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   Vol.66/No.7            February 18, 2002 
 
 
The Great Society
 
BY HARRY RING
'Where is this Afghanistan?'--The 750 Canadian troops based in Afghanistan are decked out in green camouflage. Meanwhile, government cheeks are beet red. Asked why the soldiers were dressed in green for a desert area, a defense ministry spokesperson responded, "I have no idea." That was according to the January 19 Vancouver Sun.

'Move, you meatheads!'--Tan blankets (not available in varied hues) will be shipped to Afghanistan, reported the same day's Toronto Globe & Mail.

And that's just average--"The average chief executive officer in a major American corporation in 2001 made 531 times as much in pay, bonuses, and stock options as the average factory worker, according to the...Institute for Policy Studies and United for a Fair Economy...."--Orange County Register.

Cheap as dorm space--If you're pondering sending a family member to UCLA, here's how to trim housing costs: In neighboring Beverly Hills, there's a "for sale" home with elbow room. Built in 1909 as a hunting lodge, its many features include 12 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, a padded music room, and a walk-in safe. Asking price, $29 million.

The Hypocritical Oath?--In several cities, doctors are offering special care to patients who pay a fee in addition to medical insurance. It wouldn't be seemly to assert some patients will get better quality care than others. So there are amenities, such as round-the-clock access to the doctor's cellular phone number. One Seattle doc will take on the family. The extras include heated towel bars, marble showers, and personally mono-grammed robes. Your regular coverage plus a $20,000 annual fee.

Woosh--Pfizer, the world's biggest drug company, racked up a profit in the last quarter of 2001 of $2.11 billion.

Aha! Didn't know they don't know--A University of Colorado study found that an achievement test of 10th grade Colorado students included questions for pupils in the 11th and 12th grades. Others were found to be more difficult than college entry exams.

Help Wanted--The readers who help keep this column going with the clippings they send in are surely wanted--especially those from other countries. Like the Canadian reader who sent the two Afghanistan clippings this week. You can do likewise. Send clippings to: Great Society c/o Pathfinder Books, 4229 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. 90011.  
 
 
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