SEXY RONALD

No, we're not hyping the chief typist of this joint -- or most any other Ronald, for that matter. The words "Ronald" and "sexy" should never be lashed together in any sentence.

But we break the rules on this Friday, mainly because it's Friday and it's going to be almost 90 degrees here before it rains around noon and continues through the weekend. We're also breaking the rules because the power of McDonald's compels us.

Dude: Ronald McDonald is a chick. At least in Japan. Ad wizards there decided that Ron ought to get some sexiness in his pants.

The Guardian has the story, but the whole registration thing might turn you away. CHATTER went through your pain to grab the info -- and the photos. You won't believe the photos.

But first, from the Guardian story, these grafs:

Hidekazu Sato, known by his nickname Kazoo, the associate creative director at Beacon Communications - a joint venture of Leo Burnett and Dentsu - said the costume was so recognisable it was a mnemonic - a design that people would instantly associate with McDonald's.

"We devised the costume and took the red and white stripes and the yellow, which were recognised and converted them into a stylish dress," Kazoo said via a translator.

"We were assuming that even if we didn't include the McDonald's logo and even if the model was a beautiful caucasian just those colours of the mnemonic design would wake up people's association with McDonald's."

Yeah, yeah, mnemonic. Whatever you want to call it, Ronald is smoking and here's the proof. Click over to the CHATTER Public File. See the folder named "Ronnie"? Inside are four photos of the new Ronald McDonald. Scope 'em out and tell us what you think.