Oddities, but Bob insisted.

On the scale of things, doesn’t get much cuter.(HoustonZoo/Stephanie Adams)

Cracks from the break room.

Blame Bob. He insisted. New baby. Of the right species.

 Meat up, please. Phoenix, a Komodo Dragon, is ready to take a bite out of life.

A fine time for Dragons.

So inventor John Taylor was pleased to  accommodate.

Pearls of wisdom and all.

Wise domain or wisecrack?

Questionable quips overheard in the always maddening crowds:

• Why was Adele even considered for Superbowl entertainment? They thought people would get up and go buy more beer.
• Why did the pools turn green in Rio? International businessmen snort knowingly that the chemical’s supplier suddenly realized he wasn’t going to get paid.
• The souvenir t-shirt supposedly spotted on U.S. Men’s Olympic Swim Team: “I went to Rio and all I brought back was a trashed reputation.” Thanks, guys. Add another chapter to the Ugly American.
• Mom always said, “If you can’t bring enough for everyone, don’t bring any for anyone.” Insults served up for all in the outrageously rude animated “Sausage Party”. Video clip and film review from The Guardian here.  Give it a try if you’ve been finding that you can’t laugh at yourself or silly stereotypes recently. Think of the film as a vaccine against stiff-necked self-righteousness or as an allergy shot for desensitization against annoying remarks meant to be hurtful. Words – even from a sharp tongue – are just hot air. “Can’t hurt you if you don’t care and don’t let them.” Mom used to say that, too.

Docs and researchers say a little dirt is good for you. No one realized how much the news media would take that to heart.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Everyone wants to be a better person.

Cognitive psychologists know what works and why.

Maybe the schools should try it? (A bit of satire, yes? No.)

Healthcare should mandate it.

You’d think a 20% reduction of mortality risk would get people’s attention. Sugary drinks and sweet cereals certainly did. Who couldn’t be willing to find 3 hours a week to participate if it meant living 2 years longer?

Summer’s draggin’ up some seemly stuff.

Keep cool, like Bob.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve already heard enough. You’re going to be forced to listen for 75+ days as the ugly presidential campaign drags on. The price you pay for being human. And you have the nerve to call us animals.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)