Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

One toke over the line, dep't:

Will a Los Angeles Hotel become a favorite for marijuana users? L-A's KCAL-TV reports that the new owner of the Hotel Normandie hope to turn it into America's first "pot-friendly" resort.
   Owner JOHN EVANGELISTA was hoping for a big crowd at a fundraiser earlier this week to make the joint into a haven for pot users, but the turnout was bit less than expected. Evagelista told the station, "It's suppose to start at 11 p-m, which like I said is a little late for most potheads." (Pacelli)

Earth Day:

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
   In 1970, GAYLORD NELSON, then a U-S senator from Wisconsin, proposed a nationwide protest to put environmental issues on the national agenda. It's considered to be the birth of the modern environmental movement. Since its inception, over 20 million people have participated in annual gatherings to promote good environmental stewardship of the planet. It's now observed each year by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries. (Maiman)

Filling a need:

Everyone was buzzing yesterday about word that 7-Eleven plans to launch its own beer later this month, a custom brew they're calling "Game Day."
  Two varieties: A regular beer and a light beer with fewer calories and lower alcohol content. It'll sell for between $6.99 and $8.99 per 12-pack, and $1.49 for a 24-ounce can.
   They're marketing it as premium brew at a budget price. The 150-year-old City Brewery in La Crosse, WI, is making it.
   It's slated to sell in 42-hundred stores in 17 states in about two weeks, though it's already up for grabs in Oregon and Washington State.
   Editor's note: Will it be available in big gulp size? (Maiman)

Like you really care:

MARIAH CAREY is still a woman of discriminating tastes. TheSmokingGun.com got a hold of the diva's contract rider, which requests a 200-dollar-bottle of Opus One Cabernet Sauvignon be waiting for the singer backstage. Her green room also requires two-dozen white roses and two couches that are upholstered in a simple pattern. (Lee)

Today's police blotter:

Cops in Venezuela say they've arrested a couple for impersonating plastic surgeons.
   According to Reuters, the man and woman performed unlicensed silicone breast and butt implants out of an apartment. Cops say 26-year-old REINALDO HENRIQUEZ performed the surgery while 34-year-old HERSI RODRIGUEZ was in charge of luring in the clients.
   Police say the couple is part of a gang of beauticians known as "The Silicons." (Still)

Stars and their movies:

Yes, Virginia, there will be a "Men In Black III" and producer BARRY SONNENFELD tells gossip columnist ROGER FRIEDMAN that WILL SMITH and TOMMY LEE JONES will reunite as Agents "J" and "K" for the sequel.
   No word on the plot of the movie, although Sony Pictures says it will be done (surprise!) in 3D and should be in theatres by Memorial Day weekend of next year.

After-school special or Facebook group?:

1. "My Dad Lives in a Downtown Hotel." (Special)
2. "Sometimes I Don't Love My Mother." (Special)
3. "I Can't Believe I Have Braces In College." (F/B group)
4. "Mary Was An Unmarried Teenage Mother, Too." (F/B group)
5. "I Cheated at 'Book It,' to get Free Pizza." (F/B group)
   Source: Mental Floss magazine