OFF THE VINE: Just when you thought it was safe ... a Babe emerges

<p>... And Vine gets a roaring start to the year with the announcement </p><p>of the official commencement of this year's Babe of the Year </p><p>competition! </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Yes, yes, yes, we know the year is barely a month old, but hey, why </p><p>waste time? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Especially when we already stumbled across the first contender for this </p><p>year's coveted title ... whose identity remains unfortunately unknown to </p><p>us. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Spotted at an IAA function held in Hong Kong late last year, our </p><p>prospective Babe came suitably dressed for the event with a cunning </p><p>over-the-shoulder number, which barely disguised the matching bandeau </p><p>top she sported beneath. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>And Vine is informed by extremely reliable sources that despite the fact </p><p>that the event was crawling with professional models (a fashion show was </p><p>staged at the same time), our young lovely was the true centre of </p><p>attention from all and sundry. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Vine is thrilled to hear that such talent is manifesting itself so early </p><p>in the year - contenders do not make themselves known until the final </p><p>moments of the contest. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Now, someone needs to tell us who this Babe is - contact us at the usual </p><p>numbers and we'll do the rest ... and let's get those other nominations </p><p>pouring in at the same time. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Roll on the rest of 2001!! </p><p><BR><BR> </p>