AP-AM Prep-Cooler Copy

Associated Press

Updated: Sep 20, 2012 3:09 AM

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Letterman-Romney

NEW YORK (AP) — David Letterman is reassuring Mitt Romney that he doesn't hate him — and getting in a dig at Jay Leno in the process.

The Republican presidential candidate said in a private speech to donors made public this week that Letterman "hates me because I've been on Leno more than him."

Letterman said on the "Late Show" Wednesday that Romney and his wife are welcome on his CBS late-night show. Romney has been on three times but hasn't made any appearances since he became GOP nominee. Democratic President Barack Obama was on Letterman on Tuesday.

Letterman says he certainly doesn't hate Romney for going on Leno's NBC show. Says Letterman: "I mean, why hate a guy who's suffered through that?"

Portland-Young People

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A new study has found that Portland may not be "a city where young people go to retire," but it is the place they go to be underemployed.

A famous quip by Fred Armisen on the hit television show "Portlandia" led researchers at Portland State University to analyze Census data to investigate the reality behind the quirky comment.

The researchers' review found that Portland is a magnet for the young and college educated from across the country, even though a disproportionate share of them are working part-time or holding jobs that don't require a degree.

In short, young college grads are moving here, and staying, because they like the city's amenities and culture, not because they're chasing jobs.

Notre Dame Quiet Stadium

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame is trying to turn up the volume at the "House that Rockne Built."

The school where ushers in the past gave warnings for cheering too loudly has launched a campaign called "Take a StaND," urging fans to make noise. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick has talked about the need for making the stadium a more difficult place to play.

Notre Dame began the effort of changing the staid atmosphere last year when the Irish played their first night game in 21 years. They'll continue the effort when the 11th-ranked Fighting Irish (3-0) face No. 18 Michigan (2-1) Saturday night.

Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan describes Notre Dame Stadium as being "pretty loud" but said it shouldn't be a factor, because the Wolverines are used to playing in loud stadiums.

Stuck at 300 Feet

BUENA PARK, Calif. (AP) — Twenty riders expecting a three-minute thrill were left dangling at 300 feet for nearly four hours when the Windseeker ride at Southern California's Knott's Berry Farm amusement park stalled.

Knott's said in a statement that the ride, which lifts fun-seekers high over the park with their legs dangling and spins them in a circle, came to a stop when its security system activated at about 4 p.m. Wednesday.

TV cameras showed riders sitting calmly as they dangled and the sun set, some casually swinging their legs.

Maintenance workers brought all the riders safely to the ground between 7:30 and 8, long after the park had closed and night had fallen.

Knott's says the ride, which also left riders hanging on Sept. 7, will remain closed while the cause is investigated.

Starbucks-Brewer

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks Corp. is about to turn up the heat on the single-serve coffee market, and someone might get burned.

The Seattle-based company says it will start selling its new single-serve brewer online this week for $199. It plans to start selling the machine in its ubiquitous cafes next month.

The arrival of the Verismo, which was announced earlier this year, comes amid intensifying competition in the rapidly growing market for single-serve brewers and the coffee pods they use.

Starbucks' decision to sell its own brewer comes just about a year after it struck a deal with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. to make coffee pods for Keurig machines.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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