Today's News Headlines for July 25th 2001

[YBLalat: I don't think you could read such news in the daily newspaper, moreover make the headlines for the day. What has good journalism morphed itself into? Nothing but the ruling party's propaganda dog and pop icons' cleavage poster.]

News #1: NIPPLES COME OUT HIDING, TAKE CENTER STAGE, WITH NEW BODYPERKS PRODUCT

Minneapolis - September 1, 2000 - What started out as a "girls' weekend" in Las Vegas for two Minnesota entrepreneurs has resulted in the design of an intriguing new product intended to make women's breasts appear more alluring.

Called bodyperks, the product is a silicone nipple enhancer that affixes to a woman's own nipples and are worn with a bra. According to Lori Barghini, one of the product designers, the devices "show off a woman's natural assets in a new and sassy way - without the need for expensive plastic surgery or uncomfortable bra's."

Barghini and five other women spawned the idea for bodyperks as they gathered in Las Vegas in April of 1999 to celebrate their birthdays. As they preened for a night of fun at the casinos, one of the women as a joke removed the bottle caps from the freebie bottles of shampoo in the hotel room and placed them over her nipples. The effect garnered the attention of the other women, who did the same.

"We were having fun and we were brave," recalls Barghini. "We agreed to wear our 'nipples' out in public to gauge the reaction. We said, "Let the fun begin." That simple act drew so much attention during the remainder of the weekend that the idea evolved from bottle caps to the skillfully engineered product now trademarked as "bodyperks." (One of the women, while wearing her bottle caps, drew the attention of a handsome Argentinean man who approached her, kissed her palm, and cooed, "For you, my paycheck, for the rest of my life.")

Lori Barghini, a Twin Cities marketing and sales professional, Julia Cobbs, a promotions and partnership marketing executive, recognize that the product may at first seem puzzling to women who otherwise seek ways to cover their nipples when wearing form-fitting or lightweight clothing.

Explained Barghini, "we view this as a fashion accessory, meant to be worn with the right outfit, for the right occasion, as an expression of femininity."

Barghini, who is in charge of communications, predicts that women will embrace the bodyperks product as a way to express their sexuality in a "new, flirty way." Nipples, too long a source of some embarrassment for women in terms of fashion, "can enjoy new freedom with bodyperks," said Barghini. "This brings a discreet, yet definite 'wow" factor to a woman's look."

She pointed out as well that the two top-selling "girlie" posters of all time, one of Farrah Fawcett and one of Bo Derek, share a common theme: "Nipples are prominent."

Bodyperks retail for $19.95 plus tax and shipping and are available through the company's website at www.bodyperks.com.

[www.bodyperks.com]


News #2: MEGADETH - PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE! BANNED FROM PERFORMING IN MALAYSIA BY GOVERNMENT, BAND'S IMAGERY DEEMED "UNSUITABLE" FOR YOUTH, RECORDS CONFISCATED OFF STORE SHELVES.

It's gratifying to know that rock 'n' roll still has the power to shock and frighten world governments. On July 23, 2001, it was learned that metal legends Megadeth have been banned from performing in the Southeast Asia nation of Malaysia.

Megadeth was scheduled to promote their Sanctuary Records album 'The World Needs A Hero' by playing at the Warp Club on August 2 in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. However, the Malaysian government stepped in and canceled the concert. Malaysian authorities say that Megadeth's imagery, specifically the band's famous skeleton mascot "Vic Rattlehead," is unsuitable for the youth of Malaysia. Summarily, the government refused to grant work permits to the band and crew.

If Megadeth defied the government and went ahead and performed in Kuala Lumpur, it was made clear the band would be arrested and personal safety could not be guaranteed! In addition, Megadeth records have now been confiscated off store shelves! Sanctuary has now been prohibited from shipping copies of 'The World Needs A Hero' into Malaysia to fill retailers' inventory.

"Megadeth is very disappointed that they won't be able to perform for their fans in Malaysia," stated Megadeth manager Larry Mazer. "I'm sure Megadeth fans in Malaysia are equally disappointed. Hopefully, the political climate will change so that one day Megadeth may return to Malaysia to play for their fans who have waited a long time to see them in person."

Megadeth is scheduled to come back home to the United States this fall to continue its highly successful world tour for 'The World Needs A Hero.' Megadeth has sold more than 20 million records worldwide and earned seven Grammy Award nominations since forming in 1983.

[www.megadeth.com]