For all of you fans of beauty in the cause of freedom, the Los Angeles Times has an update to the story of Miss Afghanistan, who made headlines around the world when she competed in the Miss Earth pageant in Manila:

Miss Afghanistan knew she was taking a risk when she strutted across a Manila catwalk in a bright red bikini. ... But she did not know she would be denounced by the government of her native land, criticized by fellow Afghans — even in the U.S. — and at the same time hailed by others as a role model for girls and women in the "new Afghanistan."

All because of a bikini — and a modest one at that.

Where is Vida Samadzai now? She's at Cal State Fullerton, my alma mater, where I managed to avoid graduating by avoiding classes. She's studying international business and communications, and is making a film about her experiences as an Afghani in America. One word of advice, Vida: avoid the pool tables at the student union, or you may wind up following in my footsteps.

The article is interesting, but the writer can't avoid silly touches like this:

When the controversy dies down, people may remember Miss Afghanistan only for the bikini. They may forget that in another part of the competition she also wore a traditional costume: green pants, a maroon and gold dress and a veil.

Perhaps that's because, unfortunately, Afghani women wearing veils did not qualify as news. If that's difficult for an LA Times reporter to understand, it may explain why they were so reluctant to investigate Cruz Bustamante's racist and seditious political alliances.

In case you've forgotten Ms. Samadzai, here's a couple of reminders:

Go Titans!

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