BuzzMachine

Drop drawers
: Matthew Yglesias wonders whether county officials will soon have to inspect crotches before issuing marriage licenses.

A challenge to Howard Dean…
: If you are truly a Democrat, Dr. Dean, and if you meant what you said about supporting the nominee of the party, then you should come out immediately and ask your supports not to support Ralph Nader.

A challenge to Al Gore…
: Likewise. You, of all people, Al, should take up this challenge.

Or on second thought, the best way to defeat Nader might be for you to endorse him, Al.

Security
: Iraqi blogger Alaa — who says work may soon take him abroad, where he’ll continue to blog — has strong suggestions on the security situation in his nation.

You know, I don

What, you mean that crystal ball isn’t crystal?
: Flimflamstar John Edward may be brought up on charges in Australia because — gasp — there’s doubt that he can actually talk to the dead.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is examining a complaint alleging celebrity self-proclaimed psychic John Edward cannot talk to the dead.

Melbourne mind illusionist Mark Mayer claims the star of worldwide TV hit Crossing Over with John Edward “is a specialist at fooling people”.

Mayer made a formal complaint to Consumer Affairs on Friday, claiming Edward’s sell-out show in Melbourne would breach the Trade Practices Act….

He said Edward’s key technique was “cold reading”.

“He asks questions in rapid succession, then when he gets an answer he feeds it back as if he already knew the information,” Mayer said.

He alleged Edward then used probability, suggesting common names or ailments that were likely to strike a chord with the person in the audience, he said.

Mayer said if Edward were genuine he would be able to hear full names, not only the first letter.

“Why can’t the dead articulate? Why are they mumbling?” he said.

Chief Wiggles is home!
: After one helluva year, Chief Wiggles is back home from Iraq.

He changed the world, our Chief. He created a wonderful way for Americans to give a little joy to Iraqi children with gifts of toys. He shared his experiences with the world on his blog and brought it all to a human scale with a human heart. He got attention for his good word in the press and on TV and told his story to an even wider audience.

I know we all are delighted he back and safe and offer our congratulations for a job spectacularly done.

I know we all also want to offer him our prayers as he helps care for his father, who is ill.

Go read the story of his return.

Godspeed, Chief.