News for Week Ending Friday, Feb 24, 2017

1.   Researchers at University College London have been studying whether cat owners can contract toxoplasmosis from their pets, which could lead to certain psychotic disorders.  ***   Typical disorders would include schizophrenia, confusion and excessive posting of cat videos on Facebook.

2.   A 26 year old former nursing home worker in Sandusky, Ohio was arrested after forcibly giving a lap dance to a 100 year old resident.  The police report gave the woman’s name as Brittany Fultz, ***  but only identified the elderly gentleman as “Smiley.”  

3.   Lamborghini has recalled thousands of its expensive supercars after several of them caught on fire.  ***   Owners of the damaged cars were understandably upset and complained that after spending that kind of money on a Lamborghini they would have expected the flames to be a lot more spectacular.

4.   The enthusiastic Trump supporter whom the president invited onstage in Florida told reporters he has a six-foot cardboard cut-out of Mr. Trump at home and he said, “I salute that every single day.” ***  And then he kisses his cardboard wife, hugs his cardboard daughter and pets his cardboard dog,

5.   Witches around the world plan to cast a spell on Donald Trump on February 24^th at midnight.   ***   The spell probably won’t actually change the president’s behavior, but Sean Spicer plans to use it to explain a few things.

6.   On this date in history:  Feb 24, 1208 – Saint Francis of Assisi, 26, received his vocation in Portiuncula, Italy  ***  He was told his mission was to spread the gospel, be kind to animals and pose for birdbath sculptures.

7.   On this date in history:  Feb 23, 1574 – France begins 5th Holy War against Huguenots.  ***  Both sides had agreed to a “best out of 7” format. 

8.   On this date in history:  Feb 22, 1879 – The first “five and dime” store is opened by Frank W. Woolworth in Utica, NY.  ***  He was the person who “coined” the phrase “Change you can believe in.”

9.   On this date in history:  Feb 21, 1988 – During a live TV broadcast, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart admits to visiting a prostitute.   ***  He then asked viewers to increase donations because the fight for her salvation was costing $1,000 a night.

10.  On this date in history:  Feb 20, 1974 – Cher files for separation from Sonny Bono.  ***  They are perhaps best known for their hit song “I Got (Tired of) You Babe.”