Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Mar 30, 2011

Political Racket /Dirty Tricks:

As Democrats and Republicans tussle over the budget and flirt dangerously with a government shutdown, ex-DNC chair and former presidential candidate HOWARD DEAN says a government shutdown might be bad for the country but would good for Democrats.
   Speaking at the media conference yesterday, Dean said, "If I was head of DNC, I would be quietly rooting for [a shutdown]. I know who's going to get blamed --we've been down this road before."
   Republicans are pouncing on his remark as proof that Democrats are cool with a shutdown, although Dean did qualify his remarks by saying that as a statesman, it would be bad for the country.
   Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, finger-pointing continues over which party will bear responsibility for a government shutdown. No 2 House Democrat STENY HOYER told reporters the blame lies squarely on the Republicans while House Majority Leader ERIC CANTOR said no, Democrats control both the White House and the Senate, they effectively control Washington, so it'll be all their fault. (Maiman)

Good things about the federal government shutting down (Maiman):

   --Much needed rest for Capitol Hill hookers
   --Post office employees have time to clean and lubricate their weapons
   --John Boehner can catch up on his tanning
   --C-span starts airing Twilight Zone and Three Stooges re-runs
   --If millions of government workers stay home, maybe two or three will listen to this radio program
   --Maybe the president will finally go dig up that birth certificate
   --Big corporations can spend money on their products instead of bribes
   --With Mt Rushmore unattended, Lincoln will start looking like ZZ Top
   --Can actually smell the fragrance of cherry blossoms instead of the stench of Congress
   --So long, I-95 speed limit

Idle gossip & unconfirmed rumors:

REESE WITHERSPOON spent some time in the drive-thru before heading to the altar last Saturday. OK! magazine spotted Mrs. JIM TOTH picking up breakfast at McDonalds for her two kids, despite the fact that she had some major primping to do before the ceremony.
   Meanwhile, details are slipping out about her grand affair --insiders tell Us Weekly she wore pale pink to walk down the aisle, the reception had a country theme and guests dined on American classics like s'mores. (Lee)

GARY BUSEY has invented his own definitions for words in his world. The "Celebrity Apprentice" star tells Star magazine that his "imagination is living a full and wonderful life with rainbows and colors and a freedom which I had not known." He also told the tabloid that 'sober' stands for "Son Of A B*tch, Everything's Real."
   Other Busey-isms:
   --Fun: Family Understanding Nothing
   --Freedom: Facing Real Exciting Energy Developing Out of Miracles
   --Bible: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
   --Faith: Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him
   --Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real
   --Failing: Finding An Important Lesson Inviting Needed Growth
   --Doubt: Debate On Understanding Bewildersome Thoughts
   --Romance: Relying On Magnificent And Necessary Compatible Energy

Grace notes:

This story has so many twists and turns that you may get whiplash. Yesterday, BRITNEY SPEARS performed live from San Francisco on "Good Morning America." She also announced a big tour in June to promote her new album, "Femme Fatale," which was also released yesterday. Britney also revealed that her opening act would be ENRIQUE IGLESIAS.
   Just two hours later, Billboard.biz reported that Enrique had pulled out of the tour! No official reason was given, but industry experts said the tour would have been too expensive to produce since both artists were bringing along their full-scale productions.
   Then, a few hours after that, the tour's promoter, Live Nation, said that Enrique may tour with Britney after all! Turns out he was more than a little upset that it was being billed as Britney's tour with him as the opening act, instead of a co-headlining tour. And, there's also the issue of how much Enrique will be paid as opposed to what Britney will take home.
   Finally, just before midnight last night, Enrique's manager pulled the plug on the joint tour. So, Britney's tour begins June 17th in Sacramento and ends on August 13th in Toronto, without Enrique. (Marino)