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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check
July 1, 2010
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The 411:
Government and safety experts have been forced to remind parents that leaving their kids in an unattended vehicle is a bad idea, as the number of child deaths from hyperthermia has climbed to a record high of 18 for the first half of this year.
Eight have died in the last two weeks alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety advocates are concerned because July tends to be the deadliest month for children trapped in hot cars.
More children have been dying in hot cars since the mid-1990s, when it was first required that parents place children in the back seat, where they are more likely to be forgotten.
Editor's note: Apparently, it's easier for parents to remember their Blackberry than it is for them to remember their kid. (Maiman)Trash talk and satellite dish:
Congratulations to OLIVIA WILDE of "House" and BOB HARPER from "The Biggest Loser" who were granted his-and-hers honors of the "Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA --the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Olivia said she's honored to be put at the top of the list and promised to continue her vegan lifestyle while Bob credits his meat-free diet with lowering his cholesterol a whopping 100 points! (Lee)Stars and their movies:
Quintessential character actress MERYL STREEP will have to channel a British accent for her next role. She's reportedly in talks to play British Prime Minister MARGARET THATCHER in a movie about the British icon set right before the 1982 Falklands war when Thatcher was struggling through a first term, and managed to win the war and turn her political future around.
The Hollywood Reporter says director PHYLLIDA LLOYD --who worked with Streep in "Mamma Mia!"-- would also direct her in "Thatcher."The Reel Deal:
Big numbers for the first, midnight showing of the "Twlight" sequel, "Eclipse," which pulled in more than $30 million Tuesday night. The third film in the series will be in more than 44-hbundred theatres today and Summit Pictures is expecting a BIG weekend.
Grace notes from Vinny Marino:
The Queen of Soul will perform with the former Secretary of State. ARETHA FRANKLIN and CONDOLEEZA RICE are set to tem up for a concert on July 27th at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Condoleeza is an accomplished pianist and will accompany Aretha on some of her hits as well as a few operatic arias. The concert is a benefit for several charities that help out inner-city kids. (Marino)
Look what I found:
Someone is selling American flag with 61 stars.
A Dallas resident bought the flag (pic and video) at a Dollar Store and wrote to the Virginia company that marketed it.
"I kind of let them know there are 50 states in the United States," said the customer, "and they need to correct this - or at least get the Chinese supplier to correct this."
The flag is plastic and like all Dollar Store items, only cost a dollar. The store manager wouldn't comment on camera but said the flag is sold as a "patriotic banner," not as an American flag.
Editor's note: WELL, this should improve U-S trade relations with China. (Maiman) -
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