News for Week Ending Friday, Jan 19, 2018

1.   After the owner’s publication of a tell-all book, the English lingerie store of Rigby & Peller lost the “royal warrant” which had marked it as a provider to the Queen and her family.   ***   Actually, what really did them in was the public introduction of the Queen's favorite undergarment line, “The Royal Peek-a-Boo.”    

2.   After 70 years in business, “The Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop” in the Detroit suburb of Berkley is closing its doors.  ***  That’s too bad—It was the Republicans’ “Plan A” for replacing Obamacare and the VA.

3.   McDonald’s has announced that by 2025 it will use renewable, recyclable or certified materials in all of its packaging.  ***   To reduce the environmental impact even further, people ordering fries will be asked to hold out their hands. 

4.   The Centers for Disease Control has cancelled a planned meeting on “nuclear attack preparedness” and replaced it with a session on “how to reduce the spread of seasonal flu.”  ***  On a happy note, the CDC says most of those flu germs will never survive the first blast. 

5.   A new BBC documentary reveals that during World War II, amid fears of a Nazi invasion, England’s priceless crown jewels were hidden in a biscuit tin.   ***  Apparently they were betting that the Germans wouldn’t be hungry.

6.   On this date in history:  Jan 19, 1977 – President Ford pardons Iva Toguri D'Aquino, the radio voice of Japan known as “Tokyo Rose.”   ***   But he rejected her request for a late night talk show on NBC. 

7.   On this date in history:  Jan 18, 1896 – The first U.S. demonstration of an X-ray machine is held in New York City.   ***  It was then used to screen passengers at the stagecoach station.

8.   On this date in history:  Jan 17, 1976 – "I Write the Songs" by Barry Manilow hits #1.   ***   Its success immediately inspired his next song: “I Cash the Checks.”

9.   On this date in history:  Jan 16, 1965 – The Searchers hit #3 on the charts with "Love Potion Number 9."  *** But government officials said they don’t care how effective it is, it’s still not covered by Obamacare.

10.  On this date in history:  Jan 15, 1346 – Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria gives Holland to his wife.   ***   I believe that was the original “Dutch treat.”