And now . . . this - Feb. 9/05

This sort of thing ain't my bag, baby!

Jurors and others in Judge Donald Thompson's courtroom kept hearing a strange whooshing noise, like a bicycle pump or maybe a blood pressure cuff. During one trial, Thompson seemed so distracted that some jurors thought he was playing a hand-held video game or tying fly-fishing lures behind the bench.

Wrong! Read on.

Beware the Thong Police!

Lawmakers in Virginia appear to have too much time on their hands:

By a 60-34 vote, House members passed a bill yesterday that would fine people up to $50 for intentionally exposing their underwear in a way that is "lewd or indecent" in public.

Norfolk Democratic Del. Algie T. Howell's bill has attracted attention from supporters all over the country who dislike the low-riding baggy-pants style favored by some rap-music entertainers and copied by youths everywhere.

While I agree that public displays of butt cleavage are the fashion disaster of the last few years and merit cruel and unusual punishment from the Taste Police, I don't know whether it merits a fine.

But wouldn't you believe some lefty would actually want to pull out the Race Card^TM on this?

Some of Howell's fellow Democrats have said privately that the bill is ridiculous and would be labeled as racist if a white House member had introduced it. Howell, who is in his second year in the legislature, is black. . . .

"This is going to be a bill that targets blacks," [Lionell Spruill, D-Chesapeake] said. "You know who they are going to stop."

[Full Story]

Tacky fashion blunders have no skin colour, Del. Spruill.

So it's come to this

A Perth couple is attempting to sell the 'naming, advertising and promotional' rights to their unborn daughter for at least $1 million via an internet auction site.

In an advertisement on eBay Australia under the item title Truman Baby, the unnamed Perth couple invite individuals and companies to make bids on the right to name the baby girl, due on March 1. . . .

"For a period of FIVE YEARS from the date of birth, we are offering the exclusive naming rights (first name only) to my unborn baby due March 1, 2005."

[Full Story]

No question. "GoldenPalace.com" Jones.