Doing their civic duty--Detroit auto makers pledged to put more fuel-efficient cars on the market. They declined to say how many or what kind. They did seem to have their minds made up that marketing such vehicles would require Congress to grant $3,000 tax credits to those who bought them.

Crime Fighters--In Tyler, Texas, a man was convicted for stealing a bag of tools, then a package of cookies, and, finally, a candy bar. He got 16 years as a "habitual offender."

They put more cops on the street?--New York officials report that in the first quarter of this year, the murder rate increased 12.4 percent.

Tactical dispute?--Rev. Jerry Falwell, the pious right-wing broadcaster, declared he couldn't go along with his political associate, Rev. Patrick Robertson, who, for whatever reason, called for a moratorium on the death penalty. Falwell said, "I personally believe that we need to reduce the time between conviction and execution."

Sound as a dollar--A recent "Making Money" parley sponsored by the Miami Herald was dominated by words of caution in relation to current money making. The paper cited the wisdom of Marc Gabelli, who's doing nicely in the current Internet bonanza. He commented about when the bubble will bust. "Every day," he said, "we're smelling what's going on. And I always sit near the exit."

Humane--"Asylum seekers persistently begging on the streets will face a new 'fast track' system to throw them out of Britain under measures being drawn up by the government."--The Times, London.

To make a point--Last week's column included an item from a small Cape Cod paper reporting on the new low-rent development in the pricey tourist area. An application included such questions as: If you're a single mother, how often does your significant other visit?, and how long does he stay? Do you have a vacuum cleaner? The item was sent by a longtime reader and contributor. You too can help by sending clippings to Pathfinder Bookstore, 2546 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90006.  
 
 
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