BY HARRY RING
Lie syndrome - The British government conceded that the
Tory minister of defense had lied to Parliament about the
massive British use of a toxic pesticide during the Gulf War.
The chemical may have contributed to the Gulf War syndrome
illness suffered by at least 1,300 British veterans of the war.
The sane society - Scientists report that a 10-year Arctic study adds new evidence that pollution plays a significant role in global warming. And Washington says that over the next 12 years, greenhouse gas emissions will increase nearly 25 percent more than expected. Meanwhile, a report said "complex efforts" to reach an international agreement on what to do are deadlocked.
`Seal of Approval= $' - For a fee, doctors can apply to the American Medical Ass'n for a seal of approval which will assertedly confirm they have proper credentials, run their offices properly and meet "ethical standards." Tougher standards, an AMA official explains, would discourage doctors from getting with the program.
Cooks quicker - Three major British supermarket chains were among retailers found to be marketing inaccurately labeled pork. Some labels understated the amount of water added, others neglected to mention water had been added. The agriculture minister told an industry conference he was pleased that "most manufacturers" label their products properly.
Oh, and by the way - "Despite higher standards of hygiene in Britain, there are now 100,000 cases of food poisoning, resulting in 200 deaths, notified each year. This compares with 17,000 cases and 30 deaths in 1982." - The Times, London.
Decaf costs extra? - We confess being oblivious to the fact that you can now purchase caffeinated bottled water. But not surprised. Over the years, we've quaffed a good number of cups of restaurant coffee which tasted like caffeinated dish water.
Ever loyal - As a fund-raiser, the trustees of North Carolina's Clemson University are considering converting a hillside overlooking the football stadium into a burial spot for alumni who love the Clemson Tigers. Cubicles for cremated remains would assure a great view of home games. Starting price, at least $5,000.
Pew potatoes - Harold Koenig director of the Duke University Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health, led a study of 1,700 senior citizens. He reports that steady church-goers have healthier immune systems. He also notes that churchgoers tend to be more obese and the obese are more depressed - unless they go to church. Something about doing so, he muses, helps to overcome the effects of a poor diet.
Thought for the week - "To me it's kind of spooky." - Harold Koenig, director of the study of spirituality, obesity, and the immune system.