In a world spinning out of control, it’s necessary now and then to yell “STOP!” . . . and focus instead on those occasional moments that make us smile, whether in appreciation of an act of human kindness, the sight of a child playing with a puppy, or someone doing something so incredibly crazy you just have to laugh.

And I found one of those hilarious moments in a short news item yesterday about an 81-year-old man who tried to drive his car down the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.

Luckily, no one was injured, but his car did get hung up on the lower end of the steep staircase.

The report didn’t say whether he was charged with a traffic violation, but his car had to be removed with the help of a crane. The elderly gentleman, who tested negative for alcohol, told officers that he was on his way to work . . . as though no further explanation was needed. Maybe that’s the way it is in Rome.

There’s no indication of why he chose to travel down the historic, pedestrian-only steps; maybe he was late for work and this was his idea of a shortcut. I have to give him props for still having a job and driving a car at his age, though his apparent lack of judgment makes me wonder whether he shouldn’t consider retiring soon.

In any event, I’m glad he’s okay.

[Story and screen shots from BBC.com, June 19, 2025.]

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Then there’s the “weird but kinda cute” category of news story, about something called a “Labubu” — an elf-like little doll from China with a vinyl face and plush body, pointy ears, big eyes, and “a mischievous grin showing exactly nine teeth.” The name doesn’t mean anything, but refers to one of the characters in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. [BBC.com, June 19, 2025.]

For some reason, they seem to be all the rage now — and not just with children. Celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and some others I’ve never heard of are said to be collecting them.

I was going to say something snarky here about there being no accounting for taste; but then I remembered when I collected Beanie Babies . . . not for my children, but for myself. (I wish I’d saved them; they’d probably be worth a fortune now.)

And how many of you are old enough to recall those bright blue Smurfs, the incredibly ugly Cabbage Patch Dolls, and the spooky little Gremlins?

Every generation has its silly obsessions, whether it be Hula Hoops, Barbie dolls, or Hot Wheels. They may seem like nothing but expensive clutter; but if they bring us or our kids a little joy, then doesn’t that make them worth something?

Remembering them certainly brought a smile to my face today. And we can all use a lot more of that.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
6/20/25