Once in awhile, when I’m feeling generous, I’ll publish  ”A bunch of bits” including stored up nuggets that I find interesting. Let me know what you think?  And not just about these particular postings but in general. I’m new at this blogging and not getting much feedback, so I’m lost as to whether I’m hitting the mark with my topics or not.  So please either post comments or e-mail me at cbillhartz@post-dispatch.com. Merci beau coup.

•  A recent study at the University of Arkansas has found that between 62 percent and 73 percent of inmates in Arkansas prisons were athletically fit. The Arkansas-Democrat Gazette reports that prison and police officials aren’t surprised by this news, as the role of physical traits and criminal behavior have long been debated.
• An astute reader, Pat Carpenter, has pointed out that one sign of a dog overheating is when the inside his or her ears start turning fire engine red. If they’re starting to flush, she says, it’s time to hit the air-conditioning.
• Massage Envy is hosting its annual “Massage for the Cure” event, Monday, July 28, at St. Louis area locations. Therapists will provide FREE one-hour massages with donations going to the St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information, go to the Massage Envy website.