A DESIRABLE BODY

Why is the possession of Anna Nicole Smith's body worth this much of a legal melee? Is there some hope that her grave will become some sort of shrine that lures pilgrims? Is there some chance that small-breasted women will flock to the grave, in the hope that they will miraculously become double-Ds? What is the big deal?

The ruling by the judge today was newsworthy in part for what did happen: the judge playing to the camera like the ham actor he is. It was also news worthy by what didn't happen: The judge did not decide to use the wisdom of Solomon and have the body cut into enough pieces to go around among the suing parties. Given the circus atmosphere of these proceedings, that omission is something of a surprise.