What about safety in numbers?--"Airbus is planning to introduce the world's largest passenger plane, carrying up to 1,000 passengers, without conducting a full evacuation test. The company said it was afraid that people could be permanently injured in the exercise."--News item.

Like we say, nothing's perfect--"The safety system being fitted across Britain to stop trains that jump red lights cannot guarantee that it will prevent accidents because the driver will receive no warning if it malfunctions."--The Times, London.

They can't do everything--Several major airlines have grounded some of their Boeing 757 jetliners because of cracks in a blade that directs air flow through plane engines. The cracks were discovered at least eight months ago, but parts needed for the blade repairs are in short supply, says Pratt & Whitney, maker of the engines. And, assures Boeing, even if one engine conked out the 757 could stay aloft on the other.

New export product--Faced with a court order to relieve prison overcrowding, the governor of Alabama, Donald Siegelman, is offering other states the opportunity to take some surplus inmates. However, he says, the state won't pay more than the $26 a day it spends to keep a prisoner.

The image-makers--Health and nutrition writer Jane Brody notes a Food and Drug Administration finding that some cosmetics touted as improving skin condition can cause more skin problems than they cure. She cites FDA's Dr. John Bailey, who observes: "Image [of youth and beauty] is what the cosmetic industry sells through its products. And it's up to the consumer to believe it or not."

Learning treat--If you haven't read Pathfinder's Cosmetics, Fashions, and the Exploitation of Women you're missing out. By Joseph Hansen and Evelyn Reed, it's a timely, particularly lively Marxist work.

Mark it down--The readers whose clippings help keep this column going should be sure to note our new address. Send clippings to Great Society c/o Pathfinder Bookstore, 4229 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011.  
 
 
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