Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Anniversaries:

Happy 25th anniversary to music channel VH1 (1985). Hey, at least they still show a few music videos.
   -- Happy 75th anniversary to the Billboard magazine Pop Music Charts. On top in 1936: OZZIE NELSON (later of "Ozzie and Harriet."

State Politics:

The start of 2011 has suddenly made one common household commodity a collector's item in California --100 watt light bulbs. Under a new law in the Golden State, what used to be a common 100-watt light bulb manufactured and sold in the state will now have to use 72 watts or less.
   Officials say the 72-watt energy-saving halogen bulbs will provide the same amount of light --or lumens-- for a lower energy cost. However, the new rule does not actually ban incandescent light bulbs --it simply requires that new bulbs to be 25-to-30-percent more efficient. (Pacelli)

What's Poppin':

Here's a possible New Year's first: Twins born in two different years.
   ASHLEY FANSLER of Rockford, IL, gave birth New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. MADISEN was born at 11:59pm, the final minute of 2010, and AIDEN was born at the stroke of midnight, Jan 01, 2011.
   Doctors gave the parents the choice of timing the deliveries to give the twins distinctive birthdays.
   Editor's note: And which will be mommy's favorite? Why, the one she can claim on this year's taxes, of course. (That'd be the one born in December, Mr IRS Auditor. --Maiman)

Filling a need:

A chain of fitness centers is trying to attract new clients in 2011 --by offering classes in circus stunts.
   According to Reuters, Crunch Fitness has locations around the country, including New York City, L-A and San Francisco. At Crunch, members can now swing from circus silks hung from the ceiling.
   Spokesperson DONNA CYRUS says, "January is our sweet spot. This time of year you give people a lot of variations. We want to keep people working out and trying new things."
   In 2011, Crunch members can also learn pole dancing and take a class in something called "Bar Hoppin". (Still)

Idle gossip & unconfirmed rumors:

Is RYAN REYNOLDS rebounding with none other than SANDRA BULLOCK? Star magazine reports the future ex-husband of SCARLETT JOHANSSON has been leaning on the cougar during his times of trouble and rumors are swirling that they're more than just friends. Of course, the pair did co-star in "The Proposal." But one source claims the blonde hottie thinks its "cool" Sandy is such a great mom and really wants a family. (Lee)

Reality Round-Up:

How about a Do-It-Yourself series featuring celebrities? It's coming, and one of the KARDASHIANS will be co-starring in it. "Hollywood Hi-Tech" is all about wiring your home for electronics with high-end custom installation. Celebrities who are getting the treatment include JOSH DUHAMEL, Los Angeles Lakers star LAMAR ODOM, KEVIN CONNOLLY, JEREMY PIVEN and KHLOE KARDASHIAN. The show debuts on the DIY (Do It Yourself) Network in June.

Grace notes:

BRITNEY SPEARS is getting hair extensions... really long ones. Us Weekly magazine says the singer has an appointment with stylist Kim Vo at the Montage Beverly Hills for extensions that will go past her butt. However, Britney changes her mind really often about almost everything, so even if she has the process done, she could go back to shoulder length, or shorter soon after. (Marino)