Swimwear

New York -- Such cheek! American designers showing their spring collections in the Bryant Park tents here are cutting skirts short enough to expose the derriere.That's to make the point that long is old and retailers and consumers had better think about investing in new proportions.The look is saucy and models are putting more skip than slink into their walk to show their flip sides.Richard Tyler, who showed his first collection for the house of Anne Klein, cut skirts shorter than fingertip-length jackets -- more naughty schoolgirl than professional woman.

Michael Phelps has another important swimming event this week in Indianapolis. But it seems everyone wants to talk about the Baltimore Olympian's new shampoo commerical for Head & Shoulders. His Subway spots didn't generate this much buzz. But he had clothes on in those. Okay, he's got some clothes on in the commericial. But in at least half of it, it's shot so that he looks, well, naked. He's in the shower, sudsing up in slow motion. “So, what's Michael selling here?

MARYLAND Exemptions on pollution rules At the suggestion of the power industry, the Ehrlich administration is proposing to exempt about half of Maryland's coal-fired power plants from some of the governor's new air pollution control rules, according to a draft of the regulations released yesterday. pg 1a SPORTS Hoff gets 10-year Speedo deal Speedo announced that it has signed swimmer Katie Hoff, 16, of Towson to a 10-year endorsement contract, the longest deal given to an athlete in the swimwear company's history.

The bride wore purple floral swimwear and flowers in her hair. The groom donned a short-sleeve shirt, designed to look like a tuxedo, complete with a pink carnation.This was a most unusual wedding: Theresa Utz and Mark Johnson, both of Hampstead, stood atop the water slide at Cascade Lake, reciting their marriage vows.The five-member wedding party stood assembled on the surrounding platform, about two stories above the sprawling network of piers over the busy lake.Guests and visitors stood behind lifeguards on the piers, clutching pink and purple balloons and video recorders.

Under that skin Now that leather halter tops and skirts in such colors as yellow and pale pink have proven that leather isn't just for winter and fall, it's time to see what lies ahead in the world of leather for autumn. Tops trends in leather from the Leather Apparel Association include: Prints: Crocodile, alligator, ostrich and reptile embossed looks are still in vogue. Also look for painted-on plaids, florals, geometrics, tie-dye and paisleys, not to mention tried-and-true zebra, pony and giraffe prints.

BSO salutes Grieg and Scandinavia The lowdown -- Fresh from a successful trip to Europe, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra heads to Scandinavia this week - without leaving Maryland. In a salute to Norway's best-loved composer, Edvard Grieg, the BSO welcomes two guest artists from that country: conductor Bjarte Engeset and pianist Havard Gimse, both making their local debuts. The all-Grieg program includes the alternately stormy and lyrical Piano Concerto in A major, one of the most popular of all classical pieces, and selections from incidental music the composer wrote for a production of Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, including the wildly atmospheric "In the Hall of the Mountain King" and beguiling "Anitra's Dance."

In addition to announcing what might be the most lucrative endorsement contract in the history of swimming, Michael Phelps also finalized his competitive schedule this week for his coming trip to Australia. Predictably, the most versatile swimmer in the world will be one of the busiest in two meets Down Under. The Qantas Skins, a made-for-TV meet that encompasses multiple races in each event, will be Nov. 26 in Sydney. Phelps will compete in the distance freestyle and 50-meter butterfly.

The spotlight is on Rio de Janeiro now that it's been named the host city for the 2016 Summer Games. Despite this, Rio is regarded as one of the world's most dangerous cities, with drug gangs fighting for territory amid the city's slums and violence occasionally spilling over into tourist locations. Rio police have pledged a safe and secure Olympics, especially after recent shootouts between police and gangs. But keep security in mind and be very careful sightseeing after dark. 1 Hit the beaches.

For the fifth time in two months, a Howard County parent is asking the school system to take a book out of the library, this time because of complaints about the illustrations.The parent, whose name was not released, complained that "The Visitors Who Came to Stay," by Annalena McAfee and Anthony Browne, contains drawings that "illustrate sexual ideas that I find inappropriate for children of this age."An advisory committee of parents, students and staff members will meet later this month to review the book, which is in 10 elementary school libraries, said Celeste Smalkin, media services supervisor for county schools.

In the old days, psychologists may have thought there was something a bit odd about women wearing men's clothing. But now, it is the height of fashion.The menswear look has not exactly taken over this spring, but it is showing up in combination with ultra-feminine looks. Some analysts say the mix-up shows how the sexes are blurring the lines of distinction, which could herald an era of greater understanding and communication.Traditionalists aren't quite so sure. In unsuccessful pairings, the woman's take on menswear can come across like a mixed bag of laundry.