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.