In The News ...

Workers Whine: Hollywood workers are complaining about U.S. films being shot in other countries. Most don't understand why directors go elsewhere. A planned job action was canceled. None of their unions would OK it. (Alan Ray)

Hard Time: A Justice Department report shows the nation's federal and state prison population grew by nearly 60,000 in 1998. The increase is being attributed to "Susan McDougal Chic" -- the trendy allure of stylish orange jumpsuits and glimmering silver shackles. (Bill Williams)

Women's Network Suspended: Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting System has suspended development of a new cable network aimed at women. "Until further notice," said Ted Turner "all plans for 'The Barbarella Network' are on hold. (Jim Rosenberg)

No News: The Military Channel has stopped broadcasting after two years. I guess it was a sign of the times. Ever since President Clinton stopped dating-- boom!-- no new military invasions to cover. It was all reruns. (Steve Voldseth)

Changing Lanes: Some taxi companies are now using satellites to track their cabs. "How far out of the way to the airport are these drivers going that they need satellites?" (Jay Leno)

140 Years After: A Henry David Thoreau manuscript will be published in the fall. His "On Walden Pond" was the second most sought-after work of the 20th Century. The first was the "On Walden Pond Clift's Notes." (Ray)

Those are Big Changes: After 36 years, Cadillac is changing their front-end logo. By way of comparison, it only took Britney Spears 16 years to change her front end. (Rosenberg)

New Study: According to a new report published in this month's Journal of the American Medical Association, tonsillectomies performed on younger girls are rarely worth the associated risks. And today, President Clinton said, "Pbbtt! Tell me about it!" (Voldseth)

Drug Jobs: A report says seven out of 10 drug users have full-time jobs. A similar pattern tends to emerge. The other three are eventually cut from the Dallas Cowboys. (Ray)

Changing Channels: "NYPD Blue" star Dennis Franz reportedly lost 30 pounds. "That's the most weight loss on the show since all 150 pounds of David Caruso vanished into thin air." (Alex Kaseberg)

Santa Suit: A woman is suing Wal-Mart for replacing her as a Santa because she was female. The store says she failed to sign a no-termination agreement. In other words, there wasn't a Claus in her contract. (Ray)

Surfer Scare: A survey reveals 6 percent of Internet users are actually addicted to cyberspace. Therapists say quitting cold turkey is the best cure. They recommend such surfers subscribe to AOL. (Ray)

Happy Birthday: Boxing promoter Don King turned 68. Shopping for Don King has got to be tough. I mean, what do you get for a guy who's got everything Mike Tyson should have? (Voldseth)