Even looking at the NYT fashion pages failed to cheer me up (they’re almost always good for a laugh) so here’s some other random stuff.

From the BBC, a bear bicycle bandit:

A bold amphibious escape bid by a bear at Berlin zoo has been foiled in a dramatic shoot-out.

What made the story for me, is that it was Juan the Andean spectacled bear, which caused me to imagine a large black bear with wire rimmed glasses, bustin’ out.
(Story includes picture of bear attempting to steal bicycle)

From the BBC yesterday, frustrated chimp takes up smoking:

A chimpanzee has taken up smoking and spitting, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.

You really have to read the article, especially as it tells you why they think the chimp has started smoking.

And an interesting article from the NY Times on women’s shoes:

Round-toed shoes with five- or even six-inch heels, fashionable this season, are hardly better; likewise the popular thong sandals, which completely expose the feet.

“Flip-flops are close to horrible for the feet,” Dr. Smith said. “They are totally flat, soft and squishy, and offer no support and no protection,” not to mention their penchant for causing accidents by catching on things or inviting being stepped on.

As someone who hates heels, and refuses to wear them, I can tell you that it is quite difficult to find nice dress shoes that don’t have a heel. I cannot understand what would make a woman torture herself so, although I was amused by the closing quote:

Simon Doonan, the creative director of Barneys New York, had a simpler explanation for women’s ability to wear the shoes they love.

“Women have a higher pain threshold,” he said. “Men would not do this.”

For once, men are smarter.

Oh happiness what an elusive thing you are
But thank God you were born beneath its star
Drop another coin in the slot and I will tell you more.
–Masters of Reality