Gastronomic note--"The definition of fresh is that it isn't spoiled," says a honcho at the Sealed Air Corp., which provides long shelf- life packaging for food, such as stuffed peppers, labeled "fresh."

Biting the royal bullet--The queen of the United Kingdom lent a hand to the taxpayers by slicing $4.2 million off the royal budget. Frequent flyers, the family will use smaller Royal Air Force jets and private helicopters. And a more efficient heating system has been installed in Buckingham Palace. There is other income--about $189 million from the Royal Estate and other holdings. But they don't spend it all. Last year their expenses were about $50 million.

Is there no limit?--Adding to the above, the Times of London reports that the Royal Train is being cut from 14 to nine coaches.

The mucked-up society--A truck overturned on Washington, D.C.'s Beltway, spilling a three-inch deep mess of tar. The cleanup created a five-hour traffic lock in 90-degree heat.

That answers that--In Gans, Oklahoma, three teachers who taught in the same elementary school building have died of cancer. A fourth, who has breast cancer, says her classroom had a persistent sickening odor. The brief item we read didn't mention the situation of pupils. School officials said tests didn't turn up any "unsafe levels" of chemicals.

The scenic route--The remains of deer killed by motorists will litter the roads in 24 Wisconsin counties as the state ends a state pick-up program. Officials said disposal has become too expensive.

Simple solutions from simple shysters--An Omaha, Nebraska, "credit counseling" outfit offers free advice for those whocan't meet the mortgage payments. As reported in the Omaha World Herald, avoid "unnecessary, wasteful spending," such as late fees, and "club dues." (Like, maybe the union?) Also "increase income" by getting a part-time job or taking in a boarder. And "consider selling the house." Most important, before you're "overwhelmed," contact the counseling service. They'll do you in for sure.

Clear-eyed view--Three years ago, in East Sussex, England, James Ashley, unarmed and in his bedroom, was shot to death by police. Now, two inspectors who helped plan the raid have been promoted to chief inspectors, with pay increases retroactive to the date of the raid. Ashley's brother Tony commented that at first, "we thought it was a sick joke, but we aren't that surprised."  
 
 
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