Uncle Sam's taking care of it--In 18 states, perchlorate, a chemical by-product of rocket fuel, has been detected in soil and water, and it's suspected to be present in 20 other states where rocket fuel is made. The chemical is linked to neurological impairment in children and thyroid cancer in adults. In California, environmentalists estimate the chemical is present in 7 million water taps.

Armed for sky rage?--The Federal Aviation Administration is weighing a plan to reduce air traffic delays by permitting pilots to change their routes and take short cuts, fly closer together, land in bad weather, and talk less with controllers.

'Labor'?--A Labour Party member of the United Kingdom parliament has suggested that immigrants seeking entry to marry be barred unless they can speak adequate English.

Impoverished 'anti-poverty' programs--The Labour Party says that in its first three-year term it tried various anti-poverty measures, but the gap between rich and poor remains as great as before.

Surely, council members excepted--The city council in Redondo Beach, California, is pondering a measure that would require people who want to address the council to first take an oath that they're telling the truth.

Like, maybe, adequate mass transit?--"When terror comes along for the ride--Thousands of Americans suffer from panic attacks and phobias related to driving. Therapists say there are ways to conquer their fears"--News headline.

Thought for the week--"We must protect the claims of nature while also protecting the legal rights of property owners."--George Bush.  
 
 
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