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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jul 1, 2016
July 1, 2016
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Posturing, Posing, Polling and Press Releases:
Most Americans are horrified by the choices for president, but things may be worse than we ever imagined. The wacky kids over at Public Policy Polling took a nationwide survey asking people to choose between HILLARY CLINTON, DONALD TRUMP or (wait for it...) a giant meteor hitting the Earth and the space rock would receive 13-percent of the vote! Mrs. Clinton is sitting pretty with 43-percent, Mr. Trump with 38-percent and six-percent were undecided.
Like any serious candidate, the "Sweet Meteor O'Death" has a strong social media presence and thanked "human supporters" for the kind words and may reconsider ending our species, after all. (Lee)Bad weekend to drive:
Just a reminder --this weekend is the worst weekend of the year to drive if you'd like to avoid an accident.
In the most recent rankings, January first (probably the wee, morning hours when everybody is coming back from one of those drunken New Year's Eve parties) is the worst time of all to drive.
But Saturday (Jul 02) ranks ninth in total crashes, Sunday (Jul 03) is third and Monday (Jul 04) came in second. All told, this holiday is the worst one of the year, and it's verified by the Insurance Information Institute as well. Labor Day weekend qualifies as a close second.
In fact, after New Years and July Fourth, the remaining 13 worst days are mostly all in the summer months, so unfortunately it would appear that warm weather, trips to the beach, and BBQ all correlate with automobile collisions. But 41 percent of the deaths on July fourth involved people with high blood alcohol concentrations, as did 51 percent of the deaths on January first. Also, more motorcyclists are killed on July Fourth than any other day.
So, mark your calendars and remember to drive carefully. And never, ever, get behind the wheel of car while intoxicated.Guilty Pleasures:
No winner in Tuesday night's drawing for the Mega Millions Lottery. That means tonight's drawing is valued at $415 million ($286 million cash value). It's the third largest prize in Mega Millions history. Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands. Chances of winning the big prize are one in 258.9 million.
On, off and way-off-Broadway:
A stage musical is in the works based on the HBO vampire series, "True Blood." The New York Post says there was an industry workshop in New York City recently with a cast that included ELLEN FOLEY. She was the original MEAT LOAF girl on his classic tune, "Paradise By The Dashboard Light." And that's all the info, so far, fang bangers! (Marino)
Diseases and Dat Boid Flu:
Scientists at the Salk Institute say they have discovered that the main compound found in marijuana may help reduce a toxic protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's causes brain degeneration and memory loss, usually in older adults. The Daily Beast says this is the first time scientists have found evidence that THC --the active ingredient in marijuana-- can reduce both inflammation and the buildup of the amyloid beta protein linked to Alzheimer's. (Bartha)
Editor's note: In other words, your brain will function just fine, but you'll always want a snack...! (RB) -
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