--When word got out that Mayor Menino wanted to bring in a petting zoo to revitalize Downtown Crossing, we thought it was a joke. But it turns out that the barnyard animals are at the crossing on weekends outside Filene's Basement. Animal activists are underwhelmed, and how can looking at sad, cold animals inspire people to shop? [Boston Herald]

--Wondering what all the screaming was about early yesterday evening at Downtown Crossing? It didn't involve a petting-zoo critter on the loose. Jacoby Ellsbury was signing the 2007 World Series DVD at Fye. [Boston Daily]

--Two women who were married in Massachusetts face quite a bind. They want to divorce, but they can't do it in Rhode Island, where they both live. The Rhode Island State Supreme Court held up that decision, which means that one of the women would have to live in Massachusetts for a year to make the break. Silly. [WBZ]

--Joshua Tree in Davis Square wants its liquor license extended to 2:00 am because it's losing business to the Burren. [Somerville News]

--Farva from the Super Troopers was in town. And we missed it. Ah, well. A shout of "OPEN BAR!" in his honor. [Tufts Daily]

Image of a goat from Wikimedia Commons. That goat would not be as serene in the surroundings of Downtown Crossing.