The Lexicographer's Rules

"Like almost all parents and teachers in urban school districts, we face constant struggles over mandates and regulations that create serious problems and minor headaches. One week recently, for instance, kids and teachers tried in vain to open classroom windows on Monday morning, only to learn they had been nailed closed over the weekendÑdespite the presence of window guards in our schoolÑbecause of an edict from the central board stemming from a student's injury in a Brooklyn school."

—Education Week. The difficulties in leading, assisting or attending a progressive school in a forward-thinking neighborhood stem largely from one-size-fits-all mandates from school district officials and the accompanying micromanagement.'

"The jurors include a bank teller, an art therapist, a legal secretary, a senior book editor, a nurse, a data entry clerk, an electric technician, a retired postal clerk, a social work supervisor, a construction manager, an accountant, an office clerk, and a salesman. Their hobbies include reading, chess, needlework, running, watching movies, and traveling abroad."

—Washington File. The US State Department explains the jury process in detail, particularly as it pertains to the current embassy-bombing trial. "When the jury is there it is like a stage show. They are on. The cameras are on. The lights are on. The jury is watching and everybody performs for the jury."'

"HARPER'S FERRY, W.Va. In 1862, Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson forced the surrender of 12,500 Union troops, the largest American surrender at the time. A 180-home residential development is planned for part of the 7,000-acre site, of which 3,000 acres are protected."

—Kansas City Star. A list of Civil War battlefields threatened by commerical and housing developments.'

"Excuses fly. It wasn't me. I didn't know I didn't have a license. I wasn't at that spot. I think my cousin had my car. My insurance card caught fire. One woman insists 'the only reason I went through that red light was I have a nervous feet condition, for which I'm suing my doctor.'"

—Philadelphia Daily News. It's traffic court in Philly, a parade of losers, liars and freaks. At the metal detectors 35 knives, some "big enough to gut a deer," are confiscated every month.'