Random Roundup

No matter how evolved we are as a species, we still exhibit some of the behaviors of animals. We stake out our territory, we mark it, we defend it. This will be important information for people who plan to shop on Black Friday. In fact, I recommend watching nature shows--the ones with the lions hunting gazelles is good--the entire week prior to Black Friday to enhance the experience. Be the lion, not the gazelle, because it's all about the presentation.

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Zane and his father were shopping recently. At this particular shopping center, there is a three-way stop. Not everyone is clear on the concept of 'stop'. On this occasion, Zane was happy to play traffic cop.

"You wait your turn, cars! Or else you'll make my daddy cranky!"

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I have been trying to decide whether I should invite my parents and my mother-in-law over for Thanksgiving, or if it would be better for all concerned if I did not. On the one hand, we wouldn't have to travel anywhere. On the other hand, burning the turkey tends to ruin the holiday spirit.

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I did something that was apparently against the rules the other day, and my son looked at me.

"I'm going to point at you, and then I'm going to call your mom."

I snorted. He doesn't know her phone number.

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I think that people dismiss Rick Perry at their peril. I don't like the guy, but he is extremely savvy politically. I would not be surprised to read that his screw-up in the debate this week, when he couldn't remember what agencies he would get rid of, was intentional.

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On the recommendation of Stephen King(his book On Writing has a reading list), I've begun reading Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. They certainly aren't romantic, but the main character is a guy who gets things done. I like that.

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Speaking again of lions, lionesses do most of the heavy lifting for the pride, while the male just sort of hangs out until the last two minutes of the game. I wonder if the male lions ever ask a lioness to get them a beer. What do you think happened next?