News for Week Ending Friday, Dec 22, 2017

1.   In order to boost business, Scandinavian Airlines has just announced free flights for all kids under 11. ***  They expect to cover the costs through increased liquor sales to all the adults.

2.   According to the website 24/7 Wall St., New Jersey has the highest percentage of 18-34 year olds who live with their parents (47%).  ***  The study also showed that New Jersey has the highest percentage of elderly couples who are in the market for a house without a basement.

3.   According to Page Six, NBC is removing all traces of Matt Lauer, including nameplates, photos, and that special button under his desk that locked the office door.   ***  NBC isn’t saying if other TV personalities are suspected of sexual harassment, but the day after Mr. Lauer was ousted they found two dozen buttons in the trash.

4.   NBC is reportedly planning to bring back its popular sitcom “The Office.”  ***  Not surprisingly, the network had failed to replicate the character dynamics in its modernized sequel, “Working from Home.”

5.   After 28 years of marriage, the stars of “Long Island Medium,” Theresa and Larry Caputo, have decided to legally separate.  ***  Larry has hired a top divorce lawyer, while Theresa has been getting advice from Clarence Darrow.

6.    On this date in history:  Dec 22, 1964 – Comedian Lenny Bruce is convicted of obscenity. ***   At his trial, several night club owners testified that he actually said, “Who cares about profits?”

7.    On this date in history:  Dec 21, 1620 – 103 Mayflower pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock.  ***  Fortunately for history, they apparently landed at a place where all the rocks had names.

8.    On this date in history:  Dec 20, 1957 –  Elvis Presley receives a draft notice to join the U.S. Army.  ***  Suddenly, Heartbreak Hotel didn’t seem so bad.

9.    On this date in history:  Dec 19, 1686 – Per the story by Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe leaves his island on this date, 28 years after the shipwreck.  ***   So, did the Professor, Mary Ann and all the others leave, too?

10.  On this date in history:  Dec 18, 1787 – New Jersey becomes the 3rd state to ratify the Constitution.  ***  But only after the other states promised to call them the “Garden State” without laughing.

News for Week Ending Friday, Dec 15, 2017

1.   An article published in the scientific journal “Joule” says that Greek yogurt could be used to power jet planes.  ***   So, you’ll know we might be gearing up for war if you see a lot of Air Force uniforms in the dairy aisle.

2.   In Alabama, defeated senate candidate Roy Moore is demanding a recount, and told his supporters, “God is always in control.”  ***  So, in the first tally of votes, God miscounted?

3.   According to a recent medical study reported on NBC, depression can begin much earlier than previously thought.  ***   In fact, it generally starts within 15 minutes of reading all your friends’ posts on Facebook.

4.   In an environment-friendly move, Anheuser-Busch plans to replace its delivery fleet with electric Tesla trucks because they don’t have any dirty, smelly emissions.  ***   Shucks, I kinda liked the Clydesdales.

5.   The mayor of Davenport, Florida was arrested for using the handicap parking permits of deceased people.  ***  She apologized for her illegal actions, and promised that from now on she’ll be sure to put the dead person in the passenger seat.

6.   On this date in history:  Dec 15, 1891 – James Naismith invents basketball in Canada.  ***  Of course, that was the Canadian version, which was played with a ball, a hoop and hockey sticks. 

7.   On this date in history:  Dec 14, 1987 – Chrysler pleads no contest to telling buyers that previously-driven vehicles were new.  ***  But at least that was progress—a few years earlier they couldn’t even convince customers that the new cars were new.

8.   On this date in history:  Dec 13, 1961 – Jimmy Dean's “Big Bad John” becomes country music's first million-dollar seller.  ***  Of course, it helped that every album came with a free pack of sausage.

9.   On this date in history:  Dec 12, 1946 – The United Nations accepts six city blocks in Manhattan as a gift from John D, Rockefeller Jr.   ***   Ah yes, who wouldn’t love a nice set of blocks for Christmas? 

10.  On this date in history:  Dec 11, 1936 – King Edward VIII abdicates the English throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and the Duke of York becomes king.  ***  The new king’s first act was to declare this date “Wallis Simpson Appreciation Day.”

