Snakes on the Brain

More than 10,000 cold-blooded creatures are heading to North Texas this weekend, which is surprising. I didn't know the GOP National Convention was coming to Texas, and I thought it wasn't scheduled to place take until next year. (Thank you. Remember to tip your waiter.) Seriously now...the first North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade show is coming to the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, this Saturday and Sunday. It says right here in the press material that snakes, lizards and turtles are among America's favorite new pets, seducing "some of Hollywood's most glamorous superstars"—Matt LeBlanc, Britney Spears, Slash and Angelina Jolie among them. We're not sure exactly how reptile breeders define "glamorous superstars," but hey, if you call a snake a "pet..." If you’re the sort inclined to lavish affection on creatures incapable of returning the favor, you and your sorority sisters should check out the show featuring tons of exotic, scaly pets and all the high-quality products you need to keep them alive and—one would hope—contained. Nigel Marven, host of the television show Prehistoric Park will give a talk on filming reptiles—other than Angelina, that is—at 3 p.m. Saturday. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids 5 to 13. Kids younger than 5 will be eaten—er, admitted—free. Visit narbc.com or reptileconference.com.
Sat., Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.