Things I learned lately 2 Sep

• Calgary’s newish University District is getting a walk-up McDonald’s counter in November.
• A cognitive bias can kick in when people encounter evidence that runs counter to their beliefs. Instead of re-evaluating what they’ve believed up until now, people tend to reject the incompatible evidence. This is called belief perseverance.
• The world’s population will very soon reach 8 billion.
• Billy Idol is 66 and still making music.
• A British wildlife sanctuary has been forced to separate five parrots who wouldn't stop swearing at visitors. Keepers say the birds encouraged each other to keep cursing, and had to be moved from the main outdoor aviary. Billy, Eric, Tyson, Jade and Elsie were removed from view. They recently joined the Lincolnshire Wildlife Centre's colony of 200 African gray parrots in August, were put in quarantine together and quickly overwhelmed the staff with their naughty language.  
• Never tell a car salesperson how much you love the car after a test drive. They’re banking on a strong emotional attachment and will try to make the connection stronger to keep you engaged.
• Never tell a car salesperson that this is the only make and model you like. See above.
• Never tell a car salesperson that you really need a car, because your greatest leverage against a bad deal is the power to walk. If you seem desperate, they expect that you will make a deal.