Grapevine: Half-staff flags for Whitney Houston in Jersey?

Debate over lowering flags for N.J. native

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...

Best in Show?

About a dozen people showed up Tuesday outside the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York to protest Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's "crate gate."

That is the now infamous Romney family vacation almost 30 years ago during which their dog was inside a carrier strapped to the roof of the car.

The New York Times caucus blog spent more than 450 words devoted to this small protest in which a few people carried signs reading "Mitt is Mean."

However, when tens of thousands of pro-life supporters rallied in Washington D.C. last month, the same blog - along with the New York Times print edition - failed to even mention the annual March for Life rally.

Flag Flap

New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie is strongly defending his decision to have flags at state government buildings fly at half-staff Saturday for Whitney Houston's funeral.

Christie says while the singer who battled drug abuse may not be a role model she was a cultural icon who hailed from the Garden State.

Critics say such honors should be reserved for the military, first responders, and public officials.

One tweeted -- quote -- "Shame on you for ordering our flag to be flown half-(staff) for a singer who od'd!"

Others supported the decision -- quote -- "She brought global attention to New Jersey so it's an absolutely appropriate thing to do."

Bad Hair Day

Customs and Border Protection is trumpeting seizures in Miami and Los Angeles ports that prevented 13,000 unsafe hair dryers from entering the country.

The dryers lacked proper shock protection for consumers.

One blog joked it was unfortunate the seizures were not given cool names like "Operation Anti-Frizz" or "Hot Air Hold Down."