News for Week Ending Friday, Apr 29, 2016

1.    Darren Huston, CEO of discount travel agency Priceline, resigned after it was revealed that he had an improper relationship with a female employee.  ***   Company investigators found that when he took her on vacation he paid full price for the tickets.

2.    Detroit officials announced plans to build a soccer stadium on the site of the ill-fated, unfinished Wayne County Jail project.   ***   That’s perfect.  Now the soccer players will have a first-class playing field and, instead of jail, convicted criminals can be punished by being forced to watch every single game.

3.    According to Psychology Today, dogs hate being hugged because it immobilizes them and raises their stress levels.  ***   If you really want to show your dog how much you love it, you should get down on your hands and knees and sniff its butt.

4.    According to a study published in the journal “Cerebral Cortex,” applying an electric current to the frontopolar cortex of the brain can make a person more creative.  ***  In fact, in the laboratory tests the subjects came up with some really novel ways to get revenge on the researcher who had applied the electric current.

5.    Hershey has introduced a new Hershey Kiss flavor that is sold only in Wal-Mart stores.   ***   It’s the first candy made to taste like chewing tobacco.

6.    On this date in history:  Apr 29, 1553 – A Flemish woman introduces the practice of starching linen into England.  ***  The English people were in a foul mood for months, until they realized it shouldn’t be used for underwear.

7.     On this date in history:  Apr 28, 1942 – The war is given the moniker "WWII" as the result of a Gallup Poll.  ***  That’s what we call a “modified democracy;” citizens don’t decide if their country goes to war, but they get to name it.

8.    On this date in history:  Apr 27, 1937 – The U.S. Social Security system makes its first benefit payment.  ***   Seniors across the country were grateful and had only one question: “So, how soon can we buy lottery tickets?”

9.    On this date in history:  Apr 26, 1941 – A musical tradition begins when the Chicago Cubs feature the first organ at a baseball stadium.  ***  It worked out so much better than the harp. 

10.  On this date in history:  Apr 25, 1792 – In France, the guillotine is first used in the execution of highwayman Nicolas Pelletier.  ***  Advantages: Fast…efficient…shorter coffin.