Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Apr 5, 2011

I'm a Poll Man:

If the federal government shuts down this Friday, who gets blamed? A new Pew Research Center poll finds Americans divided:
    --39 percent say Republicans would be more to blame
    --36 percent say the Obama administration
    --16 percent say they would blame both sides equally
   Not surprisingly, a broad majority of Democrats say Republicans would be more to blame for a shutdown while about as many Republicans say the Obama administration would be more to blame. Independents are evenly divided.
    The GOP is facing divisions in its own house thanks to Tea Party conservatives. The Pew poll shows half of Republican survey participants believe GOP lawmakers shouldn't compromise on principle and should either "cut it or shut it." But 43 percent say lawmakers should compromise and accept a budget they disagree with to avert a shutdown.
    Overall, 55 percent of Americans want lawmakers whose views they agree with to compromise if necessary rather that cause a shutdown, including 53 percent of independents and 69 percent of Democrats.

Fast Food:

April's employment numbers are about to get Super-Sized: McDonald's announced yesterday that it will hire 50-thousand new employees this month --all on one day.
   On April 19, the fast-food chain says it will bring on a slew of managers and crew members, a move aimed at fighting its reputation as a purveyor of dead-end "McJobs." A company spokeswoman said the average position will pay more than $8 per hour.
   The spree will bring McDonald's total employment to 700-thousand Americans.
   Editor's note: Good news for all those English majors who will be graduating in a few months!
   --Minimum wage is $7.25. McDonald's brags that they're offering $8 an hour. A 40 hour week will earn you $320 before taxes. Unemployment pays $335 a week. (Maiman)

Sucking the life out of the wire services:

The Charlie Sheen "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option" tour continues tonight:
   --Apr 05: Playhouse Square; Cleveland, OH

Sucks to be you:

While MICHAEL BUBLE was saying "I Do" to LUISANA LOPILATO in Buenos Aires last week, thieves were breaking into his Argentinian estate. TMZ.com reports rumors have been swirling that burglars covered up security cameras then cut the lines to the alarm system, but no one's saying what was taken from the home. The bride wasn't fazed by the intrusion and told reporters she "will not let this ruin the happiest day of my life." Atta girl.
   Editor's note/Phone Starter: In this digital age it's not uncommon for EVERYONE to know where you are and what you're doing. Too bad some of those "friends" on Facebook may be waiting for the perfect moment to nab that beautiful sixty-inch plasma you have featured on your profile. A buddy of mine --who happens to be in a band-- was playing a well-publicized show and came home to find his laptop computer, girlfriend's jewelry and home electronics gone! Have you been the victim of a crime due to social networking? And do you have any suspicions who did it? (Lee)

Divorce Court:

In a bizarre battle over alimony payments, an Australian court has told a mother she can no longer expect to fund her son's McDonald's habit.
   According the the Melbourne Herald Sun, the woman was seeking $1,450 a week in living expenses for herself and two of her children, who still live at home. She told the court her teenage son had a "McDonald's habit" that was costing her $60 a week.
   The judge wasn't buying it. Citing the ex-wife's spending $100 per week in gifts, $150 on jeans for the youngest child along with financing his McDonald's habit and providing him with generous amounts of pocket money, the judge said, "There is no doubt in my mind that the amount claimed by the wife by way of weekly discretionary expenditure in her financial statement is excessive."
   The judge knocked the alimony down to $800 a week.
   Editor's note: Well, there goes that kid's Olympic hopes. (Maiman)