The Jaffe Briefing - January 24, 2018
OUR TAKE ON THE NEWS IN NEW JERSEY
TRENTON - Marijuana, once again, is the smoldering debate in New Jersey. We have Gov. Phil Murphy dashing off his sixth executive order in seven days, looking to ease the state's overly-strict medical marijuana laws. And we have Rep. Frank Pallone on Capitol Hill, slamming Attorney General Jeff Sessions for sticking his beak into New Jersey and trying to derail the ongoing march toward the legalization of pot for recreational use. Pallone says the majority of the state's voters want legalization, evident in the election of Murphy. So, Sessions, go away.
PISCATAWAY - What does it say about the health of New Jersey's economy when even the state's self-described "doomster" is struggling for something bad to discuss? James Hughes, the well-quoted dean emeritus of Rutgers' Bloustein School, yesterday gave his annual economic forecast for the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and, unlike gloomy forecasts of the past, Hughes rattled off lots of good news, reports TAPInto New Brunswick. The country is enjoying the second longest economic expansion in history, the state has the greatest single-year addition of jobs in years, and there is this crazy expansion of the state's warehouse economy thanks to a "retail apocalypse" and an e-commerce revolution. The worst thing? Baby Boomers are gobbling up all the Social Security and people are fleeing Somerset County, looking to live someplace interesting.
WAYNE - Another well-known store will soon vanish from our highways, with Toys "R" Us announcing the closure of 12 locations in the state. It is all about sheer survival, as the company is trying to emerge from bankruptcy as a viable, 21st century business. It is all about "reinvention of the brand," at a time when people flock online to buy toys. Meanwhile, Geoffrey is wondering if Walmart may be looking for a friendly, cuddly mascot.
IN THE MEDIA
SECAUCUS - WWOR-TV - better known as Channel 9 - is required to cover northern New Jersey news under its FCC license. But when was the last time you tuned in to WWOR to get your local news? Sure, there is a show called Chasing News that some people watch at 11 p.m. weeknights, but Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez are demanding the TV station get serious about fulfilling its obligation to the FCC. Check out Chasing News here and decide if you agree with our senators about the quality of the local coverage.
ROME - Even the Pope is getting fed up with fake news. Earlier today, Pope Francis blasted the "evil" of all the liars out there, urging real news reporters to unmask these "snake tactics" that create division and manipulate public opinion. The pontiff says all the nonsense is spreading arrogance and hatred. Likely his breaking point will be when the media blindly reports that the Mets have invited Jesus to spring training for a tryout.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
TOKYO - We know people in Japan like things small, so no surprise the country is now home to the world's smallest fidget spinner. A local company has made the Guinness World Record book, with its tiny, .20-inch spinning toy. Unclear what kid, anywhere, would want this mini-spinner featuring a steel ball measuring 1.5 millimeters. Oooo, so much fun. On the other end of the spectrum is the largest fidget spinner in the world - since you asked. It was created in England, with a diameter of 11 feet.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1935 that everything changed: The first canned beer was unveiled, "Krueger Cream Ale." Finally, a boozy beverage that Americans could shotgun.
WORD OF THE DAY
Quodlibet - [kwod-luh-bet] - noun
Definition: A subtle or elaborate argument or point of debate
Example: Marty engaged in a quodlibet about how best we should all spend our big tax cuts that the President has generously given us.
WEATHER IN A WORD
So-so