Winona Ryder. now seen her a few times. cute in a waif-like way. The WaPo agrees with me, adding Her delicate beauty and waiflike persona were on display at the trial along with a wardrobe of appropriate trial clothes — dark sweaters and skirts, soft dresses and, on the climactic day of closing arguments, a cream silk suit with a pleated skirt and short jacket. I liked the see-through dress pics, although I couldn't see anything. it's the thought that counts. poor troubled child, just needs a firm, strong hand now and again to get back on the straight and narrow. How can I put this delicately? Let me close my eyes and think... Hmmm... "Miss Ryder, come into my chambers for a minute. I would like to discuss a plea bargain with you." "Wake up, Lonewacko! You aren't a porn movie judge." "Sorry." Gonna get probation, no time in Sybil Brand for her.

Upside: can now refer to her as a convicted shop-lifter. And, for the next five years she'll have to answer 'Yes' when asked on job applications if she's ever been convicted of a felony.

Downside: DAs were distracted from more important matters, like prosecuting dog license violators.

Conclusion: if, by your own admission, you set out to rob "rich white people," and that is indeed what you've done in the past, you won't get charged with a hate crime. if you shoplift $5000 from a store that doesn't want to get press charges, you'll get charged with multiple felonies and have bad rumors started about you.

Things to remember: Steve Cooley and Ann Rundle. Like, if you ever see their names on a ballot or something.

I saw Antonio Villaraigosa on TV last night, and I heard the end of a news report on the radio earlier today. So, I thought I'd provide you with this helpful link.

I never liked Irv Rubin, and I always thought he was just a small-time terrorist, whether manque or not. Yet, I wonder about his "suicide." Was it a "suicide," or a real suicide? Supposedly, he was waiting in a line of prisoners to get into court when he suddenly started cutting his throat with a razor. When the guards spotted him, he climbed up over a railing and fell 18 feet. Sounds a bit convenient, eh? I wonder, is this on videotape, or was the machine, if any, mysteriously out for service that day?

Hopefully Gray Davis' public career is just about over. I can't believe any party being stupid enough to nominate anyone who couldn't have beaten the completely feck-free Bill Simon by more than 4 points. But, then again, all they'd need to do is find several million Americans who are as delusional as 1 million Californians. Better job for Gray: DNC Director of Fund Raising and Special Offers.

I complained about a KCAL election night story, and I got a reply from reporter Joel Connable. I'm going to try that trick with newsbabes, see if I can email speed seduce them.

They might be filming a The Roc movie up at Hansen Dam, but I've been under the weather so I haven't had a chance to go check it out. But, last time I was there they were actually building various structures in preparation for his arrival.