In Brief

Why do ballpoint pens have a hole at the top of the cap, required by law? From a nypost.com article by Erin Keller: “… it’s just enough space for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone’s throat” and, according to Business Insider, “to equalize the pressure inside the pen to keep it from leaking.”

Despite the U.S. pullout, the insanity continues in Afghanistan. Headline from NYP: “Taliban say suicide bombing in Shiite area of Kabul kills 19, wounds 27.” “Stupid is as stupid does,” as Forrest Gump’s mom would say.

Headline from newsmax.com: “Inflation Hits Record 10% in Europe.” Looks like a tough winter ahead for the continent.

Headline from foxnews.com: “Democrat attacks Pelosi after STOCK Act fizzles, calls for ‘new leaders’.” Apparently, there are separate rules for politicians and private citizens in this matter. Maybe everyone ever convicted of insider trading should file a class action suit vs the U.S. government.

I donned several thin layers to ward off the cool breeze on this shady last day of September. My thanks to those who bought, donated and swapped books. Here’s what sold: four titles in Russian; a Nancy Drew mystery; Second Honeymoon by James Patterson and Harold Roughan; Solitude Creek by Jeffery Deaver; The Dark Side by Danielle Steel; The Art of Mingling: Easy, Fun, and Proven Techniques for Mastering Any Room by Jeanne Martinet; Challenge of the Modern: African-American Artists, 1925–1945 by Lowery Stokes Sims; and this item, tempting in these trying times:

Hard to believe there are that many, more than 25 let alone 100. I’m glad someone finally bought it. I worried someone would complain I was encouraging bad behavior and cause a ruckus that would demolish the good will I’ve built through the years.

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