There’s a movie being made about Rudolph Giuliani. The humble, working-class childhood in Brooklyn, the stellar career as a tough federal prosecutor, the rise to political power as the crime-fighting mayor of New York City, the steadfast resolve after Sept. 11 that made him America’s mayor – “Rudy” will be an all-American story, shot in glorious red, white and blue by Carlton America Productions for USA Networks. Filming begins next week in Montreal.

.

A new study by the human-resource firm CCH finds that as employers become more stingy with paid time off, employees become even more devious about sneaking paid time off. This escalating unauthorized absenteeism now costs business an average of $789 per employee per year, an all-time high, up 30 percent since 2000. Hey, in this economy, we’ll take improved productivity anywhere we find it.

.

Average gas consumption for 2003 cars now in showrooms is up again, for the third consecutive year and now stands about 6 percent above the fuel-economy peak set 15 years ago. Not only are the guzzlers thirstier than ever, there are a lot more of them: only 33 of this year’s crop of 934 car, truck and van models get more than

30 mpg, compared with 48 of 865 last year. Let’s go over this one more time, folks – the idea is to INcrease America’s energy INdependence.

.

Maine voters rightly disgusted by the torrent of negative campaign advertising may be interested in the latest development out of the U.S. Senate race in New Jersey: Supporters of one candidate show up at appearances by the other candidate and drown out the speeches with high-powered boom boxes; the other side retaliates with even more decibels; the din escalates until even nearby airports complain about the noise. It seems rather childish, but it gets you thinking – the mute button is effective, but wouldn’t a remote with bullhorn function be cool?

.

A special session of the Maine Legislature finally has been set for mid-November, seven months after the budget shortfall – first $180 million, now $280 million – was first discovered, a week after the election and just a few weeks before the next Legislature and next governor take office. While every other state with severe budget problems had special sessions months ago to deal with the immediate crisis and many have gone on to enact more long-term fiscal remedies, the stalling approach taken here allows Gov. King to leave office with as much of his legacy intact as possible and incumbent lawmakers to run for re-election without having to answer for the difficult decisions budget-balancing requires. A true win-win situation.