My friend Bob would shudder if he knew that I planted plantain today.

If you’ve never seen an ostrich race, it’s a good reason to head to Tumbleweed Park March 8-10. If you have seen an ostrich race, it’s probably a good idea to go down there and see another one to make sure it wasn’t some odd, exhilarating dream.

The 400-pound American alligator named Spike at the Phoenix Herpetological Society will be leaving shortly for a new life at a preserve in Florida.

For more than two years, an iconic neon sign has been missing in action, so to speak.

Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hit king best known from the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine” days and banned from baseball in 1989 for gambling on baseball including the Reds when he managed them, was scheduled to sign autographs for $70 a pop for a sports memorabilia shop at the Paradise Valley mall on Saturday.

Drug paraphernalia, weapons, a lack of clothing and an alligator.

A stop at TheBloggess.com typically leaves us laughing out loud or asking, somewhat uncomfortably, “What the ... ?”

From rattlesnakes and pack rats to tortoises and javelinas, no author has made Arizona’s fauna so enthralling for kids than Tempe’s Conrad J. Storad.

From rattlesnakes and pack rats to tortoises and javelinas, no author has made Arizona’s fauna so enthralling for kids than Tempe’s Conrad J. Storad.

From rattlesnakes and pack rats to tortoises and javelinas, no author has made Arizona’s fauna so enthralling for kids than Tempe’s Conrad J. Storad.

It was nauseating to witness the lineup of presidential wannabees at Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's offices in downtown Phoenix last fall looking to be anointed by the unholy one as the heir apparent to John McCain as the Party's 2012 nominee.

It was nauseating to witness the lineup of presidential wannabees at Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's offices in downtown Phoenix last fall looking to be anointed by the unholy one as the heir apparent to John McCain as the Party's 2012 nominee. Michelle Bachman, Herman Cain and Rick Perry all came looking for Arpaio's endorsement. They were tripping over each other attempting to one-up the other as the meanest and toughest candidate to earn Arpaio's blessings. Herman Cain went as far as to suggest the use of machine guns to mow ‘em down at the Border. Why not moats with alligators, or maybe steel traps? After all, the Justice Department uncovered evidence that Arpaio had systemically referred to them as "animals." Why isn't Arpaio in jail and, frankly, who cares who he endorses for president?

Pasadena, Calif. • Joan Rivers has had a bad day.

Pasadena, Calif. • Joan Rivers has had a bad day.

For the next two weekends, Phoenix welcomes The Amazing Acro-Cats, one of the United States' most unique cat shows.

The rededication of an East Valley icon is expected to happen in less than a month.

Instead of using her tears for a scene this time, “One Life To Live” actress Kassie DePaiva waited until she walked off the set and into the shadows.

Dragon World has arrived at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. 

This new display of animal exhibits features giant ectotherms — living “dragons.”

Dragon World has arrived at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. 

This new display of animal exhibits features giant ectotherms — living “dragons.”

Dragon World has arrived at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. 

This new display of animal exhibits features giant ectotherms — living “dragons.”