At First Blush, His Bow Shots Take Gloss Off

Harry Shearer, the conscience of synchronized swimming, came across an interesting news release that he recently read to listeners on his weekly KCRW radio program, “Le Show.”

The release offered beauty tips by U.S. synchronized swimmers Kristen Babb-Sprague and twins Karen and Sara Josephson, including the revelation that the competitors are concerned with locker room feet.

Quipped Shearer: “So who knew synchronized swimmers have to worry about locker room feet?”

The women also revealed that after a routine they sometimes apply skin cream two or three times a day.

Shearer: “That is an arduous sport. Weightlifters don’t have to do that.”

Add swimmers: According to the release, the women said that for makeup to last in the water it has to be “ mostly waterproof.”

“These are smart girls, ladies and gentlemen,” said Shearer, who once poked fun at the sport on a “Saturday Night Live” skit with Martin Short.

Last add, swimmers: The women were quoted as saying, “To be seen by the audience and judges . . . “

Interjected Shearer: “Because it is an Olympic sport, judges have to see the makeup, don’t you know.”

Inside edition: Of Mickey Mantle’s 536 home runs, five were inside the park.

Trivia time: What common jargon is particular to cricket and baseball?

Bedtime story: Vernon Forrest, a U.S. boxer who competed in the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Sydney, Australia, was scheduled to fight in the 26th bout of a 27-match card in which only one ring was used.

“I fell asleep a couple of times waiting,” Forrest said. “I never fought at 1 in the morning before.”

Troubled times: USC (3-7) will bring its worst record into the UCLA game Saturday since 1957, when the Trojans were 1-8. UCLA won, 20-9, and finished with an 8-2 record. The Bruins are 7-3.

Trivia answer: Batter, umpire, runs and innings.

Quotebook: Houston Rocket center Hakeem Olajuwon, describing his pilgrimage to Mecca last June: “When everybody bowed at once, it looked like a giant Wave.”