From the "Why Bother?" Department...

Need a bemused shake of the head this morning? Consider this interesting article from CNN online: Muslim Swimsuits Bare Little on Turkish Catwalks.

The article describes, with pictures (of course) a fashion show highlighting swim fashions for Islamic women. These fashions are characterized by outfits which employ the maximum amount of material to show as little of the actual woman as humanly possible. Modesty is the chief characteristic of these fashions, which completely cover the arms, legs, and hair, leaving only hands and face exposed...here's an example:

In enlightened garden spots like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, only the eyes are exposed (if that)...

Of course, the point is not to swim or be comfortable, but to ensure that men are not distracted from godly pursuits by the ogling of ungodly women.

Me, I have no problem with swimsuits, regardless of the number of pieces (i.e., one or two). The only problem I have with swimsuits comes when they are not appropriate for the lady's body type. An observation I made in Europe long ago was that most ladies who go to topless beaches...shouldn't.

And before you ladies jump on me for that comment, I have the same problem with inappropriate swimsuits for men...there's nothing that spoils a perfectly good beach like a fellow with an enormous, hairy beer gut hanging down over the tight Speedo he thinks will attract the attention of desirable ladies to the outline of his manly hydraulics. The word "yuck" comes to mind.

In my case, of course, I'm always reluctant to be seen in public in swimming trunks. It's so annoying to be followed by crowds of beautiful women ... who probably just think I know the way to the public restrooms.

And let us remember the words of famous model Cindy Crawford: "They were doing a full back shot of me in a swimsuit and I thought, Oh my God, I have to be so brave. See, every woman hates herself from behind."

And lest I get behind in my schedule for the day, I think I'll leave it right here.

Have a good day. Wear the right swimsuit.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo