The Water Cooler

Here are a few things in news, entertainment and popular culture that we've been talking about lately.

• A study says pregnancy rates are higher among teenagers who watch sexually suggestive TV programs. On the upside, teenage girls who watch "According to Jim" are likely to swear off sex forever.

• Images of a 10-foot-tall roadrunner, a 17-foot-tall gray fox and a Gila monster the size of a school bus are placed on a sound wall on the south side of U.S. Highway 95 near downtown. A helpful tip: If you see a roadrunner, a gray fox, a Gila monster and a pink elephant, it's time to pull over and call for a ride home.

• A Canadian comedian lands a phone conversation with Sarah Palin by impersonating French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Republicans apparently vet incoming callers almost as thoroughly as they vet vice presidential nominees.

• Joaquin Phoenix announces he'll retire from acting to concentrate on his music career. And, because the universe requires balance, a surprised Madonna learns she'll have to give up her music career for "Shanghai Surprise II."

By John Przybys (jprzybys@reviewjournal.com)