NEW YORK: Why is it so hard to tickle yourself? Because one part of the brain tells another: ``It's just you. Don't get excited,'' say researchers who watched the brains of people trying to tickle themselves. The killjoy is the cerebellum, found in the lower back of the brain, the researchers suggest. The brain is already known to predict what a person will feel when his or her body does something. That way, it can ignore expected sensations like pressure on the soles of the feet while walking, and save its attention for more important things, like the feeling of a foot bumping a stone.

Queen can wait

LONDON: Trevor Jones has been delivering milk since 1949 and sees no reason to disrupt his schedule now even if it is to meet the Queen. The Welshman has turned down the chance to visit Buckingham Palace next month to receive an MBE, or Member of the Order of British Empire honour, from Queen Elizabeth II. ``I would end up rushing the day before to get everything done, thenrushing up to London in the morning for the ceremony. The Queen is a nice lady, but she isn't worth rushing for. I'm sure she will understand,'' said Jones, 69. Jones will be given the MBE at Ebbw Vale civic centre next month, which is closer to his home in South Wales.

Thinking small

AMMAN: Younis Edwan, who is just 65 cm tall, wants to be recognised in the Guinness book of records as the world's shortest man -- but that is not all he wants in life. Of course, the 27-year-old Jordanian would love to hold the Guinness book of records' ``World's shortest man'' title, succeeding the late Gul Mohammad of India, who was 50 cm tall. But Edwan says he yearns for a ``normal life'' and ``an understanding wife''. He often tells people that he is looking for the ``woman of his dreams'' with whom he will be able to bring up children.

Safety pays

DUBAI: The rich emirate of Dubai plans to stop motorists in the days to come not to give them tickets for traffic violations but to reward them with cashfor safe driving, according to reports. As many as 12 road stars, or safe drivers, will be spotted each day during the seven-day campaign and they will be awarded cash prizes of 750 dirhams (205 dollars) by a patrolling team. The team will look out for safe drivers to see whether they are wearing a seat belt, not using a mobile phone unless it's hands-free, and observing lane discipline.

Spice for health

UNITED NATIONS: Former Spice girl Geri Halliwell has joined a cast of global celebrities tapped by the United Nations to put the spotlight on global issues. Halliwell, 26, aka Ginger Spice, has been appointed goodwill ambassador for the UN Population Fund in Britain to promote healthier choices about reproduction and awareness of reproductive rights. ``She will be a great ambassador for young people,'' a Fund official said.