The Left Lane
New-found meaning
Advertiser library photo
A while back only New Yorkers would watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. On Wednesday, "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" will be a huge star-studded deal on network television. The show airs at 7 p.m. on KHNL.
The Sept. 11 tragedy is making the Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree-lighting a national event this year.
Al Roker is still the co-host with Ann Curry, his "Today" show colleague, but now he's surrounded by star power. There will be music from Vanessa Williams, Destiny's Child, Marc Anthony, Jessica Simpson and Tony Bennett. There also will be skaters (Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman), Rockettes and more. All of this adds extra emotion as New York honors the police officers and firefighters who were heroes on Sept. 11. One of the performers will be Danny Rodriguez, a New York cop. "He's a great singer," Roker says.
— Associated Press
Pepper-spray chic
Just in time to cater to the fears of American women, a self-defense product maker is marketing a weapon that doubles as a fashion accessory.
It is a ring that shoots pepper spray, ammunition Talley Security of Flagstaff, Ariz., says is 400 times stronger than the burning sensation of a jalapeno pepper.
The company sells the ring with the onyx setting for $59.95. It's even on infomercials playing on local cable.
With the flick of the thumb, the safety latch can be opened, and the trigger is designed to fire a single stream of pepper spray for about three seconds.
If it is hits someone's face, it causes temporary vision impairment and burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat.
Although Joe Hippensteel of Stunning Innovations invented the ring six years ago after one of his female friends was attacked, the stun ring is becoming a timely item because of increased fears since Sept. 11.
Find the ring on the Web at talleysecurity.com or call (800) 211-0615 for more information or to place an order.
— Tanya Bricking, Advertiser staff writer
Turks confront sex
To wear a condom or not to wear a condom? That is the question in Turkey.
Driven by the threat of AIDS, Turkish health officials are broaching traditionally taboo subjects by using Shakespeare and singing condoms to encourage young Turks to practice safe sex. A handbook titled "Never Without My Guardian Angel" is being handed out free to young people in universities, cafes and cinemas and aims to address what authorities see as a dangerous ignorance about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.
The handbook's cover features a chorus of condoms singing: "I protect, you protect, he protects, we protect." Inside is a condom history ranging from early attempts with Chinese silk paper and Egyptian papyrus, European versions using fish bladders and the welcome invention of latex.
— Advertiser staff and news services
