I know, I'm posting on something that's already been covered by Cute Overload. But bear in mind I'm looking at the adult, not the adorable piglets.
Anyways...
China knows how to do pigs right. Well, wrinkly at least. Just like so many of their other animals (think shar pei and pug). You're looking at the meishan pig, which is a domesticated breed known for being slow growing and delicious. They are also one of the most prolific pigs. They reach puberty by the time they're three months old, and can have two litters a year. Add to that a high embryo survival rate, and you've got yourself a pig that can take over the world. I'm thinking Animal Farm here, only with a Chinese flavor to it. Not terribly inappropriate.
Thanks for the meishan, Laura.
January 05, 2009 08:45 PM
Poor Lauren is having to contend with some very large orb weavers on her property. This is what awaits her in her eaves every day. The big one is six inches across. What isn't shown is another pair, where there is a smaller spider around four inches across. I truly don't know if I could live in a place where the smaller spider is only four inches across.
Can anyone help with a more specific ID? Are we looking at pairs that are about to mate? We need to allay Lauren's fears and to instruct her as to what sort of body armor and weaponry she needs to carry when she goes gardening.
UPDATE: Looks like we've got an ID for you, Lauren. Deborah pegs it as a Golden Silk Orbweaver (Nephila clavipes), and I tend to agree. An alternative would be something from the Argiope genus (thanks Lindsay). Amanda thinks, like I do, that you're dealing females and males, not youngins. You're in for a large brood coming hatchling season.
January 05, 2009 08:27 PM
From the MOMENT I heard that stupid "Snuggle" bear giggle on the Snuggle commercials, I was HOOKED.
Good news, they've come out with a new product, this time featuring soft, kneading hands. New Hamtastic Snuggle® Fabric Softener. Simply pick a 3D hamster sheet out of the box and throw him on laundry in the dryer.
Voilà! fresh, the ham-scented towels you grew up with.
"Towels are ready, Ma'am!" [Plinking of beady eyes]
Caroline T., I think the Snuggle bear is just a bear version of the Pillsbury dough boy, don't you?
January 05, 2009 07:13 PM
needle felted with merino wool.
January 05, 2009 06:43 PM
The Dog and the Elephant
No, it's not a British pub. :P
It's a new story about an elephant sanctuary, and the friendship that developed between one of the elephants, named Tarra, and a dog, named Bella.
Read and splode. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!
January 05, 2009 06:25 PM
