BY HARRY RING
`God rest ye merry' - Distribution of surplus Defense Dept. blankets may end before Christmas. It's expected that the blanket program will be iced next year, in compliance with a bar on expenditures that interfere with military preparedness

Shop early for Xmas - "Hermes has a waiting list for its $4,000 Kelly bags. Neiman Marcus sold all 50 of the $75,000 Jaguars in its Christmas catalogue in eight days. Patek Philippe has back orders for a $44,500 watch." - New York Times December 12.

The cable guys - Remember the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which was supposed to roll back TV cable rates? During the year, rates jumped nearly 7 percent and, come January, the three biggest monopolies will sock millions of subscribers with hikes of 7 percent plus.

Matter of priorities - In a bid for the 2004 Olympics, the University of Puerto Rico plans to spend 15 million on an Olympic-size pool and other sports facilities at the Río Piedras campus. Student body president Zayra Caraballo slammed the project, pointing to two improperly maintained campus pools and noting that there are university branches without libraries, elevators or handicap access ramps.

Selling yourself isn't always easy - "Fewer than a third of advertising executives believe their campaigns help to sell products, a survey revealed. Instead they are plagued by self-doubt and insecurity and dream of giving it all up for another career." - The Times of London.

The environmental prez - Two weeks after Clinton urged an international fight to reduce global warming by 2000, the White House proposed making that 2010. It also recommended allowing U.S. companies to flout pollution limits if they help companies abroad to reduce their emissions and, also, to allow nations to exceed standards if they enforce stricter limits "in the future."

Proud record - A new study found that 4 million U.S. children don't get enough to eat. Meanwhile, over the next six years Clinton's welfare "reform" law will slice $30 billion in funding for nutrition programs.

Oh don't be so rational - A study found a sharply escalating attack on the homeless in the 50 largest U.S. cities. More than half have recently conducted police sweeps. "As opposed to attacking homeless people," the report declared, "cities should attack homelessness."

Last-minute item - "A very unique Christmas gift" - The $250,000 Lamborghini Diablo, an "exotic" sports car. Skeptical? Take a trial spin - 30 minutes, $95.

Merry Marxmas - And a revolutionary New Year. Plus warm thanks to those who send clippings to this column, and a welcome to those who will be doing so in the coming year. Items (with name and date of paper) should be sent c/o Pathfinder Bookstore, 2546 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006. Fax: (213) 380-1268.  
 
 
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