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.