While Punch and Judy have faced criticism that they are too violent for children - in 2004 a council in Cornwall banned a show following complaints that it promoted domestic violence - Mr Punch and friends look set to thrive in the new millennium.

BBC: Mr Punch celebrates 350 years of puppet anarchy

Reports of Anwar's arrest had been flying all week. (He even committed suicide in a spoof item on Sept. 19.) So when an eyewitness account of the raid on his home landed at 9.39 p.m. (beating major newswires to the punch), it set off a flurry of activity as newgroup buffs scambled for confirmation.

CNN: AFTER ANWAR'S ARREST

One guy yelled, "too soon, " which I thought meant I didn't take a long enough pause between the set-up and punch line.

CNN: If you don't want to hear an edgy joke, don't listen