School officials across Iowa are reacting to Poke-mania this month by banning the popular monster trading cards from school grounds. The Des Moines Register reports that problems among obsessed schoolkids range from older students cheating younger students to cases of physical fights over the creature cards. "It was getting so out of hand that kids would be in the lunch line and not have enough money for their milk," said Lakewood Elementary principal Anne Laing. Keeping The Seat Warm
Idaho lawmakers are sitting down on the job, but this time it's for charity. The Idaho Statesman reports that for the third straight year, lawmakers are participating in "Kans for Kids," a fundraiser in which members take turns keeping an outdoor toilet seat warm. The squatters sign up for various lengths of time and perch on the toilet in the middle of Boise State University's main campus. The event is expected to raise around $5,000 for the Idaho Migrant Council, which will use the money to buy presents and household items for families in need.
Politics vs. Piledrivers
Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura says that the only thing dirtier than wrestling is politics. But even then, he says his time in the ring helped prepare him to govern: "People don't realize it, but wrestling helped me immensely become governor. But because I am comfortable in front of a camera, I don't have a problem speaking and all of that stuff to go with it," he told ABC's Barbara Walters. As one of the "10 Most Fascinating People of 1999," Ventura says that he could win the presidency if he ran, but prefers to spend the next decade with "long hair, a full beard and no watch, living on a beach in Kona." Wake us when he bodyslams a lobbyist or two.
Christmas Is Coming
Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything? Architect David J. Rue and the state of Pennsylvania might just be able to help. Rue is working with state transportation officials to find a taker for the ultimate stocking stuffer: a 200-foot long steel bridge. The bridge, near the township of Cambridge Springs, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but is no longer strong enough to carry an ambulance or fire truck. Anyone who wants it can take it off the state's hands, but would have to pay for permits and moving costs. If no takers are found, the bridge will be photographed and then dismantled.
Powered by