We took Missy -- who, as several of you know, has had chronic kidney disease for over three years now -- for her regular (as in every few months) checkup. ( veterinary details and general sadness )

Farewell, Eleven and Matt.

1.
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George Zimmerman verdict: Former neighborhood watch leader not guilty in death of Fla. teen Trayvon Martin

WHAT. Just -- what?!

Not even manslaughter? Really?

This is going to get ugly. (As if it weren't ugly enough already.)

Is anyone else bothered by a picture of a cat in a dryer?

Cats are adorable, and a cat snuggled in a pile of clothes is even cuter. A cat in a basket full of clothes is one of my favorite things ever. But I digress.

The specific picture I'm referring to is at tumblr, and is not disturbing in itself: Get out of there, cat, you are line-dry only.

( Non-graphic account of what it reminded me of. )

Not another one. GODDAMMIT. What the hell is wrong with people?!

I hope that you and your loved ones are all okay. If not, I am so sorry; my sympathy and heart go out to you.

In case you want or need it, an article giving a basic rundown of the facts is here: Associated Press: News guide to the Colorado movie theater massacre

Take care and stay

Well, it's official. According to the US government agency NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), mermaids don't exist.

HMPH! I beg to differ. (Hey, science isn't always pretty.)

Besides, would Animal Planet lie to us? Huh? WOULD THEY?

( Reactions to the news were mixed. )

( Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds )

Today I received a link in email to this entry in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's blog, SeaNotes:

Sad News: Death of a Great White Shark

( The entry, a couple of videos, and a few links. )

Damn, damn, DAMN. Also, deep sadness.

I’ve been watching an anise swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio zelicaon) for several weeks now, ever since it appeared in the back yard, on one of the wild fennel plants on the iceplant slope. (I started scattering seeds a few years ago, and now have plants as tall as seven feet.) Over the years I’ve seen very ( Read more... )