NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY: Pariahs that they are, the big tobacco companies are understandably reluctant to release information about where they do their product placement in Hollywood films. But twelve years after the industry promised to stop paying for such exposure, 85% of feature films contain prominent scenes of smoking, and 28% feature visible brand names, according to a new study. The Globe & Mail (Toronto) 02/13/01

BROUGHT TO YOU BY... In the last decade of economic boom, arts organizations turned more than ever to corporate largesse to help them stay afloat year to year. Now, with the economy slowing and corporate layoffs beginning in earnest, large donations to non-profit arts groups may be one of the early casualties. Detroit News 02/06/01