| October 2006
In recent years, though, we have set aside our primitive beliefs for we now consider ourselves to be educated beings. But no matter how far we evolve, there will always be something in the far reaches of our educated minds which will bring us back to a time when we feared the moon itself. We cannot escape it, for deep down we are still animals. We will always be haunted. We will always know fear. That is why Halloween "spooks" us. This particular night frightened our ancestors, and it will continue to frighten their descendants. As soon as the sun sets and All Hallow's Eve is upon us, witches, ghosts, and goblins awaken from their long sleep. On this night there is no escaping it. We are afraid. Jack Sheedy - Reference Services, Dennis Public Library .
Clouded issue
But travel a few paces up the street to Buddha's Bar in this eastern Eau Claire County city, and the environment takes on a more colorful appearance. Blue-gray smoke clouds filled the air as tavern patrons took drag after drag on their cigarettes. A group of people playing pool lit up, adding to the haze. A quarter-mile to the east, Grandma's Cafe offers similarly smoky surroundings. The stark difference in atmospheres between the businesses illustrates the strongly held opinions about a proposal to ban smoking in Wisconsin's taverns and restaurants. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, and state Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton. The issue pits people who believe breathing clean air is their right versus those who insist government shouldn't legislate behavior, particularly smoking, which is legal for people 18 and older.
Pressure mounts on Soc Gen
SOCIETE Generale chairman Daniel Bouton faced increasing pressure from French officials to answer for the rogue trader disaster that is rocking the bank ahead of a meeting of its board of directors tonight (AEDT). As questions swirled over Societe Generale's failure to prevent a junior trader racking up losses of €4.8 billion ($8 billion), Finance Minister Christine Lagarde stressed yesterday it was "up to board members'' to decide on Bouton's future. "Societe Generale is in crisis,'' she said, adding that "the board members are there to decide whether or not the person in charge is the best one to steer the ship or if a change of captain is needed.'' The head of the French Senate finance committee, Jean Arthuis, went further: "I don't think Bouton has any choice but to leave.'' Societe Generale's board turned down the 57-year-old Bouton's offer of resignation last week, after the colossal losses were announced, asking him to steer the bank through the crisis.
Five things you need to know today
1 Smoking a joint is equivalent to 20 cigarettes in terms of lung cancer risk, scientists in New Zealand have found. 2 A state archivist was charged Monday with stealing hundreds of artifacts from the New York State Library, including Davy Crockett Almanacs and Currier and Ives lithographs, to pay his household bills. 3 Margaret Truman Daniel, the only child of former President Harry Truman, died Tuesday. She was 83. 4 EBay Inc. said Tuesday it will cut by up to 50 percent the fees it charges sellers to list their goods online, in an effort to boost listings. 5 Wal-Mart announced Tuesday that it will chop prices between 10 percent to 30 percent this week on groceries, electronics and other home-related products in an effort to keep its cash-strapped consumers excited about shopping.
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