The Jaffe Briefing - February 9, 2022
TRENTON – Hmm. That’s the big message from Trenton, where many are surmising that Gov. Phil Murphy strategically lifted the school mask mandate to generate national buzz – for himself. Yes, there has been plenty of whispers, as well as one or two opinion columns, suggesting Murphy is organizing ducks for a big run for President. The Record said the big mask announcement on Monday appeared like part “of a carefully orchestrated campaign rollout.” Why? Because the big news was leaked Sunday to The New York Times, with New Jersey media then getting the crumbs. The announcement was quickly the scrolling headline on CNN, prompting Murphy’s big announcement to go viral. It was all perfectly played for an eager beaver who, perhaps, is looking for some national exposure and redirecting the focus from what appears to be a very tired president.
TRENTON – And speaking of the spotlight, the governor hopes to soon be live and in person! Murphy wants to roll back his annual budget message until March 8, so he can appear in the Assembly chambers to discuss all the exciting priorities in the fiscal ’23 budget. Murphy is petitioning the Legislature to approve the two-week extension, so he can be back in front of lawmakers and lots more media for the first time in two years, Politico reports. It would be perfect timing; as he would appear just as the school mask mandate is lifted, certainly worth at least one or two standing ovations during what is typically a well-staged PR event.
JERSEY CITY – It is called the “Leaning Tower of Jersey City” and it could be yours for $2.5 million. The house at 170 Steuben St. is for sale, despite the fact that it is clearly tilting to its side. But since the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house is just two streets from the Grove Street PATH station, it has tremendous value, despite the extreme oddities. The irregular house and three parking spots sit on two irregularly-sized lots, with suggestions from Realtors that this “opportunity” could make for a great teardown. The city has deemed the house’s stability is “fine,” while the former resident said she could barely notice the tilt, as she keeps rolling to the left.
BRIEFING BREATHER
Full refrigerators are more energy efficient.
STATEWIDE – Will you have fun on Super Bowl Sunday? Guess it depends on the point spread, as it seems everyone, from your sister to your grandmother, has some bet riding on the big game. In fact, it is projected there are 31.5 million Americans with some wager, as the American Gaming Association is projecting more than $7.6 billion will be swapped between the Miller Lite and the corn salsa. America is gripped by gambling fever – with a jump of 35% in the number of Super Bowl bets from last year, with a wager increase of 78% from last year. We are talking about office pools, the side bets, the casino wagers, the apps, the back-alley bookies and even those high school kids who will bet on everything from the daily cafeteria menu to the anticipated color of Joey’s hoodie. Likely fueling the frenzy is that 30 states, as well as Washington DC, now offer legal gambling in an industry that has exploded. The latest: 55% believe the Rams win the coin flip.
IN OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
PORTLAND, MAINE – Got Moxie? It’s the official state soft drink of Maine, and it is in very short supply. Not because Maine residents can’t stop guzzling Moxie, which, in a personal opinion, tastes like decades-old cough medicine. The problem is the darn supply chain, delaying the delivery of Moxie concentrate for months. Moxie first hit the streets of Maine in the 19th century, when – to no great surprise – it was used as medicine, with crazy claims of health benefits. WGME reports that Moxie will be back on shelves, even part of a big Movie Festival returning in July, if, of course, supplies last of America’s worst-tasting soft drink.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
It was this day in 1989 that Miami Vice airs its 100th episode, a very big deal for those who prefer wearing linen suits with turquoise T-shirts and sandals.
WORD OF THE DAY
Belie – [bih-LYE] – verb
Definition: To give a false impression
Example: I’ve perfected this really casual smile. It belies the fact that I’ve no clue how to make flan for Valentine’s Day.
WIT OF THE DAY
“By adding three lies, one does not get the truth — only a bigger lie.”
- Slobodan Milosevic
BIDEN BLURB
“I think you're a damn war criminal and you should be tried as one.”
- Joe Biden (to Slobodan Milosevic)
WEATHER IN A WORD
Mild