Town officials masterfully expunged Mike Joyce from the official Town Council photo after he resigned. The only clues: an unnaturally shaped tree in the background and an odd line in the floor.

"I was pretty amazed when I pulled it up how natural it looks," said Mayor Ernie McAlister. "If I'd of done it, it'd be like you used to do in junior high where you had a picture with your girlfriend but then you broke up so you cut her out and kept the other half."

The photo offers a glimpse of something that would never happen in real life: council member Julie Robison snuggling up to McAlister.

COULD THIS BE A TREND?: Durham County is still smarting from court rulings outlawing the impact fee on new residential development the county enacted in 2003.

So officials were pleased with two recent residential development proposals, each of which included donations to the Durham public schools.

One developer pledged $500 for each new residential unit it planned to build, while another has promised $1,000 for each unit.

The developers are still making out better than they would have had the county's fee -- $2,000 for each single-family home and $1,155 for each apartment or condo -- not been struck down.

"At this point, I hope it catches on," said Ellen Reckhow, chairwoman of county board. "I hope we see other developers step up. Unless we get schools keeping pace with our growth, it will become harder to sell homes."

RANK AMATEURS: This week, ranking-obsessed Forbes magazine tossed two plaudits Raleigh's way. The City of Oaks is the country's second-best spot for jobs and careers, and the sixth best for singles. So if you can't get a date, you can always go back to work.

GIVE US YOUR TIRED: Attention lexicographers: If you're looking for exciting new words, don't go to government meetings.

They are filled -- to the brim, you might say -- with cliches and other tired language.

Reporters try to avoid repeating them, but they continue. Here are a few of the most common:

"It's a win-win." Alternate: "It's a win-win-win."

When it's used: When a deal is signed.

What it's supposed to mean: Everyone will benefit.

Why it's meaningless: Who agrees to a "win-lose" deal?

"This is a big feather in our cap."

When it's used: When a deal is signed.

What it's supposed to mean: We are proud.

Why it's meaningless: Do they call it macaroni?

POLITICAL TRAIL

* CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE ON STUMP. Steve Acuff, GOP candidate for the 4th Congressional District, and special guest Mason Weaver, author of "It's OK to Come Off the Plantation," will speak at 7 p.m. tonight at Unity & Love Church, 2315 Fayetteville St., Durham. For more information call 680-6400 or go to info@acuff4congress.com

* DEMOCRATIC MEET-AND-GREET

U.S. Rep. Brad Miller and Wake County candidates Ty Harrell, Lorrin Freeman, Rodger Koopman, Don Mial and Lindy Brown will be among candidates at a meet and greet Monday.

The meeting will be held at the home of Lauretta and Joe Parker at 4500 Connell Drive in Raleigh at 5 p.m. For more information call 571-1914 or send e-mail to jpark4173@aol.com.