BORN TO BE BUCKLED

Michael Jackson’s “Bad” image is plastered on posters all over town. We looked real close at one and couldn’t help but notice that the Gloveless One is weighted down by silver buckles. Why buckles, and why so many buckles, we asked, since we’re always searching for the whys behind the whats.

And how many are there? We lost count around 40--but how many are there unseen on his back side? Outtakes investigators will try to learn the precise number from Jackson Hq.

Meanwhile, we ask readers to please send in their guesses on how many buckles he’s really wearing and, more important, please try to explain, in 25 words or less, the meaning of so many buckles? Are they simply to hold his pants up? Are they some subtle metaphor?

Address . . . Buckles, Calendar Section, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.