Sometimes a cigar is more than a cigar. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may have run afoul of U.S. law when he bought a cigar during a visit to Canada to sign a global warming agreement. The stogie may have been Cuban, which is on the fedreal do-not-touch list. (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/03/100wir_a2newsmakers001.cfm?refresh=yes)

Arnold may have to kick the habit anyway, if he hopes to limit his own emissions of greenhouse gases.

Way to go, ’Gar. Herald sports columnist Kirby Arnold argues that retired Mariner Edgar Martinez deserves a spot in Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame, even if his numbers fall a little short. (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/03/100spo_c11%20kirby001.cfm?refresh=yes)

If he really needs to pad his statistics, The Buzz suggests he pinch-hit for Richie Sexson. Permanently.

Going to the chapel. An Iranian official is suggesting that the country allow temporary marriages, even as short as a few hours, to combat the scourge of extramarital sex. “What should I do with my sexual needs?” asked one young Iranian. (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/03/100wir_a4iran001.cfm?refresh=yes)

Cold water apparently is in short supply in Iran right now.

The 17-year squirm. The cicadas have emerged in several Midwest states, popping out of the ground, mating, laying their eggs and dying, but not before creeping most people out.

(http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/03/100wir_a11bugs001.cfm?refresh=yes)

Consider it one more good reason why you live in the great Northwest.

— Jon Bauer, Herald staff