Perhaps the most current evidence that August falls into the “dog days” category appeared in “neighborhood news” the other day. Most of us “slog” through these stifling days, and media folks scrounge around for news stories when little seems to be happening. For example, a woman in our neighborhood appealed for household scales that she might “borrow or buy.” Many folks responded, proving yet again that neighbors generally like to help when needs are identified. In a nutshell, she explained that her scales – purchased for around $60 a few years ago – weigh items and people differently when used in different ...