THE LEFT LANE
The value of 'Jackass'

Advertiser Staff and News Services

"I did go to see 'Jackass,' and felt it was about as reviewable as the geek show at a carnival."

But Ebert received this provocative dissent by Christopher Claxton of Ho-nolulu, who wrote, "The film 'Jackass: The Movie' does have a certain social value. It is a time capsule for suburban youth boredom. When I was a teen, my friends and I would do Jackassian stunts such as jumping off the garage roof or riding in shopping carts. ... 'Jackass,' like early punk rock, is born out of frustrated youth trying to break the walls of a sterilized suburban society. Johnny Knoxville and his band of desperadoes, like The Ramones or The Sex Pistols, are just taking a pre-existing art form to the next level."

Frida for you

Now you can, too. And not just via the now-playing-in-theaters flick "Frida," about renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Celebrate Kahlo's artsy life and don a cool tanktop with her magenta-faced, floral-crowned likeness, by California-based Chica, a clothing company that's all about "Latina Power."

The 100 percent cotton tank, $12 (not including shipping and handling fees), is available at www.chica1.com.

Office party chatter

So, you're lucky enough to work in an office where the holiday party survived this year's budget cuts. But your next problem is making it a festive gathering when you can't even think of anything to say. Making small talk at office parties can be downright agonizing, said Don Gabor, author of "How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends" (Simon & Schuster, 2001, $12). Gabor says your best bets are to avoid these common conversational goofs:

5. Telling your life story or gossiping about coworkers.

4. Not adding information when you're asked a "yes/no" question.

3. Remaining in one place like a potted plant and waiting for others to approach you.

2. Displaying closed body language that says, "I'm not interested in talking."

1. Not preparing topics you're willing to bring up and talk about.