The Jaffe Briefing - January 31, 2018
OUR TAKE ON THE NEWS IN NEW JERSEY
NEWARK - If it wasn't for the video on social media, no one would believe an airline passenger tried to board a peacock on a United flight. A Brooklyn woman brought a big peacock named "Dexter" to Newark Liberty International Airport for "emotional support" and plunked down money for a second ticket. But United Airlines obviously said "no way." That's because you can't upcharge a peacock. It has no baggage, it doesn't drink alcohol and likely won't order anything other than the free peanuts. You also can't charge for extra leg room, because, well, the bulk of the bird is really in the body. United Airlines also likely expressed concern that the peacock is not a frequent flier, and would have no problem travelling on a competing airline. So, with all these indisputable facts, the bird was not permitted past the ticketing area.
OFF THE RAILS - Likely, "Dexter the Peacock" would also face resistance trying to board a NJ Transit train, as the troubled rail agency can't take much more bad PR at the moment. Yesterday was supposed to be a great day, as Gov. Phil Murphy appeared at the New Brunswick Train Station to nominate the next sacrificial lamb, er, we mean "executive director," charged with fixing the mess. It came at the same time as state transportation officials reported the rail agency has yet to install a crash prevention system, following the fatal crash in Hoboken in September 2016. The report was depressing, if not unexpected; as NJ Transit riders know what it means to be behind schedule.
ON THE RAILS - And don't expect to find ol' Dex on a PATH train either. NJ.com says the PATH trains are more crowded than ever, with a record number of people squeezing on in 2017, for the squeaky, bumpy, completely-unpleasant ride under the Hudson. There were 82.8 million riders last year, likely because of all the uncertainty if the NJ Transit trains would actually show up. One reason for the bump was that the Morris & Essex line was rerouted to Hoboken over the so-called "summer of hell," directing 900,000 more people toward the PATH.
YOUR PAYCHECK - Ah, got your attention with this one, eh? Well, because of our benevolent leader, we are all getting more take-home pay. The federal treasury has released new withholding tables, showing 80-90 percent of workers should see a small bump in pay beginning in the next couple of weeks. Of course, President Trump acts as if this is some sort of generous gift, from him to you. But, let's remember, it is actually your money to begin with. Anyway, figure if you are married and earn $50,000, Uncle Sam will let you keep about $1,000 more of your money, or about $42.16 per check. According to the President, now is the time to go on a spending spree. Have fun, remember your generous pal in Washington who "gave" you the extra cash and make sure to check out the exciting array of new Trump umbrellas, now on sale for 2018.
ON THE ROAD - The good folks at AAA (automobiles, not alcoholics) agree: New Jersey is a challenging place to drive. AAA tells NJ 101.5 that our motorists often engage in completely-avoidable behavior, like texting while driving or speeding. And we also have to deal with potholes, especially in the winter. AAA was responding to a random survey, concluding that New Jersey is the ninth-worst state to drive, when you consider all the traffic, construction and cost. The silver lining: New Jersey is a "top 10" state when it comes to the number of auto mechanics and car washes. The worst state to drive? Hawaii, where they haven't gotten around to building roads. The best state? Texas, because there is nothing to hit other than a wayward cow.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was on this day in 2014 that savvy investors finally acknowledged Facebook isn't a crazy fad, with earnings pushing the stock up 16 percent. That year, Facebook had 755 million users and a 76 percent increase in ad revenue to $3.34 billion.
Now? Facebook has 1.32 billion daily users and reaches 22 percent of the world's population. There's 400 people who sign up every minute, with the average user visiting the site eight times a day.
On Sept. 4, 2012, you could have bought a share of Facebook for $17.55. Today, that share is worth $187. You sap.
INFOGRAPHIC OF THE DAY
WORD OF THE DAY
Irrupt - [ehr-RUPT] - verb
Definition: To rush in forcibly or violently
Example: "Dexter the Peacock" irrupted into the airport food court, hoping to find the latest bi-monthly issue of Birding magazine.
WEATHER IN A WORD
Shiverous