Anyone feel sick as a dog?--Despite the persistent reports of poisoning from contaminated food, the feds are recommending further cutbacks in inspection. Plants with "lowest risk" would be skipped and the food turned out by the high-risk companies would be subjected to "random" checks. Why the further cutback? The present inspection system, they fret, costs the food barons an estimated $19 million for inspectors' overtime pay.

P.S.--The feds announced that the Sara Lee food company is recalling 34,500 pounds of Ball Park hot dogs in 15 states. Investigators had spotted the deadly listeria bacteria in the franks. Sara Lee emphatically denied any link to the recall 16 months ago of meats responsible for 21 reported deaths.

The rush for the buck--"Scientists have uncovered what they believe are glaring errors in a patent issued last month to Human Genome Sciences, Inc. for a human gene that plays a crucial role in AIDS. The potential setback comes amid concerns that the race to patent human genes could lead to shoddy science and profiteering."--News item.

Do both? Wadya, some kinda nut?--Idaho's attorney general wants a court order requiring some school districts to redirect spending funds on educating students to solving health problems posed by crumbling buildings.

Besides, it's jolly--When Bank of America took over NationsBank in 1998 it said the "merger" would result in the loss of 5,000 to 8,000 jobs. Actually 12,600 people have been fired so far. Explains a B of A spokesman: "The initial projection was conservative."

They surely love those kids--Seventeen classrooms at a North Hollywood middle school were temporarily closed for a cleanup of lead contamination. The poisonous lead residue had accumulated on window ledges and floors from lead-based paint on walls drilled during renovations. Two other Los Angeles area schools were closed for the removal of the carcinogen, asbestos.

Love them landlords--"In San Francisco, minimum-wage workers would have to toil 146 hours a week to pay the average rent on a two-bedroom apartment."--Los Angeles Times.

No portathrone--Three tons of luggage and an entourage of 32 people accompanied the Queen of England and Duke of Edinburgh on their two-week trip to Australia. The queen is traveling with her own feather pillow, kettle, and supply of bottled water. Myth to the contrary, she does not travel with her own toilet seat. An official assures: "A private rest room is always provided wherever she goes."  
 
 
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