Newark & Greater Elizabeth gets plenty of corporate support for its work. And, sometimes, it gets some real star power. This week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former NFL player Warrick Dunn surprised a Habitat resident in the South Ward. Beatrice McKay, a single parent and Liberian refugee, thought she was meeting to close on her house. Instead, she walked into a full-fledged event and was showered with home furnishings, appliances, groceries and $5,000 toward her down payment, courtesy of Warrick Dunn Charities. But, alas, no Giants tickets.
SOUTH ORANGE - So, really, what harm could be done by telling the auto shop that you are a cop and should get a discount? Apparently that little lie is taken pretty seriously, as a 35-year-old man was convicted of impersonating a cop and is getting thrown in the slammer. The story unfolded Feb. 5, 2014, when he scored a discount at the garage by saying he was a Newark police detective, NJ 101.5 reports. But the shop owner sensed something fishy and called the real cops, who found him in possession of a police badge and several Fraternal Order of Police cards. He is looking at 18 years in prison. Our suggestion: don't bring in the badge.
PATERSON - It isn't exactly the Thomas Crown Affair, but city police are scratching their heads over how a 170-year-old painting of the Great Falls vanished from the Paterson Museum. This museum seems to operate on the honor system. So, it doesn't bother with any of those pricey, newfangled security cameras. The unsigned, untitled oil-on-wood painting, worth about $9,000, was on loan for an upcoming exhibit from a retired Woodland Park plumber who collects 19th century Paterson artifacts. Museum director Giacomo DeStefano told the Paterson Press. "I don't see how you can get a painting out of here without anyone noticing." Seriously? Get cameras.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
THE DEATH STAR - Princess Leia is finally breaking her silence about her romance with Han Solo 40 years ago. Actually, more accurately, it was Carrie Fisher finally spilling the beans on her three-month romance with Harrison Ford during the shooting of Star Wars. She was 19; he was the 33-year-old married father of two. Oof. "It's been 40 years!" Fisher said. "How much longer could I wait?" No comment from Chewbacca.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1970 that launched the Great American Smokeout, the annual event that encourages people to stop killing themselves to look cool. About 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes; tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. C'mon people.
WORD OF THE DAY
Jejune [jih-JOON] - adjective
Definition: Devoid of significance or interest
Example: With chants of "Dump Trump" on the dance floor, as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka threw a marathon dance party at a darkened Caesars club last night, this was no jejune event.
WEATHER IN A WORD
Sweet