News for Week Ending Friday, Dec 8, 2017

1.  Ford just announced it will manufacture its next-generation electric car in Mexico, which is contrary to the wishes of President Trump.  ***  A company spokesman said they’d like to honor the president’s request, but there were just too many problems with building a plant in Jerusalem.

2.  Lionsgate studio suddenly dropped plans for a December release of “Gotti,” in which John Travolta plays notorious mob leader John Gotti. ***  Studio executives said they had no idea the film would feature a Bee Gees soundtrack and Mr. Gotti portrayed as a talented mobster obsessed with disco dancing.

3.  According to an article in “The Atlantic” magazine, Mike Pence had offered to replace Donald Trump on the Republican ticket after revelations of Mr. Trump’s vulgar, sexist remarks on the “Access Hollywood” tape.   ***   The religiously conservative Mr. Pence was reportedly shocked by Mr. Trump’s aggressive comments, especially after someone explained what some of the words meant.

4.  After the Zimbabwe military confined him to his home for several days, 93 year old President Robert Mugabe apparently evaluated his situation and has resigned.   ***   According to his staff, the turning point came when he found out his cable package includes “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

5.  A woman in Vermont was arrested for making ricin poison and feeding it to residents in her retirement community, but without success   ***   At first she thought it was lethal, but that was just everyone dozing off during the Matlock re-runs.

6.  On this date in history:  Dec 8, 1777 – Captain Cook leaves the Society Islands.  ***   He then went to the Society Mountains because he preferred high society.

7.  On this date in history:  Dec 7, 1877 – Thomas A Edison demonstrates the gramophone.  ***  It was a special telephone used to call Grammas. 

8.  On this date in history:  Dec 6, 1974 – George Harrison releases "Ding Dong, Ding Dong."  ***  These days, however, a lot of celebrities are getting into big trouble for releasing their ding dong.

9.  On this date in history:  Dec 5, 1951 – The TV show "Dragnet" premieres.  ***  Jack Webb got the lead role; in auditions, he was the only actor who could speak with absolutely zero voice inflection. 

10.  On this date in history:  Dec 4, 1783 – Gen Washington bids his officers farewell at Fraunce's Tavern in New York City.  ***  He then took off and left them stuck with the tab.

News for Week Ending Friday, Dec 1, 2017

1.   According to a worldwide study of over 800,000 individuals, married people are 20% less likely to show signs of dementia.  ***  That’s because they can still handle every situation by saying, “Yes, Dear.”

2.   After complaints of “inappropriate behavior,” storyteller Garrison Keillor has been fired by Minnesota Public Radio.  ***  Mr. Keillor can now be contacted at his home on Lake WeBeGone.

3.   Disney is planning to make a live action movie based on its animated film, “Prince Charming,” but they say the story will be told from an entirely different perspective.  ***  I believe it will be told from the viewpoint of the women, who document the predatory behavior of the smooth-talking prince and get him thrown in prison for ten years.

4.   Time magazine has just been bought by Meredith Corporation, which publishes other magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens. ***   Media observers say if President Trump wants to be the Time’s “Person of the Year” again, he’ll have to beat out an interior decorator and a landscaper.

5.   After 68 year old Congressman Joe Barton sent naked photos of himself to a Texas woman, she later made them public, which is a violation of a Texas law against “revenge porn.”  ***  She also violated a federal law against distributing nude pictures of anyone who’s old enough for Social Security.

6.   On this date in history:  Dec 1, 1783 – In Paris, Jacques Charles and Nicolas Roberts make the world’s first untethered ascent with a hydrogen gas balloon.   ***  “No, dammit--I thought you tied the rope.”

7.   On this date in history:  Nov 30, 1678 – Roman Catholics are banned from being members of the English Parliament.  ***  It was just too disruptive to have so many people taking off early on bingo night.  

8.   On this date in history:  Nov 29, 1959 – The 2nd Annual Grammy Awards was held and Bobby Darin won with “Mack The Knife.”  ***  I believe that was in the category “Songs About Weapons.”

9.   On this date in history:  Nov 28, 1861 – The Confederate Congress officially admits Missouri to Confederacy.  ***  State officials had to promise to help fund the new government, provide soldiers to fight in the Civil War, and erect a lot of statues of the officers even if they lose.

