Darts & Laurels

DART

To the man who filed a class action lawsuit against Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort claiming no sign was posted telling him about the $2.50 ATM fee he had to pay last year at one of the hotel's money machines. Frederick Brill filed the suit in federal court last week, claiming Marriott International Inc. did not comply with federal laws by failing to display a sign notifying ATM users at the Marriott Lincolnshire of a $2.50 fee associated with their ATM machine. Brill used the machine in the hotel on Dec. 4, 2008, the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit claims "hundreds of persons" have been affected by the lack of a posted fee notice. Brill wants his $2.50 back, along with any other damages associated with Marriott allegedly violating federal law involving ATM fees. Hope a federal judge gives this case the boot. If Mr. Brill can use an ATM machine, we guess he should be able to pay the $2.50 fee. Yet one more reason not to have an ATM card.

LAUREL

Abbott says it's saving one billion gallons of water annually since launching a comprehensive, global effort in 2004 to preserve natural resources through reducing use of water in the production of its nutrition and other health-care products. Abbott is using the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's "Global Water Tool," which is helping its 40 major manufacturing plants throughout the world assess local water needs.

DART

We may need those water savings from Abbott in the future. The world's population is set to reach 7 billion in 2011, a year earlier than forecast, according to the Population Research Bureau. As has been the pattern for decades, most of the growth is occurring in the developing world. In fact, at least 97 percent of all population growth in the next 40 years will be there, the report says.

LAUREL

The board of trustees of Warren-Newport Public Library recently honored the Friends of the Library with a special resolution in celebration of National Friends of the Library Week. The Friends of the Library has raised close to $36,000, which underwrites library programming. Money is raised through special events, including the prize drawings, monthly used book and DVD sales and the ongoing operation of the Book Ends used book store in the library.

DART

Foreign visitors traveling to the U.S. have declined 8 percent from 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. That totals about 53 million travelers from abroad this year. The global economic slump is being blamed, but we know better. They just don't like us. Tourism officials expect 63 million foreign visitors here by 2013.

LAUREL

The Woodland School District 50 PTA is $1,300 more to the good following a fund-raiser at Jersey Mike's Subs in Gurnee. Over the course of five days, a percentage of the eatery's sales was earmarked for Woodland. DARTS & LAURELS