By Lauren Weber with Eliot Nelson
President Obama basically wants a White House taco night. Awesome, but no margaritas for Bo. This is THE MORNING EMAIL for Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
The Scuttlebutt
TOP STORIES
OBAMA PROPOSING END OF "BULK NSA DATA COLLECTION"
"The Obama administration is preparing to unveil a legislative proposal for a far-reaching overhaul of the National Security Agency's once-secret bulk phone records program in a way that — if approved by Congress — would end the aspect that has most alarmed privacy advocates since its existence was leaked last year, according to senior administration officials. Under the proposal, they said, the N.S.A. would end its systematic collection of data about Americans' calling habits." [NYT]
OFFICIALS: PLANE CRASHED IN INDIAN OCEAN, NO SURVIVORS
Yesterday, Malaysian officials officially declared that Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 had crashed in the Indian Ocean, making survival impossible. Search teams are still combing a suspected crash area, but were delayed by horrendous weather conditions today. Calls for hard evidence abound. American teacher Sarah Bajc discusses her pain upon learning her partner Phillip Wood had died in the crash. Video of family members hearing the news is heartwrenching. And read the statement the passengers' families released, calling the Malaysian government "executioners." [Reuters]
AND THEN THERE WERE SEVEN
"Seeking to isolate Russia, President Barack Obama and Western and Asian allies moved to indefinitely cut Moscow out of [the G8] on Monday, including canceling an economic summit President Vladimir Putin planned to host this summer." [AP]
STATESIDE: Mudslide: 100 Still Missing
At least 14 people have died and over 100 remain unaccounted for after a mudslide in Washington. The Washington Post's graphic team breaks down the scale of the horror. The operator whose train jumped the tracks yesterday at O'Hare International Airport "may have dozed off." The news comes off a string of tragic train accidents over the past year. Tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum will be available tomorrow. "Pooches on pot" is a growing problem. A Florida lawmaker wants to block court record access to cases involving the "Stand Your Ground" defense. At least two are dead after a naval base shooting in Norfolk. A Chris Christie-ordered report on Bridgegate clears him of any wrongdoing. Go figure. And a blizzard that could become as strong as a level three hurricane is about to hit the Northeast.
In patience-is-a-virtue news, these dogs and babies are too cute.
INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: White House Taco Night
The Taliban took credit for an attack on an Afghani presidential candidate's home. While discussing the World Cup with Mexico's top radio station, Obama basically called for a White House taco night. We're huge fans of the idea. Canada is looking into a possible Ebola case. We are not huge fans of the Ebola virus, however. And while the U.S. and Russia may not be the best of friends right now, they're launching a joint space expedition today.
In chessmaster news, here's some cats giving the game a whirl.
BUY! SELL! BUY! Grubhub Grabs for Billions
This pocket-sized paper microscope "could save millions of lives." The New York Times reports that GM pushed back on at least two of the deadly crashes that have been linked to flaws in its cars' designs. Grubhub's upcoming IPO is said to be valued at $1.7 billion. Our valuation of making takeout easier? A gabillionty dollars. Five associates of Bernie Madoff were found guilty in one of the largest Ponzi scheme cases of all time. With Obamacare's March 31st enrollment deadline fast approaching, health insurers are turning to some unique measures to reel in the customers. And the SEC is looking into whether complex bond deals are opening new avenues for fraudulent activity.
In decision news, here's a flowchart to help you decide what kind of pet you should get.
SCOUTING REPORT: More Than Just A Tourney
Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is creating a foundation for Native Americans in an attempt to offset his team's horribly racist name.Yeah, that should cut it. The prosecution rests in the Oscar Pistorius' murder trial. NBA officials are reconsidering what players dread most: uniforms with cap sleeves -- please keep the fan versions, though (no one likes the tank top look on those over 30). And reminding us all there's more important things than March Madness, Michigan State star Adreian Payne talks about his special bond with "Princess Lacey", an 8-year-old with nerve cancer.
In nimble mice news, here's some trying to walk backward.
CULTURE CATCH-UP: Here's How to Dance
Wanna know how well your favorite TV show is doing in the ratings? There's a graphing tool for that. The Black Keys released their first song in three years -- check it out. See the actors portraying Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch in the upcoming "Avengers" flick in costume. Michael Lewis' "The Big Short" is headed to the big screen. And scientists have discovered the most seductive dance moves. Gentlemen, take note.
