Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Oct 6, 2011

Posturing, Posing and Press Releases:

SARAH PALIN made it official yesterday and announce she's not running for president, ending months of speculation for the remainder of people who still cared. She didn't specifically mention any future plans, but said she'll --quote-- "continue driving the discussion for freedom and free markets."
Editor's note: Another way of looking at this: Sarah Palin picks Chris Christie as her running mate for 2012. (Maiman)

Meanwhile, in a moment of candor, Fox News chief ROGER AILES admitted that he "hired Sarah Palin because she was hot and got ratings."
Editor's note: What, not because of her keen intellectual curiosity and political savvy? (Maiman)

Halloween Costumes:

A National Retail Federation survey says witches are going to be the most popular Halloween costume this year.
We mentioned earlier this week that trendy celebrity costumes in stores will include “Jersey Shore’s” SNOOKI and LADY GAGA. But your basic point-hatted witch is still the most popular costume for grown-ups. U-S-A Today says just over 13 percent of adults are planning to ride a broomstick October 31st.
For kids, princess costumes topped the list, but witches came in as the number two most popular outfit for children. Spider-Man took third place. And pirates took fourth.

Fashion Emergency:

A new study says that women who don’t wear make-up are perceived as less likeable and competent than women who use cosmetics.
A Harvard University professor partnered with Procter & Gamble for the study. They make Cover Girl and Max Factor cosmetics. So it’s worth questioning the research bias. But the findings are interesting.
Volunteers looked at four sets of photos of the same 25 women. In the first set, the women wore no make-up. They were also shown photos where the women wore make-up with “natural” “professional” and “glamorous” looks. The volunteers were then asked to rate the women on attractiveness, competency, likeability and trustworthiness. The women wearing no make-up scored lowest on all four counts. (Bartha)

Stars and their movies:

Although it's hard for people who remember "Perry Mason" to think of anyone other than RAYMOND BURR as the TV attorney, Daily Variety reports ROBERT DOWNEY, Jr, is looking to revive the character and transport the defense attorney into the movies.
The original series debuted on the radio in 1937, moved to TV in 1957 and was based on a series of novels by ERLE STANLEY GARDNER. It's still syndicated in many countries around the world.

Grace notes from Vinny Marino:

JUSTIN BIEBER's Christmas album is shaping up to be an all-star affair. The Hollywood Reporter says it's called "Under The Mistletoe," and MARIAH CAREY sings with Justin on a remake of her holiday classic, "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Justin's mentor, USHER, joins him for "The Christmas Song," with BUSTA RHYMES and THE BAND PERRY also lending their voices to the project. Look for the CD and a deluxe CD/DVD set on November 1st. (Marino)