Thanks, Al

Published 11:07 pm Friday, August 6, 2010

After a five-year wage freeze, Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. once again is drawing his $4.2 million salary, thanks to the automaker’s resurgence led by former Boeing exec Alan Mulally.

In a display of gratitude, Ford said he’d be picking up Mulally’s tab at the Dearborn T.G.I. Friday’s after work on Monday.

No floggings, either: Nautical buffs can book passage aboard two replicas of vintage sailing ships, and even take part in mock sea battles off the coast of Whidbey Island.

Fortunately, the tours do not include an optional “Eat Like a 1800 Sailor” program, in which guests dine on weevil-infested biscuits, three-year-old salted pork and a suet-and-sugar pudding called “drowned baby,” and wash it all down with 16 ounces of rum.

Adult education: Senior citizens in some states can take college courses at no cost. One 78-year-old Dallas man has even amassed 114 credit hours and a 4.0 grade-point average.

Just think, recent college grads: You’ll be able to go back to school for free in about 50 years, which is about the time you’ll finish paying off your student loans.

— Mark Carlson, Herald staff