10.  On this date in history:  Nov 27, 1934 – Bank robber George “Baby Face” Nelson dies in a shoot-out with the FBI.   ***  Agents had been told to be on the lookout for a 2 year old with a deep voice.

News for Week Ending Friday, Nov 24, 2017

1.   A man in Hampton, Virginia had his thumb bitten off while trying to fight off a carjacker.   ***  You know you’re having a bad day when someone steals your car and then you can’t even hitchhike home.

2.   Students in China say they have been forced to work 11 hours a day assembling Apple’s new iPhones.  ***  And here in the U.S., students spend about the same amount of time each day using them.

3.   Walmart plans to compete against online companies like Amazon by hosting 20,000 holiday parties at its Superstores across the country.  ***  The dress code will be “Walmart formal”:  Black sweatpants and high-heeled flip-flops.

4.   A study of retail stores shows that IKEA has one of the best return policies.  ***   In fact, after you assemble the furniture you can get a partial refund just for returning all the leftover pieces.

5.   On this date in history:  Nov 22, 1910 – Arthur Knight patents golf clubs with steel shafts.  ***  Not only were they straighter and stronger than the old wood shafts, but they were also more satisfying to wrap around a tree.

6.   On this date in history:  Nov 22, 1939 – Bugsy Siegel and three associates murder Harry "Big Greenie" Greenberg after Greenberg had threatened to become a police informant.  ***  To paraphrase Kermit, it’s not easy being Greenie.

7.   On this date in history:  Nov 21, 1871 – Emilio Onra becomes the first human cannonball.  ***   It wasn’t easy to find a man of his caliber.

8.   On this date in history:  Nov 21, 1877 – Tom Edison announces his "talking machine" invention, the phonograph.  ***  However, whenever people asked to see his “talking machine,” he would introduce his wife.

9.   On this date in history:  Nov 20, 1980 – United Artists withdraws the movie "Heaven's Gate" for re-editing.  ***  According to a studio spokesman, concerns arose after someone did some fact-checking with the Bible.

10.  On this date in history:  Nov 20, 1992 – Windsor Castle, the home of Queen Elizabeth, catches fire. ***  According to the royal spokesman, installing electrically heated seats on the throne had seemed like a good idea at the time.  (But not such a good idea in “hindsight.”)

News for Week Ending Friday, Nov 17, 2017

1.   In a recent survey, several celebrity chefs said that sweet potato casserole lacks substance, has no redeeming qualities and should never be included in a Thanksgiving dinner.   ***    I believe they said the same thing about in-laws.

2.   President Trump said that during a break between meetings in the Philippines he was “forced to watch CNN.”  ***  But he assured his supporters that he put his hands over his eyes and just peeked through his fingers.

3.   Charles Manson has been transferred from prison to a Bakersfield hospital and is reportedly near death.  ***  After a series of tests, doctors there concluded that he’s suffering from a terminal case of helter-skelter.

4.   After backlash from Keurig’s decision to pull its advertising from Sean Hannity’s show, the coffee machine company’s CEO said it was not their intention to “take sides” and escalate that emotionally charged issue.  ***   He said the situation could be resolved if everyone would just calm down, take a deep breath and switch to decaf. 

5.   Starbucks chairman Howard Shultz is denying rumors that he’s thinking of running for president.   ***   He said it’s just a coincidence that Starbucks’ newest drinks are the Oval Office Latte, West Wing Mocha and Rose Garden Macchiato.

6.   On this date in history:  Nov 17, 1977 – In the Miss World Contest, Miss UK wears a bikini made out of platinum and worth $9,500.  ***  But, she was upstaged by another contestant who wore a platinum bikini only worth half as much.

7.   On this date in history:  Nov 16, 1963 – The touch-tone telephone is introduced.  ***  It immediately doubled sales on the Home Shopping Network.

8.   On this date in history:  Nov 15, 1763 – Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon begin surveying between Pennsylvania and Maryland to establish the Mason-Dixon Line.  ***   Or, as it was first known, the Chuck & Jerry Line.

