Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Anniversaries:

25-years ago, one of those "Remember where you were when..." moments as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher CHRISTA McAULIFFE (1986). The launch was scheduled the day before, but postponed a day due to a technical glitch.

I'm a Poll Man:

The poll numbers continue to improve for Republicans. A new USA Today/Gallup Poll shows that the public has a net positive rating for the GOP for the first time since 2005.
   Forty-seven percent of those surveyed said that they had a favorable view of the GOP, with 43-percent saying they held an unfavorable view. (Pacelli)

Check out my cookies:

It's Girl Scout Cookie time, and this year there'll be less cookies. By that, we mean the Scouts will only be selling six different types of cookies, since the top five alone account for 77 percent of their annual cookie sales. That means this year you'll only be able to buy:
   --Thin Mints,
   --Do-Si-Dos,
   --Trefoils shortbread,
   --Samoas,
   --Lemon Chalet Cremes,
   --Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties).
   Gone are the Dulce de Leche, Thank U Berry Munch and others which were introduced in recent years.
   As a fundraiser, Girl Scout Cookies bring in more than $714 million a year, or up to two-thirds of many of the 112 councils' annual budgets.

TV Briefs:

RYAN MURPHY from "Glee" isn't used to the word "no." It seems everyone in the music industry is loaning their tunes for time on the smash hit, except KINGS OF LEON. The rockers refused to let the cast sing their number-one single "Use Somebody," and the creator of the show ain't pleased. He lashed out to the Hollywood Reporter saying the band can "make fun of Glee all you want," but maintains the point of the show is to turn kids onto music.
   Too bad the band has no idea about the drama --they say it's gotten out of hand and hadn't even seen the program when the request was made. (Lee)

BOY GEORGE says CULTURE CLUB will most definitely reunite in 2012. He told the BBC there will be a new album from the group, followed by a world tour. Meanwhile, George will release his new solo album, "Ordinary Alien," on Tuesday. (Marino)

Stupid people, stupid places:

A 300-square-foot apartment in Brooklyn, New York has been decorated with nothing but ping pong balls (picture).
   According to OddityCentral.com, owner DANIEL ARSHAM coated the walls with 25-thousand ping pong balls. He nicknamed the space the "Box Box Project". And, as far as furniture goes, Arsham took a minimalist approach. All he has is a single bed, a few shelves and a dresser. It took about 2-months to decorate the apartment, at a cost of around 30-grand. (Still)

Red Cross needs blood:

The American Red Cross is making a nationwide appeal for blood. Severe winter weather has brought supplies to a critically low level. The agency has been forced to cancel blood drives and as a result, lost about 16,400 blood and platelet donations over the last several weeks.
   All blood types are needed, but there's a particular need for those with negative blood types. The Red Cross is asking all eligible donors to contact their local chapters or call the 1-800 number to schedule an appointment.
   FYI: Find out more on the website or call 1-800-RED CROSS. (Page)