Solid appeal: The AFL-CIO is enlisting perhaps...

Solid appeal: The AFL-CIO is enlisting perhaps the world’s most popular union leader in its advertising campaign. Lech Walesa taped a 30-second spot this week during the federation’s convention in Washington. It took 90 minutes to tape because Walesa speaks little English, but the one-time shipyard electrician ended the spot declaring “Union Yes.”

Off-the-rack: President Bush likes to do his own shopping. And on Wednesday his motorcade dropped in with little notice on Arthur Adler’s, a preppy clothing outlet in downtown Washington. The President’s 25-minute shopping spree, in which he picked up two suits, startled pedestrians, and snarled rush-hour traffic when the Secret Service closed the street. Asked why Bush doesn’t have suits brought to him at the White House as have most of his predecessors, an aide said, “He’s a hands-on sort of guy.”

For the long run: There’s a spot reserved in next November’s New York Marathon for the Central Park jogger beaten and raped in an April gang attack. New York Marathon organizer Fred Lebow said the woman reportedly has recovered well enough to run 5 miles a day and has requested entry information for the event. Lebow said that if she is strong enough to run the 26 miles, he will guarantee her an entry.