Block-buster—On an edge of the Los Angles downtown area, run-down, relatively low-rent housing is being torn down. Together with homeless street people, area residents are being hit by this urban removal. Why? To build spiffy residential lofts and commercial buildings.

P.S.—To cheer things up, a block party was organized by the Volunteers of America and a city committee said to represent those being driven out. Declared a spokesperson: “Sometimes we forget people in recovery, and people that are working trying to get out of homelessness, have to experience some joy every now and then.”

How about a block party?—An 11-acre estate, a stone’s throw from L.A., is up for grabs. Includes a kitchen with a fireplace. Seven bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and five half bathrooms, along with a 3,000 bottle capacity wine cellar. Asking price: $40 million.

Compulsive pill poppers ?—A study of 24 compulsive shoppers found significant improvement among them after taking anti-depressant pills. That’s according to some scientists at Stanford University. Others specialists dissented. Said one: “Of course, antidepressants help the disorder, in the same way they would help alcohol dependency. They’re simply another addiction.”

Shrine of the Gap—On the market, an edition of the New Testament in fashion magazine format for young women ages 12 to 17.

Vegetarian or vegan?—Studying the Good Book, some nutritionists contend that today Jesus would be a vegetarian.

Where the prez gets his checkup?—“WASHINGTON, D.C.—Greater Southeast Community Hospital, the city’s main health care center for the poor and uninsured, lost its accreditation. [A commission] cited problems with blood transfusions, infection control, and screening of staff and physicians. The hospital may lose most or all of its paying customers because private insurance companies usually won’t cover unaccredited institutions.”—USA Today.

Vanguard of civilization—In Burlington, North Carolina, an inmate was charged with attacking a jailer. The sheriff said it was partially due to overcrowding. The holding cell for those awaiting trial was designed to hold 12 people. As many as 30 are thrown in. Inmates sleep on the floor and tables. The judge said the summer heat doesn’t help any.  
 
 
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