It's reassuring to know that the New York Times isn't going to be affected by the convention — no, it's banal business as usual over on 43rd. Today's gem comes from the gang over at the Science desk, in which we are treated to the phenomenally urgent issue of animal birth control. For example, parakeets are a real problem; the popular pets also present several nuisances, and the Times exploration of this pressing and emotional situation is pure poetry:

The parakeets, actually small parrots, are about a foot long, with delicate green backs and gray faces. They are beautiful fliers and give a touch of jungle to an urban landscape. It's no surprise that they have a passionate human following. They are also noisy and indefatigable nest builders.

Holy fucking shit, the most important issue in science today is how to keep birds from getting knocked up. And we had no idea. Thanks again to the Times for helping us keep it all in perspective.
Putting Nature On The Pill [NYT]

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