A Local Angle

"A human interest story crossed my desk not long ago," the letter from a publicist said. "I firmly believe that your readers will find this information both helpful and interesting."

Sometimes it does pay to read on. It turned out to be an announcement about "Bubby stockings."

Woolen calf encasements to be worn under waders, you surmise? Sexy nylons named for a chic resort? Or hearthside holiday hose in which pint-sized Bonackers fear to find a lump?

No. "Bubby" is also a Yiddish word for grandmother, and the product turns out to be stockings designed for female residents of the Handmaker Jewish Geriatric Center in Arizona. The grandmothers, many of whom had arthritis or circulation problems, were in need of legwear that offered warmth and support.

The stockings are run-proof, the release maintains, noting that "the senior woman . . . wasn't raised in the 'throw away' generation," and "demands a quality product."

Well, don't we all. Bubbies of the seafaring sort, Versace vixens, and local imps take note. There could be something in this.