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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jan 8, 2013
January 8, 2013
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Culture Shock:
How's this for a change of pace? Instead of Casual Fridays, Formal Fridays.
The Wall Street Journal says that a select number of hip, nonconformist companies are going with Formal, or Corporate Fridays, encouraging everyone to dust off their suit, ties, and dresses ahead of the weekend. Practitioners include such well-known companies as Zynga, Peet's Coffee, and even Facebook.
"There may be a drop of irony to it," says one Facebook designer. "But more than that I think it's a nod to the culture of transcending corporate politics." Plus, he adds, "sometimes you just want to bring the heat for no particular reason at all, and Corporate Friday is your opportunity to suit up."
Some companies say the attire makes them more productive as well. "I feel like a banker," says the CEO of one startup. (Maiman)What's the Buzz:
Are we surprised that an anti-gay rally inspired a pro-gun rally?
Gun-rights activists say last year's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" has motivated them to make Jan 19 "Gun Appreciation Day." Organizers want Americans to visit gun shows, gun ranges and gun stores that Saturday, two days before PRESIDENT OBAMA's second inauguration. They picked the date to "send a message to Washington" at a time of the "Obama administration's post-Sandy Hook assault on gun rights."
And that "assault" is in the works, apparently. The Washington Postsays Obama's team is considering a much broader approach to gun legislation than just reviving the assault-weapons ban. With the support of law enforcement leaders, JOE BIDEN's working group is weighing universal background checks for gun buyers, weapons-tracking through a nationwide database, higher mental-health barriers, and greater punishment for Americans who make guns available to minors. (Maiman)Trash talk and satellite dish:
Did KIM KARDASHIAN actually say no to a three-million-dollar paycheck? Sources tell TMZ.com the reality darling and baby daddy KANYE WEST were offered the cool sum for their little one's first pictures by an overseas tabloid. Rumor has it the rapper doesn't want to cash in on the photos, but they could change their mind if the price continues to rise. (Lee)
Gossip Central: Tabloids:
KRISTIN CHENOWITH is planning for the future. According to Star magazine, the actress, who's 44, has frozen her eggs so she can have kids. She's gotten super serious with former "Bachelor" JAKE PAVELKA and thinks he'll make a great daddy but she doesn't want to scare him off by talking babies already. (Myers)
On, off and way-off Broadway:
"Mary Poppins" is pooped! Playbill.com says the hit Broadway musical will close in March after a six-year run. But, Disney already has another show ready for the New Amsterdam Theater. It's a new musical based on the animated film, "Aladdin." (Marino)
Broadcast, cable and video news:
Tonight is the night JIMMY KIMMEL and ABC join the late night wars.
Kimmel will go head-to-head at 11:35 pm with "The Tonight Show" and JAY LENO on NBC and DAVID LETTERMAN over on CBS.
Since Jimmy is just 45, he makes a big impression with the younger demos who think both Letterman and Leno (65 and 62 respectively) are too old or have lost their edge. Plus, Jimmy has had the necessary exposure: hosting the Emmys, entertaining at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner and more.
One small problem for Jimmy --since he and Jay both broadcast from LA, they will be fighting over the same guest pool, while Letterman has his own guests in New York City.
But it doesn't seem to be hurting him yet --JENNIFER ANISTON guests tonight with NO DOUBT and SOFIA VERGARA, Dr OZ, BRUNO MARS, and CHRIS PAUL of the LA Clippers are scheduled later this week. -
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