Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe FILIPINO WAR VETS SAY BENEFITS ARE DENIED Many World War II veterans who are natives of the Philippines say the U.S. government seems to have forgotten their contributions. Advertisement Philippine Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. says Filipino veterans who now are permanent residents of the United States were not included in the G.I. Bill law passed in 1946 granting WWII veterans health benefits. Reports say that according to the senator, a bill that could pave the way for equal benefits has remained on the back burner on Capitol Hill. In a recent interview, Villar noted Filipino war veterans "fought with American soldiers side by side ... and it is lamentable that our soldiers have not been fully rewarded for their services." MORE BANKS USING FINGERPRINTING A group of banks in Minnesota is among the first in the nation to require fingerprinting -- a thumbprint -- as the official form of identification. The Minneapolis Star Tribune says although some banks across the country already use some degree of fingerprinting, the Minnesota banks are taking an additional step, demanding a thumbprint be taken when any new account is opened. One element that will make all of this more palatable to consumers is the fact new fingerprinting systems are ink-free pressure activated machines that do not require the old ink pads. Advertisement The paper says one of the most common forms of identify theft uses a person's bank records and personal checks. The use of the thumbprint in conjunction with checking accounts could help cut down on that growing problem. PSYCHOLOGIST: GET OUT AND SMELL THE ROSES A well known psychologist tells people what they have instinctively known all along -- they need to get out and just unwind sometimes. William Wiener, an expert on stress management, says the concept of family fun -- many members of the same family going places together -- still is a therapeutic prescription for many. Wiener says trips with the family don't need to be major ventures, though. He tells United Press International families can break what he calls the "circle of anxiety" by going to a regional park or playground. Other getaways might be a local zoo or ballpark but he says the most important thing is "indulging the whole family in complete fantasy ... the best escape of all." CANCER SURVIVOR DIES IN TRAGIC INCIDENT Folks in rural Colorado are mourning the death of an 11-year-old boy whose successful battle against leukemia was ended by a gunshot. Sahil Ahmed's family had brought their son from his native India to America for treatment for his cancer. After five years, doctors told the family Sahil was cleared of the cancer and could go on to lead a normal life. Advertisement He had regained his hair and the strength in his body and was enamored of American football and basketball. The Denver Post says the boy who came to this country full of hopes and dreams is dead, struck down when a teenage friend found a loaded semiautomatic rifle that somehow went off. It's not known if any charges will be brought in the case.
