Now for some lighthearted news

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2005-08-17-lending_x.htm

"Swedish library launches 'borrow a person'
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AFP) ?- If you're one of those people who thinks all lesbians are sexually frustrated or all animal rights activists aggressive, then a Swedish library project that allows you to "borrow" a real live human being rather than a book may provide some useful insight.
The Living Library project will enable people to come face-to-face with their prejudices in the hopes of altering their preconceived notions, Ulla Brohed of the Malmoe Library in southern Sweden told AFP.

"You sometimes hear people's prejudices and you realize that they are just uninformed," she said.

This weekend, nine people, including a homosexual, an imam, a journalist, a Muslim woman and a gypsy, will be available at the Malmoe Library for members of the public to "borrow" for a 45 minute conversation in the library's outdoor cafe.

"Maybe not all journalists are know-it-all and sensationalist, just unafraid and curious. Maybe not all animal rights activists are angry and intolerant, but intelligent and committed," she said.

The nine "items" on loan were not hard to find, Brohed said, but admitted that they would be paid "a small sum" for their efforts.

If the project is a success, the Malmoe Library may run it again later this year. "

I wonder what the overdue fines are.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2005-08-14-maine-hotdogs_x.htm

"Teen hot-dog vendor hits Maine coast ?- offshore
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) ?- Hot-dog vendors are a common sight in most towns. Now, a teenager is trying to take the concept to the high seas.
This summer, 16-year-old Eben Fogg of North Yarmouth has been making the rounds in Casco Bay aboard a 25-foot floating hot-dog stand.

His boat, Tina's Weinah's, is registered to his mother, who set up the business to give her son a fun learning experience.

"It's a sweet job, being on the ocean," Fogg said.

Licensed by the state, Fogg sells hot-dogs and ice cream treats for $2 each. Drinks and potato chips are $1.50 each. Weather permitting, he heads out most days at 10 a.m. On a good day, he comes home with $200. Some days it's less than $20."

I gotta admit,I would never have thought of this.