Ask Sistani

If you're in the mood for a little late night humor, click on over to the website of Iraq's supreme religious authority, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The most enjoyable reading comes from the "Q&A" section, which appears to be an advice column published by the Ayatollah based on questions written to him. (Think "Dear Abby" with some Shi'a 'tude.) There, you can find out about the types of problems that ordinary Iraqis write to him about. The ever-helpful Sistani is ready to dispense invaluable bits of advice, including the following:

• playing chess is "absolutely forbidden"
• shaking hands with girls is "not permissible"
• listening to music for fun is unlawful
• plastic surgey is OK
• ditto for polygamy

Enjoy! Hat tip to Bill Maher.