9.   On this date in history:  Nov 14, 1960 – Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind" reaches #1.   ***  In his senior years he recorded a second version, “Georgia Slipped My Mind.”

10.  On this date in history:  Nov 13, 1851 – The first settlers land at Alki Point, which would later become Seattle, Washington. ***  One of the settlers, a Mr. Starbuck, immediately brews a pot of coffee to celebrate and writes everyone’s name on their cup.

News for Week Ending Friday, Nov 10, 2017

1.   Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, “It makes me very sad when I say Mass and I see so many cell phones in the air.”  ***  And he said he really gets ticked off when someone interrupts his homily to ask for the Wi-Fi password.

2.   NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is reportedly furious over proposed changes to his next contract.  ***  In fact, when negotiations start he plans to show his displeasure by taking a knee.

3.   There are reports that Walt Disney Company is going to buy 21^st Century Fox.  *** They plan to change the name to 21^st Century Mouse.

4.   President Trump broke with the tradition of his predecessors and did not bow when he met Japan’s 83 year old emperor.  ***  A White House spokesman explained that Mr. Trump only bows for ice cream, professional golfers and the NRA.

5.   Blac Chyna apparently has herself a new boyfriend, rapper Playboi Carti.   ***   Ah, true love—there’s nothing like a relationship based on a shared inability to spell.

6.   On this date in history:  Nov 10, 1954 – John Stapp travels 632 mph in a rocket sled.  ***  He really flew by all the other little kids on the slope.

7.   On this date in history:  Nov 9, 1865 – General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox.  ***   Grant refused Lee’s request that they make it best two out of three.

8.   On this date in history:  Nov 8, 1789 – In Bourbon, Kentucky, Elijah Craig makes the first batch of bourbon whiskey, distilled from corn.  ***   Unfortunately, his mother said that didn’t count as “eating your vegetables.”

9.   On this date in history:  Nov 7, 1933 – Pennsylvania voters overturn the blue laws and permit Sunday sports.  ***   Although it was just on a trial basis to see if they’d be struck down by lightning.

10.  On this date in history:  Nov 6, 1918 – The Republic of Poland is proclaimed.  ***  So, how many…oh, never mind.

News for Week Ending Friday, Nov 3, 2017

1.   Delta plans to hire 1,000 new flight attendants.  ***  Candidates will be tested on their ability to always remain friendly, take charge in emergency situations and yank passengers out of overbooked seats.

2.   Frustrated by differences in their travel schedules, Selena Gomez has broken up with Abel Tesfaye, the singer and songwriter known as “The Weekend.”   ***   Mr. Tesfaye was stunned, and claimed he was always there for Selena, 24/2.

3.   Former president George H.W. Bush has apologized for touching women on their backsides and joking, “I’m David Cop-a-feel.”   ***  Well, I guess that would finally explain that embarrassing international incident in Buckingham Palace.

4.   Michael Moore’s play, “The Terms of my Surrender,” has closed on Broadway, but Mr. Moore said producing it was “the most artistically gratifying experience of my life.”  ***  He said he especially liked the unlimited access to the snack bar.

5.   A recent article on Livestrong.com gives 9 signs that your relationship is in trouble.  ***  Sign #1:  Your partner is reading the same article.

6.   On this date in history:  Nov 3, 1917 – First class mail postage is raised to 3 cents.  ***   Some people will point out that 3 cents was a lot of money back in those days.  Actually, that’s not true.  3 cents was never a lot of money.

7.   On this date in history:  Nov 2, 1972 – Government of the Republic of Ireland introduces a bill to remove the special position of the Catholic Church from the Irish Constitution.  ***  In a shocking move, the legislature declared that any religious group can hold a bingo night.

8.   On this date in history:  Nov 1, 1915 – Parris Island is officially designated a Marine Corps recruit depot.  ***   Clueless recruits prepared for their trip to Parris Island by learning French.

9.   On this date in history:  Oct 31, 1964 – Barbra Streisand's "People" album goes #1 for 5 weeks.  ***  However, sales dropped off significantly when a scientific study showed that people who need people aren’t really the luckiest people in the world.

