News for Week Ending Friday, Feb 26, 2016

1.      The latest fad in fingernail fashion is furry nail coverings.  ***  Actually, they’re very practical—now you can pick your nose and wipe it at the same time.

2.      A study at George Washington University shows that shutting down the Twitter accounts of terrorist groups has severely hurt ISIS’s ability to recruit new members.  ***   Even more damaging to their recruiting efforts was an announcement by a group of Middle East virgins saying they will no longer greet terrorists in the afterlife.

3.      Phil Collins is re-marrying his third wife, whom he had divorced in 2008 with a $46 million settlement.  ***  He said the separation was painful—and he missed his ex-wife, too.

4.      Public health officials say that Charlie Sheen’s HIV disclosure has prompted millions of people to do online searches about prevention and treatment of the virus.  ***  Previous disclosures by Mr. Sheen were equally influential in prompting many to seek information on drug sources, prostitute fees and tips for  trashing a hotel room.

5.      Dozens of students at the University of Michigan were diagnosed with norovirus after complaining of nausea, vomiting and general malaise.  ***  Like when their football team loses to Ohio State.

6.      On this date in history:  Feb 25, 1836 – Samuel Colt patents the first revolving barrel firearm.  ***  That would be the Colt 45, although I never understood why he named it after a cheap beer. 

7.      On this date in history:  Feb 24, 1940 – Frances Langford records "When You Wish Upon a Star."   ***  However, she was devastated to learn that the public preferred the version performed by a singing cricket.

8.      On this date in history:  Feb 23, 1455 – Johannes Gutenberg begins using his newly invented printing press to print the Bible in large numbers.  ***  For the first time history people actually can swear on a stack of Bibles.

9.      On this date in history:  Feb 23, 1896 – Tootsie Rolls go on sale for the first time.  ***   Previously they were only available by donating a couple bucks to men standing at intersections and wearing yellow vests.

10.   On this date in history:  Feb 22, 1630 – Indians introduce the pilgrims to popcorn.  ***  I believe the novel food was prepared by Chief Orville Redenbacher.