Cops off campus!--In the wake of a student outcry, officials at Ohio's Kent State University backed off on a decision to equip campus cops with M-16 rifles, which were used by the military during the Vietnam War. The Ohio National Guard in 1970 killed four and wounded nine in an assault on Kent State students who were protesting that war. Shopping for a replacement for their present guns, the campus cops said they'll look for something other than the M-16s.

It ain't funny, but it is--"Runway error marred LAX ceremony--Two 737s almost collided as airport officials gathered to receive a recent safety award"--Los Angeles news headline.

Don't try redeeming it at your grocery--The Colorado legislature is weighing a measure to bestow certificates of recognition to couples who have remained wedded for 25 or 50 years. The sponsor of the measure said there would be no cash awards, "just the idea of some recognition."

Century of 'progress'--The Times of London reported that researchers found that in many parts of the inner city, "the divisions between rich and poor [remain] just as rigid as they were 100 years ago."

That's a comfort--General Electric denied a Business Week report that its takeover of Honeywell would mean a cut of 75,000 jobs. GE said they had merely reported there would be "significant" cuts, but the number remains to be decided.

Tick-tock, there goes the doc--In a major advance for the quality of medical care, the American Medical Assn. reported that doctors are spending more time in their office visits with patients. From 1989 to 1998 the typical office visit expanded from 20.4 minutes to 21.5.

Why?--Associated Press reported that New York City's commissioner of homeless services attributed the swelling number of homeless to: "staggering housing costs, more evictions, and a decline in subsidized housing." He noted it was part of a national trend. And, it was added, the N.Y. increase came despite tougher city screening procedures.

Meanwhile, freeze your butt--With the energy crisis gripping California dwellers by the throat, Oakland's Fruitvale Presbyterian church went into the trenches to assure light and heat for the needy. Initially, they declared they would help the aging meet their inflated bills. But it then dawned on them this would cost money. They switched strategy. Those who sign a pledge to conserve energy get a sweatshirt bearing the logo: "We believe in the power of God."  
 
 
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