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.