Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Dep't of Homeland Insecurity:

Homeland Security Secretary JANET NAPOLITANO said yesterday that the threat of terrorism is at "its most heightened state" since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. She told the House Homeland Security Committee, "One of the most striking elements of today's threat picture is that plots to attack America increasingly involve American residents and citizens."
   She added, "(We) are now operating under the assumption, based on the latest intelligence and recent arrests, that individuals prepared to carry out terrorist attacks and acts of violence might be in the United States, and they could carry out acts of violence with little or no warning." (Pacelli)

Flowers for Valentine's Day, anyone?:

Almost 80% of all cut blooms sold in the U-S are imported, with Colombia providing 59% of those imports and Ecuador 18%. And for Valentine's Day, 90% are imported, with the bulk being roses from Ecuador.
   Stateside, California produces 73% of US-grown flowers. (Source: Society of American Florists --Kaye)

Trash talk and satellite dish:

"Clerks" director KEVIN SMITH, who was allegedly kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight a year ago because he was too fat, says he's dropped 65 pounds since then.
   Kevin was on JOY BEHAR's Headline News show Tuesday, and said "I felt at that moment, I was like, 'You know what? I'll lose the weight, but I'm not putting on thinner clothes'," he says. "Because why? I'm still the same person I was when I was 65 pounds heavier." So he still wears a collection of hockey jerseys despite his weight loss.

MEL GIBSON not divorced from his first wife, yet?
   RadarOnline reports Mel, who's been in court forever with the drama with his baby mama, OKSANA GRIGORIEVA, still hasn't wrapped up his divorce from his wife of 28 years, ROBYN MOORE. She filed nearly two years ago.
   That could complicate any settlement Mel has with Oksana, since Robyn --who had seven children with Mel-- will likely get half of Mel's estimated $1 billion fortune when the divorce is finalized.

Checking the tabloids:

Could PETE WENTZ's new singer in his band be the reason for his split with wife, ASHLEE SIMPSON-WENTZ? In Touch magazine reports that Ashlee isn't crazy about BEBE RIXHA, the new vocalist for Pete's new band the Black Cards. Bebe is beautiful with dark hair and killer curves and Ashlee feels very insecure about Pete spending time with her. (Myers)

Chic Sh*t:

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA has it all --a powerful husband, beautiful family and wardrobe to die for! The fashionistas over at Ladies Home Journal came up with five suggestions to create your own version of her presidential style.  
   1. Don't be afraid to wear bold colors.
   2. Your shoes don't have to be high-heeled and painful to be chic. 
   3. Keep your style fresh. Take fashion risks. 
   4. Find your signature accessory --the First Lady likes floral prints and bold jewelry. 
   5. Mix in budget-friendly finds. (Lee)

Lowering expectations:

Some Catholic bishops are endorsing a new way to confess your sins.
   The London Sun reports a new iPhone app allows users to make confessions to a virtual online priest. It's called "Confession: A Roman Catholic App" and it offers "a personalized examination of conscience for each user".
   Users can select the sins they think they're guilty of using check-boxes. Pressing the finish button brings up a holy quote from a Catholic saint. (Still)