Miss Universe

You know how it is - you never intend to actually watch something like the Miss Universe contest, but if you happen to run into it during the inevitable channel flipping, it's the train wreck you can't help but watch.
We came in at the final 10 stage and at the risk of sounding like an ignorant American - I was initially struck by how similar they all looked. All dark haired beauties with similar eyes and cheekbones. Look here to see how they even do their "sexy kitten" look the same.
The final 10 got to do the evening gown competition, and my all-time favorite moment was when Miss USA fell on her ass. (My second favorite was when Miss Tanzania totally grabbed her boob because she thought that just because she was off the stage she'd also be off camera) Those of you who know me would know that I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh. I'd like to say that I'm not normally so cruel, but that too would be a lie. However, I can say that I took a little extra delight in seeing Miss USA fall because she insists on linking her identity to a month (out of her entire life) she spent volunteering for Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy. That's great and all, but stand on your own. In the roughly 30 minutes I watched, it was mentioned 3 times! After she made it into the final 5 (shocking since she fell moments before), the judge asked her what moment she could live over and why. There it came again. Yes, I'm sure it really was that magical. Personally, I'd relive the whole walking down the runway thing. I do feel a little bad because she was getting boo-ed when she was picked for the final 5. I share the crowd's sentiment, but that's a little much.
I was happy to see Miss Japan win. I really liked her dress and it seemed like she had a sparkly personality.

News briefs

Lots of good stuff.
An attorney in our office got a "baby killer" off after the medical examiner changed the cause of death on the certificate after the mentally ill defendant confessed. Here's the story:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/lake/chi-0705021311may03,1,4757531.story?ctrack=2&cset=true

And, news flash, Russian women are apparently superior in their ability to snag western men. According to the instructor in a "college" that teaches Russian women how to unleash their inner femme fatale, women need to learn how to use their body to give men what they want and also need to "know their place." Lessons include: how to take 10 seconds to unbutton each button in your blouse while cocking your head at a 15 degree angle, how to master the strip tease, and how to say "of course you are right, I will do anything you say" - with a straight face.