Some U.S. hospitals are following the lead of their European counterparts and using nitrous oxide as a way to relieve the pain of childbirth. I don’t know about childbirth, but it definitely makes parenthood easier.

+ McSweeney’s: Jamie and Jeff’s Birth Plan.

+ Consumerist: Confessions of a Comcast video repair agent.

+ Follow a NYC taxi’s daily slog (while there are still some taxis left).