In adorable Vine news, this dad produces hilarious Vines of his baby.
LIVIN': Girl Scout Smashes Cookie Sales Record
Stay up to date with the latest culinary fad with these easy quinoa recipes. And so you don't make the same mistake we did, here's how to pronounce "quinoa." Don't feel like quinoa? Here are the best sandwich shops in America. Watch these guys try to reel in a 700-pound shark. Cue the dun dun dun dun. Here are the best toilet paper brands. And this Girl Scout broke the Girl Scout cookie sales record. Somebody hire her, now. [Image via Gawker]
In basketball trick shot news, here's a kid who turned a handstand into a basket.
OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Back in the Daisy Dukes
Japanese Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and her family went to a nude beach for spring break. Newlywed ex-wrestler (and ex-George Clooney girlfriend) Stacy Keibler has more news: she's pregnant! "Homeland" star James Rebhorn, who passed away this week, wrote his own touching obituary. People think Kanye West is a vampire after this Vogue photoshop fail. Andrea Bocelli finally married long-term companion Veronica Berti. Jessica Simpson is rocking Daisy Dukes once more. And Nick Cannon thought it'd be a good idea to pose in "whiteface." New rule: avoid all "faces."
In stalking news, here's a dog creepin' on a pigeon.
TWITTERATI
@SteveMartinToGo: You can download my latest private home video here: "Yeahlikethisisreallyalink"
@realjeffreyross: Who books the G8? I hear there's an opening.
@RL_Stine: Yes, it's true. A new Frankenstein film has finished shooting, and it stars Daniel Radcliffe.
@hilariabaldwin: For all the paps pressed up against the window of my nail salon, here's what's really going on #hilariaypd pic.twitter.com/mldt37Ky1z
@kanyewest: Dreams come true http://bit.ly/1gHbhd8 pic.twitter.com/sC3KNTl7fH
ONE MORE THING
Here's a first-person perspecitve of a base jump from atop the World Trade Center.
Got something to add? Send tips/quips/quotes/stories/photos/events/scoops to Lauren Weber (lauren.weber@huffingtonpost.com). Follow us on Twitter (@LaurenWeberHP). Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Get your own copy. It's free! Sign up here.
The Scuttlebutt
- Missing Malaysian plane crashed in Indian Ocean, officials say
- Obama announcing major change to NSA surveillance
- "Pooches on pot" is a growing phenomenon
TOP STORIES
OBAMA PROPOSING END OF "BULK NSA DATA COLLECTION"
"The Obama administration is preparing to unveil a legislative proposal for a far-reaching overhaul of the National Security Agency's once-secret bulk phone records program in a way that — if approved by Congress — would end the aspect that has most alarmed privacy advocates since its existence was leaked last year, according to senior administration officials. Under the proposal, they said, the N.S.A. would end its systematic collection of data about Americans' calling habits." [NYT]
OFFICIALS: PLANE CRASHED IN INDIAN OCEAN, NO SURVIVORS
Yesterday, Malaysian officials officially declared that Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 had crashed in the Indian Ocean, making survival impossible. Search teams are still combing a suspected crash area, but were delayed by horrendous weather conditions today. Calls for hard evidence abound. American teacher Sarah Bajc discusses her pain upon learning her partner Phillip Wood had died in the crash. Video of family members hearing the news is heartwrenching. And read the statement the passengers' families released, calling the Malaysian government "executioners." [Reuters]
AND THEN THERE WERE SEVEN
"Seeking to isolate Russia, President Barack Obama and Western and Asian allies moved to indefinitely cut Moscow out of [the G8] on Monday, including canceling an economic summit President Vladimir Putin planned to host this summer." [AP]
STATESIDE: Mudslide: 100 Still Missing
At least 14 people have died and over 100 remain unaccounted for after a mudslide in Washington. The Washington Post's graphic team breaks down the scale of the horror. The operator whose train jumped the tracks yesterday at O'Hare International Airport "may have dozed off." The news comes off a string of tragic train accidents over the past year. Tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum will be available tomorrow. "Pooches on pot" is a growing problem. A Florida lawmaker wants to block court record access to cases involving the "Stand Your Ground" defense. At least two are dead after a naval base shooting in Norfolk. A Chris Christie-ordered report on Bridgegate clears him of any wrongdoing. Go figure. And a blizzard that could become as strong as a level three hurricane is about to hit the Northeast.
