Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Sep 28, 2011

Taking everything much too seriously:

A guy in New York has patented a popular pastime.
According to CNews, IGNACIO MARC ASPERAS is now the legal patent holder for "building the ultimate snowman." The patent application is a 25-page ordeal with exact instructions on how to create the perfect snowman. It even details how to make perfect "snow boulders" and which accessories --like hats and mittens --go best with the snowman.
No word on whether he plans to charge kids who use his design. (Still)

Health and Medical Briefs:

A new study finds a link between fatherhood and heart health. Researchers say being a father offers men some protection against heart disease.
Findings published in the journal Human Reproduction suggest that infertility could be a potential early warning sign of future heart problems. Scientists explain that since infertility affects a man’s health at a much younger age, these new findings could help doctors identify heart problems earlier, when something may be done to treat them. The study explains men without children are 17-percent more likely to die of heart disease than men who are fathers. (Page)

Reality Round-Up:

NJ Gov CHRIS CHRISTIE made it official, and vetoed the controversial $420-thosuand tax credit the New Jersey Development Authority had granted MTV for production costs on the highly-rated reality show, "Jersey Shore."
Christie, who’s been more than outspoken about the show, which he feels demeans the Garden State, released a statement saying "I have no interest in policing the content of such projects. However, as chief executive I am duty-bound to ensure that taxpayers are not footing a $420-thousand dollar bill for a project which does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens."
On the other hand, NJ.com has reported that the same program has already forked over the same kind of tax credits to the reality show, “Hell in a Cell at Newark,” several live wrestling shows, and KYRA SEDGEWICK’s independent film, “Chlorine.”

Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial:

The manslaughter trail of MICHAEL JACKSON's doctor began yesterday. Both sides gave their opening statements. Prosecutor DAVID WALGREN laid out the people's case against Dr. CONRAD MURRAY, which is basically that he killed Michael with an overdose of Propofol. But, some other stuff was revealed, too.
Dr. Murray wanted five-million dollars to look after Michael during the planned 50-concert run at London's O2 Arena, but he was only going to get $150-thousand dollars a month. And, Dr. Murray never told the paramedics or the hospital staff that he administered Propofol to Michael.
The prosecution opened its presentation with a photo of Michael, lying dead on a gurney. But, the most chilling item was an iPhone recordingDr. Murray made of Michael a month before his death.
The defense opened with its intention to prove that Michael Jackson caused his own death. Dr. Murray's lawyer, ED CHERNOFF, claimed that Michael swallowed eight Lorazepam pills, which could have put six people to sleep. Then, when Dr. Murray was out of the room, Michael took a large dose of the Propofol himself, which killed him instantly.
The first witness for the prosecution was choroegrapher KENNY ORTEGA, who directed what would have been the "This Is It" concerts, as well as the documentary of the same name. He tesitified that he knew Michael was (quote), "not right," but when he questioned Dr. Murray about it, Kenny got yelled at and was told that he was not a doctor so he didn't know anything.
Then came PAUL GONGAWARE, the CEO of concert promoter AEG Live. He said it was Michael who wanted to add another 21 shows to the 10 that sold out immediately after they went on sale. That would make 31 shows and Michael wanted to beat PRINCE's record of 21 concerts at the O2. Paul said that even after all 50 shows sold out, there were still another 250-thousand people who wanted tickets. (Marino)