Laugh Lines

Look Out: World Wrestling Federation champ Hulk Hogan reportedly wants to run for president in 2000. “His candidacy isn’t official yet. It’ll be another six months before he formally tosses his chair into the ring.” (Argus Hamilton)

The Vehicle of the Future: Toyota is creating a new car with 200 fewer parts. ‘Yeah, I believe it’s called a bicycle.” (Rudolph J. Cecera)

To Coin a Phrase: It seems that Warner Bros. has given each “Friends” cast member a $100,000 bonus. “Or, as Bill Gates calls it, loose change found at the bottom of the sofa.” (Andrew Wisot)

Gulp: Researchers at a Japanese university report that a substance in beer seems to inhibit the effects of cancer-causing chemicals found in cooked meat. “Officials say the study could be flawed, as the scientists released the data on a big pile of used cocktail napkins.” (Mark Wheeler)

It’s Scientific: In his new book “Evolving Brains,” author John Allman discusses how primitive brains develop. “There are entire chapters dedicated to rock musicians, Madonna’s boyfriends and Republicans in Congress.” (Jerry Perisho)

Go Figure: According to a government report, Americans in rural areas spend even less of their leisure time exercising than people in metropolitan areas. The 1996 survey found 37% of rural Americans didn’t exercise, compared with 27% of urban Americans. “These numbers are misleading. In New York City, running from your attacker on the subway is considered jogging.” (Wheeler)

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