Sea change--The San Francisco Chronicle column "Two Cents" queried readers, "Is American capitalism broken beyond repair?" Of the seven published responses a majority took a dim view of the state of the system. Our favorite: "American capitalism isn’t broken... But if enough Americans get mad enough, maybe we can break it ourselves."

Tough situation--"For CEOs it’s a lot lonelier at the top--The pay and perks still are lavish, but many executives bristle at the public scorn."--News headline

The stick-it-to-them society-- "U.S. regulators more than double the top price at which generators can sell electricity in the state."--Los Angeles Times.

Chew on this one--Vermont’s top court knocked out a state Medicaid policy that provided only full sets of false teeth. If you had some remaining good teeth, they had to be pulled out to get the full set of dentures.

Tuned out?--We’re late in reporting it, but we try to keep up with the news. Like: "Market slide continues despite Bush speech"--July 16 headline.

Royal enforcer--The Queen of England, owner of the spiffy Ascot horse-race track, had three BBC TV crew members thrown out. Allegedly one was wearing a T-shirt and the other two lacked neckties. Men are "encouraged" to wear jackets at Ascot and there’s a dress code for women.

Like at Ascot?--Sir Roderick Floud, a top UK education official, said winning a college degree should include "employability." Graduates, particularly from working-class and "ethnic" backgrounds should be "oven ready" for potential employers. This apparently means being well-dressed.

No divine guidance?--The Church of England may have to sell off valuable treasures and perhaps restructure itself financially. Its recent stock market losses total some $1.6 billion, nearly 20 percent of its estimated total assets.

March of civilization--The government of the United Kingdom is moving to scrap the "double jeopardy" rule enacted 800 years ago. The new rule would permit those cleared on murder, rape, or armed robbery charges to be retried for the same crimes.
 
 
 
 
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