Such a Test Just Might Have a Lot of People Clamoring to Fail

Ben Beisel, who lives in a senior citizen community in San Juan Capistrano, was momentarily taken aback by this recent story summary on Page 1 of The Times’ California section: “About 20% of Seniors Fail State Exit Exam.”

Quipped Beisel, speaking on behalf of his neighbors: “My first thought was, ‘Do we now have to pass a test to leave this life?’ ”

The latest bank fee? Patricia Cramer of Malibu chanced upon a bank offer that caused her to muse: “Being charged to have your identity stolen? Isn’t that adding insult to injury?” (see accompanying).

Words imperfect: No telling what passersby thought of a hygienic pavement warning spotted by Dan Reznick. Or an order to become acquainted with two-wheeled vehicles, spotted by Reed Howard (see photos).

Not a movie for those with weak stomachs? “What does this say about the product?” asked Michael Immel, who noticed a sci-fi title on a barf bag during an international flight in this galaxy (see photo).

Another reason to hate L.A.: The second game of the postseason series between the Angels and Yankees in Anaheim was set at 7 p.m. PDT Wednesday, which was, of course, a yawn-inducing 10 p.m. in the Big Apple. A baseball spokesman told the New York Times: “Anaheim is not a site that needs to host all its games at 5 o’clock local. Have you seen I-5 in Orange County at that time?”

I can just hear New Yorkers saying, “Ah, gee, those poor unfortunates on the coast.... “

They may be pests to you but ... : “How Bugs Are Trained for Hollywood” is the subject of a lecture by insect-trainer-to-the-stars Steve Kutcher tonight at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

San Diego Magazine columnist Tom Blair theorized that the bugs “probably have to learn how to fire press agents, throw telephones, commit adultery, murder wives -- that sort of thing.”

miscelLAny: The Black Maria Gallery in Atwater Village has invited artists to transform 16 coffins into decorative works. Enthused gallery owner Zara Zeitountsian, “A coffin is certainly one of the most somber, unsightly objects imaginable.... But redefine it as a work of art, and it springs to life in all sorts of unexpected ways.”

The show, uh, opens Saturday.