freaky friday

1-29-2010In the hours after the iPad announcement on Wednesday, “iTampon” became one of the most popular trending topics on Twitter.—NYT A1 [any girls in their marketing dept?]



--Tampering at Senator’s Office was “Stunt” Lawyer Says-NYT A10 [and ACORN runs bordellos]



--Meanwhile, Thursday, CTS Corp, the Elkhart, Inc., parts supplier that makes the gad pedal units for Toyota, said the problem is related to Toyota’s design WSJ B1 [hoosiers are clean]



--The Saints’ win on Sunday night, a victory that sends them to the Super Bowl for the first time, unleashed a raucous, trombone-blaring, grown-man-weeping, stranger-hugging frenzy. In a city that has been associated over the last four and a half years with divisiveness and suffering, the delirium over the Saints is pretty much unanimous.

Consider: Sunday night’s game prompted the rescheduling of both a performance of Verdi’s “Requiem” by the New Orleans Opera Association, and a performance of Keith Lewis and his Blues Revue at the Young at Heart Lounge.

A number of schools have canceled classes for Feb. 8, the day after the Super Bowl. A civil trial has been postponed. Mardi Gras parades have been moved. Commander’s Palace, the 130-year-old grand dame of New Orleans restaurants, will close on game night, the first time the restaurant has closed for a one-time event in memory, possibly ever.

And at least 20 Catholic parishes are rearranging or outright canceling evening Mass on Super Bowl Sunday.

Serious people are discussing how much the Super Bowl will affect the turnout in this year’s mayoral election, as the primary takes place on Saturday, Feb. 6, the day before the game.

“It’s more of a problem for candidates who have to build support,” explained Silas Lee, a pollster and political analyst, arguing that the distraction benefits the current front-runner, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu. “It’s harder to crack that emotional barrier right now.”

Just how much of an effect is debatable, but it is generally agreed that there will be one. In other words, Garrett Hartley’s straight and true field goal from 40 yards on Sunday could have a direct bearing on who governs New Orleans for the next four years. Few seem to think this is odd. [who dat?]



1-28-2010--...voters in Oregon have agreed to raise taxes on people with higher income... NYT A14



John Edwards and Wife have separated, Friends say NYT A15 [hot breaking news]



--Sarkozy calls for global monetary system, without dollar as top reserve currency—nyt B3 [more cracks in the empire]