In an ironic twist the Chief of Police of Oslo, Norway, Anstein Gjengedal, had his wallet pickpocketed a few days before he was set to announce a crackdown on pickpocketers.

The chief was on the Oslo Airport train when a group of people bumped into him. Checking his pockets a few minutes later the police chief realized that his wallet was gone.

Looks like that crackdown is timely!

The magazine Time Out New York reported in September on the “artistic palettes” of the Sprinkle Brigade of artists who dress up dog droppings on New York City streets with glittering candy bits and colorful toothpicks, for “urban beautification.” What I want to know is why they didn’t just scoop it up. I don’t think someone stepping in beautified poop will be any more pleased than when they step in plain Jane poop.

British performance artist Ian Thorley, working on grants from several local councils, did a week’s stint on an Ashington street in October, stepping onto and off a doormat while wearing a badge identifying him as a government doormat tester. Council members approved this? Didn’t they see the irony in their decision?