The menu at the restaurant in Manhattan we visited this week features something called “Amish chicken.” “Amish chicken?” a friend said. “Yeah, they serve it with a little round hat, a black jacket and a board.” … News from China is that nation has broken up a ring that was selling rat meat and meat from other small animals as mutton. Apparently, in China, Chuck E. Cheese is not just a mascot, but is on the menu. Read more...

There’s a new musical version of “Lord of the Rings” planned for next year. In the opening act, the wizard Gandalf sings a snappy “You’re getting to be a hobbit with me.” The evil lord Sauron croons, "I love Mordor in the springtime" and the romantic "I only have an eye for you."  But everyone's plans are thwarted when, during the long quest, Frodo runs out of money and has to pawn the ring of power to pay for a hotel room that will accept hobbits. Read more...

When I got in the car I looked down at the brake and shouted. “You’re no good, You’re worthless. I don’t know why you exist.” My friend said, “Why are you yelling at the brake?.” “Well, it says depress the brake to start the car.” … Last week when I was in Manhattan, I saw two people in head to toe dress as big feet (as opposed to big foots?) outfits walking the street. It was a marketing pitch for a podiatrist. Read more...