LAUGH LINES

Stages of Fame: “Katherine Harris is in the middle of her 15 minutes of fame. . . . Stage one of the first 15 minutes of fame: public ridicule. [Stage] two: beauty make-over. Stage three: posing naked in Playboy. Stage four: becoming Mrs. Larry King.” (David Letterman)

Take to Heart: “Dick Cheney’s cardiologist said that although his heart function is not normal, his health is excellent. Your heart’s not very good, but your health is excellent? For Republicans, the heart is considered a secondary organ.” (Jay Leno)

Not Again: “Robert Downey Jr. is in trouble with the law once again. Geez, this guy’s had more screw-ups than the state of Florida!” (Paul Steinberg)

Triple Whammy: “Hillary Clinton is vowing to achieve national health care one measure at a time. It’s not popular. National health care combines the compassion of the IRS with the efficiency of the postal service--all at Pentagon prices.” (Argus Hamilton)

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Got a joke? Send it to Laugh Lines by fax, (213) 237-0732, or mail, Southern California Living, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, 90012.