In patience-is-a-virtue news, these dogs and babies are too cute.
INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: White House Taco Night
The Taliban took credit for an attack on an Afghani presidential candidate's home. While discussing the World Cup with Mexico's top radio station, Obama basically called for a White House taco night. We're huge fans of the idea. Canada is looking into a possible Ebola case. We are not huge fans of the Ebola virus, however. And while the U.S. and Russia may not be the best of friends right now, they're launching a joint space expedition today.In chessmaster news, here's some cats giving the game a whirl.
BUY! SELL! BUY! Grubhub Grabs for Billions
This pocket-sized paper microscope "could save millions of lives." The New York Times reports that GM pushed back on at least two of the deadly crashes that have been linked to flaws in its cars' designs. Grubhub's upcoming IPO is said to be valued at $1.7 billion. Our valuation of making takeout easier? A gabillionty dollars. Five associates of Bernie Madoff were found guilty in one of the largest Ponzi scheme cases of all time. With Obamacare's March 31st enrollment deadline fast approaching, health insurers are turning to some unique measures to reel in the customers. And the SEC is looking into whether complex bond deals are opening new avenues for fraudulent activity.
In decision news, here's a flowchart to help you decide what kind of pet you should get.
SCOUTING REPORT: More Than Just A Tourney
Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is creating a foundation for Native Americans in an attempt to offset his team's horribly racist name.Yeah, that should cut it. The prosecution rests in the Oscar Pistorius' murder trial. NBA officials are reconsidering what players dread most: uniforms with cap sleeves -- please keep the fan versions, though (no one likes the tank top look on those over 30). And reminding us all there's more important things than March Madness, Michigan State star Adreian Payne talks about his special bond with "Princess Lacey", an 8-year-old with nerve cancer.In nimble mice news, here's some trying to walk backward.
CULTURE CATCH-UP: Here's How to Dance
Wanna know how well your favorite TV show is doing in the ratings? There's a graphing tool for that. The Black Keys released their first song in three years -- check it out. See the actors portraying Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch in the upcoming "Avengers" flick in costume. Michael Lewis' "The Big Short" is headed to the big screen. And scientists have discovered the most seductive dance moves. Gentlemen, take note.
In adorable Vine news, this dad produces hilarious Vines of his baby.
LIVIN': Girl Scout Smashes Cookie Sales Record
Stay up to date with the latest culinary fad with these easy quinoa recipes. And so you don't make the same mistake we did, here's how to pronounce "quinoa." Don't feel like quinoa? Here are the best sandwich shops in America. Watch these guys try to reel in a 700-pound shark. Cue the dun dun dun dun. Here are the best toilet paper brands. And this Girl Scout broke the Girl Scout cookie sales record. Somebody hire her, now. [Image via Gawker]In basketball trick shot news, here's a kid who turned a handstand into a basket.
OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Back in the Daisy Dukes
Japanese Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and her family went to a nude beach for spring break. Newlywed ex-wrestler (and ex-George Clooney girlfriend) Stacy Keibler has more news: she's pregnant! "Homeland" star James Rebhorn, who passed away this week, wrote his own touching obituary. People think Kanye West is a vampire after this Vogue photoshop fail. Andrea Bocelli finally married long-term companion Veronica Berti. Jessica Simpson is rocking Daisy Dukes once more. And Nick Cannon thought it'd be a good idea to pose in "whiteface." New rule: avoid all "faces."In stalking news, here's a dog creepin' on a pigeon.
TWITTERATI
@SteveMartinToGo: You can download my latest private home video here: "Yeahlikethisisreallyalink"
@realjeffreyross: Who books the G8? I hear there's an opening.
@RL_Stine: Yes, it's true. A new Frankenstein film has finished shooting, and it stars Daniel Radcliffe.
@hilariabaldwin: For all the paps pressed up against the window of my nail salon, here's what's really going on #hilariaypd pic.twitter.com/mldt37Ky1z
@kanyewest: Dreams come true http://bit.ly/1gHbhd8 pic.twitter.com/sC3KNTl7fH
ONE MORE THING
Here's a first-person perspecitve of a base jump from atop the World Trade Center.
Got something to add? Send tips/quips/quotes/stories/photos/events/scoops to Lauren Weber (lauren.weber@huffingtonpost.com). Follow us on Twitter (@LaurenWeberHP). Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Get your own copy. It's free! Sign up here.
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