
Money could very well be the root of all evil — though in the latest study of corrupt countries, it's actually the lack of money that sparks trouble. The new report by Transparency International
found that in two-fifths of the world's nations, corruption continues to intensify — a trend that can be traced to economic realities. In the countries found to be the most corrupt, 40 percent are classified by the World Bank as low income.

Under the Treelord Treaty signed today, seven of New Zealand's native tribes will now own
huge areas of New Zealand forest land. Addressing past injustices with tangible penances, New Zealand has transfered 435,000 acres of land holding large commercial pine plantations in exchange for NZ $420 million (US $319 million). The current pine plantations generate NZ $13 million a year in rent.

An Internet news rumor run amuck? Sites were reporting this shocking story as fact yesterday — do you believe it? Apparently, a road crew in the small town of Kerikeri, New Zealand, was repairing the main street when they decided to pay
too much attention to one woman — who decided to let them know just what she thought about their behavior — by stripping.