THE TRUTH UNBUCKLED

Two weeks ago Outtakes asked readers to help count the buckles attached to Michael Jackson’s “Bad” outfit and, more earthshakingly, explain why the Ungloved One is wearing so many of them. The deluge of loose leaf and post cards and even a typed letter or two was overwhelming. Not one managed to come up with the correct number. According to Jackson’s PR people, Michael--who designed the outfit himself--is wearing 46 buckles. Why? The PR people said Michael said there’s no special meaning behind them. But readers think differently. Here’s a representative sampling of their buckle guesses and buckle explanations--the ones that are suitable for a family newspaper.

Trapped, or shall we say “buckled-up” inside Michael Jackson, must be something so bizarre, perverse, exotic, creatively insane that he feels he must keep it under lock and key.

Make that “buckled-up.”

Buckle count: 48.

MIKE BALZER

Manhattan Beach