1. J. Jackson apparently now finds "ebonics" to be a "Goot Thang"(SM): _S.F. Examiner_ reporter Venise (sic) Wagner headlines in the paper's Web site today that "Jackson backs Oakland 'ebonics.' Rights leader switches position after hearing about program in detail." Says Jackson: "The first message the came out was that the district was going to make black language equitable (sic) as another language. That is not the idea." Is Mr. Jackson speaking in Ebonics? 2. From "A Brief History of Plastics": "Ebonite (TM) is produced by heating natural rubber with about 10% by weight of sulpher. This is about five time more sulpher than would be used in conventional vulcanisation. The material is hard, black and tough and bears a striking resemblance to the hardwood, ebony--hence its name. The main use for ebonite in the early 1800s was in piano keys." 3. Although Ebonite International sponsors the Professional Bowling Association's "Ebonite Classic" tournament, the Official ABC/WIBC Ruling on Ball Cleaners, as at 9/12/96, has ruled that their 1-and-2-Step Reactive Resin Ball Cleaners "cannot be used during ABC/WIBC sanctioned competition because it would be in violation of Rule 19." But take heart: the American Bowling Conference Equipment Specifications Department has decided that "these products are allowed before or after league and/or tournament sessions." 4. What's the difference between a bowling ball and a black woman? If you're really, really hungry, you can always eat the bowling ball. N.B. I personally find #4 above to be racist, sick, and not very "funny" at all.