LAUGH LINES

Politics as Usual: Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura dropped 19 points in the polls since his Playboy interview became public. “You know what Al Gore calls it when you drop 19 points in the polls? Thursday.” (Jay Leno)

Go Figure: Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill authorizing license plates with a picture of former President Ronald Reagan. “The plates come with a choice of two photographs of Reagan--the young, virile Reagan with the jet black hair, or the old statesman-like Reagan with the jet black hair.” (Craig Kilborn)

Happy Birthday: B.B. King says that at 74, the thrill is not gone. “The bad news: He can’t remember where he put it.” (Steve Voldseth)

We Apologize in Advance: Celine Dion will have a duet with the late Frank Sinatra on her upcoming album. “I assume they’re not doing ‘That’s Life.’ ” (Daily Scoop)

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The Essential

David Letterman

Other university classes taught by Oprah Winfrey:

9. Music History: Is Luther Vandross Too Fine, or What?

8. Economics 433: I Own Everything

7. Great American Books With “Ya-Ya” in the Title

6. Great Women in History: It’s Just Joan of Arc and Myself

5. Beef Is Bad

4. Beef Is Really Bad (prerequisite: Must Take Beef Is Bad.)

3. How to Drive Stedman Wild in Bed

2. Geology 101: Tectonic Plates Gotta Stay Strong and Keep Believing, Girlfriend

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