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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jan 15, 2015
January 15, 2015
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The President at play:
PRESIDENT OBAMA used a stop in Iowa on Wednesday to outline his administration's plans to expand high-speed Internet access around the country by pre-empting state laws that restrict the expansion of city-owned broadband networks. He said, "In too many places across America, some big companies are doing everything they can to keep out competitors."
He added, "Today in 19 states we've got laws on the books that stamp out competition, and make it really difficult for communities to provide their own broadband the way you guys are." (Pacelli)Trolling for publicity:
Hey ladies --are you bound and determined to find Mr. Right in 2015? ANNA KENDRICK is here to help with a bit of love advice. The "Pitch Perfect" star reveals in O magazine that: "If you tell a guy you don't like being tickled and he tickles you anyway, that's a red flag."
Phone starter: Worst red flag you simply ignored? (Lee)On, off and way-off Broadway:
It's now official. VANESSA HUDGENS will make her Broadway debut in a revival of the musical, "Gigi." The Hollywood Reporter says the show will move into the Neil Simon Theater in the spring. STING's "The Last Ship" will close there on January 24th. Previews begin March 19th for "Gigi," and opening night is April 6th. Vanessa is doing the show now in previews at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The show opens there on January 29th. Vanessa is filling some rather famous petite shoes for the musical. AUDREY HEPBURN played "Gigi" in its initial Broadway run, and LESLIE CARON starred in the classic 1958 movie. (Marino)
Grace notes:
JUSTIN BIEBER met KEITH RICHARDS... and the universe did not implode! US magazine says Justin was on Parrot Cay island in Turks and Caicos over New Year's when he sat down at a tiny bar on the beach. An old guy knocking 'em back said, "Who the f--k are you?" Justin shot back, "I don't know, who the f--k are you?" The old man said, "You're a man. I respect that," then walked away.
Then, a few minutes later, some other old guy walks up to Justin and says, "Keith Richards wants to have a drink with you." Justin suddenly realized who he just dissed and said, "Oh s--t! That was Keith Richards?" So, the two celebs had a few drinks together and no one got hurt. But, one source claims Keith told Justin, "Let's get one thing straight. You're a wannabe." They allegedly exchanged phone numbers! The most unlikely BFF's, EVER!
FYI: It looks like Justin is working in the studio with producer RICK RUBIN. Justin's manager SCOOTER BRAUN Instagrammed a photo of them together yesterday. (Marino)Animal Stories:
A young couple is lucky to be alive after their car was attacked by an elephant.
The couple was driving their Mercedes through the Khao Yai wildlife sanctuary near Bangkok, Thailand. About that time, a frisky bull elephant started rubbing itself against vehicles in the area. Witnesses say the pachyderm became even more agitated when the couple stopped in the road right in front of it. The elephant plopped itself down right on top of the couple's car, then ripped the hood off with its tusks.
The pair managed to escape with their lives, but their car was totaled. (Still) -
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