Another headache for travelers: karaoke

Bring earplugs: If you thought airports couldn’t get more aggravating, you’ll want to avoid Houston’s Bush International, which is opening karaoke booths to help travelers pass the time. Singers will receive small prizes. People who sing “Achy Breaky Heart” in a register normally only audible to dogs will receive offers of seats in first class from fellow travelers desperate for silence.

Also feeling musical: Struggling RV makers and dealers, who sang “You gotta have heart” at the kickoff breakfast of their national trade show this week. It’s probably good that they’re practicing, because if the economy doesn’t turn around, they may be forced to hop in their RVs and travel the country singing for their supper.

Children are not on the list of items that will be prohibited at President-elect Obama’s inauguration, but strollers, backpacks and other kid-related equipment are. Also banned, according to the inauguration Web site: sticks, coolers, Thermoses, umbrellas, laser pointers, signs, suitcases, large bags and several other things our fingers are now too tired to type. In other words, spectators should bring a lot of patriotism, because it’s just about the only thing they’re allowed to have.

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