(no subject)

I deeply, profoundly and passionately want to do this seal program at the New England Aquarium. The Trainer for a Day package is a little pricy for me right now, but I could definately afford to play with the harbour seals. Though according to the article in the Globe about it today, if you do the training program you get to be kissed by a sea lion. I like that it's only 3 people at a time, too--I'm sure that's largely for the animals' benefit, but it would work out well to everyone's benefit.

Oh gosh I am craving this. I will do it soon...


On another topic, it was a little odd this morning to see the Boston Herald's front page call the Arkansas county where Robida was captured "the belly of the beast" because it is, according to the Herald, the heart of KKK country. If I were from Arkansas, I'd be darn irked by that (both the truth of it, if it's true, and by the Herald's characterization). It seemed especially odd since the Globe has characterized the place as a trout-fishing mecca where nothing really happens. I could read the Herald article, I suppose, to see why they call it the belly of the beast, but then I'd probably have to take my eyeballs out and wash them afterwards, and that would be inconvenient.

a monday afternoon bestiary

Some gorgeous photos of agricultural folk and their animals, largely from Europe and Argentina, Yann Arthus-Bertrand.  I am reminded of those old colonial paintings of livestock, the idea that an animal is such a magnificent example of its type that it ought to be memorialized.  Also, anyone who admires horses should check out the horse gallery, with photos from all over the world--Senegal, Mongolia, Portugal, Argentina, Russia, Cameroon, Qatar, Ireland, etc.  This beautiful Akhal-Teke has just become my new desktop.  I like this photo a lot too; I like the idea of the old woman leading along these two huge horses, I can hear her saying "now come along ducks" while the horses come along with her not because she can make them but because they want to.