Really?--USA Today did several articles on Bush's "compromise" stem cell policy. Two top headlines: "Reading, reflection brought Bush to decision--Solicited opinions from all sides on issue that goes 'way beyond politics,'" and "Professor helped president weigh ethics."

Pst--Folks who bought Kolcraft strollers for their tots and who rely on the Los Angeles Times for their news would have required diligence to spot the three-inch item at the bottom of page 16. It reported Kolcraft had "recalled" 115,000 strollers because 22 children had been injured by ones that suddenly collapsed. The company said consumers should stop using the strollers and call them for a free "repair kit."

'Sorry about that too'--"Lawyers [in federal court] for 300,000 Indians claim the government squandered at least $10 billion in trust accounts created in 1887 to manage royalties from grazing, logging, mining, and oil drilling on Indian land. The government acknowledges that over the years money was stolen, used for other federal programs, or never collected."--News item.

Try turning off the lights--University of Utah staffers are looking for a 2.2-lb. package of recycled uranium it received in 1970. Neither the school nor state nor federal officials can explain the missing package shipped from the uranium processing plant in Rocky Flats, Colorado. The school said the risk of radioactive contamination is low.

Let's round it out--The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is dickering with the feds to acquire a jet and limo made available to him during his time in office. How about tossing in a bottle of ketchup to bring back the time when his administration struck a blow for more nutritious school lunch programs by declaring ketchup a vegetable.

No end to problems--In California's San Bernardino Mountain, a huge underground fuel storage complex has been leaking gasoline for 25 years. Officials say there's no immediate [?] danger of drinking-water contamination. But they did seem nettled that two wells have been drilled within a mile of the seepage.

How clever can they get?--The United Kingdom parliament recently passed a law to reduce traffic congestion in London by imposing a $7.50-a-day fee for entering the central area of the city. Now, it's apparently been confided to the media that the travel allowance plan for members of Parliament will exempt them from the tax.

Mark it down--A few of the readers who send clippings for this column haven't caught up with our current address. Send items care of Pathfinder Bookstore, 4229 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011.  
 
 
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