Around the Horn

A daily round up of five newsworthy stories:

• Warren Buffet is no longer the second most richest person in the world. That distinction now belongs to Carlos Slim Helu, who slips in a jab at the men who sandwhich him on the Forbes list: “Poverty isn’t solved with donations,” he reportedly said, adding that building businesses often does more for society than “going around like Santa Claus.”
• Former Sen. Fred Thompson, who has not yet even officially declared his presidential candidacy, now ranks second in an LA Times poll of potential Republican contenders. Liberal former mayor Rudolph Giuliani leads with 29% of the vote.
• Australian Prime Minister John Howard responded to a radio caller’s question about HIV-positive immigrants with a suggestion of restricting access. “I think we should have the most stringent possible conditions in relation to that nationwide, and I know the health minister is concerned about that and is examining ways of tightening things up.”
• Sophisticated New Yorkers are now “walking” their dogs in strollers. “They are becoming more popular, especially for senior dogs who don’t want to walk anymore.” Next up: doggie toilet paper.
• Scientists in the United Kingdom have learned how to create human sperm cells out of bone marrow. This raises the prospect of an all-female conception. Rosie O’Donnell could not be reached for comment.