The Jaffe Briefing - December 11, 2017
OUR TAKE ON THE NEWS IN NEW JERSEY
TRENTON - Phil Murphy has a message for Gov. Chris Christie: Stop spending. Politico reports of a private letter sent to the outgoing governor, with Murphy expressing deep concerns about the well-publicized budget hole - around $1.8 billion or so - and asking Christie to freeze any discretionary spending. Rather than just saying, "Sure, Phil," Christie penned a four-page response, disputing everything and claiming the budget to be in "good shape." Christie writes, "As you might imagine, I was shocked to be informed that your personal letter to me (along with a wonderful handwritten note at the bottom) has come into the possession of the press before I was even able to craft a reply." Politiconotes the outrageously insulted Christie sent a similar letter, with the same request, to his predecessor, Jon Corzine.
NEW BRUNSWICK - If your Rutgers professor is believed to be anti-Semitic, you are no longer required to take that professor's courses. If you work with a known anti-Semite at Rutgers, you are no longer required to work directly with that individual. While this might seem like obvious HR handbook stuff, the guidelines are part of Rutgers' response to Prof. Michael Chikindas, who found himself in hot water following anti-Semitic remarks he is believed to have posted on social media, TAPInto New Brunswick reports. All this begs the question: why not just fire any known racists?
MAPLEWOOD - Hear all that quiet in town? That's because of a controversial leaf blower ban. But, as people rake their leaves and quietly hum a tune, the real noise is in the courts. The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, as well as a gaggle of landscaping companies, are obviously concerned other towns will follow Maplewood's ordinance. They dashed off a lawsuit against Maplewood leaders, claiming discrimination. What really ticks off the landscapers is that the rule only seems to apply to them. Residents, non-commercial associations and even the town's DPW can use the noisy machines,NJ.com reports. If you are going to pass a law, it should be universal.
ATLANTIC CITY - Not only are investors spending $500 million or soto create the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, opening next year at the former Trump Taj. But, as the Press of Atlantic City notes, these guys are also building a gas station, featuring a convenience store, gas pumps and a car wash. The enterprise will be called "Rockstop,"and perhaps if the President opened a bunch of "Trumpstops" in the 1980s, he could still be a high-flying casino mogul, as opposed to his current, lower-paying gig.
IN THE MEDIA
We often get calls and emails from news publications in New Jersey, accusing us of sourcing the wrong media outlet on these stories. We hear stuff like, "C'mon. We had that first! That's our story! What the hell?" With the Jaffe Briefing now reaching more than 20,000 targeted subscribers in government, business and politics, we get it: The media wants the credit it deserves, and we are happy to give it. And, so, media, when you land a great scoop, send us the link at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . As we write this thing in the wee hours each morning, we'd sure appreciate some direction.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. Cory Booker has an idea to keep Trumpism from having a long-term effect on society: have Trump resign. Responding to Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's resignation announcement following multiple accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior, our junior senator believes Trump should follow suit in light of the president's long, documented history of alleged sexual malfeasance. "I just watched Al Franken do the honorable thing and resign. Why isn't Donald Trump doing the same thing?" Booker asked Vice News. Legitimate question, to remain unanswered.
Reuters is kicking off a national debate this morning, trying to ascertain what was the absolute weirdest story of 2017. The wire service believes the President's odd tweet in May, in which he introduced the word "covfefe" with zero explanation, deserves to be tops.
But, digging into our archives, what about?
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March: In Austin, Texas, when cops were tipped off to an illegal brothel, when hundreds of condoms were discovered clogging city sewer pipes.
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April: Millions watched via webcam as a giraffe gave birth to a calf at Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, NY.
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May: Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, in her early 80s, performed burlesque in a gown and feather boa to raise cash for a dance company, three years after being released from prison for bribery.
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July: U.S. border patrol found three deadly king cobra snakes hidden in Pringles containers.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 2014 that Boston discovered a time capsule from 1798, the year Congress made it illegal to write, publish, or utter false or malicious statements about the U.S. government. Trump's response? "Hmmm. Tell me more about this little law," know as the "Alien and Sedition Acts."
WORD OF THE DAY
Orphic - [OR-fik] - adjective
Definition: Fascinating, entrancing
Example: Our President believes he has orphic wisdom, even marveling himself.
WEATHER IN A WORD
Bundleupable