SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

WHY IS THIS NECESSARY? – FROM NBC NEWS:   The Boy Scouts of America announced on Wednesday that girls will soon be allowed to become Cub Scouts and to earn the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest honor.  "We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children," said Michael Surbaugh, chief executive of the Boy Scouts.  The scouting board of directors voted unanimously to make the historic change in an organization that has been primarily for boys since its founding more than 100 years ago.  Isn't this what the Girl Scouts are supposed to do?  It sounds more like a business decision than one made to benefit girls or boys.  Some observer cynically said that the main result will be that parents will be able to drop off their daughters and sons at the same place and the same time.

A SHOW-BUSINESS EMERGENCY – FROM HOLLYWOOD REPORTER:  In the wake of the allegations of sexual assault committed by Harvey Weinstein, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released a statement, calling the disgraced mogul's behavior "repugnant" and calling for an emergency board of governors meeting to address the issue.  "The Academy finds the conduct described in the allegations against Harvey Weinstein to be repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the Academy and the creative community it represents," the Academy said. "The Board of Governors will be holding a special meeting on Saturday, October 14, to discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the Academy."   You may be sure that a fine lunch will be served.  One question these industry leaders will have to deal with is this:  If we go after Harvey, where does it end?  The Weinstein episode may create an avalanche of new charges against a whole bunch of movie-business big shots.  Do they have a new emergency meeting every week? 

DRIVERLESS IN CA – FROM BLOOMBERG:   California took another step Wednesday toward permitting testing of self-driving vehicles without a human driver, continuing a shift away from previous policies that companies criticized as being overly restrictive.  The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles on Wednesday released revisions to regulations proposed in March to allow such autonomous car testing on public roads, which could take effect by next June, California DMV Chief Counsel Brian Soublet said on a conference call with reporters.  The proposed rules would also allow companies to introduce self-driving vehicles that can be used by the general public.  Having worked in Hollywood, I can attest that California has had cars with non-humans behind the wheel for years.

October 11, 2017