The sane society—“Fort Lauderdale, Florida—A Florida appeals court reversed Lionel Tate’s first-degree murder conviction and life sentence. Tate, now 16, was convicted as an adult for the 1999 beating death of 6-year-old Tiffany Eunick. He was 12 at the time of the slaying and is believed to be the youngest person in the U.S. in modern [!] times to have been sentenced to life in prison.”—South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

May he get what he serves—“Birmingham, Alabama—The prisoners call it chicken explosion. It arrives dehydrated—just add water and boil. The multi-colored dish is the centerpiece of Tuesday lunch at Kilby Prison and one of the many mysterious items that Food Service director M.A. Warren serves to cut costs. He can feed a prisoner on $1.08 a day. That’s three meals [with] two on Sundays and holidays.”—Birmingham News.

The golden society—“WAR ON HUNGER—The UN announces that the number of undernourished people has risen to some 842 million. It adds that a goal to halve hunger by 2016 looks remote.” The Times, London.

Studious approach—“U.S. Territory, Puerto Rico—The Farmers Association criticized the government for not distributing $9 million in emergency aid to farmers affected by heavy rains and flooding [November]. Agriculture officials reported more than $30 million in losses to crops like cassava and plantains. The government said it’s still reviewing all requests.”—December 10, USA Today.

Capitalist education advances—A reader forwards a fund appeal from his children’s public school: “This year…will be an especially challenging one, as severe budget cuts have greatly impacted our ability to provide an excellent education for our students. The cuts have already resulted in many programs and services in our schools being eliminated…some of the things you will NOT see next year are: Art, Music, Science Kits, Physical Education…and Evening Custodial Services.”

The principal has the flu, maybe?—In Reno, Nevada, illness is not counted as an excuse for school absence. Less than 90 percent attendance and you don’t get promoted. Anxious to do their time, students are showing up sick.

Alienated? Nonsense—If you’re worried about your new TV getting ripped off, check out Beverly Park. Outside L.A. the down-home community features security guards, electronic gates and high stone walls. One $20 million home on sale has the customary amenities, plus 18-foot front doors. We assume they’re drawbridges.

Thought for the week—“According to the latest census data…47 million U.S. residents, age 5 and older, speak a language other than English at home…. With the growing numbers of non-English speakers in the workforce experts say many employers worry about workers using another language to insult or harass others. They want to know what’s being said in the workplace.”—News item.  
 
 
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