Hi there!

Of course, the Michael Jackson Memorial service is one of today’s top stories, but there is a lot of very interesting news that’s kind of “under the radar” as a result.  Here’s a little bunch of news stories that I think are fascinating.  Check ‘em out.

Vinegar: Good for Weight Loss?

Researchers in Japan are reporting new evidence that ordinary vinegar — like you find in salad dressings, and pickles — may  help prevent accumulation of body fat and weight gain.
They say acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, may help control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and fat accumulation.
Details at www.sciencedaily.com

 

Bullish

Thrill-seekers sprinted through Pamplona  today in the annual  running of the bulls.
No one was gored (!) but the Red Cross says four people were hospitalized with bumps, bruises or scrapes.
Spanish TV says 2,000 people took part in the first of eight runs, made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
Today’s run lasted about 2.5 minutes, which is e quick.

Fourteen people have died at San Fermin since record-keeping began in 1924.
The last fatal goring was in 1995. The victim was Matthew Tassio, a 22-year-old American.

 
Depression and Anxiety

Something new about depression and college kids.
Students with depression are twice as likely as their classmates to drop out of school, according to  new research at the University of Michigan
The study also says students with both depression and anxiety had especially poor academic performance.

http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=7224

The Kennedys

Did Former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis have a steamy affair with her brother-in- law, Robert Francis Kennedy.
A new book says yes.
C. David Heymann’s latest book, “Bobby and Jackie: A Love Story,” details an alleged four-year relationship between the two.
According to the book, Jackie and RFK connected six months after the assassination of JFK. It also claims that the married senator and father of 11 was the former first lady’s one “true love.”
The book quotes Franklin Roosevelt Jr. as saying “Everybody knew about the affair.”
He also tells the author, “I suspect Bobby would’ve liked to dump Ethel and marry Jackie, but, of course, that wasn’t possible.”

The book is due out one week from today.

 
Sickening Story about Hepatitis C

Denver’s Rose Medical Center says it has asked every patient who had surgery there over a six-month period to come in for a blood test.  The action comes amid allegations that a former technician exposed up to 6,000 people to hepatitis C as she fed her addiction to painkiller. Twenty-six-year-old Kristen Parker is accused of injecting herself with painkillers meant for patients, then filling the used syringes with saline solution.
Colorado medical officials say thousands of patients were exposed and nine of them have tested positive for hepatitis C.  

 
Rabies at Cranbrook

A scare involving a kitten with rabies at Cranbrook.

A woman who works at Cranbook noticed a kitten on campus acting strangely.
She took it to a veterinarian, who confirm that it had rabies.
The animal was euthanized.
School officials are asking that any person who has had contact with kittens on the campus to notify the health department.
Rabies can be spread through a bite or a scratch.
55 thousand people die of rabies each year.

Chicks

Would you mind if your neighbors kept chickens in the backyard?

A proposed ordinance to allow that in Ypsilanti goes before city council tonight.

It would allow chickens in neighborhoods zoned for single-family or two-family homes. Residents would have to buy a permit for $10 to keep up to four hens in their back yards. 

Roosters would not be allowed.

 

Fit for a King
Grab your gold chains and jump suit. It’s the 10th annual Michigan Elvisfest Friday and Saturday at Depot Town’s Riverside Park (1 W Cross St) in Ypsilanti.)  One of the largest Elvis tribute concerts in the country.  Live music, Elvis memorabilia and come hungry for the “Pig Out in the Park.”  For the kids, there’s Elvis karaoke, a costume contest, arts and crafts, magic, clowns, face painting and balloons.  Fri. 5pm-midnight.  Sat. noon-midnight. Tickets $15-$20.  (Kids 12 & under admitted free.) 734-480-3974, www.mielvisfest.org.

 

Saluting the Stars

At Comerica Park (2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit) Saturday it’s the 15th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, as the Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians. The first ten thousand fans get a free Detroit Stars Commemorative Cap.  7:05pm. Tickets start at $5. Fireworks after the game. 313-471-2000. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com

 

Monumental!

Check out the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Sunrise Run & Pancake Breakfast Sunday morning in Detroit, benefiting Make-A-Wish of Michigan. There’s a one mile walk, 5k run/walk, 10k run on a beautiful path through the gorgeous grounds and monuments. (I went last year.  Met a lot of great families. Good pancakes!) 17100 Van Dyke, Detroit. 8am. Fees: $18-$23. 734-417-1032  www.runmichigan.com.