'Moral imperative'--Compelled by a moral need to help meet the critical shortage of low-cost housing in South Boston, the Catholic hierarchy in the area has sold church property. Next spring ground will be broken for 50 condos of which 12 will be "affordables." The "market-rate" condos will, hopefully, fetch $400,000 and the "affordables," up to $211,000.

What else is new?--In England, a Railtrack crash killed four people and injured 35 others. Subsequent probes found that company executives knew 10 months earlier that the section of the track was defective. The company also listed 81 spots where engineers feared the danger of derailment. And, finally, a Times of London headline declared, "Railtrack to escape fines for broken rails."

Gourmet's delight--In France, 150 tons of an epicurean spicy sausage was recalled after it was found to be contaminated with poisonous listeria.

Assistant what?--In an interview with Ivana Trump, ex-spouse of real estate shark Donald Trump, she was asked what she does when in a cab or similar situation, she finds she forgot to stop at the cash machine. Response: "Bank machine. Forget it. I wouldn't know how to use it. Actually, that happens to me quite often. I have a $100 bill and the guy doesn't know what to do so.... he drops me off and I say, "When you have a route around here tomorrow, ring the bell and my assistant will give you the money."

Road to higher education--In our high school days we were totally alienated from what was offered, and attended as little as possible. School authorities couldn't care less. But now, in the United Kingdom, they have a sure way to draw students into the educational process and warm the hearts of parents. If their kids play hooky too frequently, parents will face fines ranging as high as $6,500. The item we read didn't say if families that can't pay will be jailed.

And then what?--In Evansville, Indiana, health authorities urged people living near the former Evansville Plating Works to undergo tests after area soil samples revealed lead levels 19 times federal safety limits. In a fit of generosity, they declared the tests will be free. What will be done for those afflicted by, or at risk of, lead poisoning? Again, the item we read didn't say.  
 
 
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