People might think it a business--Tightening the purse strings, the Church of England told its bishops there would be no more chauffeur-driven cars or first-class travel. A report commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and York said the bishops should be trained in office management and computers.

Oh dear!--Rep. Earl Hilliard, an Alabama Democrat, was caught using campaign contributions to pay personal loans and to pay the salaries of people who worked for the companies run by Hilliard and his family. Added funds were used to pay the rent and utility tabs of the companies. The House Ethics [?] committee sent Hilliard a "letter of reproval."

The well society--One woman in 10 experiences depression during the period after childbirth, according to USA Today. But, the paper assures, "only one in 1,000 deteriorates to the point where they could endanger their child, experts say."

Friendly Sam--The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission has taken two court cases against the huge Wal-Mart chain. In one Wal-Mart store, a disabled employee was fired for being unable to sit down while working as a people greeter. In the other case, an ex-employee of British origin charged that her Sam's Club supervisor called her a "stupid limey" and told other workers she shouldn't have a job in this country.

Philosophical--High schoolers are finding it harder to get a summer job this year. Observed federal economist Ron Bird, "Most people find a job eventually."

Check it out--In California's San Diego County, an eight-bedroom house, with 10 baths, is on the market. Features include a tennis court, a king-sized pool, cherry wood paneled library, and a 5,000 bottle wine cellar. It's been on and off the market since 1995 when the asking price was $11 million. Currently, you can snap it up for $10.5 million.

Obviously can use practice--Training on the island of Hokkaido, a Japanese military jet mistakenly attacked a parking lot. The strafing, fortunately, netted a smashed car window and a damaged garage roof.

Not as dumb as he looks--We thought it was a bad joke when a member of the Massachusetts legislature introduced a bill to define prisons as "low-income" housing. The apparent aim was to clear the way for more funding. But, it's pointed out, it would also help "snob" areas like Cape Cod to further ignore a state statute calling on communities to provide at least 10 percent affordable housing.  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home