1. Tales coming out about the delay in contracts.  Word is that the delay was due to troubles entering raises for administrators into PeopleSoft.  Seems many of the chairs at USM are first- or second-year chairholders (thus causing much of the complication), and their raises were more "comprehensive" than those for faculty.  gorod says to check them out when next year's budget arrives.  Thanks gorod.

2.  Welcome to New Provost Week (we think).  The new story is that LSM actually put out "feelers" about becoming USM's next Provost.  Of course it was shot down, but not as quickly as you might think.  A couple of "long distance calls" were made before "it was decided" to go down a "different road."  Thanks ntsft.

3. compaq reports that the legal invasion may hit Green Hall this week (thanks compaq).  The "battle" has been waged on other parts of campus so far (thanks ntsft).  envelope also urges everyone to come and visit the final phase of the CBED palace construction on the second floor.  Thanks envelope.

4.  From the Society as Sports page of the mill.  Some word that an open/empty ept box was left (conspicuously) in a ladies room in the dome.  Speculation is that it was left to further fuel the internal strife in the building.  The most common version of the tale is that someone of the male persuasion "infiltrated" the 'throom and left the "package."  Thanks grapevine, gorod and ntsft.

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