The Hot Seat A Weekly Look At People In The News

They sing, they dance and they need a name for their band A happy group of senators, including Idaho’s Larry Craig, have formed a singin’, dancin’, pelvis thrustin’ band that debuted at the Kennedy Center last week. But Democrats aren’t allowed in the band. Democrats “don’t know how to have fun,” said the vivacious Craig. But Craig was off the mark. Democrats do know how to have fun, that’s always been their problem. Ask Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, or Bill Clinton. Anyway, the band is looking for a name. We like “The Rolling Drones.” Or “Larry and The Budget Bandits.” Call us at 459-5405 with your suggestions.

Scared spitless in Spokane

Last week we asked readers who they’d like to see humiliated on Spokane City Council’s TV channel of shame. We had the usual vulgar, anonymous callers but we also had some visionaries respond. Able-bodied drivers who park in handicapped-only places were the runaway winners. Nose-pickers showed up on the radar twice. But the most eloquent call came from Phyllis Heinell. She wants men who spit in public to be shamed. “If we could just get men to realize how disgusting (spitting) is to women, (men) would stop,” she said. “Do men realize how it turns women off?” Hmmm. Thanks for the tip, Phyllis.

Oh say can you see?

Want to watch pro sports in a smoke-free environment? Then don’t go to the new Arena. Before last week’s game between the Sonics and the Utah Jazz, there was a fireworks display that left heavy smoke in the air for most of the first half. It was so thick players were rubbing their eyes. Fans in the upper-level seats said it was like watching large men in shorts run circles in a heavy fog. The fireworks are a nice idea but they don’t work.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 Photos

MEMO: The Hot Seat is an irreverent look at issues in the news. The views expressed are those of the writer. Today’s Hot Seat was written by Scott Sines.