Bozone Alert

Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating A bozone alert was issued in Cuba today, chiefly affecting US Foreign Mission chief James Cason and members of Fidel Castro's government. The warning comes as both parties verbally spar over a display of Christmas decorations outside the US mission building. The offending display includes a large Frosty the Snowman, a Santa Claus, white lights in palm trees and a sign bearing the number 75. According to Cason, "we . . . displayed a '75' symbol as a reminder of those arrested for thinking and speaking independently," referring to 75 pro-democracy activists imprisoned by the Cuban government. Cuban officials have reportedly warned Cason to take the display down or "there will be consequences." Cason clarified that "thinking and speaking independently" is valued in communist-run countries, but dissidents in democratic countries are subject to suppression and investigation as called for in the US Patriot Act. Special thanks to faithful reader, Patricia, for sending the winning entries from this year's Washington Post Style Invitational word contest.