New York

Lenny Bruce pardoned for four-letter offenses

Long after four-letter words in stand-up comedy lost their ability to shock, Lenny Bruce — whose foul-mouthed rants started the trend — was posthumously pardoned Tuesday for his 1964 obscenity conviction.

Gov. George Pataki granted the pardon after a campaign that included Bruce’s daughter and former wife, and entertainers such as Robin Williams, the Smothers Brothers, and Penn and Teller.

The pardon represented “a declaration of New York’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment,” Pataki said.

Bruce was charged after reportedly using 100 obscene words during a set at Cafe Au Go Go, a Greenwich Village nightclub.

Bruce died in 1966.

Tokyo

Emperor turns 70

Emperor Akihito marked his 70th birthday Tuesday by saying he was happy his reign has so far been peaceful — unlike that of his father, the late Emperor Hirohito, who reigned during World War II.

Akihito’s birthday came as Japan prepares to send 1,000 noncombat troops to Iraq, deploying in a conflict zone for the first time since World War II. They’re expected to leave Japan early next year.

The emperor did not comment on the troop dispatch.

“We must strive to bring peace to the whole world and security to all people,” he said in comments marking his birthday and 15th year on the throne.

The emperor’s birthday is one of two days a year when the palace is open to the public.