Improv Everywhere: We Cause Scenes. These guys run around New York City making good natured mischieve with often hillarious results. Some pranks they pull include installing a tuxedo-clad bathroom attendant at the Times Square McDonald’s, and my personal favorite, having some guy with a big, fuzzy beard pose as the renowned (and deceased) Russian author Anton Chekov and holding an inpromptu “Meet the Writers” session at the Barnes & Nobles in Union Square:

Right when I was just about to start the Q&A and take the first question, Store Manager Tom began walking swiftly to the stage. “Again we have just a few minutes for questions,” I announced. Tom interrupted, announcing, “Very few minutes! In fact, you’re done. Take it down.” I smiled at Tom and calmly addressed the crowd:

“Ladies and Gentlemen it seems we are in fact all out of time. Thank you for coming out today to hear Mr. Chekov. Please come back for future Meet the Writer programs, which happen at this store several times a week. We would like to thank Barnes and Noble Union Square for having us today. Thank you.

The crowd clapped as we exited the stage. Tom instructed me to take our sign down. I went up to him and shook his hand, thanking him for having us. He smiled and replied, “You bet. Please come back the next time he writes a new play.”

I know its a little bit late, but these Anti-Valentines are just too funny not to post.

And here are some fun facts about the roots of Valentine’s Day from Wkikpedia.com:

“The association of the middle of February with love and fertility dates to ancient times. In the calendar of Ancient Athens, the period between mid January and mid February was the month of Gamelion, which was dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.

In Ancient Rome, the day of February 15 was Lupercalia, the festival of Lupercus, the god of fertility, who was represented as half-naked and dressed in goat skins. As part of the purification ritual, the priests of Lupercus would sacrifice goats to the god, and after drinking wine, they would run through the streets of Rome holding pieces of the goat skin above their heads, touching anyone they met. Young women especially would come forth voluntarily for the occasion, in the belief that being so touched would render them fruitful and bring easy childbirth.”

Next year, why not give your special someone a goat skin slap to say “I love you”?

I’m spending Saturday at work because:

a) I’m a dedicated and hardworking employee.
b) I love money!
c) I have nothing better to do on a Saturday.
d) All of the above.

Darren Johnson had the opportunity to meet Warren Buffett and listen.

Because these are the things you talk about when you’re playing with your chopsticks while patiently waiting for you Spicy Chicken and Shrimp with Fried Rice.

The History of Eating Utensils
&
The Spork