Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Fast Food:

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, and Rita's Italian Ice stores are giving away one free, regular-sized Italian Ice in the available flavor of their choice to commemorate the arrival of spring. A spokesperson for Rita's says they're expecting more than a million people to take advantage of the offer.
   The company is also taking advantage of the freebie to introduce its new "Peeps" Italian Ice.
   For more, click HERE.

Drug Bust of the Day:

Cops in Poland were in the middle of arresting a suspected female drug dealer when they got a big surprise.
   Ananova.com says, while the woman was being arrested, a 4-foot snake jumped out of her bra.
   Police say it appears the python had wrapped itself around the woman's (ahem) chest area.
   Cops say they had neglected to search the lady's bra because of privacy concerns.
   Editor's note: Now, that's what I call a bust! (Still)

Reality Round-Up:

Denied: yesterday's report that PAULA ABDUL could be the host and judge of a new version of "Star Search" --TheDailyBeast.com's KIM MASTERS says she's heard the show may not even come back to TV. ABC reportedly did make a rich offer to Paula --and her decision to pass is said to have stunned network executives.
   Now people are wondering whether she passed on the show to take a job with SIMON COWELL on his new show, "X Factor," next fall. FOX execs privately say she's too "high maintenance" and would rather Simon pass on her as well.

Broadcast, cable and video news:

Former "High School Musical" star ASHLEY TISDALE has picked up a new TV series.
   The Hollywood Reporter says she's signed on to co-star on the CW pilot, "Hellcats," where she'll play the peppy and fiercely intense captain of a college cheerleading squad. "Phil of the Future" star ALY MICHALKA (also of the singing duo, ALY & AJ) will play her roommate and a cheerleader as well.

The Reel Deal:

LADY GAGA may be starring in the next QUENTIN TARANTINO film. MTV News says the director is a big fan of the Gaga and thinks she would make a great sexy assassin on the big screen. The two reportedly met recently and chatted about a number of projects. (Marino)

Animal Stories part 1:

Ya know how the dog gets excited when you get ready to take him for a walk? What do you suppose he's thinking if you take him parachuting out of a plane?
   NATO forces are currently participating in one of Europe's biggest military exercises, and that includes paratroopers and dogs jumping out of planes from 10-thousand feet in what's called High Altitude High Opening missions.
   The dogs are specially trained to breathe through oxygen masks during the jump, carry cameras affixed to their heads, and attack anyone carrying a weapon. They also wear Kevlar body armor.
   (The photo, which you'll want to post, is priceless)
   A dog handler explained that you don't have to worry about Fido. "Dogs don't perceive height difference," he says, "so that doesn't worry them. They're more likely to be bothered by the roar of the engines, but once we're on the way down, that doesn't matter and they just enjoy the view." (Maiman)