WILL AHNOLD HAVE HIS GOOSE COOKED?

Paul McCartney wants Arnold Schwarzenegger to give geese a chance (second item). Jeannette Walls reports:

The former Beatle has written the former action star, asking him to ban foie gras production in California.

A bill outlawing the force-feeding of geese to produce the delicacy is on Governor Schwarzenegger's desk, and Sir Paul McCartney, a member of VIVA!, an animal-rights group pushing the bill, is hoping the governor will sign it.

"Your signature could be the one that ends the suffering of these poor animals," McCartney wrote to the "Terminator" star in a letter dated Sept. 20. "I feel sure that your natural feelings of compassion will encourage you to sign this basic humane bill into law."

I wouldn't feel so sure. If Ahnold finds it in his steroid heart to sign the bill, he'd be doing more for geese than for California's undereducated children -- and somebody might point that out to cook his political goose. But if he doesn't sign the bill, the Endangered Species Menu at THE ENDANGERED SPECIES RESTAURANT in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, might persuade him the next time Paul and VIVA! come knocking.

According to Hammond Guthrie, appetizers include a variety of Invertebrate Specialties such as Alamosa Spring Snails (in a thick agave sauce) and Giant Kangaroo Rat Tails (served on a lush bed of Palos Verde Blue Butterfly Wings). Ahnold, they also serve a paté of Aleutian Canadian Goose.

Mammalian entrées include Ocelot Flank Steak (char broiled), Baby Kit Fox (oven roasted), Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (wings clipped), and Miscellaneous Entrails with Sea Biscuits. Among the fowl entrées are Brown Pelican Stew (served in beak), California Condor, Spotted Owl (with old-growth moss garnish). "All dishes are served with complimentary Bald Eagle feathers." Fish entrées include Irradiated Coho Salmon and Aged Blue Whale Blubber (in Champagne broth).

The restaurant also offers an à la carte Multinational Menu. And Ahnold, don't miss the Special Events. There might be political mileage in them.