Grapevine: Man's wager on grandson pays off big
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And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...
What's Your Emergency?
Alert text messages are supposed to inform a local community about emergencies and apparently pancake breakfasts.
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That was the case last week in Palo Alto, California where the Fire Department sent 27,000 residents a text saying -- quote -- "Palo Alto Firefighters will be hosting a community pancake breakfast Saturday October 12th, please find us on Facebook and Twitter for more details."
A handful of residents objected to the use of the emergency system for a non-emergency situation like pancakes.
The Fire chief said the purpose of the message was to warn residents not to be alarmed by a gathering of fire trucks and helicopters, which in the past had led concerned citizens to call 911.
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Though the fire chief admits he will get the word out in other ways in the future.
Toll-Jumping Longhorns
Texas is publicly naming and shaming the top toll offenders in the state by publishing their names, hometowns, number of violations and amount they owe.
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The top toll-jumper owes more than $236,000 in tolls.
One Texas resident who owes over $200,000 in tolls and fees calls the price insane and inaccurate.
The state claims it is owed more $27 million in unpaid violations and is offering settlements and payment plans.
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Betting on the Next Generation
And finally, it pays to bet on the next generation.
A United Kingdom man believed that his 18 month-old grandson would one day play for the Wales International Soccer team.
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He believed it so much so, he bet 50 British Pounds on it -- you can bet on anything over there -- about $80 US dollars.
This week when 16-year-old Harry Wilson became the youngest ever Wales international player, his grandfather's bet paid off.
Peter Edwards cashed in on 2,500-1 odds, receiving just over $200,000.
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He told the BBC -- quote -- "When he came on I had another glass of wine...not bad for a daft bet"
The elder Edwards plans to retire right away -- one year earlier than planned.