10.  On this date in history:  Oct 30, 1954 – Pro basketball begins using the 24-second shot clock. ***  If a player doesn’t shoot within 24 seconds, a loud buzzer sounds to wake up the fans.

News for Week Ending Friday, Oct 27, 2017

1.   A Long Island woman and her two adult children have been arrested and accused of seven robberies, including two Family Dollar stores and a Dollar Tree.   ***   Bail was set at $1 each or three for $2.

2.   CNN is launching its new tag line, “Facts First,” with an ad showing an apple and a narrator saying some people claim it’s a banana.  ***  Then Anthony Weiner comes on and says, “You want a banana?  I’ll show you a banana…”

3.   Haribo, a German candy company, has promised an internal investigation after a TV documentary revealed abusive labor practices.  ***    In one unbelievable example, a black & white video clip showed two frantic women struggling to keep up with all the chocolates coming down a speeding conveyor belt.  

4.   Blac Chyna is suing the Kardashians for defamation of character, and her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, accused the famous family of “slut-shaming.”  ***  Ms. Bloom went on to vigorously defend her client, pointing out that Chyna is proud to be a slut.

5.   Despite not having any serious injuries, a skateboarder is planning to sue Dr. Phil after being hit by his Mercedes.  ***  In fact, the victim has already submitted a five-page deposition describing how it made him feel.

6.   On this date in history:  Oct 27, 1925 – Water skis are patented by Fred Waller.  ***  Previously, people just tied themselves to a rope and had a boat drag them around the lake.

7.   On this date in history:  Oct 26, 1861 – The Pony Express ends.   ***   The horses refused to face another season of carrying all those Christmas presents (and having reindeer get all the credit).

8.   On this date in history:  Oct 25, 1521 – Emperor Charles V bans wooden buildings in Amsterdam  ***  Fathers grumble as they try to build kids’ tree houses with bricks.

9.   On this date in history:  Oct 24, 1938 – Congress passes a law prohibiting child labor in factories.   ***   Lawmakers said young children should be allowed to go where they belong --  working in the fields.

10.  On this date in history:  Oct 23, 1941 – Disney releases the feature cartoon "Dumbo."  ***  I believe it was the studio’s first installment in its “Animals that Shouldn’t Fly” series.

News for Week Ending Friday, Oct 20, 2017

1.   Researchers have found that the Big Thunder roller coaster at Disney World is so jarring it can help men pass kidney stones.  ***  And it’s so scary it makes all the other riders sound like it.

2.   In an interview with GQ magazine, LeBron James revealed that he told his three children if they are ever stopped by the police they should always be respectful, put their cell phones on speaker…  *** … and offer the cops a couple of front-row tickets to the next Cavs game.

3.   Boy Scouts of America plans to begin recruiting girls into some of its scouting programs.   ***   The men in charge claim they understand the unique needs of girls and will offer special programs such as Hiking in Heels, Cosmetics for Camping and Fashions for the Forest.

4.   Arnold Schwarzenegger was recently spotted taking his girlfriend, Heather Milligan, out for ice cream.  ***  Actually, Heather doesn’t really like ice cream, but she just loves the way Arnold says “Haagan-Dazs.”

5.   Sadly, the California wildfires have destroyed the home of “Peanuts” creator Charles Schultz.  ***  The house was identified by the only visible remains--a blanket, a football and a sign offering psychiatric advice for a nickel.

6.   On this date in history:  Oct 20, 1910 – The cork-centered baseball is first used in the World Series.   ***   The cork-center design became the new standard for baseballs, although it never caught on with the NBA.

7.   On this date in history:  Oct 19, 1971 – "Look" magazine publishes its last issue.  ***  Apparently, people had stopped looking.

8.   On this date in history:  Oct 18, 1890 – John Owen is the first man to run the 100 yard dash in under 10 seconds. ***  It happened when he was caught in bed by a jealous husband.

9.   On this date in history:  Oct 17, 1957 – Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visit the White House.  ***  When they asked to see the throne they were told, “Down the hall, on your left.”

10.  On this date in history:  Oct 16, 1925 – The Texas School Board prohibits teaching of evolution.  ***  There was widespread fear that such instruction would only encourage the human race to evolve further.